My Virtual Lover

by Madelaine Grant

  He chuckled as he came up behind me. “That’s a leading question, love.” Then, peering into my refrigerator, he added, “not much here except eggs. We could make an omelet.”

  Luckily there was a still usable potato and an onion plus some cheese. The freezer yielded bread and turkey bacon. “I haven’t been home much,” I said.

  “I know love; I’m glad you got out and had some fun.”

  Some fun! He should know the extent of it. But I was still not ready to confess my affair.

  After our late night snack, we headed for bed. “You must be tired,” he said, easing my robe off and taking me into his arms. “We can sleep late. I’ve already talked to Trish about it. She’ll handle the gallery tomorrow.”

  I looked up at him in surprise. “When did you arrange that?”

  “Just before I left Australia. I figured we needed time together. Since my plane arrived so late, why shouldn’t we have the next day to rest? Do you mind?”

  “No,” I said. “Except it was rather high-handed of you to alter my work schedule without consulting me first.”

  Lifting me in his arms, he settled me down on the bed. “Where you’re welfare is concerned, I am high-handed and I always will be. So get used to it, Val.”

  He stretched out next to me and, with expert strokes, caressed me until I was fully aroused. Our lovemaking was tender as we explored each other. We learned anew what had always made our relationship so vital and exciting.

  Tony and I had a history together; we’d had our ups and downs, but we’d survived these. But could we survive my infidelity? This was the big question running through my mind as I lay in his arms and watched him sleep. I would have to take that chance. The very next morning, I would tell him about Peter. I promised myself I would, before falling asleep.

  I woke early and padded downstairs to put up a pot of coffee. There was still some bread and eggs left, so I made French toast. Setting a tray with the necessary utensils, I brought it upstairs.

  “Tony,” I shook him lightly. “How about breakfast?”

  He mumbled and tossed about before opening one eye. “What time is it?” Then he sniffed the coffee and opened both eyes. “Mmmm., something smells good.”

  I could always count on his appetite — it is enormous. “Let’s eat; then we’ll talk, okay?”

  He sat up, still groggy. “What do you want to talk about?”

  I brought the tray over and settled it between us on the bed. “It can wait. Try the French toast; I put your favorite strawberry preserves on top.”

  After we finished, I took a deep breath and plunged in. “Tony, I have a confession to make. I’ve been involved with another man over the last several weeks. I didn’t mean to start a relationship, but it just happened. His name is Peter and, for your information, he’s an advanced robot.”

  I sat back and waited for the inevitable explosion. It didn’t happen. Tony sat there with an enigmatic expression and didn’t say a word.

  “Did you hear me?” I asked, confused at his reaction.

  He nodded. “Yes, I heard you.”

  “Well, don’t you care?” I demanded. Could he be so indifferent to me that it didn’t matter who I slept with? I didn’t know what to think.

  “Oh, Val, I care … I care a great deal.” He reached for me and held me close.

  “In fact, I care so much, I arranged for you to have a companion while I was away. Believe me, you have nothing to confess and nothing to feel guilty about. I only wanted you to be happy.”

  To say I was shocked is putting it mildly. “What are you saying?” I gasped and pulled away as the full impact of his words hit me. “You put Peter up to this … you schemed to have him make love to me and take me away?” If this were indeed true, I’d been a pawn in Tony’s hands … putty for him to mold into whatever shape he wished. Insufferable! Simply insufferable!

  To say I was angry is an understatement. “How could you do such an … an abominable thing?” My guilt vanished in an instant to be replaced by outrage — sheer outrage. I was ready to kill him.

  “Val, please don’t be mad at me. I only did it so you wouldn’t be lonely.” Tony’s hand stretched out to touch my arm.

  I pushed it away, furious at the deception I’d been under. I couldn’t trust Tony … and I couldn’t even trust Peter. He’d been a pawn in this whole scheme, too. Another thought — had Trish and Scott been involved too? “What about Trish and Scott?” I asked, tight-lipped. “Were they in on the plot, too?” I had to know where I stood.

  Heaving a deep sigh, Tony nodded. “We only had your welfare at heart, Val. Believe me, I couldn’t bear to see you lonely.”

  “I’d rather be lonely than manipulated,” I shot back. “How would you like it if I foisted a robotic woman on you?”

  He smiled, a devilish twinkle in his dark blue eyes. “Frankly, sweetheart, I’d love it. From what I’ve heard, those advanced life forms make terrific sexual partners. But you’d know about that, now wouldn’t you?”

  Oh, how I hated that smile — that smug look. I wanted to wipe it off his handsome face. “You’ll never know,” I muttered, retreating from him to the other side of the bed. “If you don’t mind, I’m leaving … right now. Your company is not desired.”

  Haughtily, I rose and headed to the closet for clothes. Should I go to the gallery anyway? Confront Trish about the deception and probably get into a fight? No. That didn’t appeal to me. Tony was behind this whole episode. They were simply abetting his scheme.

  The whole thing made me feel stupid … and vulnerable. They’d programmed Peter to say all the right words, make all the right moves. He didn’t have any true feelings for me. It was horrible. Tears came to my eyes. No, I wasn’t going to break down in front of Tony — I wouldn’t give him that satisfaction.

  “Why don’t you leave?” I said icily. “I don’t want you here anymore.”

  He rose and strode over to me, eyes flashing dangerously. “Don’t push me, Val. Your attitude is ridiculous. I only wanted you cared for while I was away. There was never any malicious intent. From what I’ve heard, you had a pretty good time of it. So why take it out on me? You act as if I’m some sort of a criminal — that I’ve done a dastardly deed.”

  He stood directly in front of me, eyes intent on mine. “Let’s have a truce. I’ll take responsibility for being a bit high-handed and you admit to having had a fun time with Peter. Okay?”

  “A bit high—handed?” I sputtered. “That’s putting it mildly, don’t you think?” I was not ready to forgive him — not by a long shot.

  “Okay, okay, so I was high-handed. Don’t you realize by now how much I care for you? That I’d do anything to keep you happy when I have to be away?”

  His tone was sincere. I had to admit that much. Maybe he thought he was doing me a favor. I stood there, weighing the pros and cons, considering his appeal.

  Deep down, I wanted to forgive him. Life without Tony would be empty … I knew that. I should exact some kind of retribution for all he’d put me through. “You’ll have to make it up to me — big time.” I gave him one of my severe looks.

  “Anything you want, just name it.” His arms pulled me close. “I do love you, Val,” he murmured. “I would never hurt you, knowingly.”

  Which was true. My pride was hurt. I thought Peter had fallen for me of his own accord. To find out he’d been programmed to please me — and at Tony’s instructions — was a blow.

  “I guess I’m not a ‘femme fatale’ after all.”

  He chuckled. “You’re plenty ’femme fatale’ for me. How about we get back into bed and I’ll prove it?”

  CHAPTER 16

  Tony and I spent the next few days and nights getting reacquainted. Although I hadn’t forgotten about retribution, I hadn’t thought it through. Then it came to me. We were lying in bed one evening after he’d taken me out for a wonderful Italian dinner.

  “Tony, since I won’t be going on any more holidays with Peter, you’ll have to
escort me on an adventure. It’s only fair”

  “Our minds are on the same wavelength, love. I’ve been planning a trip for us over the Thanksgiving holidays.”

  I snuggled against his shoulder. “Where are we going?”

  “You’ll see … it’s a surprise.”

  Oh, no. Not another surprise. I’d had enough surprises to last me a lifetime. But no amount of cajoling could budge him.

  Another thought had been nagging at me. “What will happen to Peter now that you’re home?”

  “That’s an excellent question.” He pulled me on top and wound his legs and arms around me. “I’d been considering Peter’s future, even before I came back.”

  Secure in his embrace, I waited for his answer, never doubting his good intentions. Was I in for a surprise!

  “Val, my love,” he murmured, nibbling on my earlobe. “I’m curious about Peter’s abilities as a lover.”

  “Are you now?” I replied. “Well, I can tell you he’s a great lover.” Then, thinking I might have hurt him, I added, “of course, not as good as you.”

  There was a long pause. I assumed that ended the subject. But I assumed wrong.

  “Val, I’m going to ask you to do something that you may initially object to. But I have my reasons. I want to observe you and Peter having sex.”

  “What?” I exclaimed, attempting to move away from him. His grip was too strong and I had to remain in his close embrace. Damn the man. He knew just how to handle me. “You must be kidding.”

  He wasn’t kidding. Tony spent the next several hours persuading me to do something I never, in my wildest imagination, would have considered.

  Finally, I gave in. “This is bizarre, you know that. And what about Peter? Will he object?” That was my last hope. But, of course, it was doomed to failure.

  “Peter? He’ll do whatever I want him to do,” Tony asserted. “Remember, he’s a robot and I’ve had a hand in programming him.” Then, bending his head to kiss me, he added, with a roguish grin, “and he’s done a pretty good job of pleasing you, hasn’t he?”

  I hated to give him the satisfaction of an answer, so I remained silent. Peter and I would be the pawns Tony manipulated for his ‘scientific’ experiment. It didn’t sit right with me, but I was tired of fighting.

  “C’mon, Val, don’t be upset,” Tony caressed me lightly. “Maybe I can learn something from his technique so I can give you greater pleasure. Did you ever think about that?”

  I hadn’t and I didn’t fall for his reasoning. “That’s not why you want me to do this. You’ve a one-track mind — all business — and you want to see what adjustments you can make with your next advanced life form. Be honest for a change.”

  He heaved a long sigh. “You’re half right. But I am curious about how Peter arouses you. Did he attract you at the first meeting? We used your ‘ideal man’ description, by the way.” He laughed. “That was quite a list you gave Trish. I hadn’t expected such a thorough enumeration. Dark auburn hair, green eyes … “

  “Stop it,” I cried, poking him in the ribs. “You make me feel like a fool for falling for a programmed robot.”

  “Oh, Val, where’s your sense of humor?” He rumpled my hair playfully. “I thought it was one of your ‘essential traits’?”

  “Essential traits, my foot,” I muttered. Then, unexpectedly, the zaniness of the situation came through and I started giggling. “Oh, Tony, this is so crazy. Here I am being wooed and won by a robot you programmed and now you want to view us having sex so you can make some minor adjustments. It’s too much.”

  That very weekend, Tony invited Peter to join us. I was nervous, at first, about Peter’s reaction. But I needn’t have worried.

  “Peter, good to see you, old chap.” Tony shook hands with our guest and led him into the living room. “First, I want to thank you for squiring Val on all those adventures. She’s had a glorious time and I’m very grateful.”

  “No problem, Tony. It’s been a real pleasure.” Peter looked pleased at his compliment.

  I walked over to Peter and gave him a kiss. “I’m appreciative, too. You were wonderful company and I’ve learned so much from you.”

  Peter returned my kiss and gave me a hug. “I’m glad you had fun, Val. I’ve enjoyed every moment of our time together. I’m truly sorry it’s come to an end.”

  Tony quirked an eyebrow as he viewed the two of us embracing. I didn’t care — this whole thing was his invention. Whatever happened, happened.

  “Peter, sit down a minute.” Tony gestured to a nearby chair. “I need more information about your, um, technical skills and I want to propose something.”

  Peter seated himself and I sat down on the arm of his chair. I was determined to link myself with Peter from the first moment. Tony would be the outsider in this experiment.

  Tony explained what he wanted. I watched Peter’s expression carefully. Although surprised at first, he quickly acceded to Tony’s demands.

  “Fine with me. How about you, Val? Are you comfortable with this?”

  I nodded. “I wasn’t initially. But now it’s okay.” I couldn’t help being touched by his caring attitude. “You are a dear, Peter,” I murmured, bending my head to give him another kiss.

  From the corner of my eye, I saw Tony’s face darken. Fine with me. This whole idiotic situation was his idea. Wait until Peter and I really got going. Tony was in for some surprises.

  “When shall we begin?” Peter asked, wrapping an arm around my waist.

  Tony shrugged. “Anytime you’re ready. I’m planning to take notes and some photos.”

  “Photos?” This was news. “You never mentioned photos. I don’t want pictures of me nude floating around the world.”

  “Don’t worry. They’re not for distribution. I’m the only one who’ll view them, I promise you.”

  Could I trust him? I had to take that chance. “Okay, then,” I said grudgingly.

  Peter pulled me onto his lap. “Don’t worry, Val. Tony’s trustworthy; I’ll vouch for that.”

  He held me close and, again, the flame of attraction between us came to life. Cradling me in his arms, he began to slowly explore the curves of my body, touching and stroking with tender care.

  Purposefully, I blocked out Tony’s presence and gave myself up to the pleasure of Peter’s lovemaking.

  He unbuttoned my silk blouse and cupped my breast in his hand, rubbing his thumb over the sensitive tip. His fingers slipped under the lacy bra to caress my bare skin.

  A shiver of anticipated pleasure rippled through me. “Oh, Peter,” I whispered. “That feels so good.”

  He slid my bra strap off and peeled the sheer fabric down, exposing one rosy peak. “So lovely, Val,” he said as he suckled and teased the taut nipple.

  I moaned as a hot flash of desire spurted from my innermost core. I couldn’t wait to get rid of my clothes and feel Peter’s hard cock inside me.

  He was in no hurry to relieve my need. As usual, he took his sweet time, undressing me piece by piece, until I sat on his knees clad only in panties and high-heeled sandals.

  “Why don’t we go upstairs to bed?” I whispered into his ear.

  “Why bother?” he replied, as his finger began a downward path beneath my panties. “It’s comfortable here.”

  And very wet, I could have added, as he probed the slick, hot folds of my sex with his expert touch. I cried out as his long finger entered me and began rubbing the highly sensitized flesh. I truly did not want to climax so soon. I wanted Peter to be nude next to me and for us to pleasure each other. But what I wanted did not seem to count. At least at this moment. Peter, as usual, took the lead and, from prior experience, I knew my protests would not hold weight. He had my ultimate satisfaction in mind; how he arrived at the desired destination was completely in his hands.

  The next thing I knew, my panties were gone and I was sitting astride him. He’d unzipped his fly revealing his fully erect cock — a magnificent sight.

  I wanted t
o sheath him immediately, but again I had to learn patience as Peter pleasured me in other delightful ways. Finally, he was deep inside me and I cried out with a combination of relief and joy.

  It never occurred to me to glance at Tony. I was lost in a world of sensual enjoyment where nothing in my surroundings could interfere. After the upward spiral to our ecstatic climax, however, I did take a peek at him.

  Tony’s expression was somber, almost stoic. He sat, notebook and pen in hand, trying to maintain a detached, scientific demeanor. But I could tell he was not as cool as he atttempted to appear.

  Good. I have to say I was pleased our lovemaking had hit a nerve somewhere. This would be the sweetest retribution of all — to make Tony squirm at his own experiment. How wonderful.

  I nestled against Peter’s firm chest and murmured sweet nothings for his ear alone. “Peter, that was marvelous … you are the best.”

  “Thanks, Val, you’re pretty terrific yourself,” he said, caressing me tenderly.

  From the other side of the room, we heard Tony’s brusque voice. “Okay, okay, let’s finish this up. Val, you can disengage now and Peter, thanks for your help. Why don’t you stop back tomorrow evening and we’ll try another round?”

  I sat up and glared across the room at Tony. “You mean Peter can’t stay the night? This isn’t fair.”

  There was a moment of complete silence. “Did you want him to stay?” Tony’s voice was dangerously quiet.

  “Absolutely.” He’d asked for this menage à trois — and I was prepared to give it to him — big time. “By the way, didn’t you want some photos? I don’t see any camera.”

  “No need for cameras. There are sensors in all your rooms which can be actuated whenever I choose.”

  So he’d gone over my head and installed those damn sensors. An instant surge of fury was replaced by a gleeful thought — Tony would receive an extra dish of torment from viewing the pictures of our lovemaking, forever captured on film.

  “How thoughtful of you,” I murmured, as I slowly moved to release Peter’s still firm cock. “If you’ll excuse me, guys, I’ll be back in just a minute.”