by Lee Winter
“Oh.” Heat rose in Elena’s cheeks, as she conjured visions of their evening ahead. “I’m quite sure they wouldn’t.”
* * *
“Your new apartment is lovely.” Elena’s gaze trailed around Maddie’s home.
Wondering if she could even remain standing, she was so nervous, Maddie swallowed. She glanced around the sleek lines, warm timber, and marble surfaces greeting her. It was a big step up from the last time Elena had visited her at a Manhattan rental.
“Yeah, well, thank Style for being generous with my first major pay cheque. Oh, and Vanity Fair, Time, New Yorker, Rolling Stone, and Condé Nast Traveller are no slouches either. I love the lock-up-and-leave aspect. It’s also only one bedroom, which put it in my price range, so…”
Madeleine trailed off. Elena didn’t need the real-estate spiel. She was just so damn nervous.
Elena took a step closer. And then another.
Her strapless green dress swirled as she moved, and Maddie was mesmerised by the daring bodice of taut, green silk held up by Elena’s creamy breasts and little else. She imagined slipping her hands inside, cupping her breasts, and freeing them from their confines. She licked her lips. Judging by the half-lidded eyes watching her, Elena had probably guessed exactly where her thoughts had gone.
“Madeleine? What are you thinking about?”
As if she didn’t know.
“Would you like a drink?” Maddie avoided answering by pivoting towards her fridge. “I have wine and water and not much else. Haven’t had a chance to go shopping yet.”
Elena trailed her fingers down her arm, short-circuiting the conversation.
Goosebumps broke out along Maddie’s skin.
“Not thirsty, no,” Elena said. “Hungry? Most definitely.”
“Oh.”
Elena slid her fingers to the back of her neck and pulled her in for a barely there kiss. She leaned back.
“Wow.” Maddie’s blood was roaring in her ears. Her lips tingled.
Elena’s lips shifted to her ear. “Why are you keeping me waiting, Madeleine? Haven’t I been patient? I believe you claimed this apartment came with a bedroom. I suggest you stop burying the lead and get to it.” Her lips curled into a smile against the shell of Maddie’s ear. Her tongue darted out.
Arousal shot through Maddie. She slid her fingers around Elena’s and led her to her bedroom.
She looked back at Elena. Her lips were parted slightly, her eyes dark with desire. “You’re so beautiful,” Maddie said. “I felt you watching me from your office in New York. It felt like a caress. Like fingers on my skin, but so soft. I told myself I was imagining it. That someone like you would never be interested in someone like me.”
“You were…a distracting temptation. You sorely tested my focus. But I was married.”
“And now? Aren’t I still a temptation? Or do you no longer lose focus?”
“Now, it’s far worse.” She smiled. “But I have come to appreciate the benefits of temptations, lack of focus be damned.”
Elena’s gaze slid to the queen-sized bed behind them. Her attention shifted to a solid-wood, white-painted dressing table with a mirror attached. Elena’s lips curved into a dangerous smile. “Madeleine,” she said, voice soft. “Come here.”
Maddie stepped forward and Elena gently turned her to face the mirror.
“Look at you.” Elena pressed in behind her and met her eyes in the mirror. “I see Perry has a sense of humour. Or a sense of the romantic. He knows how much I love Audrey Hepburn. The simplicity of her style was stunning. I recognise your dress. One of Perry’s up-and-coming designers is going through a tribute phase. This dress is modelled on the one Hepburn wore in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
Elena plucked the black material at Maddie’s shoulder and then trailed the backs of her fingers down Maddie’s bare skin, leaving tiny hairs erect in their wake. Her eyes never left Maddie’s as she touched her.
“Uh.” Maddie gasped at the promise behind those teasing fingers.
“Mm,” Elena murmured. “You are wearing an icon, and doing it superbly.”
There was a faint tik-tik-tik, as the zip on Maddie’s dress was lowered; Elena’s fingers followed the zip in a fiery trail. Elena slid the short sleeves over Maddie’s shoulders, then rolled the dress over her breasts before bunching it at her hips. Warm hands flattened across Maddie’s back and smoothed across her skin.
“I admire the softness of women’s skin greatly, and their backs in particular. Yours, in that stunning gown in Véronique’s dressing room, very nearly got me into a great deal of trouble. I found myself in the shocking position of fighting my instincts to bend you over that make-up table and have my way with you right there. I would have enjoyed watching your eyes in the mirror as I made you mine. All while you wore the most exquisite dress I have ever seen in my life.”
Maddie’s throat went dry. Heat flooded her at the thought of that fantasy. A tug brought the dress down past her hips and to the carpeted floor. She stepped out of it.
“Of course, I can still do that to you,” Elena said, voice soft and suggestive. “Can’t I?”
“Ohh.” Maddie whimpered. “Yes.”
Elena’s hands returned to her back, ghosting across her skin. “You can see it, can’t you?” She playfully plucked at and then undid Maddie’s bra. It fell to the floor. “My eyes on yours, the who’s who of world fashion just outside. And when I lifted the white hem on that stunning gown, pushing it up past your hips, what would I find? Hmm? What undergarments were you wearing that night? Or were you bare?”
“Oh, I…th-thong. Lace thong.”
“Mmm. Yes, I’d have enjoyed plucking that from you. Slipping it down your firm thighs. And doing much more.”
Maddie gasped.
“You like that idea.” Elena’s gaze burned. “I do too. I think of it, quite a lot.”
Elena’s lips pressed into Maddie’s shoulder, then the warm wetness of her tongue swept along it. She lifted her head, and her direct gaze examined Maddie’s aching, erect nipples and the spreading flush across her chest. Her fingers curled around Maddie’s rib cage and plucked at her nipples, rolling them between her thumb and forefinger. The sensation sent warmth between her legs.
“Your breasts are so distracting,” Elena said. “Beautiful. But now I wish to stay focused. Where were we?”
They watched in the mirror, as Elena slid her hands to Maddie’s waist while she nipped and kissed Maddie’s shoulder. Her fingers slid into the top of Maddie’s black panties and eased them down, baring Maddie’s patch of dark curls. A telltale glistening on them caused Elena to smile.
“Oh yes,” she breathed as Maddie reddened. “Very good. And what would I see in your eyes when I touched you, Madeleine? What would my fingers feel as they pushed inside you?”
Maddie groaned, as Elena’s hand slid down her stomach to brush across her wet curls. She trembled. “Please,” she whispered.
“Are you remembering how it felt that night when I couldn’t have you, but oh how I wanted you? Did you want me too? Did you want me to push past your lace thong and touch you then, just as I am now? I would have slipped my fingers inside you. Watching you as I did it. Did you want that?”
“Yes,” Maddie said. Her back arched into Elena’s. “God yes, I did. I do.”
Elena’s fingers pressed down, against her swollen clit, causing it to pulse. “I knew that,” she said against her ear. “That night, I felt your arousal as well as my own. Your face doesn’t hide your secrets. I wanted you very much.”
She rubbed her harder, causing Maddie to moan. Elena’s fingers curled forward, sliding through heat and slippery folds, and entered her.
Maddie leaned forward, and her hands, now flat against the dresser, became slick. She gasped at the sensation between her legs and the flash of ecstasy across Elena’s face.
Elena’s lips parted, her eyes fierce and full of desire. Another groan reverberated, low, dirty, and raw, and it was Elena’s.
<
br /> “God,” Elena said, her breathing harsh, “you’re even hotter than I imagined.”
She was rocking against Maddie, her fingers a blur as she worked them in and out, urging Maddie on. Her other hand slid up to Maddie’s breast where it pinched and rolled her nipples.
Maddie was hypnotised by those eyes in the glass—burning, excited, and dark—and her control wavered. Slick noises filled the room, and her wetness gleamed on Elena’s dancing fingers.
“So close.” Maddie squeezed her eyes shut. God. It was exquisite.
“I know. I can feel you. You’re almost pulsing. Look at me when you come. I want to see. Show me.”
Maddie opened her eyes and locked on to Elena’s naked gaze. The raw hunger she found in her eyes made Maddie crash over the edge. Her back arched, her centre clenched, and hot flares arced from her. Her hands trembled against the wood she leaned on.
“Oh, Madeleine, so beautiful.” The words purred against her neck, as Elena withdrew her fingers and scribbled the wetness all across her stomach. She lifted them to her lips and tasted them. She smiled.
Maddie swallowed, her throat dry. She turned and kissed Elena. It was messy and hot and so damned arousing. Maddie kissed her like a woman deserved to be kissed. With every hint of passion she felt. With all the love she possessed.
She took a step back and slid her hands inside Elena’s green bodice, lifting out her creamy breasts, and then studied her with satisfaction. “You’re breathtaking.”
Maddie’s mouth closed over an aroused, deep-red nipple, her tongue sliding across it. Elena pressed herself into her more.
When Maddie finally pulled away, she whispered to Elena, “I’ve wanted to do that all night.”
“Is that all you wanted to do to me?”
Elena’s cocky smirk was back, and Maddie’s heart lurched at the suggestiveness.
“No. Take off your dress. I want to see the rest of you.”
Elena reached for a hidden zipper at her side, unzipped the dress, and lowered it to the ground. She stood before Maddie in nothing but a thin, white thong and thigh-high stockings. The thong was darker between her legs, revealing her arousal. Elena put her hands on her hips as if to say, Well?
Maddie’s heart hammered at the intoxicating sight of Elena Bartell virtually naked. “Sit.” She pointed to the dressing table.
Elena did as she was requested, leaning back on her hands, pushing her breasts out.
Maddie parted Elena’s knees and lowered herself to the floor. She nudged aside Elena’s thong and took in the sight of slick lips.
“You want me.” Maddie’s words were an incredulous whisper. She blew across her skin and marvelled at the tremble in response.
Elena widened her legs and arched back. “I want you.”
Maddie’s mouth covered her most intimate spot. As her tongue worked, she felt wetness growing on her chin. Elena’s thighs began to quiver. Her hands had shifted to Maddie’s hair, where they were clenching and unclenching. Elena tensed and gave a tight, strangled cry.
The sight of this magnificent, commanding woman coming undone, vulnerable, and gazing at her with such unmasked affection, was seared into Maddie’s brain.
She wouldn’t give this up, Maddie decided as she returned her mouth to her folds and slid her tongue all over her slippery flesh as she twitched and trembled. In response, Elena’s whole body shook.
Maddie would keep Elena close and make love to her as often as she could. She could never give this up.
“Bed,” Maddie croaked. “Bed before my knees give out. So we won’t have to stop next time. Because we really have to do this again.”
Elena slid from the dressing table to her feet, looking slightly dishevelled yet still regal and supremely satisfied. “By all means.” Her voice was a purr. “Bed.”
But as Maddie turned to head there, Elena grabbed her and pulled her close. “Wait,” she whispered, her tone urgent. She kissed her, tightening her arms around Maddie as though afraid she might leave.
Her roaming tongue and soft lips made Maddie tremble all over again.
“Oh God,” Maddie murmured, when they finally broke apart. “I had no idea you would be this amazing. Should have guessed, though. It is you. When do you fail at anything you set your mind to?”
Elena’s smile was both brilliant and pleased.
No. Maddie absolutely would never give this up.
* * *
Elena was not a cuddler in her sleep. Nor did she spoon, Maddie discovered. Oh no. She conquered. When they had been too tired to do anything more beyond crawl under the sheets, Elena took up most of the bed, two-thirds of the pillows, half the blankets, and all of Maddie, like some sort of post-coital corporate takeover.
Maddie wondered if she’d need a prying bar to separate them in the morning, as she eyed the sensuous, nude body pinning her down, a leg claiming her hip.
She had never felt so desired, wanted, and completely taken. And by someone who was legendary for being stand-offish.
If only they knew.
Waking up, Maddie felt spent and dehydrated. Muscles she didn’t know she possessed were complaining. She slid her gaze to the side to find Elena’s soft eyes studying her. The woman wore a cat-got-the-cream, lazy smirk.
“H-hey,” Maddie mumbled. Her voice was worse for wear.
“Well,” Elena said as she stretched. “Awake at last. I thought millennials were supposed to have more stamina.” The sheet fell down to her waist, giving Maddie a view of generous breasts. And given the look on Elena’s face, Maddie guessed the intoxicating display was deliberate.
“God, how can you look so bright? Did you even get any sleep?”
“Sleep’s overrated.” Elena slid her arms behind her head, thrusting her chest out, and gave her an amused smile.
Maddie almost lost her train of thought. “Did you enjoy yourself, then?”
“I suppose you want to hear you were the best I’ve ever had?” Elena gave her a pointed look. Her face softened. “That would be more than accurate. It was exceptional. I believe I finally understand the appeal of sex. All those sonnets actually have a point.”
Maddie preened.
“But don’t let it go to your head.”
“Too late. My head is already puffed up to capacity.”
“It should be.” Elena smiled then gave her a quizzical look. “Is this common? Three-hour sessions? Is this a thing women do together?”
Maddie’s eyebrows shot up. “Was that your first time with a woman? Seriously?”
“I suppose I should be pleased you couldn’t tell.” Elena gave her a slow smile. “In practical terms, yes. But since I’ve met you, I’ve thought about it, in theory, far more than I’d care to admit. As I said, you’ve been terrible for my focus.”
“I’m honoured.” Maddie grinned. She let the sheet slide down her own breasts and gave Elena a cheeky look. “So this is distracting, then?” She lifted her hand to her nipple and squeezed. “Or this?”
A speculative gleam came into Elena’s eye. “I’m not certain. Continue and I’ll let you know.”
Maddie ignored that and wriggled herself across Elena’s body, pressing into her. “I’d rather do the hands-on experience. Besides, you should make the most of me since you’ve been waiting so patiently.”
“Good point.” Elena brought her hands up to Maddie’s back. “I always knew you were smart.”
“Yeah? Then how come every email you sent started Dear Foolish Girl?” Maddie tapped her in the ribs. “No more of that girl stuff, okay? I am a woman, Elena. Your woman. And I plan to show you how true that is over the next hour. Or days. Weeks. Months.” She sucked in a deep breath and put it all out there. “Years.”
Elena stared at her, unmoving.
“This isn’t some fling for me. I hope you know that,” Maddie said, swallowing. “I mean, this is… It means something. I don’t…I don’t play around with things like this. I don’t like games.” She wondered if Elena could hear her thunder
ing heart.
Elena trailed her fingers down her cheekbone. “How can you not already know? I wouldn’t be here otherwise. I have more to lose than you do. I don’t do flings either. And certainly not with one I care for as much as you.”
Maddie felt her stomach do a strange little swirl. Elena looked like she meant it. She sucked in a steadying breath. “I’m in love with you. I think I have been since New York.”
Elena’s look was soft and infused with warmth. “Oh Madeleine. And you said I shouldn’t call you foolish. What do you see in an old, twice-divorced, workaholic shark like me? Even my dog finds me hard to live with.”
“I see all the things you don’t put on display. And, please, Oscar’s more highly strung than Felicity. I wouldn’t take your dog’s opinion on what you’re like to be around.”
“Be that as it may, you don’t know what I’m really like.”
“Oh? I know you give secretly to organisations you think no one cares about. Trans bathroom rights, domestic violence shelters, Polish community centres. You were the one who gave Ramel his life back. That fancy lawyer you funded got all his charges thrown out.”
Elena shot Maddie a surprised look at her awareness of Elena’s secret donations but then shook her head. “Causes are not me. These are surface things, a place to give money that I believe in.”
“All right, I also know you are a mess of stress over handing the Bartell Corp reins to your advisers, although you’d never admit it. You’re afraid you might be making a terrible mistake. But you’re just as excited to be back in fashion soon. You can’t wait.”
Elena blinked. “Well.”
“And I know you drink far too much when you’re sad. And you’re sad far more often than you would ever admit to anyone.”
At Elena’s startled expression, Maddie added, “I was your assistant once. Who do you think paid the liquor bills you keep hidden from your housekeeper? I also know you followed my blog. I hate to admit it, but only sad people loved it and related to it.”
Elena looked uncomfortable. “Yet you want to date me anyway?”
Maddie eyed her defensiveness and pressed physically closer. “You read my blog, Elena.” She curled her fingers around Elena’s ribs. “That sadness and loneliness goes both ways. You were drawn to me, because I felt it too. You had read about all my insecurities and flaws before we even met, and yet you liked me anyway. Isn’t that what a relationship is? Knowing who someone is behind the mask and wanting to be with them in spite of it?”