Passion at the Castle

by Diane Thorne

  Jonathan lifted his fork and knife then delved them into the thick slab of meat on his plate. “My wife and I are here on vacation. It’s our seventh anniversary of our first meeting. We stopped in Paris before coming here.”

  “Congratulations on your anniversary.” Gwen gave them each a bright smile. “Did you enjoy Paris?”

  Susan lifted a chunk of omelette. “It was wonderful. We met a lovely couple I had been communicating with for a few years. They took us to a few tourist stops and we spent a couple of nights with them.”

  “Sounds like a good time.” Gwen placed a grape in her mouth and crushed it between her teeth.

  “Oh, it was,” Susan said as she cut into her food.

  “Are you travelling anywhere else for your anniversary?” Gwen ate another piece of fruit.

  Jonathan took a sip of water. “This is our last stop before we head home.”

  Susan leaned over the table and held her fork near her plate. “Next year we’re planning to celebrate in Italy. We’re going to go on a gondola ride at night.”

  “Oh, that sounds so romantic.”

  Susan set her fork on the plate then rubbed her hand along Jonathan’s arm. “He’s the sweetest man I’ve ever met. I’m a lucky woman to have him.”

  “I believe I’m the lucky one.” He moved towards her and planted a kiss on her cheek.

  Gwen watched the happy couple as she ate her fruit. They seemed deeply in love and full of life. She wished she could find such joy with a man, the kind of bliss that would grow and never end.

  She wiped her mouth with the napkin. “You’re both lucky to have each other. Not many marriages last anymore. You’re truly blessed.”

  Susan nodded. “You’re right. It’s not easy holding a marriage together. Fortunately, we found a way that helps us keep things”—she paused and smiled at her husband—“lively and fun.”

  “Oh? I’d love to hear how you do it.” Gwen bit into a piece of pineapple.

  Jonathan lifted his drink. “What are you doing this evening?”

  “I don’t have any plans.”

  “Have a drink with us in the bar tonight and we’ll fill you in on our secret to a lasting marriage.” Susan took a bite of her food.

  Gwen shifted her gaze between them. “Oh, I don’t want to interrupt your—”

  “Nonsense.” Jonathan set his glass down. “We want you to join us. Please. We’ll have a good time, the three of us.”

  “You must come.” Susan insisted with pleading eyes.

  “Okay. I’ll join you for drinks and you can share this secret with me.”

  Susan nearly jumped from her seat. “Excellent. Oh, I’m so excited. We’re going to have a great time.”

  Gwen sat quietly while the couple continued to eat. Curiosity chewed at her and she wondered what it was that kept Susan and Jonathan together. In any event, Gwen was glad to be in their company. They were as friendly as could be. If she guessed right, spending time with them would undoubtedly make her stay at the castle more memorable.

  Chapter Two

  Gwen stepped into the bar at about quarter to five. She’d arrived early only because if she’d returned to her room to change and freshen up she knew she would be late to meet Susan and Jonathan. She hoped they wouldn’t mind her wearing the same spring dress from when they’d first met in the morning. The two guided tours she’d taken during the day had left her with little time to do anything else. Her feet were tired from walking so much, but she’d seen amazing parts of the castle grounds, inside and out, and learned a vast amount about the history of the building and surrounding area.

  She strolled into the heart of the establishment and headed for the bar. Several glass doors overlooked a large stone patio. Light spilled in from the windows and illuminated the room. The bar ran half the length of one of the walls on the side. Liquor bottles sat on shelves behind the bartenders’ work area. Square tables in the centre of the room offered guests more seating options. After Gwen had passed a group of men drinking beers at one of the tables, she spotted Jonathan and Susan sitting at the bar at the back, near the patio doors. A quick appraisal revealed they were wearing the same clothes from earlier as well. She wondered if they’d had a busy day too.

  Jonathan turned slightly to face his wife as he lifted a martini. His gaze met Gwen’s and he set the glass on the counter. “Our new American friend has arrived.”

  Susan twisted on the stool. When she saw Gwen, she clapped softly and jumped from her seat. “Ooh, you made it. We’re so glad you decided to join us again.”

  Gwen sat at the vacant spot next to Susan. “Have you been here long?”

  “Only ten minutes.” Susan gestured for the bartender. “What would you like to drink?”

  Gwen glanced at Susan’s tall glass in front of her. It looked like wine. “Whatever you’re having.”

  As Susan gave the order to the bartender, Jonathan leaned past his wife and over the counter. “Did you have a good day, Gwen?”

  “I did. I took a couple of tours of the inside and outside of the castle, including the stables. This place is huge and I haven’t even had a chance to visit the gardens yet.”

  The server placed a glass of wine before Gwen. “Thank you,” she told him.

  “Did you learn a lot about the castle?” Susan lifted her drink.

  “Yes. The guide knew the history of Dromoland very well. My daughters would love this place, especially Krystal. She loves historical sites and architecture.

  Susan swallowed. “Tell us more about your kids.”

  “My daughters are grown and on their own.”

  “I find that hard to believe.” Jonathan shook his head while he lowered his gaze to her chest. “You’re so young and attractive. How can you have grown children?”

  Gwen chuckled. “I don’t know where the time went, but they are in fact adults.”

  Susan surveyed Gwen’s body. “Sweetie, you are in great shape for a woman who’s had two babies. Your breasts are big and perky. You have great curves. I don’t know how any man can resist you.”

  Gwen couldn’t help but grin. “Thank you for the compliments. I appreciate them.” She picked up her drink then sipped it.

  Susan put her hand on Jonathan’s thigh. “Am I right? Isn’t she a stunning woman?”

  Jonathan finished his martini. “I couldn’t agree more. She is a beautiful woman.” He pushed the glass away from him.

  “Mmhmm.” Susan patted her husband’s thigh. “And I bet you’re a passionate lover. Am I right, Gwen?”

  She imbibed more of her wine as her cheeks warmed. Gwen wasn’t quite sure how to respond. She enjoyed hot, erotic sex as much as anyone, but she didn’t think now was the time to discuss such matters.

  Jonathan kissed his wife’s cheek. “Of course she is, love. She has that spark in her eyes and special sway of her hips when she walks. She’s a woman who knows what she wants and enjoys it thoroughly.”

  Gwen stared at the two. Such openness and questions from a couple seemed unusual.

  Susan pushed strands of Gwen’s hair over her shoulder. As Susan brought her hand down Gwen’s arm, she eyed Gwen’s chest.

  “My friend, Jacqueline, in Paris had large breasts, but they weren’t as big as yours. They were fun to play with, nonetheless. She was a delight to be with, as was her husband.”

  Gwen couldn’t veer her eyes away from Susan. At first, she wondered if she’d misheard her.

  Jonathan put his arm around his wife and leaned closer. “Do you enjoy sex, Gwen?”

  She blinked. “What?” She couldn’t believe what she’d heard.

  “Do you enjoy sex?” he asked.

  “Well, yes.” She met Susan’s gaze. Confusion plagued her. Why would he ask such a question in front of his wife? Why would Susan mention she’d played with another woman’s tits? How could they continue drinking so casually while discussing such a subject?

  Susan tapped Gwen’s hand. “I’m sorry if we seem too forward. But we’re
here for just a few days and we’d very much enjoy the company of another woman.”

  “I’m sorry, but I don’t understand.” Gwen looked from Susan to Jonathan as she attempted to determine the meaning behind their words.

  Susan took a drink of her wine then set the glass on the counter. “My husband and I have a somewhat open marriage. We enjoy sex with multiple partners. Together.”

  Gwen stared at her, speechless. They appeared to be a normal, attractive couple. They dressed nice and were friendly. They had manners. The idea of them having sex with other people seemed ludicrous. Yet, there she was, sitting with them and Susan admitted they did.

  “I hope you don’t mind, but I find you very attractive,” Susan said. “Jonathan does too. We’d like to invite you to spend some time with us.”

  “If you’re not interested, we understand. But if you are, we can make your time with us very pleasurable.” Jonathan raised his arm and gestured for the bartender.

  “Very,” Susan added then placed her hand on Gwen’s.

  Gwen sat quietly while Jonathan ordered another drink and Susan sipped hers. They were clearly comfortable with their open lifestyle.

  Gwen waited until the server delivered more liquor to Jonathan then left to serve another patron at the bar. “Is that your secret to a lasting marriage?”

  Susan nodded. “It’s definitely kept the relationship lively and fun.”

  Jonathan lifted his glass. “Does our openness bother you?”

  “No, not at all,” Gwen said. “I just haven’t met a couple like you before. The news gave me a startle.”

  As she finished the wine she pondered what to do. She’d never been in such an odd situation. Married couples didn’t approach her for sex. The request to join them seemed too unreal. Yet, she couldn’t discount their offer. Her entire vacation had been filled with unusual encounters and all had ended on happy notes. But this invitation topped all others. Gwen had never had sex with another woman before.

  Susan moved sideways towards Gwen. “Why don’t you join me in the garden tomorrow morning. We can talk and get to know each other more.”

  “That’s an excellent idea.” Jonathan gave a nod. “I can run into town while you’re exploring the garden. Perhaps we can have dinner tomorrow evening too.”

  “How about a picnic outside?” Susan’s eyes were wide with excitement.

  He met Gwen’s gaze. “Would you like to join us? I’m sure we can find a quiet spot for the three of us. There are acres of land surrounding the castle.”

  “Mm. I like your style of thinking, Mr Haggerty.” Susan held a playful expression on her face.

  Gwen took a deep breath. “I’ll think about it. I don’t want to jump into anything.”

  “Please say you’ll join us.” Susan had a hint of desperation in her voice. “I’d love to get to know you intimately.”

  “My wife is an excellent lover.”

  “And Jonathan is too. Trust me, he’s well-endowed and knows how to please a woman.”

  Gwen bit her lip to stifle her laugher. It seemed they really wanted her to join them in their sexual escapades.

  “I need a little time to think it over.”

  Susan opened her mouth to say something, but Jonathan rubbed her back and she shifted her gaze.

  “Give her a chance. She barely knows us.” He lifted his martini.

  Susan smiled and nodded. Then she raised her glass.

  “For the record, we’re both good with our tongues. I speak on behalf of my wife and myself when I say we both find you very attractive. We’d love the chance to…” Jonathan curled one side of his lips. “Get to know you more intimately.”

  Gwen’s panties dampened as a picture of the three of them together formed in her mind. Four hands exploring her body while their tongues licked her. The pleasure would be overwhelming.

  She inhaled deeply as she twisted to call the bartender. She’d had sex with two men. Why not try sex with a man and a woman at the same time?

  She ordered more wine. The server poured the liquor into her glass then strolled away from them.

  Gwen lifted her drink and turned to the lovely couple at her side. “I enjoy sex very much. Count me in for tomorrow.”

  Chapter Three

  Gwen paced in her hotel room, in front of the window. It was nearly eight in the morning and sun shone brightly. She’d told Susan she’d meet her in the garden after breakfast but she wasn’t certain she could face the blonde again. Doubt kept creeping into Gwen’s mind about her decision to join them for a love fest. Could she really have sex with a woman?

  The question continued to pop up. Gwen enjoyed sex. She’d had plenty on her vacation and done things she never had done before. She’d taken pleasure from two men at the same time and found the experience incredibly satisfying. Doing the dirty deed with multiple partners proved enjoyable. But could she have sex with a woman and feel the same pleasure? Could she touch and kiss another female? Could she accept the same loving treatment? Sex with a man was one thing, but a woman was different.

  Gwen saw the mirror in the corner and walked towards it. She stopped two feet from her reflection and gazed at it with her hands on her hips. Her breasts were much larger than Susan’s. Gwen had more meat on her bones too. Susan had a lean, athletic frame whereas Gwen had curves. Gwen didn’t think her size eight was big or that she was fat, but places on her body had never returned to normal after she had given birth to her two children. The extra padding on her chest or ass didn’t bother her. Men seemed to appreciate the squeezable parts. But would a woman? Gwen’s body wasn’t as firm and toned as Susan’s.

  She shook her head and dropped her arms to her sides. Slowly, she headed towards the window. Susan had said Gwen was beautiful and had even complimented Gwen’s breasts. The blonde didn’t seem to mind Gwen’s size. Neither did her husband. Gwen silently chuckled. It was no surprise to her that Jonathan didn’t mind her larger tits and ass. The men she’d met so far had never complained. Bottom line, they’d both said they were attracted to her. But did she feel the same towards them?

  Gwen considered the question as she peered beyond the glass. Jonathan and Susan were a good-looking couple. Susan took care of her long hair and toned body. She had silky smooth, locks and perky tits. In all, Gwen couldn’t find anything unappealing about Susan. Jonathan had a nice body too. Although he lacked large muscles, the curves she saw on his arms suggested he stayed in shape. He didn’t have a gut either—another clue indicating he worked out. Susan had said he had a large dick. Gwen had no reason not to believe her. If Gwen was ever going to have sex with a man and woman, now was the time because she doubted she’d ever find such a lovely couple again.

  She took a deep breath. This was her last chance to experience something new and fresh. Four hands, two tongues and a cock. What was not to like about that?

  Gwen turned and snatched her sunglasses and purse from the table. She slid the shades on her face while she strode towards the door. Pleasure was pleasure regardless if it came from a man or woman. She needed to let go of her insecurities and take advantage of her situation. She’d done so at every destination on her vacation and the results had left her with mind-blowing orgasms. She was certain her choice to join the couple would be no different.

  Within minutes, she exited the hotel and found the path leading to the garden. The bright sun warmed her arms and face as she followed the paved walkway. Bugs buzzed and a few bees whizzed by her. Horses trotted on the lane beyond the garden wall, the clacking of hooves marking their progress. A hedge stood near the entrance of the garden. Vines partly covered the bricks. Pink flowers were visible beyond the open archway. As she neared the wall, Gwen detected a floral scent. The smell intensified when she stepped under the arch and into the garden.

  The path split into multiple directions and formed squared sections of the garden. Each segment contained a variety of flowers. The scene reminded her of an oversized nursery only this one had a large ten-foot wall su
rrounding most of the garden. Gwen surveyed the area, searching for Susan. Rows of manicured plants added colour to the green landscape. When she couldn’t find her blonde friend, she headed for one of the archways in the back.

  Past the stone wall, Gwen descended a set of steps and found herself in another area of the garden. A gravel path led her to others. The small rocks ground together as she walked to what appeared to be the centre point of rectangular garden. Before she reached the midpoint, she spotted Susan wearing a white hat and Jackie O sunglasses. She was leaning forward and smelling a flower. When Susan’s gaze met Gwen’s, Susan straightened with a smile.

  “I’m so glad you decided to join me. I started to fear we’d scared you away.”

  Gwen came to a halt facing Susan, who stood a few inches taller than Gwen. “Honestly, I was a bit shocked by your invitation.”

  “Yes, I could tell from your expression at dinner. But you handled it quite well. You didn’t throw your tea at us or run off cursing.”

  “I’m an open-minded person. Sexual preferences don’t bother me. It’s just I’ve never…” Gwen took a deep breath.

  “Been approached by another woman.” Susan tilted her head slightly.

  “Especially one with her husband. It was a first for me.” Relief trickled through Gwen. Although she didn’t have to confess her concern, it was the right thing to do and helped get rid of the awkwardness.

  Susan smiled widely. “I like you, Gwen, and I’d really like to get to know you better. Why don’t we walk and talk?”

  “That’s an excellent idea. I’d like that.”

  Susan moved to her side and curled her arm around Gwen’s. “Come on, I want to show you some lovely flowers.”

  Keeping her arm linked to Gwen’s, she nudged her forward. Oddly, Gwen didn’t mind Susan’s closeness. In fact, she found it comforting even though she knew nothing about her.