It was disconcerting the way he looked at her. She wondered when a man before had ever stared so intently at her. She cleared her throat.
"So how did you get this job, David?"
David looked down, and gently peeled the label off the beer. His face grew pensive. “I have loved animals all my life. I volunteered at the zoo out in Detroit as a kid. My mom would take me a lot. I also loved biology, so I jumped at the chance to study zoology. Then I moved to Toronto about two years ago to work here. I basically never left the zoo, I guess.
"Here's our ribs.” He picked one up, sucking the flesh with his teeth, watching Samantha.
Following suit, she did the same, licking the spicy sauce off her fingers as he watched.
He smiled, “You know, Samantha, I love to see a woman with an appetite. I like watching a woman eat."
"Well, enjoy the show,” she said, smirking.
David paused. “I have seen you before,” he said softly.
Samantha looked at him. “I have seen you coming, watching Raven. Before the day we met, I mean. You have the same look you have eating now."
Samantha looked at him levelly.
"That same look of hunger."
"Hungry for what?” It was hard for Samantha to keep the edge out of her voice at what sounded like a cheap line.
"I don't know. I guess you know better than I do. But I am thinking there is part of yourself you see in Raven. Something is drawing you in.” As he spoke, Samantha felt David drawing her in as well. “There is nothing to be embarrassed about. We're all fascinated by them. There wouldn't be zoos otherwise. Animals have no self consciousness, no inhibitions. Not like us."
David took Samantha's wrist, rubbing the inside slowly as he spoke. “Do you know why Raven reacted that way to you? It's mating season for them. Panthers secrete pheromones, just like we do, only way more powerful. The female has to invite the male to her. That is the way it is with them. When I saw you with Raven, it was like you were inviting him to you.” Like you were inviting me in ... hung in the air unspoken.
Samantha said nothing but held his gaze as he spoke. As he stroked the delicate pale skin of her wrist with his large fingers, she admired how his skin looked like polished dark wood, how his forearm flexed with the simple movements. Desire started in her stomach, a warmth that emanated there.
David looked down at her wrist, “Raven is going to have a female introduced to him soon ... from another zoo. What most people don't realize is the mating process takes days. The female panther will secrete her hormones—even calling out to the male—without being ready yet for mating,” David looked directly in her eyes. “The male has to approach her slowly and wait."
Samantha took a sip of her drink, trying to clear her thoughts, but the potent libation stirred them even more.
"Oh, here's the band,” stated David, as the musicians approached the small stage to their right. Music filled the room for a few songs with Samantha lost in the beat. The blues guitar slowed, and couples started to fill the floor.
"Will you do me the honor, Samantha?” He pushed back his chair offering his hand.
She placed hers in his, allowing him to lead her to the open dance floor. Samantha was aware of his height against her petite frame as her head rested against his chest. A faint smell of musky cologne teased her nostrils, and something indefinable blended in.
His heart thudded against her ear, his massive leg muscles rippled as they danced. She felt his hard erection against her stomach. She remembered the width of his wrist and shivered.
She pictured his cock, imagined it brushing against her panties, rubbing against her clit insistently. And, after tiring of the game, his hand twisting them aside to gain entrance. Nudging her wet lips open. Swollen. Widening, widening.
David lifted her chin, bending down to brush a kiss on her lips, tasting liquor and her desire. The kiss deepened and his tongue explored her mouth. They broke off, at last aware of their surroundings.
The way to his car and back to her place was punctuated by hungry kisses. Her mouth felt bruised as she stumbled out of his Jeep. Samantha felt her back hard against the wall of the apartment building as their kissing resumed with urgency. The texture of the concrete was imprinted on her skin. His hands cupped her face. David pushed his erection against her stomach. His fingers laced through her hair. She felt his hand mold to her breasts, sliding down her stomach.
Too fast, she thought. Her lips came away from him shakily, and he opened his eyes to focus on her. He brushed a strand of hair off her face gazing at her, his hands encompassing her face.
"When can I see you again?” she asked.
David let his arms slip from her neck reluctantly, fighting for control. A muscle flexed is his jaw. “Um, soon, hopefully.” He laughed and straightened up. “I know it's not your regular time, but do you want to stop by the zoo on Wednesday?"
She cocked her eyebrow at him. “I thought you might want to view your competition. Lily—the female—is being introduced that day to Raven."
"Oh, I don't think she will be much competition for me,” stated Samantha softly. “Um, come to think of it, yeah, you're right."
David smiled at her, “But it would be a good night to come. I am off at eight. You could come by after work ... if you want."
Samantha held his gaze.
"Sure. I guess I better check things out.” They started walking up to the lobby door of her apartment.
"Samantha? Sam,” he said. Her face flushed as he used the intimate form of her name. “I had a good time tonight. A really good time.” He kissed her forehead and started walking a short distance before turning, his voice lowered with promise. “Sam? Raven and I ... we have that in common. I can wait."
Samantha opened her door, dizzy. What was she doing? She didn't sleep with men on the first date! She practically threw herself at him tonight. Closing her eyes, she could hear his growl in her thoughts. The smoky smell of his skin clung to her. She brushed her teeth furiously, shaking her head.
What would it be like to have a near stranger in her bed? She shivered, maybe they would not use the bed at all.
Turning on the shower, she peeled off her clothes. The spray felt like warm, hard needles on her skin but did nothing to shift her mood. A layer of steam rose, and Samantha felt her frustration throbbing painfully between her thighs.
She took the soap, creating a lather over her arms and moving down her chest. Her nipples were tight and pink. She felt a flicker as her hands moved over them. Passing them again, moving down her stomach, her thighs. Moving her soapy hand against her full cleft, feeling the swollen bud of her frustrated desire. The wet folds thick and full. She trembled as her hand explored it, picturing his face, imagining his naked body. Stalking her. Like a panther waiting. For the right moment. Fingers up inside her wet opening. Three fingers rubbing circles on her clit. Grabbing the soap rack for support. Tightening ... building ... shuddering.
Samantha leaned against the stall, gasping, her fingers against her throbbing clit. Shaken at the strength of her orgasm. Was David the hunter, waiting for his moment? It was his game. And she was his prey. Samantha yanked on a light nightgown and pulled up the covers. Only half satisfied.
The feeling stayed with her all week. Licks of desire, even fear of being so out of control. So out of her element. It made her feel alive, half-drunk on something ... forbidden. Her demeanor was slow and sensual as she entered the bathroom stall to change for her Wednesday date. Samantha smirked in the mirror at her reflection as she took in her outfit: a micro black mini, white cotton pleasant blouse.
David's eyes widened for a second as Samantha approached. “Um, I see you're ready to give Lily some competition."
Samantha just smiled, standing on tip toe to graze his lips with a kiss. She put her hands on the railing looking in. There were two panthers in Raven's cage. Raven seemed to be stalking a short distance away from a smaller black panther that was lying down.
Samantha felt David
's body heat as he stood at her back. His powerful arms gripped either side of the railing around her, enclosing her, leaning over her shoulder.
"They're almost getting along now. We introduced them slowly. She has been on the periphery of his cage all day. Lots of hissing and territory issues. But, of course, it's mating season, so I think they'll get over it soon."
Samantha looked at the female, half-lidded eyes calmly observing as Raven paced, hissing occasionally. Raven circled closer. Lily rose quickly in a growl, causing Raven to back off.
"So, what are they doing? This is the mating dance?"
David's fingers grazed up and down her arms as he spoke. “You could call it that. She's not ready. She is kind of sending mixed signals. She has hormones being secreted right now, and she may sound like she is calling to him, but she is likely not ready and will rebuff him when he approaches."
"Mixed signals, hmm?"
"Well, I am sure we all do it. For us, sometimes the body is ready before the mind ... or vice versa."
"So we wait for it to catch up..."
His hands played on her forearms, causing her to shiver. Was that what David was doing, getting her ready for him?
"When they're finally together the mating may last up to four days in a heat."
His lips were at the nape of her neck. Her eyes glittered looking at Lily, admiring her nonchalance as Raven prowled angrily around. The original tease, she mused.
"I guess we should give them some privacy, eh?"
Samantha turned to face him, looking up at his face, taking in his smooth skin and full lips. She tiptoed and captured the swelling of his lower lip, tugging it lightly with her teeth.
As David pressed against her, she broke off contact, looking at him through her lashes.
"I should let you get back to work. We do have the constraints of society, now, don't we?"
David laughed low. “And I do have to go, it's a weeknight."
She turned away winking then turned back. “I have that in common with Lily, I guess. I like to send out all those different signals."
David strode toward her, quickly clasping her wrist. She felt the power in his as he gently caressed it, looking in her eyes.
"Okay.” He smiled intently. “I guess I will have to wait ‘til Friday.” He leaned in to her ear. “You're lucky I'm at work. I wouldn't let you leave otherwise.” He nipped at her ear. “I do hope you will be rested up for Friday. I think the night will end much differently."
She shivered, weakening, but straightened up, smiling sweetly. Looking up at him, she whispered, “We'll see."
* * * *
Friday at work seemed endless. Samantha watched the clock, unable to concentrate on anything except seeing David again. Her heart thudded in anticipation as she entered the washroom cubicle, pulling on the light denim skirt and blue tank top. She looked in the mirror as she freshened up her gloss. She kept her makeup light and natural, hair loose around her shoulders.
Samantha looked around expectantly in front of Raven's cage, but David was nowhere in sight. She fought back disappointment as a couple minutes passed, scanning the crowds for him. She turned her attention to cage. Raven was lying a short distance away from Lily. She swatted her tail at him occasionally but otherwise seemed to tolerate his presence. Samantha watched the courtship, fascinated.
A man wearing a zoo uniform approached, smiling. “Are you Samantha?"
She nodded.
"David is in the observatory, would you allow me to take you to him?"
She followed him, intrigued as he led her to the small building toward the back of Raven's cage. He escorted her to the door, and she entered alone.
"David?"
She walked a small distance in, her eyes adjusting to the gloominess from the bright sun outside. A strange noise reverberated in the building, a low guttural growl. Samantha froze unable to source the sound. Were there cages in here? The growling seemed to move directly behind her. It was circling. Samantha could not move, too terrified to turn around.
"I thought you liked to be afraid."
She whipped around to see David standing there, looking dangerous. Samantha felt off balance. Adrenalin surged through her along with a delicious fear. It rippled through her, making her nipples taut with desire.
David did a slow appraisal up her body, noting her hard nipples and the slight tremor in her legs. Reaching her face, his dark gaze seemed to pin her to the spot.
"I thought you might like a closer view of our friends...” He pointed out the window.
Samantha turned. She felt David approach as she looked out. Her back tingled and legs trembled. Raven was still close to Lily and there was tension in the air. The animal seemed to circle now slowly.
David whispered, “He has been getting closer for the last couple days.” He circled her as he spoke. “Maybe she does not know what it is that she wants, but all her instinct is crying out for him. And he hears her—and answers.” Samantha backed up to the small railing a couple feet in front of the window inside. David followed. “Look."
Samantha looked outside, seeing Raven creep closer to Lily, then stop. David's breath was warm on her ear. “Panther males take their mates from behind. They stimulate their partner with a bone ... inside their member.” He pressed his erect cock against her. Samantha felt faint. “The female panther signals she is ready by laying on her haunches ... her tail aside to allow him entrance. Are you ready for me, Samantha?"
She leaned back against him, wordlessly. David kissed her neck. Fingers stroked up her sensitive forearms, teasing her flesh. Her breath caught as his hands molded to her breasts, dipping under her shirt to feel her skin. Samantha groaned as his hand contacted her tight nipples.
David pulled the back of her skirt up, hooking his fingers on the top of her white lace panties and tugging them down to her thighs. His hand snaked around to the front to cup the heat of her mound. His fingers searched her slick wetness, rubbing her clit and biting her neck.
She dug her nails in his hand as it moved, moaning. David's fingers moved away, pushing suddenly into her tight flesh, moving his finger in and out as Samantha gasped to his rhythm. Feeling one finger, then two, three.
He knelt down at her feet, kissing the backs of her legs. His hands spread out, feeling her, sucking and licking at her flesh. Samantha gripped the rail to stay upright during his sensual assault. She felt his big hands turn her around. David quickly removed her panties entirely, positioning his head between her thighs.
Her legs rested on his shoulders with her back half over the railing. Samantha felt him explore her wetness with his tongue as she closed her eyes. She could feel the ridge of his nose against her sensitive flesh. Her clit was starting to throb. Blood was rushing in her ears.
David stopped abruptly, only to turn her toward the window, presenting her back to him. Samantha felt naked and exposed as he bent her body. She heard a rumble in his throat, the sound of his zipper. Felt the heat of his cock searching her wet folds, nudging against them, then surging in.
Samantha gasped at his full length. His hands gripped her hips as she pushed back against him. She was losing control. Samantha closed her eyes to the image outside the window of Raven approaching Lily, the sound of their calls as David bit her shoulder gently, moving strongly inside.
She closed out everything except his heat and smell, the sweet, sore stretching of her flesh to accommodate him. She dug her nails in his hands on the railing, pushing back to his movements. Samantha did not recognize the moans as her own. They sounded deeper and strange to her ears. She thought the sounds were from the panthers—mating at last.
* * * *
www.chloewaits.com
[Back to Table of Contents]
My Secret Beauty
© Jolie du Pré
[One]
My Razr's been blaring Madonna at least three times in the last hour. I can tell it's Christy by the Caller ID, and I know she won't leave me alone until I answer.
The girls are going to Sea Breeze tonight, and of course, I'm expected to join them. It's is one of the most popular bars in town, even though some people never get in. You have to stand in line, behind a rope, as if you were at some New York night club. You have to be attractive, and your clothes have to be the latest fashion.
"I've been trying to reach you, like, forever."
"I know."
"You know? Well then, why didn't you answer, dork?"
"I was cleaning my apartment."
"Whatever! Like you really clean."
Christy's right. I never clean. There's so much dust on some of my tables that I could write my name in it. “I don't think I can do the Breeze tonight."
"What? Are you serious? It's ladies’ night! Free drinks!"
"I know, but..."
"No buts, and wear that green dress you bought. You look hot in that. We'll get you around ten."
She hangs up before I can say anything more.
When it's January in Chicago the air is so cold it rips through every inch of my body. Tonight, like most winter nights in the Windy City, all I want to do is relax inside my warm apartment. The only way going out is worth my time at all is because of Erika. She's so incredibly hot.
I've known Christy and Peggy for about ten years and Erika for three. From the moment I first laid eyes on Erika, she's been in my thoughts.
The day I met her, I was playing poker at Peggy's. I remember it because when Erika walked in, I looked at her and promptly lost my concentration.
"Well, what are you gonna do? Bet or what?” Christy had screamed.
"I fold.” My heart was beating hard against my chest, and my brain seemed to go blank.
"Hey, girl! You're late,” Peggy pulled a chair up to the table, right next to mine. “Ladies, this is Erika."
The first thing I noticed about Erika was her creamy brown skin. It doesn't matter how much I smooth my skin with oil and budget my sessions in the summer sun, I can never get it that shade of brown.
Erika is a mixture of many things, mostly African-American, but with some Irish, German, and Native American, too. I wonder what that's like, since I'm not such a kaleidoscope, just Irish and Polish.
Coming Together: At Last, Volume Two Page 14