Four Shades of Recovery: Boxed Set

by J. S. Luxor

  “Will Abby sleep for a while, then?” I am excited to know that she’s moving toward awareness.

  “Yes, when patients fully regain their consciousness, they do so after restarting their normal sleep/wake cycles. She needs all of her energy to reach that final hurdle. Abby will easily sleep through the night now,” he assures me.

  I’m exhausted myself. “Then, it’s alright if I return to the condo and get some sleep as well?”

  “Take your time, Ms. Pine. Call before heading back to the hospital on Monday. We may have moved your mother to a private suite by then,” his encouraging smile sends me home in a great mood.

  I fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow. Rush sleeps on the living room couch. I keep my phone plugged in but turned on in case Matt calls.

  Soon, I move into a dream state. In my dream, I’m running as fast as possible down a hospital corridor. When I look through the window in the door of the corridor, I see Michael Kingsfield’s face on the other side. His expression looks wicked. I race to the door on the other end of the hallway. Matt’s face looks through the window. He’s frightened and anxious. I open the door and run to his arms. It’s the most soothing feeling in the world.

  I wake up at three in the morning in a mass of tangled sheets and I’m covered with sweat. When I open my eyes, I notice that someone’s in the room with me. He’s sitting in a chair across from where I sleep. I suck in a deep breath and am about to let out a blood curdling scream when I realize that the man is Matt. He’s dozing in the chair. I quietly get out of bed, use the toilet, and rinse my mouth out with Listerine. Then I tiptoe back into my bedroom. I gently tap Matt on the shoulder.

  He startles and then remembers where he’s located. “Megan, you’re awake!” he exclaims while still groggy.

  “How did you get into the condo?” I ask but realize that Jared probably got a call and buzzed him up.

  “I pay Rush good money to do my bidding,” he jests.

  “When did you arrive, Matt?”

  “The flight landed around midnight and I got here at 1pm. You were sleeping soundly and I didn’t want to disturb you.”

  “Well, I’m so happy to see you, baby.” I kiss him soundly. “Would you like to join me for some rest?”

  “With that kind of kiss I have no intention of resting, Megan,” he claims. I help him remove his clothing and we show each other a great time. He’s a tender and thoughtful lover tonight. I’m the one who’s a bit feisty as we go for a second round of connection.

  “Hell, I’ve missed you, Megan,” he huffs as we reach a simultaneous orgasm together.

  “I’ve more than missed you Matt. I need you so desperately,” I add as I hold him tenderly. “You’re the best, baby.”

  He beams with absolute joy before we both fall asleep in each other’s arms.

  Chapter Two – Payback

  MEGAN’S POV

  I awaken with Matt’s long limbs wrapped around me. I’m warm but appreciate the fact that my savior’s joined me in Miami. I gaze at his inspiring face for a few minutes and then wiggle my way out from under his embrace. Nature calls!

  As I wash up in the bathroom, I speculate about what Matt’s next move will involve in the chess match between two masters. Humiliation and kickboxing have resulted seemingly in more pain for, not only us, but many others. I shudder when I think about what Michael or Matt might do next. Hopefully, Matt has a new and improved plan in mind for this next round.

  Matt stirs when I enter the bedroom and he reaches for me. I lean down and give him a brief kiss.

  “Good morning, Mr. Frazier,” I greet him with enthusiasm.

  He tugs me down beside himself on the bed. I sit next to his still prone body. He kisses my hand. “That was a great welcome to Miami last evening, Megan!”

  “Glad to know you enjoyed my southern hospitality, Matt, because I most definitely liked showing you around,” I assert with conviction.

  “Care for an encore?” he tempts me.

  “How about if I make us some breakfast while you tell me about your brilliant plan to defuse our nemesis, Michael Kingsfield?”

  “I agree to the breakfast but request your presence with me in the shower,” he pleads with the most adorable blink of his hazel eyes. “In regards to Michael, you’ll have to wait a bit longer.”

  I nod my agreement. “I’m feeling just a bit sticky this morning. Our love fluids have dried on my skin, hair and face. They need to be purged from my body!”

  He laughs as I pull him off my rather modest queen sized bed. “I guess this is your bedroom?” Matt asks as he looks around the sleeping quarters.

  “Well, it’s certainly not Abby’s bedroom,” I chuckle. “Yeah, this room was my base of operations when I lived and worked with my mom,” I explain.

  “Michael Kingsfield has never slept here, right?” he queries. He’s always ready for a pissing contest.

  “No, he’s never laid eyes upon my bedroom. I can’t vouch for Abby’s private space however. She may have tried him on for size, though I’d never dare ask.” The image of them together nauseates me.

  Matt’s smile dazzles me. We head to the shower.

  I turn toward the glass enclosure and start the warm water. My shower head can be hand held or attached to a holder. I decide to tease Matt a bit. He pulls off his t-shirt and boxers. Then drops them in front of my bathroom sink. His lovely tool swings free. It’s already thick and happy to see me naked. I smile seductively as he looks me up and down. He squeezes my ass gently when he enters the shower. Matt moves with such grace and elegance.

  “What a great sight to start my day,” he announces while pulling me gently into his arms. The warm water cascades around us as we kiss. He hugs me tight as I wrap my arms around his neck. I feel his erection building between us. Matt reaches for a sponge and body wash. He rubs my body thoroughly and chuckles as the sponge touches every inch of me.

  “You’ve got curves in all the right places, Megan. You’re lovely,” are his comments as he gently massages and caresses me.

  I bask in his praise then look him up and down with approval. He looks like a god, of course. Now would be the perfect time to surprise him. I take the shower head and spray his private parts. He responds with humor as I vary the intensity of the spray. His mega-watt smile spreads from ear to ear as I continue my assault. Finally, Matt wrests the showerhead from my hands and returns the gesture. I giggle with delight as he stimulates my sensitive labia with jets of water. Our shower takes a very long time!

  I finally call the hospital to check on Abby after we finish our omelets. She’s still soundly dreaming in the REM mode. Matt talks on his phone with someone he’s familiar with. I’m guessing it’s a member of his staff. They appear to be making plans. Hmmm.

  MATT’S POV

  I’m more than pleased with Megan’s response to my visit. Nothing can compare to the feelings we share during the height of passion. Sex with my lady love constitutes the single best experience of my existence. I suspect that Megan feels the same way but she’s reluctant to embrace her vulnerabilities. I’m slowly wearing her down; convincing her that I’m the best thing around. My smile stretches from ear to ear as I think about Megan’s clear preference for me instead of Michael Kingsfield.

  The Michael Kingsfield situation could actually be a catalyst for our relationship. That is, if I handle it in just the right way. I need to think of Michael as a business associate. I’m accustomed to handling delicate negotiations when I broker deals at work. Therefore, I refuse to think of him as a rival for Megan’s affection. It soothes me to know that Megan didn’t have a sexual hookup with Michael. She wants sex with me; he nauseated her. I do a mental fist pump at that thought.

  My plan for dealing with Michael Kingsfield involves a two-pronged approach. The first concerns a distraction related to real estate. I knew that his assistant, Jacob, flew to Portland to explore different options for expanding their successful condominium development. Therefore, Michael Kingsf
ield won’t be surprised to learn that another party in Portland wants to partner with his firm.

  I used my influence to convince a colleague, a prominent investor in the northwest, to broker a deal. I’m the silent and unknown third party to their agreement. It’s a major play and one that will usurp most of Michael Kingsfield’s attention for the next few weeks. My investor colleague contacted Michael directly to propose developing his prime bay-front real estate with the architectural plans designed by Michael Kingsfield’s firm. Kingsfield spent several hours on the negotiations with him yesterday. That’s probably why he didn’t bother Megan and Paul much at the hospital. He’s mostly than interested in expanding his growing real estate empire. Portland would add a shiny new jewel to his crown.

  The second part of my plan involves more risk. I contacted two former BDSM associates. It’s been well more than a year since I’ve seen or heard from either one. Jillian Kitner initiated me into the world of Doms and submissives years ago and we eventually became business partners before Megan encouraged me to break off all ties. Megan despises Jillian with a passion.

  I’m glad that I made a clean break from Jillian by ending our association on a positive financial note. I deeded her my half of the partnership a year ago with no strings attached. Jillian owes me a favor. I flew her to Miami in my private jet last evening. Megan would go ballistic if she heard about that. However, it gave me time to plan a strategy with Jillian about how she’s to interact with Michael. She’s a clever and persuasive woman. As far as she knows, Jillian’s functioning as a high-level document courier.

  The second contact involved a former submissive who fell in love with me and then harassed both Megan and myself while in the throes of a psychological meltdown. Once again, I used my financial resources to assist Marissa in obtaining therapy and further her education. She’s been living and recovering in the northeast U.S. for the past 1.5 years. She’s also owes me a favor. I had her flown in from Connecticut this morning. Marissa’s to meet with Jillian and put my plan into action today.

  Since I’m the crucial and silent third party to the real estate deal going down in Portland, I want Jillian to function as a contact to bring Michael key documents that require his signature. She’s already arranged to meet with him at noon and in Atlanta. Jillian would attract any middle aged man’s attention. She knows how to dress and behave in a professional manner. She’s not the bait, however. Her role involves explaining the documents. I spent two hours training Jillian about the various documents on the plane.

  I’ve given Jillian just enough information about Michael Kingsfield’s past to let her know that he’s lonely and grieving for his wife. She knows nothing about his relationship with Megan.

  “The plan concerns getting his attention, building some trust and then letting him see Marissa. Marissa might appeal to Michael because she looks so much like his former wife,” I tell Jillian without ever mentioning Megan.

  As I discuss the situation with Jillian, I add, “Marissa could teach Michael a thing or two about sex, although she’s no longer working as a submissive. Further, she’s now in school and needs a sugar daddy to support her.”

  Jillian shakes her head and snorts at my comment, “You with your sex and economic angles. I hope Marissa feels properly motivated to have a go with him. Why do you want to help Michael Kingsfield with his love life?”

  “Let’s just say I want to smooth the way with this business deal,” I explain easily.

  The truth is, I’ve helped Marissa financially for a long enough time. This plan, if successful, could get me off the hook with Marissa’s economic needs. Megan will be pleased to know about that. Marissa and Jillian know nothing about the past relationship between Megan and Michael. In fact, neither woman has any idea that Megan and I have gotten back together.

  Jillian’s to meet with Marissa this morning. Marissa’s going to play the role of Jillian’s assistant. She’ll bring documents to Michael after his initial discussion with Jillian. Both women are under strict orders to avoid mentioning any association with me. I’ve had them sign documents to that effect.

  There’s a risk to this plan. Michael may or may not be attracted to Marissa.

  I tell Jillian, “I’ve purchased clothing for Marissa and hope you’ll instruct Marissa about her appearance. Since you run a business that involves looks, you’re the expert on what women and men desire as far as appearances are concerned.”

  She smirks in response, “So do you want me to tell Marissa to make a pass at Michael after their second meeting?”

  “She should behave in a modest manner until then. If Michael takes the bate, it’s up to Marissa to decide whether or not she wants to have sex with him.”

  “You are truly weird, Matt,” Jillian chuckles. She has no idea what motivates my plan.

  “The upside for Marissa entails finding someone who could support her financially. If the spark exists, they could begin a longer term relationship. Who knows where that might go? Perhaps I’m a matchmaker,” I remark dryly and smile a bit.

  “A matchmaker with dollar signs in his eyes,” Jillian tuts with a sarcastic tone to her voice.

  I continue the training of Jillian. “All Marissa really knows is that you need someone to assist you with a major real estate deal. You can tell Marissa about Michael, the lonely and wealthy multimillionaire, and his status as a widower. You should also mention that Marissa happens to look a great deal like his deceased wife. If Marissa plays her cards well, Michael might pursue a relationship with her.”

  “Hell, Matt, if I were twenty years younger, I’d dye my blonde hair brown and make a play for him myself,” she observes. “I’ve seen his pictures. He’s a good looking middle aged guy. And, with his kind of financial success, he’d make most women quite happy.”

  I smirk with pleasure. That might work, although I’m guessing Jillian’s not his type. “If you want to make a play for him, that’s fine with me. However, you’re never to mention my name in his presence. Agreed? I want this real estate deal to succeed more than anything I’ve ever desired.”

  She nods her head in agreement. I’m paying her a small fortune to play her role. It’s ShowTime.

  Chapter Three – Seduction

  JILLIAN’S POV

  Matt must really trust me with this high-end deal and it’s not simply because of my business sense. I’m sure he wants to lure this fellow in on several levels. Matt knows that when it comes to sex, I’m a pro at the angles. I can’t wait to meet this Michael Kingsfield, high roller. I’ve known Marissa from the past a bit but wonder about her capacity to approach a client in the appropriate way. I need to set her straight about her role. My phone signals. Marissa’s on the line.

  When Marissa enters the business suite at my hotel, I can see why Matt selected her as a submissive. She’s got the look and the attitude. Her long brown hair, pale complexion, blue eyes and thin build call to mind images of his alcoholic mother. She’s less than 25 years old. He wanted to punish that mother. Perhaps Mr. Kingsfield has BDSM tendencies as well. No matter. We can play it straight or kinky. I may even want Kingsfield for my submissive. It’s always a joy to bring the high and mighty to heel.

  “Hello, Marissa. It’s good to hear your voice again,” I utter.

  “Yes, it’s been a long time, Mrs. Kitner,” she replies with a soft tone of voice. She’s a pushover.

  “Has Mr. Frazier explained what he needs you to do?” I get right to the point. There’s no time to lose.

  She sounds quite robotic. “My role involves being a courier. Like bringing, scanning, faxing and mailing real estate documents between you and the client.”

  “Yes, of course, but what about using your skills?” I probe.

  “Do you mean flirting or possibly encouraging a relationship with this client?”

  “Yes, apparently, you look like the sort of woman he desires,” I continue.

  “Well, I no longer function as a submissive, if that’s what you mean. I made a cl
ean break of it since I began taking college classes again. But, if he wants a straight relationship, I can explore that with him.”

  “Let’s start slowly. On your first meeting, smile demurely and don’t wear sexy clothing. Offer to help him with the documents by showing him where to sign, copying and the whole nine yards. You can do that, right?”

  “Oh, yeah, of course. He’s a successful middle aged man, and I’ve had plenty of clients from that sort of background. That used to be my specialty, that is, working with powerful men who wanted total control over a woman.” She smirks at some memory I can’t fathom.

  “For your first meeting, I think you should behave in a compliant and professional manner. If he shows interest, then we can notch it up a bit.”