by Amber Stuart
His awakening.
CHAPTER THREE
(3)
Hannah had heard all about the culinary delights that made this region of the Asia-Pacific famous. Not only was it one of the ‘carnal capitals’ of the world, it was equally known for the local food and fare that had been influenced by the influx of international travel to the popular travel destination. Over time, all the many types of Asian food and culture had migrated and could be found in what was formerly known as Hanoi, Vietnam. A galosh and medley of every flavor in the region.
Space station food at Space Command had improved considerably over the decades with world-renowned chefs being brought on staff to feed the inhabitants and employees. It added much needed variety to the dining options for employees. In the meantime, everyone who’d visited Earth had said the same thing.
Go on an eating holiday!
Hannah was doing just that and was in line at a take-out spot that seemed as good as any other, from what she could tell, so far. Although she had her body-guard with her, assigned to her at the porting station when she’d arrived, she didn’t yet have an area guide who’d be assigned to her at Madame Suri’s Pleasure House.
Eager to try something, the yummy smells overwhelming and delighting her olfactory senses, she’d asked the body-guard to take her to one of his favorite lunch spots. He’d smiled and done exactly that. Hannah asked him to order for them both and was waiting to pay. English had long since become the international language of Earth, but Hannah still felt shy about attempting to communicate with the local people.
She needed more time to acclimate.
Although she’d spent her first twenty-four hours on Earth in recalibration care, gaining her earth legs back with the shift from artificial gravity to real gravity, she was still feeling dizzy from time to time. Something normal, from what she’d been advised, for at least the first week or two, while on her visit. It was one reason that Space Command typically wouldn’t approve anything less than a four to six week visit to Earth. Anything shorter was a waste of time.
As it was lunch hour, the place was busy and Hannah was entirely immersed in taking in the environment around her. Everything was new, foreign, different – almost overwhelming. But pleasantly and excitedly so. Just as she’d read, the people were polite, discreet and dare she say, somewhat sneaky. She could sense the kindly nature of the people was razor-sharp with cunning and wit. Warm but still suspect. A fascinating contrast that drew her in.
A few patrons ahead of her, in line, there stood a young man with an amazing physique. He moved elegantly, almost sensually. Dare she say, even sexually? There was an interesting energy about him, something that tugged and pulled and lured one in. She felt her heart start to palpitate more and couldn’t quite understand why he was having such an effect on her?
Once he’d paid and turned around to step out of the line, their gazes locked with one another. His seemed to pour right through her, dare she say, even a flirtatious smile on his face. He had a penetrative gaze that seemed to know no bounds in carnal mischief. It spoke volumes and took her breath away.
Who was he? What was he?
She realized she recognized him, which confused her. Then, in a flash, the profile of the pleasure worker that Trudy had pointed out, came back in her mind’s eye.
She watched him walk away, an easy-going gait that spoke of someone highly aware of their physical grace.
Her excitement grew. She was here for one reason and one reason only. To enjoy the very thing he was all about. What he was capable of offering and sharing. She was more than ready.
o ~ o ~ o
Madam Suri sat down at her computer, placed her feet up on the ottoman before her and sipped at her tea, blowing on it to cool it down. She moved like a geisha girl when she was having her tea, the delicate, feminine elegance of the art and practice of tea-time engrained into her from her earlier years.
Right on time, a call from the Commander of Space Command flickered as incoming. She swiped the ‘accept bar’ on the screen, ready and all smiles for him.
“Commander, right on time as always,” she purred approvingly.
“My pleasure. We’re a prompt organization. How are you today, Suri?” He asked, a firm but flirtatious smile on his lips.
“I’m well, sir. Quite well. All final arrangements are in place for our special guest,” she said softly, her voice switching to a more feminine and submissive tone.
“Good, good. She’s eager to be there. This is a very exciting trip for her.”
“As it should be. She will be getting the best of the best, sir.” Madam Suri assured him.
“Thank you, Suri. I’ve no doubt.”
There was a pause between them, a lull in the conversation that spoke of an intimacy that didn’t need or require conversing. It passed quickly with the Commander finding that, as usual, her effect on him was still the same as it ever was – reverently arousing.
He continued. “Please keep me appraised of any and all interaction between them. Anything at all that seems unique, different, unusual, odd – no matter it be good or bad.”
“Good or bad, sir? As in, a bad experience?” Madam Suri was confused, since he was being somewhat vague, just like the last time they’d spoken.
“Perhaps. I trust your instincts. You’ll know what I mean if something occurs.” He clarified.
Madam Suri decided not to push the issue. It was true, if something was off or different about this guest and her experience while there, Madam Suri would be the first to know about it. Not that she would need a spy-cam or any such tools and devices. No, she would sense it first.
Madam Suri was empathic. An empath.
She nodded her understanding and waited for the next phase of their session. Business first. Then pleasure. Theirs was a shared pleasure that was forty years in the making.
He said the word. Their word.
The one they shared between each other and only one another. The key to starting their interaction. One that would allow them to meet elsewhere, between the veils of space and time, in another place.
Madam Suri was the one who’d initiated the Commander into the e-e, the erotic-ether, a place of being that only required one’s astral and emotional bodies, fired up by the root and sexual core of existence.
She reached through the veil, extending her hand so that he could grasp it. Once she felt contact, she initiated the transfer and soon, they were facing one another.
So began their erotic exchange for the day.
CHAPTER FOUR
(4)
‘We nurture the entire human body. The sensual core, as we call it. In utilizing all the senses, from touch, taste, sound, scent and sight – to help us find our way into the intangible core. The center. Our internal flame.’
Hannah was listening to an introduction of the Sensual Way, by a pleasing feminine voice. Part of the initiation, she was expected to know the basics of the pleasure arts, how the practitioners strived to elevate their clients through body-centric bliss, care and sensual stimulation. The complete experience.
Everything about the place was serene, beautiful, clean, and zen. The feng shui was noticeably enhanced by placement of all elements within the space.
Slate-stone pathways with emerald green moss were what connected the buildings. A continuing, multi-layered and elaborate goldfish and koi pond was woven throughout the facility. The ever-present sound of gurgling water, gentle and simple waterfalls that allowed for varying levels of the pond to collect in fish-filled pools.
Orchids of every type were abundant, many hoisted in the air and gently swaying in their ‘air-pots’. There was the ever-present sound of wind-chimes, and varying types of incense that imbued the air with a spicy and enticing scent.
The entire effect was replete with flowing robes made of nearly opaque cotton worn by the guests and extended visitors, so soft and delicate that it felt she was wearing next to nothing.
&
nbsp; Already, the entire experience was proving to be everything she’d read and heard about. And she hadn’t even met her pleasure escort yet! She’d practically forgotten about him, having indulged so intensely in the embracing womb of the Pleasure House.
It made sense, actually. Being brought into a pleasing, calm and relaxed state of being before moving forward with the sensual caretaking of the pleasure providers.
Hannah was anxious to meet her pleasure provider and had been informed that they would meet today. It was explained to her that their initial time together was to allow her to feel comfortable, acquainted and familiar with him before they began her initiation into the pleasure arts.
She waited patiently, and sensed him arrive before she actually heard his soft steps moving towards her. She was admiring the koi and goldfish pond, entranced by the calming beauty and the pleasing sensual effects of the space.
“Hannah, it’s my pleasure to meet you. My name is Xasper,” said a strong and calm voice from behind her. Laced with audible seduction.
Hannah turned to face him, and smiled shyly. She was so used to being one of the guys at Space Command that she truly had no idea how to behave. She immediately felt foolish and embarrassed. Between them, the flash of recognition happened as they shared the moment of recollection, having encountered one another at the take-out restaurant.
“Hello,” she said, unsure as to what to say or do next.
“Didn’t I see you at the Pho Hut?” Xasper asked.
Hannah nodded, blushing. “I believe so, yes.”
“Did you like the pho?”
“Very much so. It was delicious.”
Xasper nodded, and studied her, blinking in surprise. Hannah wasn’t sure why that made her feel even more nervous, but it did. Heaven knew she spent plenty of time around men all day long.
Why should he have such an effect on her?
“Are you hungry?” Xasper asked.
Hannah nodded softly. “Yes, I am.”
She knew that they were to sit and have a meal together so that they could get better acquainted. Xasper motioned for her to take a seat at the low-lying, black-lacquered table. Its oriental style was beautiful and simple. On either side of it, opulent and bejeweled-colored pillows were available for them to sit on.
She slowly sat down, her breath hitched a bit when he sat down across from her as fluid as a cat. He had a certain physical charisma that she’d never encountered in a man before. She already knew part of the reason.
Xasper wasn’t entirely human. He was part shapeshifter. They were typically exceptional pleasure providers.
She’d done her fair share of research and reading and was finding that she was grateful she’d done so. Otherwise, she would have been completely flummoxed by him and his unique energy signature.
It made better sense now why she’d responded so strongly.
He nodded to a servant who stood just outside the space, patiently waiting to be made useful. “Olly will serve us today. She is very good at being invisible, so to speak. She’s able to anticipate one’s needs. Do you understand?”
“Somewhat, I hope you don’t mind elaborating or explaining for me when needed?” She asked, feeling silly but wanting to be thorough.
“Certainly, Hannah.”
Hannah didn’t entirely understand. She’d read that the art of un-obtrusion was celebrated in this part of the world. Those who normally held a caste status so low, as to be deemed invisible, had recreated their role to be useful via service. It had been groomed into a social art-form and technique. Thus, moving them up the caste system. More servant than slave.
Hannah would soon learn that Olly’s gift to anticipate and tend to all of one’s wishes, desires and needs was how she would be made entirely comfortable for the duration of her stay.
Olly was Xasper’s shadow of sorts, in a utilitarian way.
As she slipped around and near them, she moved so calmly and quickly as to remind Hannah of the amazing martial arts of the region. Hannah liked Olly’s energy field. It was opalescent, pleasing and very gentle. She was indeed, practically invisible.
For the most part, Xasper and Hannah ate in silence with a minimal amount of conversation. she was tuned into the unconscious body language that they exuded and shared with one another. The awkwardness of being strangers was being brought forth and pulled out so that they could eventually relax with one another.
Become acquainted with one another’s energy. Developing a quieter intimacy. One that didn’t depend on conversation but more on observation.
Hannah sipped on the miso soup, nibbled at the sashimi and sushi brought to her for the meal and enjoyed the wonderful green tea of the region. Eating was an immense pleasure for Hannah. One that she had indicated on her reservation at the Pleasure House. She fully intended on indulging in it during her stay.
So far, they were delivering and more than meeting her culinary expectations.
She noticed that Xasper observed her closely as she ate. It wasn’t obtrusive, like he was staring, but more that he watched her mouth and how she handled her chopsticks and food. He seemed pleased and she wasn’t sure why that made her feel good. But it did.
His gaze would graze across her, glances that were seemingly innocent enough, but just beneath the surface, they spoke of a hidden carnality. Hannah could only guess at what all he knew and understood about the lovemaking arts.
She, being a virgin, was absolutely unschooled and clueless.
Willing and ready, over-ready really. But clueless.
And it was as if he could see this anxiety and self-consciousness about her. But he didn’t seem to mind.
“I find it appealing, Hannah,” he said out of the blue, a sly smile on his attractive face.
Startled, wondering if somehow he’d been able to read her mind and hear her thoughts, she blurted out, “What do you find appealing?”
“Your innocence. Your curiosity. Your naivety. All of it, really.”
Stunned, Hannah held her bite of food mid-air, the chopstick hovering in her hand. She set it back down, unable to finish the bite and instead picked up the tea to take a soothing sip. She gathered up the courage to ask. To confront him.
“Can you read other’s thoughts?” She asked, finding herself incredulous.
He shook his head gently. “No, but I can read body language. Very well. Yours speaks to a great deal of innocence and curiosity. A fabulous combination. You’re like catnip to someone like me.”
This surprised Hannah. Delighting her.
“I am?!”
“Yes, you are,” he said, the mischief thick in his voice. He was toying with her.
Hanna found herself blushing furiously. How in the world could he know this much about her private thoughts and feelings, solely from watching her body movements?! Suddenly, she felt naked. More naked than if she was actually nude. Stripped down and bare.
Her breathing increased as did her heart rate. Feeling more nervous than she had ever felt before, she shifted uncomfortably, feeling overly self-conscious.
“I’m sorry, Hannah. I’ve made you feel uncomfortable,” Xasper said, an apologetic look on his face.
Hannah didn’t know how to respond exactly. “Its okay, Xasper. I came here for a specific reason. It should be no surprise to me that you would know this about me. I don’t know why I feel so suddenly uncomfortable…” her voice drifted down to a barely there whisper.
Xasper studied her, his eyes squinting.
“I do. I have an idea. Do you enjoy water? Say, a spa? Would that be relaxing for you?” He asked earnestly.
Hannah nodded, “Yes, I would enjoy that. We don’t get to experience much of that in space. It’s a true luxury. We have to reserve the water tombs, that’s what we call them, months in advance. Our showers are timed too. So, you learn to be super efficient.”
He was listening closely to her, something she liked.
“How about we enjoy
a spa after our meal? A way to get more comfortable with one another while relaxing.”
“I’d like that. It sounds lovely.” Hannah felt some of her discomfort dissipate. The way he tended to her, his concern for her comfort.
“Good,” he said calmly.
They resumed eating and finally were able to engage in small-talk. Xasper shared about the region, people and land around them, revealing aspects of its history. Once their meal was done, Olly had quietly and unobtrusively cleared it away and then escorted Hannah to a changing room where she could change into a swimsuit for the spa.
Hannah was then escorted to a private spa. She settled into the water, delighting in its soothing warmth. Xasper appeared, wearing a pair of skimpy briefs. Loosened up by the liquor that was served with the meal, she found herself admiring his attractive body.
Lean and athletic, he moved with physical charisma. All stealthy and sexy.
He slipped into the water and sat opposite of her. He ran his hands over the top of the steaming water, as if summoning it to be pleasing.
“This feels wonderful…” he purred.
Hanna nodded, closing her eyes to allow herself to fall into the sensuality of the moment. She was in a spa, on Earth, with a pleasure worker and he was practically naked, in the water with her. A part of her wanted to reach out and touch him. Another part of her felt foolish and inexperienced. Uncertain as to what she would do. How she would touch him.
The warm water soothed her, allowing her to relax.
“You’re very beautiful, Hannah,” Xasper said, startling her out of her relaxed reverie.
“I am?” She asked, disbelieving. Then she felt silly, having wished she’d just accepted the compliment and said thank you.
He let out a soft laugh, “Yes, you are. Very lovely, actually…”
Hannah caressed the surface of the water, desperately wanting to avert the conversation away from compliments she found hard to believe in. She sucked in a deep breath.