by Anna Parsons
“Yes, Sir, she does.” Allison leaned in and kissed Evie on the lips. Evie turned a few shades of red, recalling the dungeon and the time they spent in the dressing room earlier in the day, where Allison touched nearly every inch of Evie’s body while she tried on sexy lingerie. “Let me know if you need help picking out some more club wear.”
“Did I miss something?” Dylan looked between his Hope and Allison.
“We both missed it, brother,” Ben chimed in. “As it turns out, all those fantasies we had about what goes on in the dressing room at the lingerie store are all true.”
“Do tell.” Dylan smiled.
“Well…” Ben started. “Not sure exactly what happened, but Allison came home horny as hell. And, they got put out of the store for making out in the dressing room.”
Evie inhaled sharply and opened her mouth to speak, but thought better of it and instead squeezed Dylan’s hand. “Do you want to speak, my Hope?” She nodded. “Go ahead. I can’t wait to hear this.”
“We didn’t get kicked out” was all his Hope said. The Doms laughed. Allison smiled.
“That’s all you want to say?” Dylan asked.
“Yes.” She fidgeted a bit but remained silent.
“Bookends,” Ben said. “I told you, man.” Dylan reached his right hand up to touch his Hope’s cheek, giving Ben a clear view of his wrist. “Well, well, well, what have we here?” Ben asked, touching the platinum bangle.
“I’m hers. She wanted everyone to know it.” Dylan’s eyes never left his Hope.
“Darlin’.” Ben leaned in to look into Evie’s eyes. “There’s not a person here who doesn’t know that. Tagging him is ultra-redundant.” He smiled at her before kissing her cheek once again.
“Don’t listen to him, Hope.” Dylan pushed Ben away. “He doesn’t know what he is talking about. Plus, he’s jealous. Wait till he sees my new Rolex.”
“Rolex? Let me see.” Ben grabbed his arm.
“Calm down, man,” Dylan said, laughing. “Go away, you’re making a scene.” He turned and lifted his left arm as though he was scratching an itch on his shoulder.
“Damn,” Ben said. “Nice. You know…I think I saw her first.”
“Not funny, brother.” Dylan pulled his Hope closer. “She’s mine.”
“No shit.” Ben popped him on the shoulder, took Allison by the hand and walked off.
“Are we done showing off?” Dylan asked.
“Yes, Sir.” Evie was anxious to be alone with her Master, knowing the delightful things that would follow.
Chapter 40:
Good-bye…Farewell
They entered the small apartment moments after the food was delivered. Two trays of amuse-bouche waited, with the aroma titillating them as soon as they walked in. “This looks wonderful,” Dylan said, taking a closer look at the presentation. “What would you like to drink?”
“Water, please,” Evie said, removing her shoes and taking her place on the mat next to the soft brown chenille sofa.
“Water? Not a real drink?” He moved within the small kitchen.
“No, I need to keep my wits about me if we plan to talk.” Evie knelt just like he taught her, palms resting on her thighs, waiting for him to sit before her.
He moved to the living area, bringing a tray of food and the drinks, sitting next to her on the sofa. “I’m starving. You?”
“Yes. I haven’t eaten much over the last few days. Except for lunch today with Allison, I can’t recall my last meal,” Evie said, anxiously looking at the spread of food.
“So…are you going to tell me what happened with Allison today?” He picked up a morsel and touched it to her bottom lip. She opened to him, accepting the bite of food, making sure to touch his fingers with her tongue.
“Nothing really happened,” she said after finishing the delicious shrimp on toast. “She just helped me try on some things.”
“She likes to touch,” he remarked as he selected another bite for her. She sipped her water after taking the food from his fingers. Dylan was becoming more aroused each time that her tongue brushed against his skin.
“She sure does.” His Hope smiled. “But we didn’t get put out. Really.” When he reached to select something new from the tray, she stopped him, making a selection herself. She lifted it to his mouth, touching his bottom lip just as he’d done to her. The feeling of his tongue licking the food from her fingers caused her to gasp slightly. He slipped from the sofa onto the floor next to her.
“Getting closer so you don’t have to reach so far. I like the way this feels,” he said, nodding to encourage her to feed him more. They finished one tray far too quickly, having been too depressed to eat during their separation. He retrieved the other tray, another beer for himself, and the bottle to pour water for her. Taking his seat near her, leaning back against the couch with his legs extended under the coffee table, he reached over and caressed her thigh. He moved another morsel to her mouth. His Hope shook her head.
“I can’t eat another bite,” she said, touching her stomach. “It was delicious. We’ll have to thank Chef Hugo.”
“See”—Dylan tapped the tray—“that’s something you bring that I never exercised before.”
“What?” Evie asked.
“Courtesy. Common courtesy.” Dylan smiled. “Not that I was rude, or unappreciative. I just never took the time to thank people for the things they do. Particularly not employees.”
“I hear you say ‘thank you’ all the time,” Evie protested.
“Yes, but before you they were just words. You make me appreciate getting up in the morning, and being able to live the life that I want to live.” He reached over to caress her cheek. “Before you, it was just existence, not living.” He inhaled into a long yawn.
“You’re tired.” She, too, yawned loudly. “It appears to be contagious.” Dylan scooted back up onto the couch, pulling his Hope with him. He stretched out on his side, snuggling her next to him.
“We’ll take a fifteen minute power nap,” he said into her hair. He was asleep almost before he uttered the final word. Within moments, Evie, too, succumbed.
* * * *
Dylan sat on the steps of the old gazebo with his elbows on his knees, watching the long grass sway in the wind. He could still feel the warmth of his Hope on his arms. Smiling, he looked around for Anne, but instead saw his Hope walking toward him, wearing one of his T-shirts, which swallowed her whole.
“Dylan?” She approached slowly. “What is this place?”
“Hope?” He stood up. “Where did you come from?”
“I’m not sure.” She looked around confused. “I fell asleep in your arms and woke up over there under that tree, with this shirt as a pillow.”
“Hope.” He pulled her into his arms. “This is the place I come to see Anne.” Evie pulled herself away to look up at him.
“This is your place. I shouldn’t be here.”
“Of course you should be here.” The voice came from inside the gazebo. Dylan and his Hope turned to look at Anne standing at the top of the steps. “You two have no more secrets. Do you know where you are, Hope?”
“I’ve seen this place before,” Evie said, looking around. “Near the club. But it’s old and overgrown.”
“This was Anne’s favorite place,” Dylan said.
“Did you bring us here?” Evie asked Anne.
“I did.” Anne walked back up the stairs and took a seat.
“Why?” Evie took a seat next to Dylan across from Anne.
“I need to say good-bye.” She paused, leaning back against the railing. “I’ve been with the two of you for a long time. I wanted Dylan to be happy, and I worked hard to get you two together. I have to say…neither of you was very cooperative.” She laughed, looking at the couple.
“Not sure what that means,” Dylan said.
“You’re as stubborn as an ox,” Anne said to Dylan. “And you’re a bit hardheaded, too.” This time to Evie. “Had I been alive, the two of yo
u would give me gray hair.” She laughed softly. “Have you told him about our time together?” She asked Evie.
“No, not yet,” Evie conceded. “I planned to tell him everything tonight, but we got a bit…distracted.”
“Tell me,” Dylan said.
Evie began explaining about their time in Anne’s hospital room, and the comforting voice in her head, with Anne filling in the gaps, until the whole story was told.
“I’m not sure what to say,” Dylan said, not turning around. “Anne?” He turned to look at her. “You never said a word.”
“No, I didn’t,” Anne said, standing. “It was during the time in my hospital room that I learned who she was, and what she could come to mean to you. After I died, I tried to guide the two of you in the right direction…toward each other.”
“You told me that it was fate. That we were meant to meet.” He looked into Anne’s eyes. “You stacked the deck, Anne. You say that you didn’t manipulate the situation, but you really did.”
“Consider your connections. She lives in your building and she volunteers at our clinic. I had nothing to do with those things. And you two missed meeting each other by moments, each day, for months while I was in the hospital,” she said as she approached Dylan, while Evie sat watching the scene unfold.
“I love her, Anne.” Dylan turned to look at Evie. “Will I still love her once your hands are removed from the situation? Will she still love me?” His Hope stood and walked to him.
“Yes,” his Hope answered. “I’m a part of you now. I’m yours. I love you. Now and forever.” She reached for his hand, and he enveloped hers and brought it to his lips. Then he leaned down and kissed her gently.
“Sorry to interrupt.” Anne cleared her throat behind Dylan. “I brought you here for a reason.” She moved to stand in front of the couple. “I need to say ‘good-bye.’” She moved to the edge of the gazebo. “It’s time for you to move on, and it’s time for me to let you get on with your lives.” She turned to leave.
“Wait.” Dylan released Evie’s hand and walked to his late wife. “This is really the first time that I’ll be without you.”
“You don’t need me anymore, Dylan.” Anne reached up to touch his face, staring into his dark eyes. “Evie is your Hope. Hope is your future. Put everything you have into her and you’ll never be disappointed.” She moved to the side and reached for Evie’s hand. “Hope, he’s yours now. Take care of him. By doing so, you’ll be taking care of yourself.” Anne took her time descending the staircase, knowing that she was fading from view with each step.
Dylan woke, holding his Hope in his arms, his nose buried in her soft hair. Instantly, he remembered the dream. He felt the tears form in his eyes, as he thought about losing his wife for a third time. A sob escaped him, waking his Hope. “Dylan.” Evie opened her eyes, which were also swimming with unshed tears. “I’m sorry. I can’t imagine what you’re feeling.”
“Hope,” he sobbed. “I just want to hold you.”
“I’m not going anywhere.” She burrowed into his chest, as he coiled his body around hers on the sofa. She felt him cry into her hair, allowing his grief to pour over her.
Chapter 41:
Submission
Dylan was exhausted. She washed him thoroughly and put him to bed, where he fell asleep almost instantly. Now, Evie lay nestled against his back as the dawn was breaking. She reached down, rubbing her hand along his burgeoning manhood, causing his breathing to change. He flexed his hips, pushing himself into her hands. Dylan rolled onto his back. “Up, Hope” was all he needed to say. She climbed over his body, placing his hard cock at her entrance. Painfully slowly, she accepted him into her body. He moved his hands to her hips, where she covered his hands with her own. He lifted his hips from the bed, wanting her to move faster to take him, but she would not allow it. Bit by bit, she took him in. She was surprised by her own patience but unhurriedly continued, the pressure growing within her. Dylan was panting beneath her, gripping her hips, leaving his imprint. As soon as he was fully seated within her, Dylan exploded, releasing his seed, feeling their combined juices drip down his sensitive sack to his puckered anus.
Evie laid down on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. When his heart rate normalized and his breathing became steady, Evie raised up, sitting on top of him, just watching him, their bodies still connected.
“Hands above your head, Dylan,” she eventually said. Dylan smirked, but did not move his hands. “Please, Master Dylan, my liege, Sir, hands above your head.” Slowly Dylan moved his hands from her hips, and she watched as they made the slow ascent toward the headboard. He laced his fingers and placed them behind his head, a bemused expression on his perfect face. She lifted herself and caught his sensitive dick before it smacked against his abdomen. Letting it down gently, she lowered herself so that her swollen clit was flush against him. She rubbed herself up and down the length of him, more of his essence slipping from her, lubricating her motion. Her engorged nub continued to swell as she grinded onto him. Their eyes were locked, and their breathing in sync. Evie could feel his cock begin to swell under her. Reaching down, she lifted his hardening cock toward her, giving her better access to her clit. She continued rubbing, now simultaneously jerking him off.
“My Hope.” Dylan lifted his hips to meet hers. Within moments, his cock was again rock hard. He was surprised at how sexy she looked grinding her pussy onto him searching for her release. He felt her huge clit against his shaft, as Evie continued to rock against him. He watched her frown as she stopped short of release.
“I can’t,” Evie said as she continued to grind herself against him.
“It’ll come, Hope. Just relax,” he said gently.
“You don’t understand. Dylan, please!” Evie screamed.
“Please what, Hope?” His hands still locked behind his head, but he was nowhere near as calm as he tried to appear.
“Tell me I can come.” She breathed through clenched teeth. “Please.”
Dylan stared at her in complete awe. His heart swelled at her words, knowing that she was accepting him as her Dom, her Master. Her hips continued to grind, and he could sense her frustration. The feel of her body atop his and the little noises coming from her pushed him to the brink. “Come for me, Hope. Come now.” He spat the words out as he again felt his release build. “Do it! Do it!” He watched as she threw her head back and screamed as her orgasm hit her hard. Dylan lifted his hips as he spent onto her hand and clit. She continued to hold his cock in her hand as she lowered her body onto his. Their breathing came out in pants. It took several minutes for them to steady themselves. “My liege? Really?” His chuckle soon became a full-bellied laugh, which Evie picked up and continued.
“Stop teasing me!” She lifted to look at him. They laughed together as he pulled her back down into his arms.
“I don’t mean to tease you, but that was classic. We’ll have to remember that one.” He brushed her hair back and kissed her forehead. He wasn’t sure why he kept doing that, having never kissed a lover on the forehead, yet it was a sweet gesture that seemed appropriate for his Hope. “I love you, Hope.”
“I love you.” She kissed him. “You are my world.” She laid down on top of him, listening to his heartbeat. “I’m sorry about Anne.”
“I know, my love.” He breathed into her hair. “I’m sad and happy all at the same time. She meant for us to fall in love, and she knew it would happen if we got together. All it took was one look, one connection, one meeting, and her job was done,” he said wistfully. “Now, she’s gone for good. We’re alone now.”
“Never alone.” His Hope lifted her head. “Always together.
“You’re right.” Dylan rolled her onto her back. “We are better together.” He lifted his eyebrows suggestively. “But wait, I need a few minutes.” He scooted off of her, lying on his side.
“Another power nap?” She smiled as he tucked her under his arm.
“Yup.” He yawned. “Shh. Sleep.” His Hop
e laughed and snuggled closer.
Chapter 42:
Question and Answer Period
Dylan stood leaning against the bar in the Rankin family room staring through the picture window, sipping a beer, watching the delightful scene before him, his Hope seated with both sets of parents. He gazed at the four parents coming together because their children were in love with each other. The perfect merger.
“Before we eat, there’s something I need to say.” Dylan moved to stand near the table, looking down into the faces before him. He cleared his throat before starting. “I’m a very lucky man. I have a family that loves me, and I can’t think of a thing that I want that I don’t have…materially, anyway. Years ago, I fell in love and I thought, that’s it, I have all I need. That ended in tragedy, and then I thought, life is over. It’s amazing how things can change on a dime.” He put his hands into the pockets of his loose jeans, every eye watching him. “Then a miracle happened. I met my Hope. I found my future, my destiny, my love. I found the person that I want to spend the rest of my life getting to know, peeling back each layer, becoming her best friend, and her mine.” He watched his mother and Shawna begin to tear up, and the fathers smile broadly. His Hope had a stunned expression. Her mouth dropped open as Dylan turned her chair and dropped down on one knee before her. He opened the top on the pale blue box, revealing the stunning ring nestled inside, surrounded by satin. “Evangeline Hope. Will you marry me?”
She stared at the ring and then at Dylan. Speak, you idiot! The words sounded clearly in her head, but she was having trouble drawing breath. The tears, which had been swimming on the edge of her eyes, spilled over and streamed down her face. Looking into his dark eyes, she found her voice. “Yes” came out as a strangled whisper. He slipped the ring onto her finger and stood, lifting her into his arms. The couple was completely oblivious to the tears, laughter, shouting, clapping, and hugging coming from their parents. “I love you,” she said.