by Lucy Wild
As the last one faded, I lifted her up, shoving her against the wall, crushing her in place, kissing her neck, caressing every inch of her as I drove her down onto me, her legs around my back.
A minute later and I had to come. "Do it," she said, seeing the hunger in my eyes. "Come in me."
I slammed home again, letting out a grunt of desire as I spurted inside her. She sank against me as I panted for breath, recovering slowly from the best sex I'd ever had.
Five minutes later we stepped out of the office, the only sign of anything amiss being her slightly red cheeks and my loosened tie. She returned to join the others and I continued with the working day, my mind fixed on her. It was to be fixed on her forevermore after that encounter. I would never want another woman again. She was everything I needed and much, much more. She was the light of my life, my eternal Joy.
ELEVEN - JOY
Six months later
I HELD THE OAR loose, letting the tide nudge me along. I felt so relaxed, it was like a dream. Since starting the job, I'd managed to get out in the kayak more often than I expected. One of my tasks was to keep an eye on the island, giving me the perfect excuse to head out there.
The motor boat was available but I preferred to kayak, unable to believe I was getting paid to do so. I made sure to avoid the rocks that had been so dangerous the first time, getting used to the idiosyncrasies of the tidal currents between the island and the mainland, learning with every trip.
Behind me, Rich was in his kayak. It had taken some persuading for him to give it a try but from the first time three months ago, he'd been a natural, joining me as often as he was able.
His camper van was back by the barrier, my car not often needed since we tended to travel places together. We'd walked down to the beach together, a routine that was already familiar enough to feel as if we'd been doing it for years.
Six months we'd been together. That was all. Half a year since I'd first seen him over by the lighthouse. So much had changed since then. I barely spent any time at home anymore, living with him was infinitely preferable, waking up to sex most mornings and with tea brought to me in bed afterwards to reinforce just how wonderful a person he was.
Working for the conservation trust was a dream job just like he was a dream partner. Everyone mucked in with what needed doing. I might have been the admin girl but I'd cleared drainage ditches, chopped down trees, even rescued an injured fox and delivered it to the local vets, all part of my new career.
It wasn't as awkward having Rich as my boss either. After that first stolen session in his office, we'd come to an arrangement. We kept our work and home life separate. In the office, we were consummate professionals. At home, well that was another story. I'd never had so much sex and it just kept getting better the longer we were together.
We reached the secluded bay on the far side of the island, known only to a select few. I scraped the bottom of the shore as I approached the beach, my eye caught by something up by the track that led from the sand to the lighthouse. "What's that?" I asked as I climbed out and stood up in the knee high water.
"Come and see," he replied, taking my hand and leading me up there.
At the edge of the beach someone had laid out a table and two chairs. There was a candle which he lit as I sat down and two silver platters either side of it. He lifted the lids to reveal a banquet. "Voila," he said, nodding towards the jam sandwiches in food bags waiting for me. "With chocolate to follow."
"You know me so well," I said, taking the can of cola he offered.
"Well I couldn't exactly leave a three course meal out in the open."
"When did you set this up?"
"I might have done it yesterday. I wanted it to be special."
"What's the occasion?"
"Six month anniversary or had you forgotten?"
"No, but I'm surprised you remembered."
"Of course I remember. How could I forget the day we met. You sprayed salt water into my face. You don't forget that in a hurry."
I took a bite before looking across at him. "I have some news," I said, my voice quiet. I'd been waiting a week for the right time to tell him and this seemed the moment. I didn't know how he was going to react but I couldn't keep it to myself forever. He had to know.
"Oh, yes?" he said, raising his eyebrows.
"I'm pregnant."
I half winced, waiting for the eruption I irrationally thought was coming. His expression blew me away. He grinned so broadly, I thought he might burst. "That's wonderful!" he said, leaping to his feet and throwing his arms around me.
"You're happy about it?"
"Of course I'm happy about it, why wouldn't I be?"
"Well, it means you might have to get a new admin assistant."
"Might have to get you a bigger kayak too," he replied, planting a kiss on my forehead. "I'm going to be a father. You're going to be a mother. Wow, I mean wow."
I smiled up at him. "I wasn't sure how you'd react."
"Well, now you know."
"Yes," I said as he leaned down towards my lips. "Now I know."
We made love on the beach. It seemed the perfect way to celebrate. Afterwards, we sat together, hand in hand, looking out at the ocean. "I'm glad we met," I said quietly.
"Me too," he replied, squeezing my fingers. "Do they do children's kayaks?"
"I'm sure we can find something suitable." I glanced at the dipping sun. "Want to head back?"
"Not yet. I say we spend a bit longer here. There's something at the lighthouse I want you to see."
"And what might that be?"
"It's small and waiting for you and I'm not saying anything else so you'd better come with me."
I got up, feeling my heart race. Was it what I thought it was going to be? Could he be that sure after six months? But then, I'd been sure after one day that he was the one. So had he. He was right of course, about so many things. I had to resist starting to run, striding up the track and pulling him alongside me. Behind us, the sun continued to set, leaving a red glow across the sky. I barely noticed. I was too busy concentrating on the small velvet box on the doorstep of the lighthouse.
EPILOGUE - RICH
Three years later
THE STEPS COULD DO with a lick of paint, I thought as I headed up them. It had been a while since I'd been to the lighthouse and it needed sprucing up. Life had gotten pretty hectic with the trust getting bigger all the time and a wife and child to look after. I added painting to my never ending to do list in my head.
We made life work though, for both of us. We'd even been successful in raising the funds needed to buy the island. Now it belonged to the community, safe in our hands. There'd been rumours of development on it, of luxury houses being built, holiday homes for millionaires. We managed to prevent that with the purchase, ensuring it was unspoilt, a haven for wildlife, and for us.
I had spent an hour fiddling with the computer, hopefully for the last time. It was finally getting upgraded next month and then trips over here would only be for pleasure, not for work. Three years since I'd last needed to fix it. How different things had become.
I pushed open the door to the metal deck that circled the top, surrounding the refractive lens that shone the beam far out to sea whenever the sun set. For now, the light was off, the blue of the sky matched for brightness by the azure still sea far below. Stepping out into the open, the breeze blew past, bringing with it the sound of their laughing voices.
Walking around until I was facing the ocean, I found Joy and Laura waiting for me. My little girl threw her arms around my leg, clinging on for dear life. "Daddy!" she cried, grinning up at me. "We've been waiting for ever!"
"Have you now?" I replied, kissing Joy before lifting Laura into my arms. "Well, we better head down and get you some dinner then, hadn't we?"
"Not yet," Joy said, holding onto the two of us. Let's just stay here for a minute first. It's been a long time since I've looked at this view."
All we could see was ocean st
retching far to the horizon where a single enormous boat chugged slowly along. I held onto both of them, feeling the happiest I had ever been.
"Whose island is this?" Laura asked, looking down at the ground below us.
"It's yours," I replied.
"Like in the Famous Five," Joy added.
"What's Famous Five?"
"They're in books. I'll read them to you some day."
"Is this really my island?"
"Well, technically it's all of ours, but-" she lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, "-it's mostly yours."
"Yay!" Laura said, squirming down to the ground. "Then let's build a castle here."
"Will a sandcastle do?" I asked as we headed for the stairs.
"I guess so," she replied, and together we descended down to the ground floor. Once there, I gathered up the bucket and spade from their hiding place under the sink and we made our way down to the beach. There was hard work ahead, making a castle strong enough to withstand the incoming tide.
Eventually, the waves took over despite our efforts. The castle was demolished by the inexorable approach of the water but none of us minded. By then, we were too busy eating our dinner together, the outside world forgotten. Me, and my family, all snuggled together. I wanted for nothing else. I never would again.
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ALSO BY THE SAME AUTHOR
Contemporary titles
Daddy Dom – Billionaire Age Play
Daddy’s Here – Bad Boy Age Play
Daddy Play – Millionaire Age Play
Don’t Touch – Dominant Age Play
Jacked - Mountain Man Quickie
Kept Safe – Dark Romance
Last Week – Billionaire Alpha
Playing Games – Dominant Alpha
Saving Hope – Billionaire Secret Baby
Study Hard - Tutor and Student
Historical titles
A Little Wager – Victorian Submission
Little Conspiracy – Victorian Spanking
Obedience – Five Spanking Stories
Pretty Little Rose – Victorian Spanking
The Sting of Pleasure – Fifteen Historical Romances
If you enjoyed this, you may also like the next Wild Quickie. Turn the page to sample the first few chapters of Trapped.
ONE - ISOBEL
The only sound in the wood is that of my own footsteps. Around me the snow is softly falling, an unexpected joy on top of the stunning beauty of the forest. The gap between the trees is wide enough for the white flakes to flutter down between the outstretched boughs, settling silently on the bed of pine needles at my feet.
I stand still for a moment, watching as the forest floor gradually turns white. At first it’s only a few tiny specks among the muted browns and greens of late autumn. Then more and more as the snow falls heavier. The colours fade, leaving pure white that's almost too bright for my eyes.
It’s unusual for it to snow at this time of year but I’m glad of the spectacle. I can't wish for a more perfect view than that of the woodland turning into Narnia. It shows just how naive I am that I see only beauty, not the danger fast approaching, racing towards me without making a sound. I have no idea just how much trouble I'm about to walk into.
I hadn’t planned a walk in the forest, especially not today. I’m in the middle of moving from Durham to York, a half day drive. The removal truck set off first thing and I follow until we get separated on the motorway. They have the keys ready to unload at the other end so I'm not worried, deciding to take the coast road and then travel across the moor top, take a look at the scenery, distract myself from the stress of thinking of how much unpacking I'm going to have to do when I get to my new house.
I reach Cropton forest a little after twelve, deciding to take a break amongst the trees, have a stroll and clear my head. I walk for a couple of miles along a track that winds slowly uphill before descending again and as it does so, I realise that for the first time in as long as I can remember, there is no sound at all. The woodland around me dulls the wind, I am at peace. It is wonderful. I think it can get no better. Then the snow starts to fall.
At home, it’s not like that. I correct myself. That’s not home anymore. That’s the house where my parents live. My home is going to be a houseshare with three people. How much room will there be for my things? I have no idea, I haven’t even seen the place, I’ve just emailed back and forth with the man who owns it. I tell myself to relax, the woods are not the place for worrying.
I am glad of the quiet, of the break from the constant noise of arguing, the TV on full volume, the radio in my baby sister’s room blasting out, competing with her ever running hair dryer. This is so much better. No noise at all. Total silence.
I hear a twig snap to my left and I glance that way. Amongst the trees, a man is walking. He looks the rugged outdoors type, presumably on some thirty mile route march with a bit of tree climbing and bear wrestling thrown in for fun. I call out a greeting and he glances at me. He looks fucking hot when I see his face properly. I wave but he just looks away before vanishing.
“Friendly,” I say to myself as I decide I don’t want to walk the same direction as someone rude enough to not say hello back. That’s my first mistake. My second is not turning back as the snow begins to fall heavier still, soaking through my jacket. “Watertight, my ass,” I say out loud as I feel the dampness against my arms grow more pronounced. The jacket is supposed to be impervious to weather. It’s not.
I stand still only after walking another half mile or so. I expected the edge of the wood to be visible by now. I’m sure I’m curving round back towards my car, parked at the roadside and waiting for me. The first thing I plan on doing is putting the heating on full, I’m starting to get cold, my toes growing numb as water from melting snow seeps in drop by drop.
I’m in trainers because this is an impromptu walk. It’s turning into an impromptu slog. I try not to think about my parents, knowing exactly what they’d say if they knew where I was.
“You think you’re grown up but you’re not, Isobel.” Dad looking down his glasses at me, Mum beside him, looking down her nose like I was so far beneath her she could hardly see me without squinting. “You’re still just a child.”
Mum agreeing. “You can’t even go for a walk in the woods without getting lost, how are you going to survive in a new house without our help?”
What do they know? I am twenty years old, I'm not a child anymore. I had lived with them long enough. It's time to spread my wings, or as I put it to them, “How am I going to learn to be an adult if I stay here my entire life?”
Are they right after all? I am getting cold and wet and becoming increasingly nervous as the tracks around me don't seem to be heading anywhere but deeper into the forest. As I walk, what paths I can see vanish under the white, leaving me more lost than ever. I turn around, thinking that perhaps I can follow my footprints back the way I came. It works at first but the snow has fallen heavily since I began and after a few hundred metres, they're gone. All I can see is a blanket of white surrounded by trees that no longer seem beautiful, now they seem to be mocking me.
I stand still, closing my eyes and trying to think. It has to be back that way. I'm sure of it. I walk left from where I was, slipping as I trip over a hidden tree root. I regain my balance and walk on, breathing a sigh of relief as I spot a set of footprints weaving their way through the trail. They don’t belong to my feet, they belong to someone wearing heavy boots. But they have to go somewhere and if I’m quick, perhaps I can catch up with the person who made those tracks, see if they have a map, or a phone. I left mine in the car, not wanting to deal with the ongoing pleading messages from my parents to change my mind, to come back, put their minds at rest.
I can make it on my own.
I just have to find my way out of the forest first. I step into each footprint as I walk off the trail and into the gloom, the trees growing denser, the branches brushing past me, dropping more snow onto my arms as I try to walk faster, wanting only to be safe and warm, not knowing the danger I’m walking towards, the danger that's waiting for me a few feet around the corner.
TWO - ASH
I turn to look at her, furious at her hollering like that, ruining the peace of the wood. The first thing I think is that I can silence her pretty effectively by slamming something of mine into her mouth.
She looks fucking incredible, even with that hood up. She looks as pure as the snow surrounding her and that thought is enough to turn me away. I can’t look at her any longer. If I do, she won’t stay pure any longer. She’ll be corrupted by me. All I’ll do is damage her.
It’s for her own good that I walk on, not that she knows it. I glance around when she thinks I’ve gone, watching her pout in my direction before she turns and heads away. From where I am, I could reach her in seconds. She could have those trousers of hers yanked down and I could be in her an instant later. The thought makes me rock hard.
Does she know the risk she’s taking, walking into the woods where the big bad wolf lives? Obviously not or she wouldn’t be drawing attention to herself so much, crashing through the undergrowth so loudly, I could hear her half a mile away.
I want to teach her a lesson. I want to teach her that stupid little girls who go where they shouldn’t get into trouble. But I don’t. I know the trouble it would cause. It would force me back into a world I willingly left behind when I moved here. I didn’t come here looking for a woman, I came here to be alone, to try and overcome my past. It worked. Until she appeared.