The Queen of Diamonds

by Raven Cavalleu

  When Nikki's eyes finally met hers in the mirror, Alex almost moaned at the desire she saw there. She slowly turned around, watching as her eyes began to drift downward. She saw them pause on the scars again before continuing on, and became self-conscious. She placed one hand over the largest of the scars on her thigh, and dropped her eyes to the floor.

  Nikki saw her discomfort, and dropped to her knees in front of her. She reached out, removing Alex's hand from her thigh, and kissed her palm. "There is no need to be ashamed, my love." She leaned forward and placed several kisses along the ridge of skin. "You are beautiful, and this scar is beautiful because it reminds me of the wonderful, selfless person you are." Alex looked down at her with tears in her eyes, and gave her a tentative smile. "I love you. You will always be the most beautiful woman in the world to me, even when we are old and gray."

  "Are you sure?" Alex asked as she searched Nikki's face.

  "I've never been more sure of anything in my life." She stood and pulled her into her arms. "I love you with every fiber of my being, and that will never change."

  Alex buried her face in Nikki's neck, inhaling deeply. She bit back a moan as she ran her hands over the bare skin of her back, and closed her eyes as she enjoyed the feelings Nikki stirred in her. "I love you too, mia cara." She pulled back and stepped out of her arms. "Now, hurry up and get ready for bed. I need to feel your hands on me."

  Nikki's knees grew weak at the desire she heard in her voice. "Yes, dear." She watched the sway of her hips as she walked out of the room. When Alex disappeared through the doorway, she turned and began to prepare for bed.

  Alex stood beside the bed, and watched as Nikki entered the room, dropping her clothes in the hamper. She reached up between her breasts and unhooked her bra. She slowly separated the two halves, revealing her breasts, and making Nikki pause. "While I enjoy your eyes on them, mia cara, I was hoping to have your mouth and hands on them as well." She dropped her bra to the floor, and gradually removed her panties. "Maybe you'd prefer to just stand there and watch?" She smiled when she saw Nikki swallow, and her nipples harden. She shook her head as Nikki took a step towards her, causing her to stop in her tracks.

  Nikki watched hungrily as Alex leisurely ran her hands over her hips, and up to cup her breasts. Her mouth began to water as she witnessed her pinch and tweak her nipples into stiff peaks. Her hands flexed as if to reach for her, but she stayed rooted to the spot as she watched Alex begin to pleasure herself.

  Seeing the desire in Nikki's face spurred her on, and she twisted her nipples harder. She felt herself grow wet as she watched Nikki watching her. She stood in front of her, and took her hands, leading her over to the side of the bed. She stopped several feet away and said, "Stay right here and watch." She backed up to the bed, and sat down, her eyes never leaving Nikki. She slowly spread her legs, revealing the wetness that now coated her thighs.

  Nikki couldn't take her eyes from her as she groaned, "My God, you are so beautiful."

  In that moment, Alex felt the confidence she'd felt before Jo had destroyed it, and reveled in the feeling. "What do you want to do, Nikki?" she asked.

  Nikki licked her suddenly dry lips, and clenched her fists at her sides. "I want to touch you."

  "Tell me how."

  Nikki raised her gaze and met Alex's eyes. She smiled at the confidence and desire she saw there, and knew this was something Alex needed. She took a deep breath, and began to tell her exactly what she wanted to do. "I want to cup your breasts, and suck on the nipples until they are hard." She watched as Alex's hands traveled up her body to cup her breasts, and began to pinch the nipples. She felt her own harden even more at the sight of her hands doing what she wanted. "I want to run my hands down over your abdomen, and slowly spread your legs." Her knees grew weak as Alex's hands did her bidding. Her voice now hoarse, she continued. "I want to run my fingers through your slick folds, and slip one inside." She reached up and began to squeeze her own breasts as she watched Alex touch herself.

  Alex's eyes fluttered closed briefly as she ran her fingers over her clit, through her well lubricated slit, and slowly inserted one finger. She heard a moan and wasn't sure if it was her or Nikki. She opened her eyes and watched as Nikki fondled her breasts, her eyes locked on Alex's hand. "Nik, my love, are you wet for me?"

  "Incredibly wet," she answered as she slowly spread her legs, revealing herself to Alex's probing stare.

  Alex gasped when she saw the wetness beginning to run down the inside of Nikki's thighs. "Oh baby," she groaned. "You want me that much?"

  "More," she replied, her voice throaty with desire.

  Alex stilled her hand, leaving it between her legs as she said, "I'm yours. Take me to heaven, cara."

  Nikki's eyes never left hers as she walked up to the bed. After settling beside her, she said, "You are a horrible tease." She ran her hand down between Alex's breasts to her hand at the apex of her thighs. She grasped her hand and gently removed it, bringing it up to her lips. "Now it's my turn." Her eyes met Alex's as she gradually licked her fingers clean. Alex moaned at the feel of her licking and sucking on her fingers. Nikki leaned down and left a trail of kisses from her temple to her cheek before lightly sucking on her earlobe. Alex ran one hand over her shoulders as she buried the other in her hair. Nikki pulled back and looked down at her. "You need to place your hands on the bed my love. You don't get to touch right now, just watch and feel."

  Alex placed her hands palms down on the bed beside her and waited. She hummed her approval as Nikki found the sensitive spot on her neck, nuzzling gently. She closed her eyes, and threw her head back as Nikki kissed her way down the long column of her exposed throat to her collarbone. "You make me feel so good, Nikki."

  She continued her exploration of Alex's body as she kissed her way from her shoulder to her breasts. She pressed her hands into the bed as she used her lips and tongue to drive her crazy. She worshipped first one breast then the other, refusing to touch the ever-hardening nipples. She ignored Alex's sounds of frustration and attempts to get her nipples into her mouth, and continued to tease. She looked over and saw Alex's fist clutching the covers to keep from touching her. She blew a breath across the stiff peak just inches away and smiled when she moaned, her hips thrusting upwards. "Please, baby," Alex whimpered.

  The need in her voice was heady, and Nikki felt herself grow even wetter. She swirled her tongue around her right breast, just outside the areola. "I love you, Alexis," she said as she sucked the stiff peak into her mouth, biting down lightly. She ran her hand down her side, over her hip, and hummed her approval as Alex spread her legs for her. She released the right nipple, and turned to the left. As she cried out in pleasure from the sucking pressure at her breast, Nikki swiftly entered her with two fingers.

  "Oh my God, Nik." Her hands left the bed, and tangled in Nikki's hair. "Oh God, that's so good."

  Nikki thrust harder as she felt her hips rise. She could tell she was getting close to climax, and pulled out of her completely. She used her fingers, wet with her juices, to paint circles around her nipple. As she whimpered, Nikki leaned down and licked the nectar from her breast. "Mmm…you taste so good." She began to kiss her way down her body, and settled between her legs. Alex lifted her hips, thrusting towards her mouth. "You want my mouth on you?" she asked as she grasped her hips, pinning them to the bed.

  "Please," Alex begged breathlessly.

  Nikki leaned down, and began to deliberately run the flat of her tongue over the slick folds before her. She took her time as she licked her from bottom to top, carefully avoiding her engorged clit. She ran her tongue up one side and down the other, dipping inside before making another circuit.

  "Oh yes, Nik. That's so good." She ran her fingers through Nikki's hair, and clasped her shoulders. "Please, baby."

  She continued her leisurely exploration until she could no longer understand Alex. She pulled back and looked up over her flat abdomen, past her ample breasts to her desire filled eyes. "English, my
love. Tell me in English." She watched as Alex struggled for words, her hands trembling as they ran through her hair.

  Alex struggled to take a deep breath as she stared into Nikki's love filled face. "Ho bisogno di…" She closed her eyes and tried again. "Please, Nik. I need to come. Please let me come for you."

  With Alex's pleas ringing in her ears, Nikki leaned down and sucked her clit into her mouth as she entered her with two fingers. Within seconds, Alex came screaming her name. She slipped out of her and crawled up to kiss her. She gasped as Alex slipped one leg between hers and pressed it against her clit. She pressed her own thigh against Alex's molten center as she rode her thigh to climax.

  Alex came a second time as she felt Nikki come apart in her arms, the force of her climax setting her mind adrift. She felt her lie down beside her and pull her close. As she threw one leg over Nikki, she accidentally rubbed her sensitive flesh across her leg, causing another round of spasms to wrack her body.

  Nikki wrapped her arm around Alex and they both quickly fell asleep.

  Chapter Eleven

  Alex worked feverishly on her book over the next several days while Nikki was at work. She knew she wouldn't be able to work while they were out of town, and wanted to get as much done as possible in the meantime. The time not spent writing was spent in her lover's arms. As their relationship blossomed, her confidence grew, and it became evident to those around her. Rachel brought it up in their meeting that Wednesday.

  "You're a completely different person these days than you were when you first came home," Rachel commented as she leaned back on the couch and watched Alex settle into the recliner.

  She gave Rachel a devilish grin as she replied, "I hope you like this version, Ray, because this is me. I'm finally getting myself back after years of being someone else to try and make others happy."

  "I like it, and am looking forward to seeing what comes next. I have a feeling we're in for one hell of a ride."

  Alex chuckled. "I hope everyone can handle it. I'm never going to change who I am so fundamentally for another person ever again."

  Rachel clasped her hands in her lap as she thought about her comment. As their eyes met, she asked, "What about Nikki? Will you change for her?"

  Alex looked away from her probing gaze as she considered the question. "Small concessions must always be made in a relationship, but the radical and fundamental personality changes are done. I shouldn't have to change who I am for her to love me. That lesson has been learned." She looked back at Rachel and wondered where the question had come from. "I had forgotten how it felt to like who you are. I've still got a few things to work on, but I’m starting to like who I am again. I don't want to lose that."

  Rachel nodded as she stared out of the back window overlooking the lake. After several moments of silence, Alex couldn't stand it any longer and asked, "What are you thinking?"

  Rachel looked at her with a bewildered expression. "Sorry. I was just wondering what it would be like to not like who you are. I can't imagine. No matter how bad things have ever gotten, I've always had myself." She shook her head, perplexed, and lifted her hands as if to say she gave up. "I just can't imagine."

  Alex gave her an understanding smile. "I'm very glad to hear that, for your sake. Trust me when I say it is not a good place to be."

  She nodded as she looked at her clasped hands. "I'm sorry, Alex. I should have caught that. I feel like I've failed you as a therapist."

  "Far from it, Ray. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you and your family."

  She looked up as her brow furrowed. She was instantly concerned with the tone and inflection in Alex's voice. "What exactly do you mean by that?"

  Alex stared out of the windows and gathered her thoughts. 'It is time to stop holding back, Alex.' She took a deep breath and responded. "I've had several doctors tell me that there is no medical reason why I didn't wake up the first week after the accident. My head injury wasn't bad enough to keep me in that coma for so long." She pulled her legs up onto the seat of the recliner, tucking them under her. "I stayed in that coma because I didn't want to wake up. I had no reason to." She saw Rachel's eyes widen. "After three years of abuse, and two years trying unsuccessfully to move past it, I was ready to give up. Life no longer held any appeal."

  "As your friend, that makes me very sad." Rachel paused as she thought about her next words. Alex sipped her iced tea and waited patiently for her to continue. "You have come to mean a great deal to my family. I don't ever want you to feel that way again. I'm sure Dani and Nikki would agree with me. Please tell me if you ever feel like giving up again."

  Alex looked at her suspiciously. She watched her closely as she asked, "Is there something you need to tell me, Rachel?" She looked confused by the question and slowly shook her head. "First you ask me about changing for Nikki, and then you say that. What do you expect me to think?"

  As understanding dawned, she began to shake her head vigorously. "No, Alex, absolutely not. You know Nikki simply adores you. You just misunderstood my concern." She slid forward, sitting on the edge of the couch as she tried to convince her. "I was taken aback by your confession of apathy towards life. You always seemed so full of life, and enjoyed it so."

  Alex held up a hand, stopping her. "Before you met me, or after?"

  As she thought about it, Rachel slowly slumped back against the cushions. "Before. I just assumed your detachment was due to the accident, and the fact that we were total strangers." She watched as Alex shook her head. "Knowing this just raises more concerns. I don't want you to ever get to the point of considering suicide again. Please promise me you'll talk to me long before you get that depressed ever again."

  Alex gave her a reassuring smile. "Of course. I don't think it will ever come to that again. You all have helped me find Alexis again. Besides, I now have four wonderful people in my life that I love very much. Isn't that reason enough to hang around?"

  "I certainly hope so." She reached for her glass of tea on the coffee table, and took a long drink. As she set the glass back down she asked, "Have you told Nikki who you are yet?" She saw the guilt as it swept across her features and sighed in disappointment. "A relationship built on dishonesty can't last, Alex. You've got to tell her."

  Alex chewed on her lip, and twisted her fingers in her lap. "I know, I know. I've been thinking about it a lot lately. I plan on telling her this weekend while we're out of town."

  "Why wait?"

  "It's been too difficult here. I tried a couple of times, but something always comes up to interrupt us." She shrugged as she looked out the window. "I'm hoping that being away from here will limit the distractions enough to allow the conversation." She looked back at Rachel and waited for her to comment.

  "I see."

  "That's all you have to say?"

  Rachel's hands lifted slightly before falling back to her lap. "What do you want me to say? You know how I feel about this."

  "Yeah. I know I've let this go on far too long. Just remember, there's a reason I've hidden things. As much as I've told you, there are still several things you don't know, Ray."

  Rachel's eyes sparkled with humor as she replied, "I had considered the possibility." Alex chuckled as she stood and reached for her glass. "What are you laughing at?"

  "Just how diplomatically you managed to call me a dumbass." She pointed to Rachel's nearly empty glass. "Would you like a re-fill?"

  Rachel grinned at Alex's comment as she replied, "Sure."

  Friday morning Alex and Nikki packed up Alex's 2013 BMW 535i, and headed out. They took their time, stopping several times along the way in various shops to inspect the wares. About halfway through the drive, she stopped at the small pullout for a historical marker. They spent several minutes there taking pictures of the lush, green rolling hills that blended into dense forest. She took numerous pictures of Nikki before she realized what was happening and began to ham it up for the camera.

  They rolled into town mid-afternoon, and headed straight
to the hotel. As Alex pulled into the parking lot, Nikki said, "Doubletree, huh?"

  "I'm sorry I couldn't do better. This is the best they have here."

  Nikki was surprised by her reaction, and replied, "It wasn't a criticism, sweetheart. Actually, I'm surprised we're staying someplace so nice. I'm used to staying in cheep motels."

  She pulled into a parking space, and sat quietly for a moment as she calmed her racing heart. "I'm sorry. I guess I'm more stressed about all of this than I thought. Just when I think I’m getting better, my demons raise their ugly heads again." She turned to Nikki with a frown. "The last time I brought someone here, all she did was complain about how horrible the hotel was, and how backward the town was."

  Nikki reached out and clasped her hand, entwining their fingers. "I'm sure the hotel will be fine. You wouldn't keep staying here otherwise." She gave her hand a squeeze. "You've known me long enough to know that my tastes are simple. I don't need anything fancy. I'm happy as long as I have you by my side." She gave her a reassuring smile. "How about we go check in?"

  Alex leaned over, gave her a quick kiss, and said, "I love you."

  "I love you, too."

  Several hours later, Alex leaned back against the pillows beside a very satisfied Nikki and said, "The good thing about staying here, is that they have room service."

  "It’s a good thing, because it could be a while before I'm able to walk again."

  Alex grinned as she climbed out of bed, and sauntered across the room to retrieve the room service menu. Once dinner was ordered, she snuggled into Nikki's arms and sighed. "Thank you for coming here with me."