Winds of Fire

by Kira Chase

  “You're forgiven.” She lifted an eyebrow. Just save some energy for tonight.”

  Frankie grinned wickedly. “I can't wait!”

  “First things first,” she replied as she opened the car door.

  “Yes,” Frankie agreed as she stepped out of the car.

  They walked slowly to the entrance of Kramer Insurance Company and casually entered. An attractive redhead greeted them from behind a long counter. She was seated behind a large desk and rose as they neared.

  “How can I help you?” she asked brightly with a toothy smile as she walked to the counter.

  Frankie returned her smile. “My sister and I are in the process of opening our first business and would like to speak with an agent.”

  “How exciting! I'm sure we'll be able to take care of all of your insurance needs. Are you looking for personal as well as business insurance?” she asked.

  Frankie's eyebrows knitted together. “Maybe, but our first priority is to protect our business.”

  Johanna took the opportunity to glance around while Frankie engaged the receptionist in a conversation about the different types of insurance plans available. Thatcher had to be in one of the offices. She shifted her gaze to the large plate glass window at the entrance. His car was still in the parking space in front of the office. There was no way he could leave without them seeing him unless he exited through the back. She assumed parking in the back of the building was for employees only. Most of the businesses in the strip malls were set up that way. She turned her attention to a long hall with several office doors. He had to be in one of them. She hoped he'd emerge with the blonde before they were summoned into one of the offices.

  “Let me see if one of our agents can help you.” The receptionist picked up a phone as she reseated herself in her comfortable looking chair. Minutes later, she turned her attention back to them. “I'm sorry, but I don't have an agent available at the moment. If you'll leave your name and number, one of our agents will call you tomorrow to set up an appointment. And of course, you can apply online. Our website is set up to do everything an agent does here.”

  Frankie frowned. “We were hoping to talk to someone in person tonight. We have day appointments all day long for the next couple of weeks and won't be available.” She looked at Johanna and then back to the receptionist. “We chose Kramer Insurance because of your evening hours. We don't want to apply online or we would have done that. We have questions and need a live person to answer them.” She sighed dejectedly. “We were hoping to keep our business local, but I suppose if we go online we may as well check out some other companies.”

  Johanna shrugged. “Then that's what we'll have to do.”

  “This is a disappointment,” Frankie said looking at Johanna. “Thank you,” she said, slightly turning her head in the direction of the receptionist before starting toward the entrance.

  “Wait. Let me see what I can do.” The receptionist stood, walked briskly to the end of the counter, and slipped through a door that connected to the hall containing the offices. She stopped at a door halfway down the hall, tapped on the door and then entered.

  “I wish Thatcher would show his face before she comes back,” Johanna said a few minutes later as she kept her eyes glued to the hall.

  “It won't matter if the blonde isn't with him,” Frankie replied as she turned. She looked toward the window. “His car's still parked, so he didn't sneak out the back.”

  “Here she comes now,” Johanna said.

  Frankie turned back around and waited as the receptionist hurried back to where they stood.

  “If you can wait another ten or fifteen minutes, an agent will be happy to assist you with all of your insurance needs.” She smiled confidently.

  Johanna hadn't realized she'd been holding her breath and now silently blew it out, relieved. “That will be fine. We'll wait.”

  “Please make yourselves comfortable.” The redhead motioned them to the opposite side of the room where a small waiting area consisting of four comfortable looking chairs surrounded a table filled with magazines.

  Frankie sifted through the pile of magazines but didn't choose one. She sat in one of the chairs that faced the reception area.

  Johanna picked up a magazine and seated herself next to Frankie. She held the magazine in front of their faces pretending to share an article with Frankie. “I hope the agent doesn't come out before Thatcher does,” she whispered.

  Frankie leaned back in her chair, glancing at the article. “If he does, we'll try to stall him for a few minutes.” She paused. “I know. One of us can pretend to have left something in the car. That'll buy us a little more time,” she whispered back.

  “Sounds like a plan. I'll go to the car and take my time until Thatcher comes out. If the blonde leaves with him, I'll come back in and we'll make up an excuse about possibly knowing her. Hopefully, the receptionist will give up her name.”

  “You'll think of a way to trick her into it,” Frankie said with a grin.

  “I'll do anything to find out her connection to him.”

  Frankie shifted in her chair. “I'll be happy to strip off these clothes and get into something more comfortable,” she grumbled.

  Johanna shook her head. “If only you knew how fantastic you look, Frankie.”

  Frankie rolled her eyes toward the ceiling. “No one can compare to you, babe.” She lifted a suggestive eyebrow. “I'm looking forward to whatever you have planned for tonight.”

  “It'll be well worth it,” Johanna promised. “Guaranteed.”

  Voices coming from the direction of the hallway caused their eyes to move in that direction. Seconds later, Thatcher and the blonde strolled to the counter and bid the receptionist good night.

  “What the hell! He's not even trying to hide it,” Frankie said in hushed tones as Thatcher's hand gently squeezed the blonde's arm.

  Frankie frowned as the receptionist rose, walked to the counter and giggled at something Thatcher said close to her ear.

  “What a charmer,” Johanna said in a low voice screwing up her face. “He really thinks he's something.”

  “I suppose with his looks and money most women would gravitate toward him the minute he showed any interest.”

  “Especially those young and naive. Money talks.”

  The blonde smiled coyly at Thatcher as she slowly backed away from him. “I need to use the restroom. I'll be back in a minute,” she said in a normal tone of voice.

  “Go ahead,” Thatcher replied smiling broadly. “I'll wait for you in the car.” He stood at the counter for a few seconds and watched as she disappeared down the hallway. He nodded at the redhead and walked with long confident strides to the entrance.

  “Let's find out who the blonde is,” Frankie said, “before she comes back. I'll think of something to say while you keep an eye on the hall.”

  “Deal.”

  Frankie sauntered to the counter with Johanna trailing a few steps behind.

  Johanna's eyes shifted to the hallway. She hoped the blonde took her time in the ladies room. It would be awkward if she appeared before Frankie had a chance to learn her identity. It could also blow their cover.

  Frankie peered over the counter to where the redhead had returned to her desk.

  The receptionist looked up at her with the same bright smile. “I'm sure it'll only be a few more minutes.”

  “That's fine.” She drew her eyebrows together. “I do have a question for you, though.”

  “Yes?” She didn't bother getting up this time.

  “The woman who was just here looks oddly familiar to me, but I can't seem to place her. It's driving my sister and me crazy.”

  She grinned and nodded knowingly. “Kristin Robbins. She's done a few local television commercials. You probably recognize her from those.”

  Frankie nodded enthusiastically. “I knew she looked familiar.”

  Johanna took the opportunity to make their exit. She glanced at her wristwatch and frowned. “I'm
afraid we can't wait any longer. We have another appointment this evening.”

  “I'm sure an agent will be available momentarily,” the redhead replied quickly.

  Johanna tossed her head. “We really have to go. We may be back tomorrow evening, but our time is at a premium.”

  They were out the door before the woman could say another word. They walked slowly to the car. Thatcher sat in his car with the motor running looking at messages on his cell phone. He didn't look up as they passed. They quickly jumped in Johanna's car and waited for the blonde to join Thatcher.

  “That's a good idea you had, Frankie, to switch our cars each day.”

  “It'll throw suspicion off us.” She leaned back in the seat. “At least for a while.”

  “It's nice to have you in the passenger seat for a change.” She paused. “Even though you think you're the better driver.”

  “You're learning under my tutelage,” Frankie teased.

  “Stop,” Johanna said playfully punching her arm. “I'm a good driver and you know it.”

  “And someday maybe you'll be as good as me,” she replied peering out of the windshield. “Here she comes. It took her long enough.”

  Thatcher immediately pulled out of the parking slot and drove to the front of Kramer Insurance Company. Kristin opened the passenger side door and slipped inside.

  “I wonder where they're going tonight. I hope we don't have to tail him for too long,” Johanna said. “I'm anxious to get home.”

  Frankie turned her head and looked at her. “Are you feeling all right? Maybe you're doing too much too soon.”

  Johanna patted Frankie's hand. “It's not that, honey. I'm just anxious to get home to see what I can dig up on Kristin Robbins now that we know her name.”

  Frankie cocked an eye. “Oh, I thought maybe you had another reason. Maybe something you promised me tonight.”

  “That is my number one priority tonight.” She yawned.

  “Are you tired? Maybe when we're finished tonight you should go to bed early and get a good night's sleep.” Frankie looked at her cautiously.

  “I intend to go to bed early, but sleep is definitely not what I have on my mind.” She squeezed Frankie's hand. “I feel fantastic, so quit worrying.”

  “I can't help it.” Frankie smiled. “I just want to make sure you’re not overdoing it. You’ll let me know if it gets to be too much for you. Promise?”

  “I promise. I’m not over doing it and I’d let you know if I was, sweetie.”

  “Okay.”

  Johanna played with a strand of hair. “Doesn’t it seem odd that Thatcher isn’t trying very hard to hide his relationship with Kristin?”

  “Yes. It’s almost as though he wants to get caught. But why? It makes absolutely no sense.” Frankie shook her head. “I’ve been wracking my brain trying to figure out his angle, but am coming up blank.”

  “Well, there is one thing we can agree on. He’s an arrogant son of a bitch,” she said bitterly.

  “That he is. Maybe that’s why he believes he’ll never be caught. And this place is out of the way.” Frankie pulled on her chin. “I think we need to let Alec know about Kristin Robbins.”

  “What about Kendall? She’s our client. Shouldn’t she be the first to know everything we find out?” Johanna asked as she slowly eased the car out of the parking space, then keeping a safe distance, followed Thatcher’s car out of the parking lot.

  Frankie exhaled loudly. “Yes, she’s our client, but my gut tells me to talk to Alec first. It might be better if she hears it from him.”

  “We have to tell her something.” She gripped the steering wheel. “Or maybe ask her to meet us at Alec’s office.”

  “I like that.” She blew her breath out. “I can’t wait until Thatcher’s world comes crashing down.”

  “Me, either.” Johanna watched as Thatcher exited the parking lot. She waited several seconds before she exited. “It just hit me. Why is Kristin at the insurance company every night? What’s her connection? The receptionist says she’s made some local commercials.”

  “Maybe she’s doing one for them. Hopefully something will come up on your search. It still doesn’t make sense, though, why Thatcher would be picking her up there every night.”

  “It does if they’re having an affair.” Johanna made a right turn. “It looks like we’re headed for The Bronson Hotel again.” She kept a safe distance behind Thatcher, watching as he signaled and turned into a parking slot in front of the hotel. She found the only available slot several spaces down from him.

  “Probably the same as last night. He’ll let her off and then drive around back to see the baby for a few minutes,” Frankie stated.

  “I suppose you’re right.”

  Kristin stepped out of the car, turned, waved at Thatcher, and then disappeared inside the hotel. Thatcher waited until she was inside, then immediately pulled out of the parking space. Johanna pulled out seconds later and was surprised when, instead of driving to the back of the hotel, he continued to go straight.

  “Surprise, surprise,” Frankie said. “It looks like he’s headed home.” She scratched her head. “He never goes inside the hotel, so how the hell can we prove he’s having an affair? He’s doing nothing wrong.”

  “Not that we can see. We’ll follow him to make sure he really is going home, but it does look that way.” She smacked her lips. “Now the rest of the night is ours.” She ran a hand up Frankie’s inner thigh. “Wish you’d worn a skirt.”

  “I do, too.” Frankie sighed as she settled back into the seat.

  * * * *

  Frankie lay naked on her back as Johanna sensuously rubbed oil into her flesh. She sighed contentedly as she stared at the twinkling stars visible through the skylight. The rest of the room was illuminated with candles. She loved the feel of Johanna's fingertips gently massaging her skin. Her body came alive with the slightest touch from her. She inhaled deeply as her body involuntarily twitched.

  Johanna straddled her body over Frankie's. “I love having total control,” she whispered, reaching a hand to where Frankie's wrists were secured to the bedposts.

  “And I love totally submitting to you,” Frankie whispered hoarsely.

  “Do you trust me?”

  “With my life,” she answered as she tried to close her mouth over one of Johanna's breasts, which was so tantalizing close. She flicked her tongue, just grazing the nipple. She saw the desire instantly appear in Johanna's eyes.

  Johanna smiled seductively as she slightly pulled back. “Not yet, baby.”

  Frankie yearned to wrap her arms around Johanna and draw her close. She jerked her wrists, but they stayed secured to the bedposts. She wasn't going anywhere, so she settled back onto the pillows and watched Johanna through the flickering shadows as she slipped off the bed and walked to a table near the window. Frankie couldn't make out what she was doing, but whatever it was, she knew it would be well worth the wait.

  Frankie was elated that tonight Johanna was taking control. Her only requirement was to submit herself to whatever Johanna demanded, and she was more than happy to oblige.

  Johanna came back to the bed with a bowl. She deposited the bowl on the bed side table and then climbed back onto the bed. Once again she straddled her body over Frankie's and then settled herself so that her vagina was touching Frankie's.

  Frankie closed her eyes, savoring the sensations. She sucked in her breath as a hot white searing flame of desire shot through her. “What's in the bowl?” she asked hoarsely.

  “Dessert,” Johanna answered as she retrieved the bowl. “I'm going to put some of this warm melted chocolate on your lips, but don't lick it off. That's my job.”

  “Sounds delicious,” Frankie murmured.

  Johanna dipped a finger into the bowl and then lightly ran her fingertip over Frankie's lips.

  Frankie lay still as the heat from her body grew hotter. She could barely control her desire as Johanna gently touched her lips with the luscious chocolate.
Whenever Johanna's body shifted, a tingle of pleasure shot through Frankie. She desperately wanted her. A need deep and raw shot through her body causing an ache so deep she thought she'd explode.

  After Johanna finished coating Frankie's lips with the chocolate, she set the bowl aside and then leaned over and slowly and sensuously moved the tip of her tongue around Frankie's lips. When she finished, she again reached for the bowl of chocolate and dipped her finger into the bowl. “That was my dessert. This is yours.” She put her finger close to Frankie's mouth.

  Frankie closed her mouth over Johanna's finger, gently sucking the chocolate from it. As Johanna fed her, their eyes stayed locked. Johanna wordlessly continued to feed her the chocolate for several minutes until the bowl was empty.

  After Johanna removed the bowl, she cupped Frankie's face in her hands, leaned down and softly touched Frankie's lips with her own, then kissed her deeply. As the kiss intensified, Frankie moved her arms and tugged on her restraints. She needed to draw Johanna close and run her hands over Johanna's tantalizing body. “Take the cuffs off me, sweetie,” she pleaded.

  “Not yet. Just relax and enjoy the pleasure I'm about to give you.” She sat up, grinding her vagina into Frankie's as her hands closed around Frankie's breasts. She flicked her thumbs over the erect nipples for several seconds.

  Frankie locked eyes with Johanna's and saw the burning desire in them. She wondered how her own eyes looked to Johanna. Did she see the smoldering desire she was eliciting? Frankie closed her eyes and moaned. She was on the verge of a climax when Johanna suddenly slid off her and grabbed her ankles.

  “Bend your legs,” Johanna ordered.

  Frankie, lost in desire, bent her legs and placed her feet flat on the bed. Her heart skipped a beat when Johanna placed her hands on her knees, slowly spreading her wide apart.

  “You're so beautiful,” Johanna murmured as she positioned her face close to Frankie's opening and softly blew inside. She began planting soft kisses on Frankie's inner thighs.

  Frankie's body felt like an inferno as a searing white heat engulfed her. “I'm on fire, baby,” she panted.