by Jay, Donna
“It was my birthday, she told me it was my present.” Happy birthday to me. “The day you found me…” Zoe glanced up. “Was the day after I fled. I’d just turned twenty-three.”
After wiping a finger under her own eyes, Claire traced the wet tear track down Zoe’s face and cupped her cheek in her palm. “Did you tell her you wanted to be with another woman? To be shared?” She searched Zoe’s eyes as if she could find the answer there. She’d find nothing but the truth.
“Goodness gracious, no! Only in fantasy, which somehow Sam took as reality. We talked about it, fantasized about it, but I never said I wanted to act on it in real life. You know?”
A gentle smile curved the corner of Claire’s mouth. “I know. Fantasizing about something and wanting it can be vastly different.” She tucked a strand of hair behind Zoe’s ear. “I’m sorry you found out the hard way not everyone understands the difference. So, has she put you off women for life?”
In that moment, Zoe desperately wanted Claire to kiss away the bad memories and replace them with something far more pleasant. “No, only blindfolds. And wine.”
Claire tipped her head to the side, short dark hair touching her shoulders. “Wine?” Big brown eyes locked on Zoe, patiently waiting for an explanation.
“We’d been drinking.” Zoe tried to explain even though it sounded lame. She hated people blaming their actions on alcohol.
“When I think back, having hands on my backside and breasts, everywhere at once. It wasn’t possible for one person to be touching me in so many places, especially given Sam had a paddle in one hand. If I’d been completely sober, I doubt things would’ve gone as far as they did. It made me wary of drinking around people I don’t really know.”
“Do you miss it?”
“Not really, I’ve never been a big drinker.” Zoe admitted, before Claire short-circuited her brain.
“I meant the intimacy.” Claire’s voice was low and husky. “Having your bottom spanked?”
Thank goodness for the dim light, Zoe’s cheeks blazed and if that didn’t just make her wish it was her backside on fire instead. She missed it more than she cared to admit to anyone, anyone except for the woman awaiting her reply.
Zoe locked eyes with Claire and let her guard down. “Yes, I miss it.”
The look of approval she received, the happy glint in Claire’s warm brown eyes, gave Zoe the strength to lay it on the line, to bare her soul.
“I miss having a dominant lover. I miss having my bottom paddled. I miss having a lover to worship, someone I can treasure and who will cherish me in return.” Not that she'd ever had the latter. Right from the start it'd always been about Sam, Zoe just hadn't been able to see it at the time.
Chapter 13
As excited as she was to discover Zoe identified as being submissive, Claire’s heart went out to her. An overwhelming sense of protectiveness gripped her insides. By whatever means it took, she was bound and determined to show Zoe not every dominant woman abused the trust afforded to them. Hell, she knew first-hand a submissive was just as capable of abusing trust.
“I want you, Zoe. Like you, I have specific tastes. I don’t like to bottom but I’d like to paddle yours.”
That earned a shy smile.
“Do you want me?” Claire cupped Zoe’s chin in her palm and held her gaze. Even though desire swam in the hazel depths, for some reason Claire needed to hear the words.
“Yes, I want you too.” Zoe replied in a soft voice. Long wavy hair fanned out around her shoulders as she lowered her gaze.
Claire placed a finger under Zoe’s chin, forcing her head up. “Look at me.”
Zoe met Claire’s gaze. Arousal appeared to vie with uncertainty.
“I’ll never do anything without your consent, or make you wear a blindfold.” Thanks to Amy, Claire hated the things as much as Zoe. She reclined on the bed, pulling Zoe down beside her, feet on the floor, legs dangling over the side.
They laid there for a moment, fingers entwined, staring at the ceiling. The chatter of a couple walking past the hotel room, reminded Claire how much she missed having a companion. Their giggles provided the nudge Claire needed to spur her into action
Not giving either of them another moment to second guess their attraction, and aided by some Dutch courage, Claire turned on her side and pulled Zoe to her. The second their lips met, she wondered why she’d waited so long. Liquid heat scorched her insides, obliterating any self-doubt and setting nerve endings on fire.
Her reaction intensified a few seconds later when Zoe melted into her, returning the kiss, lips parting to allow Claire entrance.
Claire slid an arm between them and undid the belt on Zoe’s robe. A low moan emanated deep within Zoe’s chest. The way Zoe studied her, waiting for Claire’s next move, made Claire yearn to bind Zoe with the tie in her hands.
Even so, for the time being she wanted to take things slowly. Zoe needed to know beyond a doubt that Claire would never abuse her trust. Trust she intended to earn.
Pushing down her dominant urges, Claire planted a trail of kisses down Zoe’s neck. Something she’d wanted to do all day. Zoe inhaled sharply when Claire ran her hand over the soft contours of her abdomen. She grabbed hold of the hem of Zoe’s nightie and dragged the satiny soft material up her torso.
Goosebumps jumped under Claire’s palm. Zoe giggled, squirming like a worm under her touch. Apparently someone was ticklish.
Claire circled Zoe’s erect nipple with her fingertip, then lowered her head and sucked the stiff peak between her lips. Zoe arched off the bed; head back, eyes closed, her mouth opening on a soft moan.
The need to feel skin on skin overrode all other thought. Claire sat up, tugged her unsexy pyjama top over her head and tossed it on the floor. Zoe followed suit, shedding her nightie. Claire rolled off the bed and stood.
A worried look flashed across Zoe’s face. She looked vulnerable as if she thought Claire was about to abandon her, something Claire had no intention of doing.
“It’s okay, doll. I’m not going anywhere. I don’t want to get up again so let’s get under the covers.”
A shy smile curved Zoe’s lips. “Okay.”
The wall mounted lamp cast shadows over Zoe’s full breasts as she pulled back the covers. The pink panties she wore made Claire chuckle.
Following Claire’s gaze, Zoe glanced down. “I didn’t expect to be walking around in my underwear.” Her cheeks turned the same lovely shade of pink as her panties. “Kind of fitting though, don’t you think?”
The playful wink Zoe shot Claire made her heart jump for joy.
Delighted Zoe had relaxed enough to flirt with her, Claire quirked an eyebrow at the critter covering her pubic mound and read the words. Save a tree, eat a Beaver . “Thank goodness you keep yourself better groomed.” The words tumbled out unbidden. Nothing like a bit of alcohol to loosen her tongue.
Zoe’s eyes went wide. “How would you know?” she asked, amusement twinkling in her eyes.
The crisp white sheets were cool against Claire’s skin when she slipped between them, ushering Zoe in beside her. Zoe’s body melted into Claire, as if drawn by her heat. She draped an arm over Zoe’s waist. “I couldn’t take my eyes off you at the hot pools.” The swimsuit had clung to her like a second skin. Wet, it left little to the imagination. “I don’t know what was hotter. Wetter. The water or me.”
Zoe snorted. “You have such a way with words.” In the blink of an eye, her expression sobered. “Thank you, Claire. For not judging me.”
Why would she? “You didn’t see me laughing about the crops and toys at the party did you?” She ran her finger down Zoe’s spine, over each vertebra. Zoe shivered and Claire revelled in the intimacy of tummies and breasts bumping together. “Call it fate or whatever you like, we’re both into kink. I’ll never abuse your trust, Zoe.” Having experienced the pain of betrayal first-hand, Claire never wanted to be the one to inflict such devastation on another human being.
The whisper of
Zoe’s words breezed across Claire’s collarbone, her breath warm and minty. “I know. You’ve proven that. Twice.”
All of a sudden, the intimacy of cuddling, along with the warm room and remnants of wine flowing through Claire’s veins, hit her like a tranquiliser dart, making her incredibly sleepy. “It’s getting late. We should get some sleep.” Claire hooked her leg over Zoe’s and held her close.
An adorable pout formed on Zoe’s face. Claire grinned, then kissed the top of her head. “Don’t worry, this is only the beginning of something great.” She snagged the blankets from midway down the bed and covered their entwined bodies. “Tonight, I just want to hold you. For you to sleep through the entire night without nightmares. You can rest easy knowing you’re safe in my arms.”
What she said was true, what she didn’t say went even deeper. No way did Claire plan on either of them waking up with regrets. As much as she wanted to plaster herself to Zoe’s body, she had no intention of doing so while Zoe was vulnerable and she was under the influence.
Even though Zoe’s confession had sobered Claire up faster than a gallon of coffee, she didn’t want Zoe to ever question if Claire had really wanted her, or if the booze had been talking.
***
The following morning Claire awoke to a face full of hair and a soft bottom nuzzled against her crotch. She’d slept like a log thanks to a combination of wine and the beautiful woman she’d spooned all night. She smiled as she listened to the little puffs of air escaping Zoe’s lips. Of course she’d be too lady-like to snore.
Despite not wanting to wake Zoe, the arm Claire had slept on all night was dead and they needed to get a move along. It was after nine and checkout was before ten.
Using the hand draped over Zoe’s waist, Claire drew circles around Zoe’s bellybutton with the tip of her forefinger. When that didn’t get a reaction, she slid her hand under the waistband of Zoe’s ‘save a beaver’ panties. Claire ran her fingers through neatly trimmed curls, gently at first, then she tugged on the small triangle of pubic hair.
She was rewarded by a low moan and legs parting. Claire ran her fingers in a V down either side of Zoe’s clit. “Wake up, sleepy head.” She nuzzled Zoe’s neck and nipped her ear.
Zoe rolled onto her back, murmuring, “Do I have to? I’m having such a nice dream.”
Claire pinched Zoe’s clit between her thumb and forefinger, squeezing and releasing.
The blankets jumped when Zoe bucked her hips. “Oh fuck. Oh shit. Oh wow.” Her hand wrapped around the top of Claire’s wrist, but she didn’t try to stop her or guide her movements.
The reaction reminded Claire of what it was like to experience something new and exciting. Exhilaration vying with apprehension. “Never had that done to you before?”
Eyes glazed with lust met Claire’s gaze. “No.” Zoe pushed her mound against Claire’s hand.
Even though heat coiled low in Claire’s belly, now that she had a clear head, she didn’t want their first time together to be in a bed God knew how many others had fornicated in. She caressed Zoe’s cheek, staring deep into her hazel eyes. Eyes she found herself lost in. If Claire were to be completely honest with herself, not only had Zoe taken up residence in her home, she’d also taken up residence in Claire’s heart. “Come on, we’ve got time to take a quick shower. Then we have to get out of here.”
“What?” Zoe’s head shot up off the pillow. “You can’t start something and not finish it!” Indignation laced her words, or perhaps it was frustration.
Claire thrived on Zoe’s reaction. “That’s where you’re so very wrong.” She shoved Zoe out of bed, climbed out behind her and faced her head on, up close and personal, both of them clothed in nothing more than their panties. “I can do what I like. If I want to tease you all day, I will.” She paused giving Zoe a chance to protest.
She didn’t.
Zoe lowered her gaze and put her hands behind her back, her full breasts and perky nipples taunting Claire. Whether it was intentional or not, Claire wasn’t a hundred percent sure. Regardless, she couldn’t resist the mouth-watering sight.
Using her forefinger, Claire traced the crease of Zoe’s breast, down the outer side, then underneath. “God, you’re sexy.” The words came out breathy, low and seductive.
A shy smile curved Zoe’s lips but she remained glued to the spot, hands behind her back. Claire tweaked rosy-pink nipples, then rolled them between her thumb and forefinger. Zoe leaned into the touch, then let out a low moan.
The way Zoe responded to her, turned Claire on. Liquid lust pooled between her legs, and her nipples were so hard they hurt. No stranger to putting a lid on her own arousal, Claire gave Zoe what she hoped was a wicked grin. “If I want to tease you all day, I will.” She cupped Zoe’s crotch and was rewarded with another low groan, half-lidded eyes pleading for more. “If I want to play with you until you beg me to stop because you’re so swollen and sensitive you don’t think you can come again, I will.”
A little whimper escaped Zoe’s lips.
Claire released her grip and plucked two fluffy white towels off the end of the bed they didn’t end up needing. “Now, get in the shower. I’ll finish what I started when we get home.”
On the way to the bathroom, Claire swatted Zoe on the backside. A jolt of anticipation raced up her spine when Zoe jumped and let out a little squeal.
Chapter 14
Zoe showered in record time. Claire had barely laid a finger on her and she was horny as hell. Her cheeks heated when she thought about the underwear her mother had bought, insisting they were the in thing. She could never accuse her mother of not being down-to-earth, even if at times her openness embarrassed Zoe. Her father was far more reserved, at least when it came to his daughter.
By ten-thirty they’d checked out of the hotel, eaten brunch at a small diner, and were on the road home. In that moment, it hit Zoe how within a short amount of time she’d already come to think of the small cottage on the vineyard as home. Funny how plans changed when fate intervened.
A large colourful bird with orange legs and feet, a deep violet chest and black wings, darted across the road like it had a death wish. Zoe braced her feet on the floor as if she could slow the car as the colourful bird disappeared between bushes.
“What the hell was that?” Zoe glanced at Claire, noting she hadn’t swerved to avoid the bird.
“That was a Pukeko. One of our native birds. It’s common to see them along marshy roadsides. And some of them, flat…on the road.”
A car came racing around the corner heading toward them, dangerously close to the centre line. Claire scowled, shaking her head at the teenagers as they sped past. “We’re taught from an early age not to swerve for animals. It’s hard not to do, but with such narrow roads, and so many blind corners, doing so would more often than not result in a head-on collision.”
Swallowing hard, Zoe adjusted her safety belt. “Well I’m glad we didn’t hit the bird. Or crash.”
Claire reached over and squeezed Zoe’s thigh. Her fingers were warm, strong, and sure. “Hey, don’t go getting all melancholy, you’re in safe hands. I’ve had my driver’s license for eleven years and haven’t had a single accident.”
The smug tone of Claire’s voice made Zoe grin. Feeling brave, she slipped her hand under Claire’s so it was sandwiched between Claire’s warm palm and Zoe’s own thigh. “I’m sure I’m in good hands.”
Claire stroked Zoe’s fingers, then put her hand back on the steering wheel. She shot Zoe a saucy wink and did a backward nod. “Grab my duffle bag off the floor behind the seat.”
Without question, Zoe did Claire’s bidding. She yanked the bag up by its thick brown straps and placed it between them.
“Open the zip.” Claire instructed. “I was going to wait until we arrived home, but this way you’ll have at least an hour to anticipate what’s coming .”
The emphasis Claire put on the last word sent an arrow of lust tingling up Zoe’s spine. The suspense of not knowing what l
ay beneath, excited and worried Zoe in equal measure. Her pulse raced as she clasped the metal pull tag and slowly undid the zipper.
Green canvas parted to reveal a brown paper bag nestled on top of Claire’s overnight clothes. Zoe had a brief recollection of the hostess handing a non-descript bag to Claire as they left Janie’s. Claire had slipped it into her tote bag without a word.
After leaving Janie’s, Zoe had been so consumed by dread, her mind focused on the inevitable conversation about Sam, that she hadn’t thought anymore of it. Until now. She sucked in a long slow breath, waiting for permission to unwrap the contents.
“Go ahead. Open it.”
The paper crinkled as Zoe pulled off the sticky tape. Her breath caught in her throat when her gaze landed on a black rectangular paddle with small silver rivets dotted around the outer edge. Her mind flashed back to the party. “You saw my reaction?”
“I did.” Claire nodded. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about paddling your backside since.”
The admission fuelled Zoe’s rapidly growing arousal. Now that she knew what Claire had in mind, the last leg of the journey home was going to be a torture within itself.
“May I?” Zoe desperately wanted to test the weight of the implement and feel the soft leather against her palm.
“I insist and you better make the most of it. Once we get home it’ll be used at my discretion. The same as the second item I took the liberty to buy. It’s a gift for me to you.”
The cryptic comment baffled Zoe. “Should I be worried?” Zoe ran her fingers over the soft leather paddle, through the open heart shape near the head, then placed it in her lap.
“I hope not. And if it’s something you’re opposed to, I expect you to tell me. However, if you wish to please me, I don’t think this particular item should be an issue. Do you want to please me, doll?”
More than the sexy woman knew. “Very much, Mistre…” Zoe let the words trail off. Mistress, Miss, Madam didn’t feel right. Then it came to her. “May I address you as Clea when it’s just the two of us?”
