“Why do you say that?”
“I’m still shocked by your little announcement about Janine Powell. What the hell?”
“I’m sorry we didn’t have a chance to talk about it earlier. It was an unexpected opportunity.”
“What’s really going on?”
“What do you mean?”
“Several of us saw you leave with her yesterday. You were holding hands and if I’m not mistaken, you kissed her.”
“And?”
“So are you two dating?”
“It’s much more than that.”
Lacy closed the door. “Okay. I know it’s none of my business, but whatever she is to you—do you think it’s a good idea for her to work for you?”
“The expertise she brings can be highly valuable to us. Especially now.”
“But work and play don’t often mix well in an office environment. You now that, right?”
As managing partner, Lacy handled all the business affairs of the firm. She was skilled, tough and smart as a whip. Even with their hectic pace, she kept the office running efficiently. He trusted her explicitly and valued her legal advice. But he was only going to allow her line of questioning to go so far.
“We’re all professionals. I don’t see a problem.”
“So what happened to Narissa? I thought you were dating her,” she asked.
“That ended a few months ago,” he said leaning back in his chair.
“So you just jump into this relationship?”
Now he was annoyed. “Lacy, my personal life is just that. But since we’re friends, you need to know Janine’s always been the one. Now if you have a problem with her being here, be specific about whatever the real issue is. I don’t think this is really about fraternization in the work place.”
For the first time Lacy was virtually speechless. “I’m sorry. I had no idea.” She sat for a moment staring at him before speaking again. “Michael, we’ve worked together for eight years. I thought I knew you pretty well. But in all that time, not once did you ever mention Janine. I thought we were friends.”
“We are.”
“So explain to me how I’m just learning about her. I don’t understand.”
He took a deep breath keenly aware of the hurt expressed on her face. “Lacy, you know I’m a very private person and there are a lot of reasons for that. But it’s who I am. It’s no indictment on our friendship.”
She let out a deep sigh as her face softened. “I’ll never understand men like you. Look, if you’re happy then I’m ecstatic for you. Truth is, I couldn’t figure out why you haven’t been snatched up. Now I know.”
“Are we good?”
“Yes,” she smiled before shifting gears. “So… How long is she going to be working for you? Do you want me to put her on the payroll or what?”
“She’ll be working for us—not just me. As I said in the meeting, you and I need to work through those details with her. Janine is only a temporary solution. I want you to keep looking for a new attorney. That hasn’t changed.”
“So which case or assignment do you have in mind for her?”
“I think the Reid account might be right up her alley.”
“When can she come in?”
“I think she’s pretty open. I’ll talk to her tonight and let you know tomorrow.”
She smiled saying, “I can’t wait to officially meet her.” Turning to leave she asked, “Would you two be up for dinner out with Dan and me?”
He smiled. “She’d probably like that. But let’s give her some time to get adjusted.”
“Okay. For now we’ll find a time for her to come in.”
“I’ll have her call you.”
As she left, he realized it was the first time he’d ever uttered the words, “Janine’s always been the one” out loud to anyone. The people who knew him best already knew or had surmised this truth for themselves. Now that they were actually together, the news was likely making the rounds among their mutual friends. All it took was one phone call between Kelly and Janine. But there was also the issue of when and how to inform their families.
By now he presumed Janine’s mother knew of her decision to come to D.C. But his family would be another matter. When he first introduced Janine to his parents, the rift widened between him and them. However, much had changed over the years. He was confident reintroducing her would go far better. He considered starting with his siblings before revealing anything to his parents, but pushing the issue wasn’t necessary. He’d let it happen whenever the opportunity presented. For now, he needed to get back to the tasks ahead of him. But he couldn’t help reflect on how his entire world changed in a mere twenty-four hours. He wanted the day to go by as quickly as possible so he could get home to her.
Glancing at the clock, it was almost eight and he was the last one in the office. Having put in over twelve hours, he was exhausted. But it was a good day. Several client meetings and calls had gone well, and it seemed he’d be able to close out a few outstanding issues sooner than expected. Gathering his things, he locked up the office and made his way to the Metro station.
Riding the short distance, he realized he hadn’t taken anything out for dinner. He thought about calling in a delivery order, but he wasn’t sure what Janine might have prepared. He placed a quick call to her.
“Hi!” she answered.
“Hey. I’m on my way home. I didn’t take anything out so what do you want to do about dinner? Do you want me to do pick or delivery?”
“It’s all taken care of. Just come home.”
Janine was an excellent cook. She was equally skilled preparing gourmet dishes as she was down-home Southern cuisine. Over the years, he had the opportunity to sample a range of delectable dishes she prepared. Each one was more delicious than the last.
“Oh really?” he said with his curiosity piqued.
“Really. When should I expect you?”
“Ten minutes, tops.”
“Good. I’ll see you then.”
He was certain she had much more planned than dinner for him by the sound of her voice. When he reached his building, he didn’t bother stopping at his mailbox, instead he rode the elevator up to his unit.
Walking through the door and setting his bag down, he couldn’t help notice music playing softly. Tea candles were lit on the kitchen counter and fireplace mantle. With only one place setting, he presumed she’d already eaten. His plate had been prepared and glass of wine poured while the bottle chilled in the bucket. She cooked orange duck with a scalloped potato dish and fresh asparagus for him. It was one of his favorite meals.
“Janine?” he called out before sitting down at the counter and taking a sip of wine. He assumed she was in the bathroom since she didn’t answer. Then he heard it. It sounded like tinkling of metal on metal, but he wasn’t sure. He stood up with glass in hand walking towards the hallway when he saw her. Jesus he thought. A grin spread across his face and his penis immediately began to swell. Janine had obviously found the key to his bureau.
Naked and slowly crawling on all fours across the floor towards him, it was almost too much to take. Wearing the chevron-shaped stainless steel collar around her neck with matching cuffs on her wrists and ankles, she looked beautiful. The contrast of cold steel against the warm glow of her smooth dark skin was a vision to behold. With brick red lipstick on her full lips, she held a flogger in her mouth with its tails swishing as she moved. The sight of her was alluring and thoroughly intoxicating.
She always had the capacity to surprise him, but he certainly wasn’t expecting anything quite like this. When she reached him, she looked longingly up at him before resting back on her legs and placing the flogger on her lap. Her hands rested on her thighs as she awaited his command. She wanted to play and few things could’ve pleased him more. His breath became deeper as he tried to contain his arousal. Whatever tiredness he had completely dissipated.
He simply said, “Very nice.”
She looked at him with a co
quettish grin before lowering her eyes. She knew he was torn. The look of his face was one of sheer desire. She also knew he wouldn’t touch her. At least not yet. That wasn’t his style. Instead he’d taunt to build her anticipation. Yet there was no denying the growing bulge in his pants as he gazed upon her. But Michael was controlled and very measured—especially in this role. They were now Dom and Sub. He was “Sir” and she was his.
Methodically taking off his tie, she thought he’d use it to bind her. Instead he walked past her heading towards the bedroom. Presuming he’d get out of his suit and into more comfortable clothes before returning to her, she waited patiently. When he returned wearing only his briefs, he said nothing. But his eyes and erection betrayed the struggle within him. Knowing she had the power to entice him further, she simply let him have the semblance of control he was trying so desperately to sustain. As often was the case, their play began as a test of wills—an exchange of power.
He started his meal while she remained in position on the floor. Although her head was lowered, she watched every little twitch in his strong, well-defined legs in her peripheral vision. It was difficult to hide the delight she felt when he’d glance her way with his breath deepening. Once he finished, he cleared his space placing the dishes in the dishwasher. He poured himself another glass of wine and walked to the sofa to sit.
“Come here,” he said with a low and sexy voice.
Picking up the flogger and placing it in her mouth, she returned to all fours and moved towards him. She sat in front of him while keeping her eyes lowered. Removing the flogger from her mouth, he leaned over and kissed her. It was deep, slow and sensual. She ached for him to touch her in ways only he could.
“Thank you for dinner. It was delicious,” he said withdrawing from their kiss. His eyes were on her with a level of intensity that excited her beyond compare.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it, Sir. Is there anything else you’d like?”
Letting out a low groan and raising his brow, he finished off the wine then set the glass on the end table. With his eyes fixed on her, it was clear he was calculating his options. When Michael was this focused-this intense- his beautiful brown eyes grew deeper seemingly able to penetrate her very soul. She knew the look well. Now it was she who couldn’t contain the desire building within.
Leaning over her, he took her by the shoulders, guiding her closer and up on her knees between his legs. Running his smooth fingers along the sides of her face, down her neck and across her collarbones, she shuddered at each touch.
Finally raising her eyes to meet his, she asked, “May I?”
“Yes.”
He leaned back as she slid his briefs from his hips and down his legs. She began licking his knees and inner thighs before moving to his shaft. Gently cradling his balls, she kissed them before taking his penis in her mouth. The feeling of her warm, moist mouth sucking gently caused his erection to become more pronounced. Up and down she moved over him, never once removing him from her lips’ grasp. Her tongue swirling, licking and slightly tickling, his penis twitched with each skillful stroke. As she looked up to him, his entire body warmed, making it more difficult to control his breath and his mounting orgasm. He loved watching her.
In that moment he had to decide. Should he let her make him cum? Or should he stop this? If he came now, he’d have more stamina later to extend her pleasure through play until he was ready again. Then he’d have no trouble fucking her to exhaustion. As it was, it took tremendous emotional energy to maintain his control in situations like this, especially with her. Delaying his release until later meant he could reward her for the evening she’d created for him. He acknowledged he might be too exhausted for another round of lovemaking later, and he simply wanted to please her. He wanted to cum with her.
She felt his penis begin to pulse signaling he was getting closer. Since he hadn’t stopped her, she continued loving him with even more vigor. Placing her hands on his thighs, she increased her pace. Creating a vacuum with her lips, moving faster up and down his shaft varying her patterns. Much to her surprise, he placed his hands on her face drawing her away.
“Not yet,” he whispered.
Scooting to the edge of the sofa, he directed her to stand and turned her around so that her ass was in his face. As he squeezed its firm lusciousness, he kissed it sliding his tongue lightly over her anus multiple times as she gasped. Picking up the flogger and taking her hand, he led her to the bedroom and stopped by the edge of the bed. He stood back from her with the flogger firmly in his grasp.
“How would you like it?” he asked watching her closely.
The resonance of his voice had an almost hypnotic effect on her. Coupled with the sight of his strong body and a penis still struggling to retreat, her heart pounded just thinking about what was about to happen. She looked around the room at the options before her. If she chose the bed, he’d likely place her on her stomach making it more difficult to see him. The same held true for the St. Andrews Cross in the corner. But then she saw the spanking bench.
“On the bench, Sir.”
“You know what to do,” he replied watching as she moved closer to it.
Straddling into position over it, she placed her arms and legs down making it easier for him to restrain her by the cuffs. She looked lovingly at him before resting her chin on the headrest. Once she was in place, she watched as he reached down and attached the clamps to the small rings on the cuffs around her wrists and ankles. He refrained from attaching the collar, giving her the freedom to move her head.
“Are you ready?”
“Yes, Sir.”
He slowly walked around her, moving his fingers through the flogger tails as he contemplated the first strike. It was almost as if he were stalking prey that had him completely captivated. As the candlelight flickered on the dresser, he could see how rapid her breathing had become in anticipation. But he had to slow his. He had to settle down because he couldn’t strike Janine with the same force he had the others. She hadn’t rebuilt her tolerance for that level of intensity. He’d have to start slowly.
Brushing the tails across her skin, he let them tickle her arching back and shoulders. Moving the tails down to her ass, he let them glide between her cheeks as he slid his fingers deep within her pussy. Saturated with her juices, he slid his fingers in and out as she began writhing and softly moaning. Removing his fingers he gently swung the flogger against her dangling breasts before making circles around them. He watched carefully as goose bumps raised on her flesh. All he wanted was to taste her, to smell her, to fuck her. But it wasn’t time.
As he stepped away, she lowered her head as the ache he built inside hungered for more. Under the haze of desire, she wanted more of his ethereal touches. And then in one swift movement, she felt the first strike across her ass. Rather than feeling the powerful sensation in one spot, the tails dispersed the sensation with varying levels of intensity. Unlike a crop, a flogger was an entirely different experience. Depending on how many tails, its length and texture, the experience was always unpredictable. In Michael’s skillful hands, she also had to account for the type of rotation or force behind the strike he chose to deliver.
As the first sensations waned, he struck her again while increasing his pace. She inhaled deeply shutting her eyes in preparation for the next strike. Anticipating, she mistakenly clenched her ass, which made the pain far worse. She winced and yelled out for the first time. “Fuck!” She was grateful he gave her a moment to recover before starting again. She needed to relax and focus on everything happening to her body. She had to be controlled and let go at the same time.
For the first time she heard the tails rustling as he drew back. Back and forth he swung delivering blow after blow until her entire body shook feeling as if it were on fire. The mix of contradictions: immense pleasure, intense pain and overwhelming desire were dizzying as her first orgasm washed over her. And then he stopped briefly to watch her cum. As she ebbed, he began gliding the tails across he
r body again. The blows that followed were powerful and the intensity left her breathless. The pain was unlike any she had felt in a very long time and she considered using her safe word, but she didn’t. She wanted to feel it all including her own strength and power against his incredible force.
Much to her surprise, he stopped. Reaching down and kissing her ass, his tongue felt cool and soothing causing her clit to twitch as her orgasm began to build yet again. His kisses turned to licks as he dropped the flogger on the floor and positioned himself behind her. Teasing and flicking his tongue around her ass, his fingers explored her inner recesses moving in and out with ease. Before she could catch herself to ask permission, she came again.
“It’s all right, Baby,” he whispered. “Just let go for me.”
The sound of his voice pushed her even further over the edge. There was nothing serene about her orgasm. It felt violent, explosive and absolutely divine. All she wanted was to feel him deep inside her.
“Please, Sir. I need you,” she whimpered with heavy breath.
He needed her too. Releasing the restraints, he lifted her off the bench and led her to the bed’s edge. Raising her leg, he eased his penis inside feeling the immense warmth and wetness emanating from her. With little friction between them, he went deeper inside savoring each stroke. The walls of her pussy pulsed around him as she contracted them, hugging him in the most intimate way possible. Wrapping his arms under hers, he pulled her closer picking up his pace. Over and over she moaned and whispered how good it felt.
He could barely hold on but he wanted to feel it. He wanted to feel her as she came once more, so he slowed his pace moving his hand between them to her clit. Lifting up, he adjusted her hips and spread her engorged folds. He began massaging her clit with his fingertips and thrusting into her. And then he felt it, the extraordinary involuntary pulsing of her vagina.
Her head drew back, her mouth opened and her body quivered and shook beneath him. Watching her, his muscles tensed as he withdrew his hand to cradle her face and kiss her, thrusting deeper and faster once more. Moaning and writhing while savoring every second of their ravenous ecstasy, they finally released to one another. In the stillness that followed, neither could imagine being anywhere else but the sacred space they created.
Their Now and Forever (Book III) (The Allen Trilogy 3) Page 2
