The Lottery

by Alexandra O'Hurley

“Karlyn! Did you do this?” Bailey smiled and reached for the canvas. Karlyn walked closer to the head of the bed and held it out for the woman to grasp.

  “Yes, this was soon after I graduated art school. It is one of my favorite pieces. I thought you would appreciate the color at least.”

  “Color? Well, yes, that is gorgeous, but I had no idea how talented you were. Ethan didn’t do you justice and yesterday you were so humble about it. This is absolutely awe-inspiring.”

  “I told you she was a good painter, although I am sure my opinion doesn’t count for much. But the first day I met her I told you that, Bailey.”

  Karlyn thought back to that first day and looked at Ethan. “I thought my work was just passable?”

  Ethan looked at her and smiled. “I wasn’t in the mood to be nice to you at that moment. But I thought then you were talented and have learned since just how talented you really are.”

  “This is exactly what I meant about him being a jerk but really being a softy on the inside, Karlyn. Wow, I don’t know how to thank you.”

  “Your smile and kind words are more than enough. But wait; let me sit it up on the dresser so you can see it. I can’t hang it from the walls; I doubt the hospital would appreciate me pounding nails into the plaster. And I have one more.”

  Standing the painting on the dresser and leaning it against the wall, it faced Bailey. Karlyn pulled the second canvas out and faced it towards them and listened to the wonderful praise once more. She sat the piece on the table to the left of Bailey, and Ethan went into the bathroom to fill the vase. Together they added the flowers to the water, Ethan grasping her hands often as she attempted to help.

  Once they had arranged the flowers, Karlyn walked up to Bailey and gave her a gentle hug. “I need to get back to the studio and work on my commission piece, plus I want to give the two of you time to talk.”

  Bailey held on to her tightly and pulled her down a bit more so she could whisper in her ear. “Promise me something?”

  “What am I promising?” she whispered back.

  “Come here tomorrow with him. Hold his hand and keep him calm. I don’t know which way it will go, and I want someone who cares about him to be there.”

  “Of course. If he will have me here.”

  “Silly girl. He will want you here. There is no doubt about that.”

  Karlyn rose back up and looked at Bailey. A knowing twinkle was in her eyes and a perceptive smile crossed her lips. Confused, she stepped back and glanced at Ethan, who wore a quizzical look. She smiled at him and threw her satchel strap over her shoulder. “I must be leaving.”

  “You really don’t need to rush off.” Bailey smiled and then yawned mightily.

  “Yes, you two need time to talk and you need to rest. And I don’t want to be in the way. I shall see you soon enough.” With a smile for them both, she turned towards the door. As she was about to exit the door, an older woman entered. She eyed Karlyn from head to toe and back again, her nose squished as though she smelled something awful, her brows furrowed deep.

  Karlyn stepped back into Ethan’s wide chest, he apparently had planned on walking out into the hall with her. He stepped closer to Karlyn and seemed to let out a disgruntled sigh. “Hello, Grandmother.”

  The word was filled with distaste. Even Karlyn could hear the sarcasm rolling off each syllable.

  “I see that you associate with all the right kind of people, just like your father.”

  “Not that it matters, because you do not matter, but our friend Karlyn here is a wonderful painter and graciously took the time to bring a couple of her pieces down as gifts to brighten up my sister’s room. She needs to get back to work, so if you could allow her to exit?”

  The older woman puffed her chest up, as if she would say something to tear them both down, turned and looked at the paintings and deflated a bit. Turning back to the pair, she shrugged her shoulders and stepped aside to allow them passage. Ethan grasped Karlyn’s hand in his and led her out into the hallway.

  ****

  Once clear of the door and down the hallway a few steps, Ethan turned around and whisked Karlyn into his arms. He pulled her against his front and ran his fingers through her hair, pulling her mouth to his in a primitive kiss. Feeling herself melt into him, she succumbed, not caring who watched them. After a few moments, Ethan pulled away, looking down into her face with a smile.

  Still holding her close, he smiled at her. “I have so wanted to do that from the moment you walked into her room.”

  “I’m glad you waited, although tonight would be better, when we are alone and can finish what we start.”

  “True enough.” Taking a deep breath he stepped back a little as a passing nurse gave them the evil eye. He smiled at the woman and then back at Karlyn. Grabbing a handful of hair, he pushed it away from her forehead and planted a kiss there. “You are more wonderful than I realized. Thank you so much for the joy you brought my sister today. It was much needed. Especially if she is having to deal with our grandmother right now. And on that note, I should get back in there to ensure that woman doesn’t completely ruin her day.”

  “Dear boy, that woman has left the room. I seriously doubt I completely ruined her day. Morning, perhaps, but not her whole day.”

  Ethan whipped around to face his Grandmother. Moving his body in front of Karlyn, he shielded her from his grandmother. “Well, don’t let me stop you from leaving. I am sure you know where the door is.”

  Evangeline had the audacity to laugh. “Young man, I believe you are starting to grow on me.” Opening her purse and riling through, she grasped a card out and faced Karlyn. “Now you. I am interested in your artwork. Here is my card, call my secretary and make an appointment. And please ensure that you wear something appropriate to my home as I do not want to replace my furnishings due to paint damage.”

  She handed a stunned Karlyn the card, and turned toward the elevators. Turning back to them before entering, she added. “You really shouldn’t fondle the poor girl in the hallway, there is such a thing as propriety, although I am sure your father never taught you much of that.”

  Grimacing instead of replying, Ethan stared into his grandmother’s back until she entered the elevator. The older woman entered the car, turned to face the front and gave them both a smug smile. The doors closed and Ethan relaxed.

  “I hate that woman. With every ounce and fiber of my being, I hate that woman. Please tell me you aren’t going to make that appointment.” Turning to face her, he pleaded with her with his eyes.

  “Ethan, I have a career I’m struggling to build. A client like your grandmother could be the shot in the arm I need. I can’t ignore this.”

  Lowering his head, his shoulders sagged. “I know you need this. But I’m afraid she may be doing this to hurt me. Using you to get me.”

  “It is a business transaction. I won’t let her get into my head. I will be careful, and totally professional.”

  “Promise me you won’t let your guard down.”

  “I promise.”

  Lowering his head, he pulled her close for a soft kiss. His cock lengthened against her stomach. Nipples tightening as she arched into his embrace, she rubbed the hardened buds against his firm chest. Pulling his lips from hers, he rested his forehead on hers with closed eyes.

  “You had better go before I make love to you right here in this hallway.” Inhaling her scent, he then pushed her gently away. “I need to go back to Bailey, and you have work to do.”

  Pulling back, he dropped one last kiss on her forehead before walking away.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Karlyn went right back into the trenches as soon as she returned to her studio. The outing had been good for her, and upon putting brush to canvas, she felt alive. She painted through the day and evening hours, only stopping to grab a quick bite in the late afternoon.

  Painting feverishly, she realized that the sun waned from the overhead windows, so she flicked the lights on. Knowing Ethan would be home i
n a couple of hours and doubting he had eaten, she started a quick spaghetti sauce on the stove and let it simmer. She never realized how enjoyable it could be to fix dinner for someone else, to hope they found joy in a simple meal. Or maybe she simply looked forward to the companionship.

  Going back to her work upstairs, hours passed as she neared completion on the piece. She stepped back to look over her work and backed into a hard chest. Squealing as she turned around, she smiled when she saw Ethan’s face.

  Observing how exhausted he looked, her smile faded. Putting down her brush and palette, she grasped his hand in hers and led him downstairs to the dining room. Sitting him down at the table, she kissed his forehead and poured him a glass of wine and started boiling water for the noodles, running into the bedroom to change out of her clothes. Afterwards she strode to the table and pulled him into an embrace, running her hands through his soft hair and rubbing his stress filled shoulders.

  Within a few more minutes she threw together a plate of food for them both. He consumed more wine than food, and she quickly cleaned up the mess after opening a second bottle to enjoy. Afterwards, she bade him to stay at the table while she started a warm bath. Once the tub was full, she led him to bathroom and helped him undress, pushing him into the tub.

  Rubbing a warm soapy cloth over his shoulders and back, caressing his chest and arms, Karlyn felt his body relax some, but she was sure Bailey’s impending surgery still laid heavy over him. Worry filled the creases around his eyes and mouth, and hints of tears shimmered in his eyes. She refused to cry, wanting to be strong for him.

  Ethan reached a hand to the back of Karlyn’s head and pulled her to his lips. Feasting on her mouth, she felt the ache, the need, the anguish inside of him. He needed release to forget, to focus on her so the pain could be pushed aside or he would go insane with worry. She subconsciously knew what he needed and succumbed when he began to pull her clothing from her body.

  Lifting her easily over the edge of the tub, he sat her astride him, rubbing his erection along her mound, never breaking free from the kiss. His lips moved from her mouth to her ears, her neck, her chest and finally he captured one hardened bud in this mouth as he lifted her slightly and drove himself into her body in one thrust.

  Once seated within her, he paused, pulling her so close she could barely breathe. His hands entwined with her long locks and pulled her head far back as he nipped at the soft skin of her neck. Leaving a trail of bites up to her chin, the pleasure-pain he left in his wake made her pussy ache with need, yet he stayed motionless, savoring the heat of her body.

  She began slow movements on his cock, trying to spur him to motion within the confines of her body. His strong hand moved to her hip to still her actions as his teeth bit into the curve of her lower lip. Forcing his tongue into her mouth, he began anew the plundering of her mouth. Her hands, caught within the space between their bodies, needed to feel him under her, every muscle, every sinew. Pulling them free, she touched him everywhere, exploring his tight flesh.

  His kisses becoming more fervent, he stood straight up from the tub, with her wrapped around his body. She jolted, and he steadied her with a slow, soft hush, as he pulled her legs around his waist. Stepping from the old fashioned tub as if he carried nothing but a child, he walked from the room after grabbing a soft towel.

  Laying the towel down, he lowered her to the bed. He kneeled between her legs and began to feast on her labia.

  “I want to taste you too.” She expelled on a sigh.

  Standing up, he moved, laying down on the bed alongside her, his cock inches from her watering mouth, as he faced her pussy and began tasting her again in earnest. His cock lay heavy against his stomach as she watched it pulse. Running one finger along it, from base to tip, she reveled in the soft feel of his skin. Warmth bled through her finger, and she wrapped the rest of her fingers around the organ’s base. She moved her hand slowly along the length, unsure of the pressure. Squeezing slightly more, she was spurred on by his moan of bliss.

  Knowing she gave him pleasure granted her an incredible sense of strength, and she wanted to savor him as he experienced her. Leaning closer, she smelled his musky scent and rubbed her cheek against the velvety skin. Opening her mouth, she ran her tongue along the bulbous head and tasted the pre-come that had beaded along the opening in the tip. Salty, yet slightly sweet, she liked the taste of him and pulled the head into her mouth, running her tongue along the underside.

  Groans of pleasure escaped his mouth and reverberated through her pussy. The vibrations rippled through her pussy. She fervently licked his cock, feeling his fervor escalate as well. Kneading the flesh at the base of his dick, she took as much of him into her mouth as she could and suckled his flesh.

  Sticking one of his long fingers into her wetness, she sighed around his cock, bringing a long moan from his mouth that whispered around her clit. A second finger entered her, and she bucked from the pleasure. Moving her hips to match the rhythm he created with his hand, she neared orgasm and sensed he was close as well when he stiffened further in her hand. When one more finger was added to her, she immediately felt the explosion from her core, and moaned loudly along his length.

  He followed her in orgasm and as he tried to pull from her mouth, she grabbed his hips tight, not allowing his cock to slip from her lips. The first jet of come slid down her throat after a thick pulsing came from his phallus. She had felt that pulse before, but in her pussy, not her mouth, and it often caused her own orgasms. Swallowing each following jet until he was complete, she licked his softening cock before allowing it to pop from her mouth.

  Twisting and turning to face her, his kiss swirled their combined flavors of lovemaking within her mouth. Seating himself in the cradle of her thighs, she felt him begin to harden again. The man was completely insatiable and she was glad, because Karlyn felt the same in response to him. She knew while she milked the come from his cock that it would not be enough this night.

  Groaning her displeasure when he stood from the bed, it was too early for him to leave her arms. In the low light of the bedroom, he began to rummage through a bag that was not her own, at the foot of the bed. She could not see what he held in his hand, but a moment later a soft cuff was placed around her wrist and electricity zipped through her body. The desire that ran through her was almost too much, she could barely breathe.

  “Tonight is about you, Ethan.”

  “This is for me, believe that.”

  Locking eyes with him in the low light cast by the open bathroom door, she saw the raw need etched on his face. Perhaps he felt that he had no control over what would happen tomorrow, so he needed to control what happened tonight. And she would let him, without question. Even though they had not known each other long, when she looked into his eyes, and felt confidence and safety there, she sensed she could trust him in this.

  Watching him lock her arm above her head, attaching it to the headboard, she felt hunger gnaw at her core. Never having had this fantasy before, she was shocked at the way in which the simple act of restraining her had made her whole body into one single nerve ending. Placing her other hand into a cuff, he lifted his body as he finished, reaching around to the footboard. Placing one ankle into a cuff, wetness spilled out of her pussy and the scent flooded the room. He inhaled deeply and she watched as his cock became even harder and his eyes glittered with lust.

  The last cuff was put into place and she felt the current of need coiling tighter within her. Sliding his hand up her left leg, he massaged the muscles there, her body trembling under his touch. He was taking too long, and she swore form his sly smile, he was dragging his actions out to torture her. Laying little nips on her leg as he casually rubbed her skin, he built a fire within her. She desperately wanted to touch him, pulling at the bonds on her hands.

  That struggle only seemed to ignite them both, her in knowing he was about to own her body completely, him in knowing she belonged to him and him alone. Running the back of his hand along her inner t
high, he teased the skin with his hands and lips, staying well away from the part she needed him to touch the most.

  Bypassing her center, he moved to her stomach and chest, leaving branding trails of heat with his fingers, tasting her skin with his soft lips. He rested his weight between her legs, rubbing his hardened cock along her slit, sliding his hips, causing the friction to almost undo her.

  “Please…”

  “Not yet, my love, not yet.”

  My love? She heard his words, but quickly released the thought from her mind, sure that he couldn’t mean anything by them.

  Slipping one of her hardened nubs into his mouth, he continued to rub his cock along her as he bit and nibbled her. Pain and pleasure centered at her breast, shooting fire through her whole body. His hands reached below her, grasping both globes of her ass, kneading her and pulling her closer to increase the friction along her pussy. The head continued to hit her swollen clit with the end of each thrust of his hips, causing the fire to lick at her core, but it wasn’t enough to push her over the edge. She wanted him inside her, needed him inside her.

  But he continued to torture her, ignoring her soft pleas for him to enter her. Biting her other nipple and suckling it between his teeth, he poked the head of his cock within her, and began to push forward. Yessssss, this is what she needed. But he retreated and began the thrusts outside the front of her labia. She could have cried from the loss and tried to arch her back to make him enter her again.

  She caught the tip once more and he entered her slightly, only to have him pull away again. Moving further up her body, he caught her mouth in a powerful embrace. It was as if he needed to drink part of her soul to make him complete, and as quickly and swiftly as he kissed her, he pulled away and stood beside the bed looking down at her, bound and naked. Knowing her state, she suddenly felt more vulnerable than she was prepared for.

  Grasping his cock in one hand, he pumped the flesh as he gazed at her. She watched him, feverish, needing him to enter her desperately. Slowly climbing within the center of her legs, she moaned her dislike. He smiled at her just before his mouth latched onto her clit.