Julian pulls out a chair for me at the long dining table and whispers into my hair at I sit down, “But not as great as you.”
He meets my startled gaze but looks away quickly with a lopsided smile and starts pouring me a cup of coffee. When Mrs Kenny turns around, he straightens his face and his back immediately. She fixes him with a knowing look as she ambles over with a stack of fresh pancakes. Julian reaches out to steal a pancake, and she smacks his hand resoundingly.
“Let the lady eat first,” she scolds him.
“But I was here first!” he protests.
“The lady comes first,” she says with a slight inflection of her voice. “Remember that. That is the secret to my lasting marriage. And I should know. I've been happily married to the first and only boy I dated for more than thirty years now.” She winks at both of us and turns back to the stove.
I blush deeply at the erotic turn of her words. Does she know the purpose of my stay here? I look down as Julian heaps the pancakes onto my plate. “Syrup, butter...?” he asks.
“I...I'll help myself to the maple syrup. Thanks,” I say awkwardly.
As I eat, I glance up frequently at Mrs Kenny as she bustles around the kitchen, humming softly to herself. She is a cheerful, sprightly woman, nimble on her feet and quick with her hands and words. She continues bantering and joking with us as she works. When she has finished her chores in the kitchen, she removes her apron and pauses at the dining table on her way out. “Sophia dear,” she says gently. “I'm really glad you're here. You know, I haven't heard Julian talk and laugh so much in one morning. You have brought joy back into this house, and to him.”
I start, but words just fail me at this moment. Mrs Kenny gives Julian an almost imperceptible nod and exits the kitchen. I hear her moving in another part of the house, and the hum of the vacuum cleaner comes on. I turn back to stare at my plate, unable to look at Julian.
“She is a sweet woman,” I say at last.
Julian nods. “She's been with me for more than ten years. She's very sharp. She doesn't probe, yet she knows everything at a glance. She cares, but she is not a busybody. She would never gossip or interfere in anything I do.”
I start chewing my lower lip instead of my pancake. From her knowing looks and words which were pregnant with meaning, I am sure that Mrs Kenny knows, or would at the very least have made an uncannily accurate guess, at the real reason for my presence here. I am a live specimen for Julian's study and research on sexuality and female orgasms. Mrs Kenny is a sweet, gentle woman who has been married to her first boyfriend for more years than I have been alive. I redden, wondering whether Julian will require me to test the sex machine in the day when Mrs Kenny is still in the house. I'm not sure the drone of the vacuum cleaner is enough to drown out my moans and screams of pleasure. I drain my coffee in one long gulp and face Julian.
“So...what shall we do this morning?” I try to keep my tone light and teasing, but the quaver in my voice is obvious.
Julian puts down his cup. “Shall we go for a walk? You haven't seen the garden or the pool. Perhaps we could have a swim. It'd be good exercise and it'd relax your muscles.”
“Swim? I don't have any...”
“Oh. I got you a swimsuit. I just hope it fits.”
I run my hands down my blouse and skirt. “Did you get me all these clothes too?”
He smiles and nods.
“How did you...” I begin.
“I...well, I went shopping—online. I tried to estimate your size and just clicked on the items that I thought would suit you.”
“That was really fast...”
“Yeah. You can specify express delivery and the items will be delivered to you in a couple of hours.” He shrugs, his eyes clearly appreciating how the soft blouse and skirt hug my curves snugly.
“Th-thank you, for the clothes. They fit me great,” I stammer.
“Just let me know if you need anything else, Sophia,” he says earnestly. “I don't...”
“I'm fine,” I assure him. “Thanks.”
“Come.” He stands and offers me his arm. “I'll show you the garden.”
With my hand in the crook of his arm, he leads me to the front door. The foyer is sparkling with the golden sunlight filtering in through the frosted glass at the side of the door. With the light bouncing off the chandelier and dancing on the marble floor, the whole house looks bright and happy. I recall Mrs Kenny words. It's as if new life had been breathed into this house, and—I glance at the smile playing on Julian's lips—this man.
We walk out into the lush, flowering garden and I step lightly on the dappled sunlight flickering on the lawn. Walking through the sprinkle of shed leaves and flowers from the trees, we reach a swing at the end of the garden. I catch the wobbling swing and sit down, pushing myself to and fro. Julian leans in and picks some small leaves and petals out of my hair. “Pretty,” he murmurs, brushing the hair from my face.
I blush and look away, moving the swing gently. Julian stands behind me to push the swing higher. The swing sways low and slow at first, like a pendulum, before swinging higher and higher, flinging me towards the sky.
Giggling, I kick my legs up and whoop my delight. Julian laughs and works the swing harder. I close my eyes, feeling the wind and warm sunlight against my face. Up, up and up I fly. The clouds scuttle and disperse, and it feels as if I might touch a piece of that light blue sky. I stretch out my arms, just as I come whooshing down again, and this time Julian catches me by the waist.
“Whoa, slow down,” he says. “You look like you might sail right into the air.”
He releases me and lets the swing fall into a gentle rhythm. I let the swing come to a stop naturally and hop off. “That was fun,” I grin at him.
“The pool is at the back of the house. Would you like to see it?” he offers.
“That would be nice.” We walk round to the back of the house, which looks even bigger and more imposing in the day. I glimpse the clear blue of the water as I round the corner.
Julian stops and I stare at the kidney-shaped swimming pool taking up the entire backyard. There are white deck chairs along the side of the pool, and well pruned shrubs lining the perimeter of the sprawling property. The water ripples in the breeze, and I steal a glance at Julian's toned, tanned physique. Now I know how he got his athletic build. If he swims every day, it's no wonder his arm and chest muscles feel so firm and hard against me.
He turns abruptly and catches me staring at him. “Shall we...” His voice sounds hoarse, and he clears his throat. “Would you like to go for a swim? The weather's fine and I thought maybe you...”
“Yes.” I nod hurriedly, embarrassed at being caught staring. “Yes. A swim sounds great.”
“I'll meet you here in a while then.” He smiles.
“Yeah. I'll go change.” I back towards the house. He watches me as I duck through the back door. Moving rapidly through the hall, I admire the ornate furniture and paintings on the wall. His hall is neat and luxurious with not a single piece of furniture and ornament out of place, but there is a sense of loneliness to it. It feels like no one has sat in those chairs and lounged on that sofa in a long while. In contrast, Julian's ground floor office is messy and crowded with files and papers. His office feels more lived in than his hall. He has made his work his life. He had chosen to just bury himself in his work and his research after that accident. It was a way to lock up his hurt and his heart.
I can totally understand that. When you lock up your heart, you can protect it and it can be safe from fresh wounds. I have locked mine up as well, but Julian seems to be unlocking it, little by little. Making me smile and laugh, making me feel relaxed and loved.
I run up to my room and almost trip over a box in front of the door. Gingerly, I pick it up and open it. There is a two-piece swimsuit in it. I push into the room and feel the soft fabric. It is a halter neck, black bikini. I can feel the heat creeping up my face when I realize that Julian had chosen this with me in mind. He mu
st have pictured me in it when he ordered this just a few hours ago.
I undress and pick up the bikini. I finish tying the string of the halter top behind my neck and look at myself in the bathroom mirror. The bikini fits me perfectly. No man has bought a swimsuit for me, ever. Ex-boyfriends, ex-husband—they hadn't noted my size and body with enough care and attention to be able to buy a swimsuit for me. I turn one full round and check the mirror one last time. Julian had bought this bikini specially for me, to fit my body perfectly. I'm sure he would be dying to see me in it.
I blow out a breath.
Well, I hope I don't disappoint him.
Nervously, I slip on a long t-shirt and make my way to the pool. I can hear water splashing and I see Julian swimming with strong strokes across the pool. I stand at the edge of the pool, watching the muscles on his back and arms ripple as he swims. He somersaults in the water and kicks off powerfully from the wall. He swims towards me and surfaces at my feet.
“Hey.”
I smile back at him. “Hey. You're a very good swimmer.”
He shakes the water from his face. “It's a good way to relax. Clears my mind.”
“I know. It's peaceful in the water. It lets you think better.”
“Come on in. The water's just right, not too cold.” He splashes the water around my ankles and I squeal.
“It's freezing!”
“No it's not,” he laughs. “Come on!”
When I back away, a predatory look descends on his features. With lightning speed, he pushes up from the pool and tackles me around the waist. Ignoring my shrieks, he wraps his arms around me and plunges into the water. I surface immediately, spluttering and yelling. Julian laughs and swims away.
“I am going to get you. And then I am going to kill you!” I swear and dive after him.
Julian flips on his back and taunts, “You'd have to catch me first.”
I narrow my eyes at him. He obviously doesn't think I can catch him. Well, he doesn't know that I am a pretty good swimmer myself. I used to be in the swim team in school.
Stealthily, I inch towards him. Out of the corner of his eye, he notices my movements and barks out a laugh. “Oh no you don't. I'm not going to be lying here, letting you sneak up on me. Catch me if you can. Come on!”
With that, he propels himself through the water like a torpedo. I let out a shout and immediately give chase. My legs kick hard, and I cut through the water with clean, strong strokes. Julian has slowed down, perhaps out of complacency, and I close in on him. Amidst yelps and shrieks and chortles, I capture him successfully and pin him against the side of the pool.
“You didn't think I could catch you. eh?” I raise an eyebrow at him.
He shakes his head, laughing. “No way! I didn't expect you to be such a strong swimmer. You're fast, even in that t-shirt. You are awesome!”
“So now that I have caught you, how should I punish you?” I lean in, smirking.
Julian stops his thrashing and his eyes suddenly darken. In one swift, sharp move, he flips me around and clamps his hands around my waist. I gasp as he pushes me to the wall, imprisoning me with his arms and body. Just like that, the tables are turned.
“You were saying...” he murmurs, bending his face to mine. His hands slip under my t-shirt and move up and down along the curve of my waist. He pushes my t-shirt up insistently and I raise my arms to let him pull it up over my head. He flings the wet t-shirt away and catches my wrists. Very slowly, he brings my hands down to his, lacing his fingers through mine. His chest is brushing against my erect nipples, and he lowers his mouth to brush against my lips. I close my eyes, feeling his breath against my cheek, my lips, my neck. The searing heat of his breath and his body is in sharp contrast with the cool of the water. Our hands are underwater, our fingers interlaced. The water caresses our skin, pushing us towards each other. The lapping of the water against my breasts makes me acutely aware of my aching, erect nipples. Julian steps up to me, pressing urgently against me and I arch my back to him. His erection stabs into my belly, and I rest one leg against his thigh, wanting to feel his cock between my legs. Taking my cue, he pulls my legs up to his waist. The water supports my weight easily, and I lock my legs round his torso. His hands hold my waist firmly and he starts to move against me. Through his swimming trunks, I can feel the tip of his cock strain to enter me. All I want to do is rip my bikini off and feel him completely inside me, but I know that Julian would refuse to penetrate me. He wouldn't even kiss me full on the mouth.
Feeling me, wanting me, tormenting me is as far as he will go, for now. I throw my head back and his tongue takes a tentative taste of my throat. I shudder and rake my fingers through his hair, pulling him to me.
His breathing is harsh and ragged, and he is pushing so hard against me I can feel his cock at the very tip of my slit. My bikini feels like an unnecessary, unwanted barrier, denying Julian access to me. I squirm in desire and frustration.
Julian's hands cup my butt, gripping me so hard his nails dig into me. “Sophia...” He sounds like he is begging.
I can't take it anymore. My whole body is trembling with need. “Make me come,” I whisper. “Make me come now.”
He gazes deeply into my eyes and very slowly, he untangles himself from me. Slipping one arm under my knees, he lifts me out of the water and deposits me at the edge of the pool. Emerging from the pool, he kneels by my side and gathers me in his arms. Silently, our eyes locked in an intense, expectant gaze, he carries me into the house and up the stairs. We are still dripping, the water running down our chests, but that is not what is causing the growing wetness between my legs.
I am barely able to breathe. My need is smothering, smoldering, almost burning through the wet fabric on my skin and I almost moan in anticipation and agony. Despite the cool water running down my body, I feel almost feverish.
Julian nudges the door to the laboratory open with his shoulder and carries me into the room. The sex machine is already switched on, and I can see a small red light blinking on one of the monitors.
My eyelids flutter as he lays me down gently in the middle of the machine. An involuntary, delicious shiver courses through my body when I remember what I'd just told Julian.
Make me come.
Well, he is about to do just that.
Shakily, I raise my hands behind my neck to untie my halter top but Julian stops me. “Allow me,” he says gruffly, catching my arms. I stand and face him, feeling his hands on my bare shoulders.
Slowly, his hands move to my nape. His long fingers deftly unties the string of my bikini top and removes it, exposing my bare breasts. His eyes hungrily take in the swell of my breasts and my glistening, hard nipples. I can feel his fingers tremble slightly as they move down my body to slide my bikini bottom down my legs. His fingers skim along the outside of my thighs and calves. I close my eyes, imagining those long, skilful fingers on my inner thigh and deep in my folds.
“Sophia.”
I open my eyes at his voice.
“Are you ready? Are you sure you want...”
“Yes. I want this.” I want you.
Julian's lips move, but I can't read the words on his lips. He caresses my cheek tenderly and nods.
Chapter Four
I let Julian stretch my arms above my head and lock my wrists in the metal cuffs. He steps away from me and I see him grab some clothes from behind the door. With jerky movements, he shrugs on a shirt and a pair of jeans. He dons his white coat rather hurriedly and haphazardly, and comes back to me. His hair is still dripping and I watch the water droplets race down his neck to soak into his collar. If my hands weren't cuffed, I'd grab his collar and pull him forcefully to me.
He presses a button and the machine lowers me onto the steel table. I lie on my back and wait. Julian takes my feet in his hands. I expect him to cuff my ankles, but instead he starts to massage my feet. His thumb moves in slow circles against the soles of my feet, starting from the balls to my heel.
“Aren't yo
u going to restrain my legs?” I ask breathlessly when he holds my waist and lowers his face to mine.
He shakes his head. “No. Just relax, Sophia. You...” He presses his warm lips to my eyelids, and whispers, “You are amazing.”
His lips and hands leave me at last, and I shudder from the sudden cold. There is a faint click and I know that the glass sphere has sealed. My eyes dart across the thin, clear surface of the glass globe that I am encased in. What is the machine going to do to me this time? I shift my body and realize that the steel table has widened. I can comfortable spread my legs without having my legs hang off the side of the table. My eyes round as I suddenly understand why Julian has not secured my ankles. The first time in the sex machine, I had been brought to orgasm by the suction and heat on my skin, my breasts, my sore, stimulated nipples, my whole body but I hadn't been allowed to spread my legs. But earlier on, in the pool, Julian had pressed his erection to the very tip of my opening and he had seen my fierce arousal and need. I had wrapped my legs around him, allowing him to press hard against me and push insistently between my legs. He knows what I want. I want my sex probed and pounded. And he is going to give it to me.
I blink as Julian fades from my view. He is typing something into the control panel at the side of the machine, but now he is nothing more than a white blur. The curved surface of the sphere has misted over, and I can feel the humidity building up.
A nozzle lowers from the top of the sphere and a spray of warm water spurts over my body. As the water trickles down my body, gently caressing my stomach and thighs, I start to relax. I close my eyes and surrender to the soothing sensation. The feel of water on my skin makes me recall what Julian and I had just done in the pool moments earlier. The experience had been playful, carefree, happy, passionate and sexy. The memory of his smile, his gaze, his lust makes my breath catch. I had felt his huge cock seeking my opening, torturing me through my bikini. Unconsciously, I part my thighs at the thought of Julian's demanding erection. The warmth spreads down my body and pools between my legs. I spread my legs further apart and the water pressure rises in tandem with my desire.
How You Touch Me Page 3
