by Galia Ryan
“You seem surprised? Why should you be? You’ve been together for some time. It’s natural there should be feelings. In fact, I would be worried if there weren’t, wouldn’t you?”
It was a valid point. Stephanie was annoyed that Olivia seemed more in tune with her and Charles’ relationship than she was.
“If he loves me, as you seem to think, then why are you here?”
Olivia’s look was surprisingly sympathetic. “Stephanie, you are an intelligent woman. Surely you know that there is a vast difference between sex and love.”
“So you are ... what? A sexual interlude?”
“You could say that.”
“What else could you be?” She was being deliberately spiteful. How dare this woman sit there so smugly?
“A friend.”
“To whom? Charles?”
“Of course. And you, if you will let me.”
“I don’t think so. I’ve no need of your friendship.”
“Are you sure?”
“Completely. Thanks for the offer, though.” Stephanie stood. The discussion was over.
Olivia calmly eased her silk robe over her knees. It had slipped a little, allowing a glimpse of perfectly toned thigh. “You know, in order to get what you want in life, you will need more than your father’s money. As beautiful as you are, I think a little more social polish wouldn’t come amiss.”
“Really?” Stephanie’s hands were on her hips. “And how would you know what I want?”
“I can see it in your eyes.”
Stephanie went over to the window. She needed to think. “Tell me how you know Charles,” she asked, looking out onto the avenue.
“We’ve known each other many years. He and my husband were business acquaintances. Now my husband is dead, and Charles and I are good friends and occasional lovers.”
“So you’ve been seeing each other all the time we’ve been together?” She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
“Probably. Darling, it’s not a contest. Forgive me for saying, but I can see you really have a lot to learn about men and sex. And women, for that matter.”
“You think so?” Stephanie’s tone was once again sarcastic.
“Look, why don’t you sit down again?” Olivia gestured gracefully towards the Louis XV chair. “I have a proposal for you. But before we go into detail, I’m sure Charles has at least one bottle of champagne in the fridge. Perhaps you might go and see. Bring back two glasses; then we can talk.”
Stephanie fumed. Had she not been so curious, she would have walked out and left Charles and this woman to it.
In the kitchen the champagne was already open and waiting in an ice bucket. Two crystal flutes were placed next to it.
She would definitely kill Charles later.
Gritting her teeth, she filled the glasses and returned to the salon. No sooner had she offered one to Olivia than the woman patted the cushion beside her.
“Why not sit here?”
She almost laughed. Did this woman really think she wanted to be that close to her? Instead she took the opposite end of the long sofa and pulled one leg up beneath her in an overly casual manner.
* * *
Olivia took a sip of her champagne. She had no qualms with Charles. They had met for dinner, as they often did when she came over to Paris, and then made use of the apartment. He’d been up front with the situation with regard to Stephanie. In fact now that she had met the girl she understood a lot more.
He was right. If doors could be opened for her, she would go a long way.
“I have no daughters,” she told Stephanie, “not that they would be old enough, anyway,” she added quickly.
Stephanie said nothing. Her grey eyes still smouldered.
Unperturbed, Olivia smiled. “If you would be willing, I would enjoy taking you under my wing and educating you in the ways of those with substantial wealth and power. I could teach you all the little tricks you should know,” she added.
“Why would you do that for me?” The girl still had that stubborn, wary expression on her face.
“Because I can see myself at your age.”
Stephanie’s smile was derisive.
“Not everything is as it seems,” Olivia went on smoothly, ignoring the closed body language. “I was born into the lower ranks of the English aristocracy. Our family lineage can be traced back to the Norman invasion.”
“Should I be impressed?” Stephanie raised her glass in mock salute.
“Probably not. Since it would be fair to say we have breeding but little money. Death duties, mainly. Not to mention the legacy of a great-grandfather who was rather unwise in his investments. I was married off in my early twenties.”
“Oh.” Stephanie was caught unawares. “I didn’t realise that sort of thing still went on.”
“It certainly does.”
“Was it awful?” Thankfully the girl’s expression was softening.
“Not really,” Olivia said with a laugh and a little shake of her head. “Not every relationship requires romance to be successful.”
“Did you love your husband at all?”
Olivia paused, then replied, “After a while I did. He was a lot older than me. But yes, he was a wonderful man, and we eventually found an arrangement that suited us both.”
“What happened to him?”
“As I said, he died.”
“Oh yes.”
“It was some time ago now.” Olivia took another sip of champagne. “Let’s move on to something far more interesting. Let’s talk about you.”
* * *
Stephanie wasn’t sure that was what she wanted at all. “There’s nothing to know.”
“Oh, I disagree. Look at you. Attractive, clever, and not afraid to reach for what you want. A fascinating combination. I believe you start university soon? You’ve chosen your degree course?”
“Yes. Law.”
“Well done. That will keep the boys on their toes.”
“Why?”
“Heavens, darling, the profession is still terribly old-boys-club. Unless you’re going into conveyancing? You’re not, are you?”
“No. I’m interested in human rights.”
“Ah.” Olivia grimaced.
“You don’t approve?” Stephanie was pleased, sensing that at last she had the upper hand.
Olivia smiled—a bit condescendingly, Stephanie thought. “It’s not that I don’t approve. It’s very laudable.”
“But?”
“Is there any money in it?”
Stephanie blinked.
“Let’s put it this way,” Olivia continued smoothly. “Will it enable you to have the lifestyle you want?”
“I doubt it will make me wealthy, but there are other considerations.”
“Such as?” Olivia took another sip from her flute.
“Knowing you’re doing something positive for mankind.”
Olivia stared at a point on the far wall as if considering this idea. “Hmm. The urge to make a difference.”
“Exactly.”
“Just remember, darling, they burnt Joan of Arc at the stake. Men!” Olivia shook her head. “So many just can’t cope with being overshadowed. Especially by a woman.”
“I can assure you the world has changed a lot since the Middle Ages.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive. And tell me, if you don’t find the idea of service to mankind worthwhile, what would be your suggestion?” Stephanie leaned forward, gesturing at Olivia with her glass.
“Perhaps something a little more dynamic?”
“Criminal law? Courtroom drama? No thanks.” She fell back against the cushions with a satisfied air.
“Not exactly what I was thinking, either. You know, I’m sure I could introduce you to one or two people you would find interesting. In the meantime, tell me a little more about yourself. Do you have a boyfriend?”
“Other than Charles, you mean,” Stephanie pointed out coolly.
“I was so
impressed to hear you bartered your virginity. A summer on the Côte d’Azur, wasn’t it?”
Seething inside over what she saw as his betrayal, Stephanie could only give a curt nod.
“I’m sure he appreciated the part he was asked to play.”
“He did.”
“And over a year later he is still fucking you. That is quite an accomplishment for one so young. I would have expected him to have tired of you well before now.”
“Well he hasn’t.”
“I wonder why?” Olivia mused, almost as an afterthought.
“Perhaps because I can give him something others can’t?”
“And what would that be?”
Stephanie was silent. What would that be, she wondered. She stared down at her glass.
“Charles has been fucking me, too, don’t forget. And no doubt his wife gets her share. Think about it, darling, what is the key factor here?”
“I don’t know.”
“We’re all available.” Olivia waited to let the words sink in. “Most men will fuck anything, given the chance. Some, though, are a little more discerning.” She had Stephanie’s attention. “It would pay you to remember that.”
“Why?”
“Because of what you want from life. And because you want it on your terms. Or am I wrong?”
Stephanie was already reconsidering her initial thoughts about this woman. “No, you’re not wrong.”
“Then I think we should get to know each other a little better.”
Chapter 9.
Despite the uneasy truce, Stephanie had difficulty in seeing Olivia as anything other than a rival for Charles’ attention.
“Isn’t that a little hypocritical?” Olivia placed her glass down on the side table. “Let’s be honest. As far as you’re concerned, there is a nice tidy line separating Charles’ life into two halves. You have the right to one side, his wife and children to the other. Would that be correct?”
Stephanie stood up; she felt the need to move around. “I suppose so.”
“Don’t look so guilty; it’s perfectly normal. You just need to understand that you might not be alone on your side of the line. It doesn’t mean he loves you any less. If it’s any consolation, consider the number of societies where it is customary for a man to have more than one wife. Doesn’t that tell you something?”
“What?” She was back at the window.
“That perhaps variety is the spice of life.”
“And does that go for women, too?”
“Why not?”
Stephanie frowned. “I don’t see it that way. Next you’ll be telling me it’s all connected to our inherent need to procreate.”
She heard Olivia laugh. “I think for the moment we should agree to disagree. You know, in a way I envy your outlook. Unfortunately I’ve experienced far too much to be anything other than a cynic.”
“Well, I would like to think that when I get married my husband would stand by his vows.”
“And you. Would you stand by your vows?”
Stephanie spun round. “Of course.”
“Good for you. I take it, though, that you have no plans to settle down for a while.”
“Heavens, no. I want to live a little first.”
“I’m pleased to hear it.” Olivia rose to her feet. “Darling, I’m really glad we had this chance to talk. Tell you what, why don’t you go and find Charles. Give me five minutes to dress, and then the bedroom will be all yours. I can find my own way out.”
As much as she hated to admit it, Stephanie was no longer angry. Stylish, self-assured and seemingly financially independent, Olivia did perhaps offer some wisdom she could benefit from.
“Where are you going to go?” she asked.
“I think a spot of pampering is in order. There’s a little place not far from here that offers the most divine treatments, and I intend to indulge myself. I think I deserve it, don’t you?”
“Will you come back afterwards?”
“Let’s wait and see.” At the door Olivia hesitated. “Oh, and by the way, tell Charles I approve.”
“Of what?”
“You, of course.”
Charles’ desk was covered in paperwork, and he was working on what appeared to be complex data when she slipped into the study.
“Hi.”
“Everything okay?” Charles asked, leaning back as if glad of the interruption.
“Yes. She’s very nice.” She kept her voice low. The encounter had left her deflated, but she also didn’t want to upset Charles any further. Olivia was his friend, after all. There was also her birthday gift to consider. If she didn’t behave, she might not receive it. At least, not immediately.
“I’m glad you think so.”
“I do. And I’m sorry for the way I reacted.”
He pulled her onto his lap. “And how do you intend to prove it?”
“Well, perhaps I could pick up where Olivia left off earlier?” She was playing with a lock of his hair and leaned forward to kiss him.
“That would be appreciated.”
“Do you want to go to the bedroom, or should we do it here.”
“Here will be fine.” He was being short with her, which meant she was not entirely forgiven. She leaned forward again and ran the tip of her tongue along his bottom lip. Returning along the top one, she pushed between.
She loved everything about his mouth, the forcefulness of his tongue, the rasping of his stubble on her chin. It all made her feel wonderfully powerless.
Knowing what he really wanted, she slipped between his legs and parted his robe. Charles eased forward, ensuring her complete access to all areas requiring attention. Teasingly, she made her way up the inside of his thigh with a myriad of butterfly kisses. His cock was already hard up against his belly. Even so, when her fingernails scraped lightly behind his balls, there was an immediate reaction. Wetting her lips, she lowered her mouth over the erect head.
And then faltered.
“Can you taste her?”
She could only nod.
“Does she taste good?”
As if in answer her mouth began greedily working his shaft.
“Have you been with another woman yet?” The question was deceptively casual. He placed his hands on either side of her head to guide her rhythm.
She tried to shake her head.
“I thought not. You would have told me, wouldn’t you?”
She nodded again, the action encouraging his cock farther into her throat.
“Well, perhaps the time has come for you to try it. Would you like that?”
Did he have to bring this up now? Couldn’t he just let her get on with what she was doing?
And what did he mean anyway? That Olivia would join them in bed? Or did he intend she experiment on her own? She tried to concentrate on her performance.
“Oh yes,” he groaned, lifting his hips a little. She guessed he was imagining her naked with another woman. His fingers were pulling and twisting her hair. It was painful, but it also showed he found the idea extremely arousing. She tightened her lips and pumped faster. It still took an effort to control her gag reflex when his cock hit the back of her throat, but thankfully he’d been giving her plenty of practice.
In an unusually short time he was holding her down and rushing to his orgasm.
With her mouth flooded she swallowed quickly to ensure nothing was wasted. Only then, when she had received every last drop from him, did she lift her head. Keeping her lips tight against his shaft she silently sought permission to release him.
He nodded.
Triumphantly she gave the tip of his cock a delicate kiss. “Am I forgiven now?”
“We’ll see.”
“I’m horny, too.” She gave him what she hoped was an encouraging smile.
“And I’m busy.” He was already turning back to his desk.
She was stunned. She could count the number of times he had refused her on one hand. It was his way of showing her just how cross he w
as with her. But this time the circumstances were different. What did he expect? That she would happily accept his screwing another woman? It was so unfair.
“I want to concentrate on this,” he said, indicating the paperwork. “I’ll take you out to dinner tonight. We’ll celebrate your birthday then.”
She knew there was no way he would change his mind.
“Okay, I suppose.” She had a sudden unhappy thought. “Will you be inviting Olivia, too?”
“Would you like me to?”
She shrugged “I really don’t care.”
The day had already gone horribly wrong; there was no way it could get any worse.
“In that case I will.”
Chapter 10.
After expertly easing the cork from the bottle of Krug Grande Cuvée, the sommelier filled three flutes with sparkling champagne. Then he placed the bottle back into the ice bucket and discreetly withdrew.
They were in Stephanie’s favourite restaurant. Glamorous and expensive, the place was also the preferred choice of a number of media personalities. But not that night, she thought, a trifle disappointed.
Charles pushed a small box towards her. “I hope you like it.” He smiled.
“You know I always love whatever you buy me.” Stephanie was happy again. She pulled at the ribbon and slowly raised the lid of the velvet box. “Oh,” she breathed.
Nestled inside were the most beautiful earrings she had ever seen. Five diamonds, each separated by matching emeralds, formed perfect drops.
“Charles, they’re beautiful. Thank you.”
“Emeralds, the representation of Venus, Goddess of love,” Olivia said, raising her glass to Stephanie. “Very fitting. I’m afraid my gift will seem poor in comparison.”
Setting aside the jewellery, Stephanie reached for her second gift. Carefully peeling back the tissue paper, she uncovered a delicate confection of fine silk and ribbons. La Perla, of course.
“Oh,” she gasped for the second time. “Thank you.” She looked at Olivia, and for a moment their eyes met in understanding.
“Let’s make an official toast,” Charles said. “To Stephanie, and many more birthdays.”
Three flutes touched.
“Now, didn’t you mention something about examination results?”
