"Happy Christmas, Charlotte," I say. "Do you want to play?"Do you want me...?And at last, she smiles. "I do, sir, yes."My groin tensions, a pulse rippling to my shaft and my blood pressure rocketing. James also twitches a smile, then backs off to lean against a wall with an expression of apparent disinterest....Yeah.... Right...."Good, stay there," I say to the beauty at my feet. "I'll just be a moment."Leaving her briefly, I choose a spreader bar from James' collection. His eyes follow me, but he maintains his fake nonchalance.And I stand over her once more....How to play it?She's happy....Be a Dom....I school the smile off my face, holding out the spreader bar. "Wrists." She offers up her hands. "James, would you please."He moves across to strap the cuffs into place while I hold the bar in position. Once she's restrained. I hold it in the centre and, to her sharp inhalation, lift her bodily to a standing position. As I haul her upright her nippl
James steps forward from his post by the wall. "She doesn't have to choose." Pinning her gaze with his, he takes the other crop, swishing it to one side then the other, making a humming arc through the air before standing to one side, but still where she can see him, legs akimbo, tapping the crop across his own palm.She watches him, then me, as I unlink my cuffs....You had that one right, James........ unbutton my shirt, take it off and remove my shoes. Stripped to the waist and barefoot, I take my chosen crop again and now caress her with it.It's the lightest of touches; a butterfly kiss to the skin. And she shivers under the touch, her gaze travels my body....Checking me out?And in turn, as I play her, I take the time to look at and appreciate the body of the delicious Charlotte. Although I have seen her naked before, the first time was in that appalling video of her auction: in the most unarousing situation imaginable, with this delightful girl close to tears as sh
RICHARDCharlotte is shaking violently. James pauses before her, touches her cheek, then drops to his knees, his face pressed to her sex.She responds with a drawn-out wail, trying to arch....Tonguing her clit?I take a moment to watch Michael with Elizabeth. Kneeling upright on the end of the four-poster, she's turned to face us but her eyes are closed. Her arms stretched up by a rope and spreader, her waist taut, breasts lifted, he's behind her, supporting her with one hand flat to her belly and doing something from the rear.He says something close by her face and her eyes open, settling on me, watching as, still behind Charlotte, I also kneel, hand-fucking her, gently at first but gradually harder and harder as she grows more and more out of control. Pumping at her, I use a couple of fingers at first, then add a third. I push in, finger-fucking her hard, then harder, twisting as I go, reaching for her sweet spot....Should have asked him if she likes anal....Still..
RICHARD".... And a partridge in a pear treeee..."Michael conducting, singing by rounds, we finish singing The Twelve Days of Christmas. "Don't know about you," says James, "but I'm pruning up. What's say we get out and dressed and settle by the fire again?"Sounds good to me....Michael jumps out of the tub, grabbing a robe. "I'll dash ahead and give the fire a boost."The rest of us return to the lounge to find the hearth burning brightly and Michael stacking a fresh supply of logs to the side.Charlotte passes me a paper hat from the crackers. I feel a bit of a fool, but James' gaze and mine meet. Wordlessly....Fools together........ we each put one on.Who cares?It's worth it to see her smile...Charlotte has that 'faraway' look as she stares into the fire, her mouth curving."So how is your first real Christmas going so far, Charlotte?" I ask.She says nothing, simply flashing white teeth to me then turning away....Going teary?Elizabeth tugs at
Our final night. Tomorrow it's back to the airport and the return home. We sit together in what passes for a tea-room in Helsinki, looking out of the window over the square. Mitch flips through a tourist guide. I kiss the hollow of her collarbone where, around her neck, are the emeralds I gave her. "Thank you for wearing them."She turns those eyes on me, deep, deep green; lambent. "They're beautiful. Thank you for giving them to me.""Not as beautiful as you."She sucks at her lip then nods out to the snow-covered square. "It's a lovely statue. It says here..." She holds up the tourist guide... "... that she's called 'The Mermaid' but she looks like a woman to me.""She has a lot of names. 'Merenneito', the Mermaid is what the artist called her. But she's usually called 'Havis Amanda'."She looks briefly at the guide again. "It says too, that students put a cap on her during some festival called 'Vappu'. It must be quite a climb for them."I huff a laugh. "That's not al
MICHAELJames rolls the razor over the line of jaw to neck, angling in the mirror to see the result."You've got it all," I say. "Bloody nuisance for you having to shave as often as you do."He harrumphs, then, "Maybe I should grow a beard." He looks himself left then right in the mirror. "What do you think?""It's not my opinion you should ask." I cock my head towards the door."Mmmm." He runs a finger from chin to ear, sucking in his cheeks. "How is she?""Pretty hyper. I'm beginning to wish I'd not told her about the address; checked it out first myself. I could easily have found a different Christmas gift if I tried... If we get there and don't find anything. If her mother's moved or died...""Worst scenario..." says James, "No-one's heard of her at all. No-one knows anything. Anything else is at least a step forward.""Yes, but that's really why I wanted you to come along too. If it's bad news, I can't drive and hold her hand too..."Charlotte bounces into the ro
The bar is still dressed for Christmas, but at the far side of the room a girl is taking down green and red foil decorations from a tree while a man in blue overalls reaches from the top of a ladder with a screwdriver, fiddling in an electric box, looking back as coloured lights flicker on then off again.Behind the bar, Angelo is doing his 'forever work' of polishing glasses..."What'll it be, Larry?" He reaches towards the bottles..."Just a coffee. It's a bit early.""Coming up."To the hiss of steam from the kitchenette, Frank arrives, briefcase in hand."Hi, Larry. Happy New Year." He glances at his wrist. "Not late am I?""Not at all. I just arrived myself."As we seat ourselves, Angelo arrives with my coffee. "What are you having, Frank?""I'll have a beer. Thanks, Angelo." He lays the briefcase on the coffee-table starting to click it open..."Not just now." I nod towards the door.He follows my gaze, frowning as he puts the case to one side and Mitch sash
MICHAELMy wife.I've still not become used to saying those words, but I love playing them in my head.My wife...For all the ups and downs of life; my family, with Ben and his attitude, Charlotte's family, trying to find it anyway... between ourselves, everything is fine...More than fine.Whatever it takes, we're there for each other.I look beyond her to where James lies, eyes closed, his face calm.At least he doesn't have that set of problems....... any more...Charlotte lies on her side, facing away but with her back pressed close against my chest. Charlotte is by no means a small woman, but nonetheless, she seems made to fit under the nook of my arm.One arm draped over my treasure, I twine a finger through a stray lock of hair, holding it to my face, inhaling.Is she asleep?Her breathing is soft and steady, a gentle movement of her body. Beyond her, James lies, eyes closed, his chest on a regular rise and fall.Just having her so close is enough; h
A sound... Charlotte clearing her throat. "Ummm...""Yes, Charlotte." Richard swings around. "I believe that makes it your turn. James... Together or separately?""You're the guest, Richard. You choose.""In that case, I think together. Heads or tails?""Oh, tails I think, if that suits you?""Absolutely."As I withdraw from Beth, tucking away my subsiding erection, I help her upright.Richard and James both stand, side by side, towering over Charlotte. I back away from the action, giving them space, but take Beth with me, pulling her down onto my lap as I sit, nuzzling into her neck. "Thank you. You have no idea how much..."She twists back, kisses me on the mouth. "I think I did know."James and Richard are both stripping off jackets, ties and shirts, kicking off shoes. "I think Charlotte's about to get it big time," she murmurs."I'd say so, yes."James drops to his knees, settles between her thighs.Richard unzips, releases himself, then stroking his erectio
MICHAELheading south, I tug at the ties of the thong, pulling away about a square inch of satin as the flimsy thing falls away.Richard sucks in air. "So, James, where would you like me to start?""I'm sure you don't need instructions from me..." James drops eyes to Beth's smooth pubis. "... An old hand like you." His gaze shifts to Charlotte... "But I think we'll adjust the furniture a little." Rising, he takes a stand-mirror from the corner of the bedroom, moves it to the side of the bed, adjusts the angle, then stands back to gauge the results. He adjusts it a little, measures it by eye again and then nods. Charlotte has an excellent view of her own sex."Would you like her opened a little further, Richard? I imagine you'll want to reach everything easily.""Excellent idea, James. The knees wider I think, and we'll lift her hips."It's a game they play, the pair of them, torturing her with anticipation, but Charlotte's eyes tell a tale. The two Doms work as a team, J
MICHAELI sit, staring at nothing, thinking about...... Nothing...Maybe I should get something to eat?My gut's griping. I've not eaten all day. Sally brought me one of her usual offerings for lunch; a plate-sized bacon and egg sandwich and a can of beer, but the smell turned my stomach.Scruffy ate well though along with Kirstie's tribe, running wild around the gardens in hairy, waggy, excitable enthusiasm.The pint-sized rag-tag lies by my feet. Occasionally he looks up at me, whining. I scratch his ear and he settles again.There's no sign of James and Charlotte other than James' tablet on his armchair and a book, marker inserted, on Charlotte's favourite spot on the settee. With no real interest, I look at the cover. 'A Song of Ice and Fire - A Dance with Dragons.'The scent of something is drifting in, James' cooking I assume. A part of me says it smells rich and savoury, winey and herby, but my gut recoils.Just a coffee maybe...I head for the kitchen, but
MICHAELI don't much feel like breakfast, but for the sake of form, I join Mitch, James and Charlotte in the kitchen, downing a coffee, then pouring another.James is on his usual 'toast and coffee only' breakfast. Mitch works her way through yoghurt and muesli, eating tidily and sipping at a cup of peppermint tea.Charlotte's standing on tiptoe, rummaging at the top shelf of the store cupboard. James stands, walks across. "What are you looking for?""Pickled onions.""You don't like pickled onions.""I felt like one sliced up on my sandwich."I've already seen the other items laid out on the worktop for Charlotte's 'sandwich', along with the expression flitting across James' face as he saw them too.Hmmm...But he snakes up a long arm to the top shelf and takes down a jar.In some fascination we sit, watching Charlotte assemble a peanut butter, avocado and pickled onion sandwich, on crusty bread cut thick enough to use as a draught excluder. In a final flourish, sh
JAMESIt's a nice area. A pretty area. And it's a day for seeing it at its best.Yachts and pleasure boats float in bobbing ranks on sparkling water. Tourists walk by with ice creams, tossing coins to cross-legged artists sitting by pavement chalkings. Shops sell souvenirs, art and holiday wear.The apartment block is clean and well-maintained. The hallway as we approach the door smells of new carpet and fresh paint.Mitch stands outside the door, seeming to gather herself together, then taking a breath, she inserts the key, turns it, opens the door and we step inside.It's... lovely...Sunlight dances over walls painted in soft neutral colours. They complement the furnishings, made from some pale golden timber, perhaps beech."Can't fault his taste," comments Michael.Paintings dot the walls, abstract mainly, except for a single striking piece taking the centre of one wall; an image of ice and broken water in astonishing rainbow hues."Amazing painting," I say, looki
RICHARDJames steps out of the elevator looking...What?Harassed?Worried?"James?"He looks to me then jerks his head towards his office. I follow him in. Silently, he offers me a small, padded envelope, still sealed. "This was waiting for me down in the lobby. Special delivery.""A packet?""Look at the addressee."I look, extract spectacles from my top pocket and look again.And the hair rises on the back of my neck.Michelle Kimberley, c/o James Alexanders."Klempner?""Who else could it be? Conners wouldn't know where to find her. Michelle's brothers would probably send it to her direct. So, who else?""James, before anyone opens that envelope, could it be a letter-bomb?"He blows out air, rubs his forehead. "I wouldn't have thought that was Klempner's style... If he wanted her, he come after her himself..." He paces the room. "And why would he send it through me?""You parted... amicably... from Klempner? After the shooting?"He huffs. "I'm not
MICHAELJames interrupts my gardening. "You seen Charlotte?""She said she was going for a walk." I nod along the road. "She went that-a-way." I straighten up, pressing hands into my lower spine. "Actually, now I think about it, her tone was a bit odd.""You look as if you've done enough for a while. Want to take a break and stretch your legs?""Good idea. I'll just tell Chad we're going out."I find him inside, paint bucket in hand, slapping emulsion on a bedroom wall. "James and I are just going for a walk. I don't think we'll be long."He cocks an eye at me, his expression assessing. "You might like to know that Mr Kalkowski is buried nearby, in the churchyard.""He is? I thought...""He had no traceable family, so he stayed here. Some of the holier-than-thou churchy types tried to kick up a fuss about it, but Mrs Collier kicked up a bigger fuss and they found a space for him.""Gotcha."He moves to the window and points a long finger along the road; the same dir
MICHAELThe lawns might have been mown, but the shrubs and borders are heading for the sky. A quick exploration of a small back shed produces saw and secateurs, so I set to, getting the garden back under control."Hello."I turn to see a woman, standing by the garden gate. Wearing jeans and a shirt, her hair tied tightly back in a ponytail, she has a prim, pleasant face. "Hello, I'm Eleanor Collier. I've been keeping an eye on the house. I saw something was happening...?" I stand, wiping muck and sap off my hands and onto my pants, then stride forward to offer my hand. "Michael Summerford." My brain connects the dots. "Collier, was it? Charlo... Jennifer's foster mother?"Her face lights up. "That's right. You know Jenny? She's here?""I'm her husband. And yes, she's here." I yell towards the upstairs window. "Charlotte! Friend of yours here." I gesture to the gate. "You'd better come in."From above, a movement at the window, then a clatter down the stairs and Charlotte
JAMESMichael...He's depressed...What can I do?Change of scene maybe?*****"Charlotte, I was thinking, we're about due for your road-trip."She pauses, half a sausage impaled on a fork midway to her mouth. "Road-trip, Master? What road-trip?""Have you forgotten that you were bequeathed a house? And everything in it. Perhaps it is time to make good your claim?"The half-a-sausage drops back to her plate. "Go back to the farm you mean? The last time I was there, they... they weren't very welcoming."Michael is listening, chewing on toast and marmalade, suddenly looking more animated than he has for days.Thank God..."Things have changed since then, haven't they," he says. "You've spoken with your friend Tom. He knows the truth of what happened. And of course, there's Chad."Still she stares at the sausage and the fried egg congealing by it. "I'm not sure..."I pour myself more coffee. "Even if all you decide to do is sell the house, you'll need to visit