JAMESMitch's mouth draws open. The glass almost slips from her hand. "Larry? You've spoken with Larry? But he's in prison. I saw it on the news.""Yes, but Charlotte visits him. Michael and I go with her to be sure we know what's happening."Mitch stands. "Why? Why would she visit him? Why would Jenny want to see him?""She was trying to find you. She hoped he'd be able to tell her something that would lead her to you."Mitch lets out air, stares into space. "Was he very cruel to her? When she was small..."She's not ready for that...But I don't know what else to say. So, I don't reply. An emerald gaze shifts to mine. "You think silence protects me? When I know that I could have reached her... Gotten her out of there?""Mitch, I don't think you need the details. Not yet. Charlotte... your Jenny... She grew up. She's a fine woman. An exceptional woman. Brave. Intelligent. Beautiful. Her childhood may have been harrowing, but it formed her; forged her into what she i
MICHAELAngling her; her hips, her entrance, he holds her poised above him so he can thrust, withdraw, thrust, withdraw...I slip out from the sheets, moving to watch the show from behind: her pale ass and peachy cheeks, his cock glistening as he pumps her...Her rear entrance, dark rose.That will do nicely...She's gasping and gulping, crying out rhythmically as her body rocks and sways and jolts.Sucking a long finger, I press it to her long enough that she registers I'm there, then push in, winding circles, scrolling out as I go. Her cries have an edge. An urgency. James is fucking her pussy but I have the rest. I spiral harder, stretching and opening, loving the noises she's making.Her ass is mine.I slap, connecting with a cheek in a crack that ripples flesh and stings my hand. I rub, then slap again, watching a scarlet palm-print rise satisfyingly on one side then the other.Lube...She shudders at the wet chill, but I press to her, then into her. James m
MICHAELI stand, resisting the blow-out on my belly. "Shall we go?" I gesture to the door, then trying not to be obvious about it, let out my belt a notch.Too many pancakes...Mitch rises. Charlotte too, but James snags her by the elbow. "Help me with the clearing up please, Charlotte.""But Mas...""You can load up the dishwasher."I lead Mitch out. She follows but twists back, looking to the house. "Where are we going?""To the hotel. It's just a short walk.""Hotel? James said something about that.""It's a spa and leisure centre. You know, gym, pool, pamper days, beauty treatments.""It's yours?""Yes, but not just mine. Come on, I'll introduce you to the staff, then you can use any of the facilities you like." I cast an eye over her; beautiful, but she looks so tired. "I'd say you could use some pampering."She shifts under my gaze. "What are you looking at?""You." Her head inclines. "They used to say before you marry a woman, take a look at the mother.
KLEMPNERMy door stands open and a figure in uniform appears, Sutcliffe. He taps knuckles, quietly, onto the metal. "Mr Klempner, do you have a moment?"Lying on the bed, I lower my novel. "I have no other appointments today, Sutcliffe. What can I do for you?"His eyes dart right and left along the corridor then he steps inside the cell. "Sir, that woman you're interested in... They've found her."Jolting, I drop the book to the floor, then swing my legs down to sit upright. "Her? Mitch? Michelle Kimberley?""Yes, sir.""Where is she?""With them."With them?"Them? You mean Summerford and Alexanders?""Yes, sir. She's with them and... and your daughter..." He speaks the last word uncertainly. "... She's staying in their home.""The place in the mountains?""So I understand, sir."I pluck at a lip. "Why would she do that?" I'm not really talking to Sutcliffe, but he replies anyway."If they're the long-lost mother and daughter, that might be reason enough."
JAMESI scrape a hand over my face.It feels unreal.Reality hasn't settled in.A father again?At my age?A baby girl?A little boy?Red-headed and fiery?Dark like me?Doesn't matter...Beautiful whatever...She gave me this.And so did he.*****MICHAELI ease the bedroom door open, look inside.They're there, lying together on the bed. Normally she would be curled into the crook of his arm, but this time, he's lying across her, head pillowed on her breasts, stroking her belly."I still can't believe you did this for me. That you chose to do this.""You did everything for me, Master, up to and including saving my life. I wanted to give something back.""Oh, you did. Something precious. Something very precious." He falls silent, still stroking.Beautiful...As quietly as I can, I back out and close the door again.*****RICHARDThe elevator doors swish open and I stroll in. "Morning, Francis.""Good morning, Richard.""Anything fo
RICHARDLater, when we are alone, Elizabeth is quiet, thoughtful."Master...""Yes, my Love?""When Charlotte's baby is born, you know, she doesn't have any friends who have babies or small children.""I'm sure she'll meet some at..." I rummage through my limited knowledge of babies and the procedures that go with them... "... ante-natal classes and suchlike.""I'm sure she will. But don't you think it would be a good idea for her to have some close friends too, to talk to about it and share babysitting with and things like that."I scratch my head. "I don't think Kirstie's made up with Ryan and I can't think she'd choose to be a single mother.""I wasn't talking about, Kirstie." She drops to her knees, looking up at me, her eyes matching the hawthorn leaves sprouting outside in the spring sunshine. "Master..."But she doesn't finish what she's saying, simply gazing up, waiting.I'm not bloody telepathic...?? Aahhhh...I drop to my knees too, meeting her
MICHAELOut in the back garden, I stand, thumbs hooked in pockets, surveying the mess of outbuildings and sheds. The stable block is the focus of my interest. My intention had been that it become my own office, but given our changed circumstances, I'm having other ideas.Charlotte arrives, wearing that wide-eyed look she has that turns my knees to water and my cock to granite. "What are you doing?""Just considering the options."She follows my gaze for a moment then, her arms sliding up and around my neck, she whispers, "Thank you."My own arms slipping around her, I rest my hands on her hips. "You're welcome." Just holding her close, I inhale her scent. "Are you happy, Charlotte? This is what you wanted?""Yes, this is what I wanted. Everything I wanted. And I couldn't have done it without you."I chuckle. "I think you will find that in fact, you couldn't have done it without James."Her eyes drop, then rise again, cheeks dimpling. "That's true of course. But you help
MICHAELSlinging one towel around my hips, another in my hand, I head back into the bedroom. They're together between the sheets, naked, sheened with sweat, silent. He lies with his head pillowed on her breasts, stroking her belly. Her eyes follow me in. "Thought I was going to wash your back?"I scrub the towel into my wet hair. "From the sound of things, you were otherwise engaged."She flashes teeth, then wriggles out from under James. "Just have to do my own then." And she too heads for the shower.James sits up and I toss him a robe. "Michael," he begins, "I know I've already said it, but thank you. There aren't many men who would have done what you did. Ensuring that I would be the father of her first. I'd always assumed it would be a lottery between us." He shakes his head, rubbing a palm over the back of his skull. "I still can't believe I didn't notice what you were up to, the pair of you."My voice wry, "It's not as though there aren't other options. Mouth, as
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