Chapter Eighteen

JULIA PLACED THE toothbrush on the counter, grateful for the rain that enabled her to spend more time with Nüwa. A cotton robe hung on the back of the door. Julia lifted it from the hook and slipped it on. It brushed the tops of her feet and the sleeves hung over her fingertips. Julia rolled the sleeves back, then tied the belt. Warm and comfortable, the robe held the faint scent of Nüwa’s soap. Julia lifted the fabric and inhaled the spicy clove and sandalwood mix.

Desire to be wrapped in Nüwa’s arms swept over her, fierce and demanding. Julia left the bathroom. Nüwa had yet to return, and Julia used the time to explore the large studio apartment. She switched on the reading lamp, the bright light chasing away the shadows.

The black wood of Nüwa’s baby grand piano gleamed in the lamp light. Julia ran her hand over the smooth wood. Sheet music was stacked on the floor next to the piano along with blank music paper. Crisp pencil marks and musical notation covered the sheets. Leaving the piano, Julia inspected Nüwa’s bookshelves. Biographies and nonfiction were on display. Several shelves held titles in different languages. Mandarin, French, German, and Spanish titles jostled for space on the overcrowded shelf. At the very top of the shelf a silver frame held a small photo of Julia holding her diploma from Sikesville High School and a young boy who looked so much like her he had to be her brother. The love and admiration on his face made Julia swallow hard. Nüwa had said her brother had been gone since she was in college. She had known the loss of a sibling. Another frame lay facedown on the shelf. Curious, Julia lifted it, almost ashamed of her snooping. In the photo Nüwa wore the dress she said she had adored. Next to her another woman stood, shorter than Nüwa. She appeared older than Nüwa by at least ten years. Her eyes were hooded, and she had a hard look about her mouth. She was staring directly at the photographer as if challenging the viewer to meet her gaze. Her arm was around Nüwa’s waist in a possessive grip. Nüwa’s expression in the photo was taunting as she made the same bold eye contact with the photographer. Who was the woman? And why had Nüwa placed it facedown? Nüwa cared enough to keep the photo even if it appeared she didn’t want to look at it.

Prickles of anxiety raised gooseflesh on Julia’s arms. Was this Jane? The woman Martin had killed. Were she and Nüwa more than business partners? Julia studied the photo. From the cant of their bodies and the expression on Jane’s face, if she had to guess Julia would suspect they were much more to each other than manager and client.

The click of the door startled Julia. She replaced the photo on the shelf and turned to face the door. Nüwa stepped through the door. “Julia?”

“I’m here.” Julia flushed. “Just looking at your books.”

“See anything you want to read? You’re welcome to borrow whatever you’d like.” Nüwa placed a carton of eggs on the counter, then set a plastic container of creamer next to it. “Ready for coffee?” Her voice was stiff, movements clipped.

Julia crossed the room. “Yes. And what’s going on?”

Nüwa straightened her shoulders. “Nothing.”

“Nüwa, we can’t do this if we’re not truthful with each other.” Julia rolled the belt of the robe between her fingers. “Do you want me to go? Do you need time alone?”

“No.” Nüwa added coffee grounds to the French press. “No, unless you want to go.” She filled the electric kettle with water and started it heating. “That robe is entirely too big for you.”

Julia nodded. “It is but I was cold. Is it okay? I can put my clothes back on.”

Nüwa crossed to Julia. “No. I like you like this.”

“So, what’s up?”

Nüwa rubbed her hands over Julia’s shoulders. “My mother is going to San Francisco for a month. My father’s going with her.”

“And they want you to go with them?” Julia studied Nüwa’s expression.

“No.” A bitter laugh burst from Nüwa. “No, after what happened at your show, my mother doesn’t want me anywhere. From what I understand some ass made the video of me taking out the waiter on my way out of the show into a meme.”

“Ouch.” Julia frowned.

“Right? My mother is livid and can do nothing about it.”

“How are you feeling about it?”

Nüwa grimaced. “Not my finest moment. But the meme is not derogatory.” Her mouth twisted into a soft smile. “If I’m honest, it’s funny. I had no idea I’d knocked him down when I ran out of there.”

Julia relaxed as Nüwa’s warm tone returned.

Nüwa clasped Julia’s hand with both of hers. “I’m sorry if I was weird when I came back. My mother is in a mood. I must ask you not to send anything to the house addressed to me. Although the flowers are gorgeous. I would have brought them back, but my hands were full.”

“What? I didn’t send you flowers.”

Nüwa gripped Julia’s hand hard. “You didn’t?”

“No.” Julia winced. “You’re hurting my hand.”

Nüwa released her grip. “Sorry.”

“Was there a card? Why would your mom think it was me?”

Nüwa chewed her lip. “She said there wasn’t. My dad has received flowers from his students before but there’s usually a card with them.” Her brow furrowed. “If it wasn’t you, it was most likely some doe-eyed queer student who doesn’t realize that even if my bi-father sports eyeliner some days he is happily married to my mom. Forget I said anything. I don’t want to spend our day worrying about it.”

Julia stepped close and wrapped her arms around Nüwa’s waist. “We can sort it later. You said your mom always leaves to go to her office in the afternoon. We can investigate then.” She placed a kiss in the hollow of Nüwa’s neck. “Between coffee and then, we have loads of time.”

Nüwa shifted Julia in her arms, bent and kissed her. “We do.” She swept her arms under Julia’s legs and lifted her, cradling her in her arms.

“Damn, you are strong.” Julia looped her arms around Nüwa’s neck. “I’ve never had a lover who could pick me up.”

Nüwa carried Julia to the bed. “Performing is not for the weak. I detest weakness.” She lay Julia on the bed. After shedding her robe and pajama pants, she unwrapped Julia like a gift.

Nüwa’s hot gaze traveled over Julia. “You are so exquisite. Arms over your head. Hold on to the headboard.” Nüwa mounted the bed and prowled up Julia’s body, scattering nips and kisses. “Do I need to bind you?”

“No, Mistress.” Julia closed her eyes and relaxed under the heat of Nüwa’s voracious kisses and her fluid touches.

“Spread your legs for me. Let me see how much you want your Mistress.”

On cue, wet heat engulfed the juncture of Julia’s thighs.

Nüwa’s fingers drifted over Julia’s clit before she slipped deep inside and stroked her G-spot. Nüwa cupped the back of Julia’s neck. Julia savored the sensation of being possessed, cherished. Pleasure coiled in her belly, burst over her, as she came at once.

“Mm, that’s my girl. Give it to me, it’s all mine.”

“Yours, Mistress.” Julia groaned as she rocked up to meet Nüwa’s thrusts.

 

NÜWA CLIPPED THE cuff to Julia’s ankle and then to the bottom ring at the foot of the bed. Julia’s back was to her with each ankle attached to the frame. Nüwa trailed her fingertips over Julia’s hands cuffed in front of her. She ran her hand over Julia’s shoulders and her hips. “I wish you could see how you look like this.” She nipped Julia’s ear and kissed the juncture between her neck and shoulder. With one arm wrapped around her waist, Nüwa held her in place as she slowly inserted the short side of the dual headed dildo inside Julia, settled the vibrating ring against her clit, then strapped it in place.

Julia groaned. “Oh, Mistress. That’s so good.”

Nüwa left Julia and mounted the bed. She plumped the pillows behind her back and lay back, spreading her legs wide.

Julia’s gaze locked with hers. The toy bobbed obscenely. Nüwa paused to savor the tableau before she picked up the remote control for the vibrator. “Ready, sweet girl?”

Held in place by the chains, Julia could only hump the air. “Yes, Mistress.”

Nüwa stroked her clit and teased herself. She held up her glistening fingers toward Julia. “Put on a good show, and I’ll sit on your face. Or perhaps let you fuck me? Would you like that?”

“Yes, Mistress. Oh yes, please, that. Let me fuck you, Mistress.”

“We’ll see. You’ll have to earn it. Jerk yourself off for me. No coming without permission.”

“Understood, Mistress.”

Nüwa dialed the control on the vibrator to low and placed it on the bedside table. She settled back against the headboard.

 

JULIA FLEXED. HER legs were chained with enough slack she could mount the bed if invited. Her hands were chained together in front of her. The cuffs limited her movements as she wrapped both hands around the shaft. She drew her hands up along the thick toy. The chain jingled and the movement rocked the toy against her sweet spot. The vibration on her clit almost made her come on the spot. She closed her eyes, shivered and panted, working to control herself.

“Look at me.”

Julia opened her eyes. Nüwa’s fingers were buried deep inside her body, her lips pulled back in a snarl. “No hiding. You will let me see every second you deny your pleasure for me.”

“Yes, Mistress.” Julia fixed her gaze on Nüwa’s face as she pushed into her hands, thrusting forward, imagining how it would be to bury the toy inside Nüwa’s welcoming depths. It would be so good to serve her. So right.

Her orgasm gathered in her belly, tight, aching and so close. Julia fucked into her hands, determined to hold off for her Mistress, to give her a good show to please her. To be allowed the privilege to fuck her. Each tug on the toy stroked her G-spot, the vibrator a sweet torture on her clit.

Julia traced the path of Nüwa’s tongue as it licked over her lips. The moments drew out between them. Sweat poured down her back as she moved her cuffed hands up and down the shaft. A steady ache built in her body.

“Is it hard, sweet girl?” Nüwa moved her hands to her breasts and plucked at her nipples. “Do you want to come?”

“So badly, Mistress.”

“Which would you like more? To come? Or to fuck me?” A sly smile curved Nüwa’s mouth. “Or would you like me to sit on your face?”

Julia’s mind blanked. As much as she wanted to come, the idea of being allowed to fuck Nüwa, to give her pleasure, to feel her come as a part of her, rolled through her. She slowed her strokes. “Please, Mistress, let me fuck you. I’ll make it so good, Mistress.”

Nüwa pursed her lips as she slid her hand down her body. “Will you?”

“Oh yes, Mistress.” Julia rocked into her cuffed hands, panting to keep from coming without permission.

Nüwa sat up and stared at Julia a long moment before she turned over to her hands and knees. She looked over her shoulder at Julia. “Stop wasting time. Get up here and fuck me.”

Julia clambered onto the bed. She kneeled behind her Mistress and used her chained hands to set the tip between her glistening labia. She rested her hands on the curve of Nüwa’s hips. The chain of her wrist cuffs draped across the small of Nüwa’s back.

“What are you waiting for?” Nüwa lowered herself so she rested on her forearms, elbows flat on the bed.

Julia surged forward, filling her Mistress in one stroke.

Nüwa groaned into the mattress. Julia withdrew again and rocked into Nüwa, setting a slow pace.

Nüwa rocked back to meet her thrusts as she widened her legs. “That’s perfect, sweet girl.” Her hand disappeared between her legs. Julia licked her lips, her mouth dry as she imagined Nüwa’s fingers on her clit. Julia shifted her gaze overhead to the mirrored canopy. In the reflections she watched herself as she pleasured Nüwa, fucking her slowly, the toy visible briefly between their bodies before disappearing as Julia closed the distance between them. The only sounds in the room were Julia’s coarse breathing and Nüwa’s soft groans each time Julia thrust into her.

Time ceased to exist, and all Julia knew was her connection to Nüwa.

“Stop. Stop, love, I want to see your face.” Nüwa rose to her hands and knees.

Julia clung to the endearment with both hands as she withdrew.

Nüwa scooted around and pressed the clasp to free Julia’s legs. She repeated her actions with the cuffs around her wrists.

Julia gasped at the sensation of being stripped naked as the warm metal slipped away, freeing her. “Now. On your back.”

Julia panted as she turned to her back.

Nüwa prowled up her body. “Hands over your head.”

Julia obeyed.

Nüwa placed a hand in the middle of her chest and settled over the toy, sinking down until she was flush against Julia. The vibrating ring at the base of the shaft hummed between them. Julia closed her eyes and savored the sensation of their connection.

“Show me your eyes,” Nüwa commanded.

Julia stared into Nüwa’s dark eyes. “Yes, Mistress.”

Nüwa reached out and cupped Julia’s face with her hand, leaned down and kissed her. Nüwa smoothed her hands over Julia’s breasts, rolled her nipples between her fingers.

“How long do you think you can hold out like this?” Nüwa pinned Julia in place with her gaze as she started a slow grind.

“As long as my Mistress wishes.” Julia dug her fingernails into her palms, the pain sweetly distracting.

Nüwa licked her lips. “I love how you look under me. Hands over your head. Nothing to hold you in place but your willingness to obey my commands and your desire to please me. Mine. To enjoy. To have as I wish.”

Julia held on to Nüwa’s words as she rolled her hips, a lazy lap dance that had Julia hanging by a string.

Nüwa’s body trembled. “So good. I love being connected to you. Feel me.” She shuddered, her mouth open in a silent O as she came. Her gaze burned as her grip tightened on Julia’s nipples. “Come for me, sweet girl. Now.”

Julia’s orgasm tore a cry from her, as she gushed around the toy in her body. Nüwa rocked against her, face savage as she fucked herself into another orgasm. “Again. My love. Again.”

Julia lowered her hands, dared to grasp her Mistress, and held tight to her hips as she stroked wildly.

 

NÜWA GAZED DOWN at Julia’s face and into her eyes. Lust. Adoration. Love. Nüwa’s breath caught as she peered into the honeyed depths of Julia’s eyes. She loved Nüwa. No one could fake what her expression revealed. Julia’s fingers dug into Nüwa’s hips, and she allowed it, savored the sensation of Julia’s explosive thrusts. Wild. Unfettered and raw. Julia’s sole focus pleasing her Mistress.

Nüwa grabbed Julia’s wrists, forced them over her head, and laced their fingers together. She lay full length over her. “Wrap your legs around me.”

Wild-eyed, Julia obeyed.

“Be still,” Nüwa ground out. “Feel. See.”

Julia stopped her movements. Nüwa held her gaze, dropped her icy Mistress mask, and peered into Julia’s eyes.

“Savor it.” Nüwa kissed Julia, taking her time, pouring her feelings into her kiss.

 

JULIA, SWALLOWED WHOLE by Nüwa’s gaze, stilled her movements instantly, her reward a long, sweet kiss. The press of Nüwa’s body against her own anchored her in the moment. Nüwa had seen in her eyes the love that Julia could no longer deny. And Nüwa had shown Julia that she had seen, that she knew, and that, wonder of wonders, she returned Julia’s love. Nüwa unlaced their fingers and stretched out one arm to shut off the vibrating ring. She patted Julia’s thigh. Julia unwrapped her legs from Nüwa’s hips. Nüwa eased off the toy, unbuckled the harness holding it in place, then very gently drew it from Julia’s body, triggering an aftershock.

Silently, she snagged the covers from the bottom of the bed and drew them up and over them. She motioned for Julia to lie on her side. She became the big spoon to Julia’s little spoon.

Nüwa nuzzled the back of Julia’s neck, then settled against her, entwining their legs. “For how long?” Nüwa kissed Julia’s shoulder.

“I don’t know. I didn’t write it in my planner.” Julia reached back and captured Nüwa’s hand and drew it between her breasts. “Is it okay?”

“That you love me?” Nüwa nibbled Julia’s ear lobe. “Yes.”

“Do you?” Julia chewed her lip as she waited for Nüwa’s response, the seconds passing as hours.

Nüwa let go of Julia’s hand and gripped her shoulder to turn her to her back. She leaned over her, eyes bright. “Yes. I do. I love you, Julia Johnson. Goddesses help you, I do.”

Julia used her thumb to smooth the frown from Nüwa’s brow. “Why would I need help?”

“I’ve a history of bad things happening to people I love.” Nüwa’s gaze skittered away from Julia’s eyes.

“Don’t. Don’t look away from me. We’re safe. We’ll be safe. Your mother has this house wired like a bank.”

“You’re much more precious to me than anything you could find in a bank.” Nüwa lifted Julia’s hand and kissed her palm. “So much more.”

Julia cupped Nüwa’s face with her hand. “I like that.” She leaned up and captured Nüwa’s mouth, letting her worries drift away on an ocean of kisses and sighs.