Guarded desires, p.19
Guarded Desires, page 19
Amber gave her a firm look. “Well? Do you have anything to say?”
“No, Mistress,” Carmen replied. “Please, keep going.”
Satisfied, Amber reached down and stripped Carmen’s leggings from her legs, taking her panties off with them.
Then, she drew Carmen to the edge of the bed, leaving her legs hanging off the side of it, her feet flat on the floor.
Pulling Carmen’s feet out wide, Amber took the spreader bar and secured the cuffs around each of Carmen’s ankles. “There. Now I’m assured that you can’t move around too much.” She ran her hand down the front of Carmen’s chest, trailing her fingertips over the ropes crisscrossing her skin. “And I’m going to make the most of having you at my mercy.”
Heat rose from down in Carmen’s center. Amber snaked her hand down between Carmen’s breasts, down her stomach, past her belly button.
But at the very last moment, she pulled away.
Carmen groaned. Why did Amber feel the need to toy with her constantly? It was so infuriating.
It was so delicious.
“Believe me,” Amber said. “You won’t be complaining in a minute.”
She took a step back and reached around behind her to unzip her dress. Slowly, sensually, she drew it up over her head and dropped it to the floor beside her. Her bra and panties followed, leaving her in nothing but her heels.
Carmen’s lips parted in silent admiration. Amber’s unashamed confidence, the way she wore her bare skin like a gown of fine silk, was mesmerizing.
Amber stepped between her legs and ran her hands down Carmen’s thighs, pushing them apart even further.
Then, ice-blue eyes locked on Carmen’s, she got down on her knees.
Carmen’s pulse raced. Was Amber really doing this?
“Consider yourself lucky. It isn’t often anyone gets to see me on my knees.” She slid her hand up Carmen’s inner thigh, her fingertips tickling her skin. “But how could I resist a taste of something so sweet, so forbidden?”
She leaned in and dipped her head between Carmen’s legs, her warm lips grazing Carmen’s folds. With painstaking slowness, Amber slipped her tongue into Carmen’s slit, drawing it up and down in long, firm strokes, before gliding it up to tease her clit.
A moan spilled from Carmen’s chest. She was so inflamed with lust that the pleasure of Amber’s touch was almost unbearable. She clenched her legs reflexively, but the spreader bar at her ankles held them apart.
She whimpered. That only encouraged Amber. She wrapped her arms around Carmen’s thighs, holding them apart even further, ravaging her with wild abandon.
Carmen’s legs trembled. She was speeding toward that blissful oblivion faster than she could handle.
But just as she approached it, Amber pulled back.
“I can’t feel you this way,” she said. “I need to feel you.”
Rising to her feet, she leaned down over her, bracing her hands on the bed at either side of Carmen’s head. Dipping down low, she pressed her lips to Carmen’s, the scent and taste of her own arousal filling Carmen’s head.
She rose into Amber, seeking her touch where she needed it the most. Without breaking the kiss, Amber snaked a hand down to where Carmen’s thighs met, slipping her fingers inside her.
Carmen’s mouth fell open in a soft sigh. With Amber inside her, the heel of her hand working her swollen clit, her soft lips consuming her, it was too much for her to take.
“Yes,” she screamed. “Yes, Mistress!”
It only took seconds for her to come apart. Her body stiffened, her toes and fingers curling as an orgasm overtook her. The cry that flew from her echoed through the room, the wing, the entire mansion. But she didn’t care if anyone heard her. Nothing mattered in that moment, except the pleasure her Mistress was bestowing upon her.
Finally, Carmen crashed back down onto the bed. As Amber kissed her ravenously, a hunger came over her. Her
earth-shattering climax had only made her desire for her Mistress more intense. She needed to give Amber what Amber had given to her, to bring her to the same heavenly heights, the same release that she’d brought Carmen to, not just now, but so many times before. And the urgency in Amber’s kiss, her touch, told her that she hungered for that too.
Carmen murmured into her lips. “I want… I want to worship you.”
Amber’s chest hitched. She deepened the kiss, reaching around to Carmen’s back, fingers scrabbling at the knots there in an attempt to free her.
But after a few seconds, Amber pulled away. “I don’t have time for this.” She reached for the nightstand and opened the top drawer, pulling out a pair of curved silver scissors. She brandished them before Carmen. “Don’t move.”
Carmen froze in place, heart pounding. Amber took the scissors and snipped through the ropes at her shoulders and the base of her sternum, the cold metal of the blades scraping along Carmen’s skin. As the ropes fell away from her chest, Amber tore them from her body and arms, freeing her.
“I need you,” she growled. “I need you right now.”
Tossing the scissors aside, she grabbed Carmen’s face in her hands, kissing her hard as she fell upon her. Their lips still locked, Amber drew her up the bed, falling back against the pillows and pulling Carmen onto her. Carmen’s ankles were still locked in the spreader bar, her legs held open obscenely wide, but she barely noticed. All her attention was on the woman before her, the woman she belonged to. And she wanted to show Amber that she was her devoted servant.
She slid her hands up the front of Amber’s body, from her knee, up her thigh, over her hips and waist, skating them up to her chest. She caressed Amber’s breasts,
tracing the pads of her fingers over each pale brown nipple, eliciting shivers from her. She mapped every stretch of her Mistress’s skin with her fingertips, a reverent tenderness in her touch.
“Yes…” Amber’s head rolled back. “Worship me, every part of me.”
Carmen drew her lips down Amber’s chin, down her neck, along her collarbone. She brushed her lips over Amber’s breasts, painting kisses across her chest. She took a nipple in her mouth, rolling with her tongue, sucking with her lips.
Amber murmured blissfully, the sound reverberating into Carmen’s body. She reached for Carmen, drawing her closer, holding her tighter. Her lips still playing at Amber’s breasts, she ran her hands up to the peak of Amber’s thighs, letting her fingertips skim the wetness between them.
Amber exhaled softly, parting her legs further, opening herself to her. Carmen slid her fingers up and down Amber’s folds, rolling them over her clit, circling her entrance. But despite Amber’s obvious desire, she didn’t go any further, instead awaiting her Mistress’s permission.
Amber reached down and took Carmen’s chin, tipping her face up to look into her eyes.
“Fuck me,” she commanded.
Carmen let out a trembling breath. Amber sat back, arms stretched out across the pillows at either side of her, as she waited for Carmen to obey.
Slowly, Carmen slipped her fingers into her. Amber pulsed around her fingers, warm, wet, welcoming. Carmen eased them in and out, tentatively at first, then more steadily. Amber rocked back against her, soft moans spilling from her, wordlessly directing Carmen’s movements.
Faster, she said. Slower. Deeper.
Carmen reveled in her Mistress’s unbridled reactions.
The arching of her back, the parting of her lips, the fevered
cries falling from them. As Carmen brought her closer and closer to release, Amber wrapped her arms around her and pulled her into a fiery, aching kiss.
Finally, her arms wrapped tightly around Carmen’s body, Amber went over the edge. Her hips rose from the bed as pleasure consumed her, sending tremors through her body that even Carmen could feel. Carmen worked her fingers inside her, drawing out her climax, until finally, it faded, and they collapsed into each other’s arms.
Afterward, when they’d both recovered and Amber had freed her from her restraints, she pulled Carmen back down to the bed with her.
“Looks like your doctor is right,” Amber said. “If you can do that, you’re well and truly healed.”
Carmen smiled. “It’s all thanks to you. You’ve been taking care of me all these weeks while I recovered. I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate it.”
“Considering you were injured saving my life, nursing you back to health was the least I could do. Besides, now that you’re mine, taking care of you is my responsibility.
And it makes me happy, because I love you.”
“I love you too.” Carmen would never tire of saying that.
“And, I’ve kind of enjoyed having you take care of me. It isn’t often that anyone does that.” It wasn’t often that she let anyone take care of her, or see her at her weakest. But she felt secure enough with Amber to let go around her.
Amber drew her into an embrace. “I’m glad you’ve enjoyed having me pamper you. And don’t think this is going to end now that you’re healed. Now that you belong to me, I’m going to spend every day spoiling you. So get used to it.”
Carmen took a deep, satisfying breath and closed her eyes. “Yes, Mistress.”
E P I L O G U E
Gabrielle nudged Amber with her elbow. “When are you going to ask her?”
“Shh.” Amber glanced around to make sure they hadn’t been overheard. “I’m trying to keep things under wraps.”
“You’re not having second thoughts, are you?”
“No, I’m not. And given that we’re at someone else’s wedding, this is neither the time nor the place to discuss the matter.”
Amber tipped her head toward Yvonne, who stood before a full-length mirror, clad in a white gown. It was her wedding day, and Amber was gathered with the other bridesmaids while they prepared for the ceremony.
Madison, her maid of honor, was adjusting Yvonne’s veil, while Lydia searched for extra hairpins.
Yvonne turned to face them. “What are you two whispering about?”
“Nothing,” Amber said. “Don’t mind us.”
Yvonne raised a skeptical eyebrow. But she was quickly distracted by Dana, who was scrutinizing the wedding dress she’d designed for her.
“Turn around,” Dana said, brandishing a handful of pins.
“I need to fix your dress.”
Yvonne turned back to the mirror. Immediately, Gabrielle nudged Amber again.
“So what’s the holdup?” she asked. “You’ve been carrying that ring around with you for weeks.”
“I’m waiting for the right moment,” Amber said. “That’s all.”
“Since when does Amber Pryce wait for anything? If you’re stuck on proposal ideas, I have plenty of suggestions. We can come up with a grand proposal that Carmen will never forget.”
“Carmen wouldn’t want a grand proposal. And I don’t need ideas.”
“Are you afraid she’ll say no?” Gabrielle asked. “Because the woman literally jumped in front of a bullet for you.”
“That isn’t quite what happened.”
“It’s close enough. My point is, what greater sign of dedication do you need?” Gabrielle paused. “Are you sure you’re not having doubts?”
Amber shook her head. After all they’d been through together, she was certain of the strength of their relationship. She wanted, more than anything, to make Carmen hers.
So she’d set about doing just that, finding the perfect ring, getting Carmen’s sister’s approval. Even Amber’s mother approved of the two of them tying the knot. For months, she’d been dropping not-so-subtle hints to Amber about asking Carmen to marry her. While the idea of settling down used to fill Amber with discomfort, now, spending the rest of her life with Carmen felt like the most natural thing.
So why was she hesitating?
Gabrielle gave her a sympathetic smile. “You know, it’s okay to just be nervous. Committing to spending forever with someone is a big step to take.”
“I am not nervous.” Amber crossed her arms. “But you’re right, this is a big step. It feels so monumental. So life-changing…”
As she fell silent, she realized that the room had gone quiet. All eyes were on her. Everyone had been listening to their conversation.
She sighed. So much for keeping things under wraps. “I didn’t mean to distract everyone. Don’t let me derail your preparations, Yvonne.”
“It’s all right,” Yvonne said. “It’s wonderful that you’re thinking of proposing. And honestly, I could use a distraction from my nerves.”
“You’re nervous?” Amber asked. She didn’t look it. The woman had nerves of steel.
“Of course I am,” Yvonne replied. “You’re right about one thing. The decision to get married is a monumental one. And it’s not something that should be taken lightly, which is a lesson I learned all too well. But I also learned that you can’t let fear stop you from embracing a life with the one you love.”
Madison nodded. “And marriage is life-changing, in the best way possible. It will only make the love you share grow stronger. But no one can tell you if you’re ready to take that step. Only you can.”
“But I’m sure you already know the answer to that question,” Lydia said. “Stop thinking and listen to your heart. What does it tell you?”
Amber closed her eyes for a moment, envisioning Carmen. “That I love her. That I want to be with her for the rest of our lives.”
Gabrielle put her hand on Amber’s arm. “And I’m sure Carmen feels the same way. When you look at her, and she looks at you, I can see it. And I know that the love between you is unbreakable. So listen to that love.”
“You’re right. Thank you, everyone.” Amber’s heart swelled. She was so fortunate to have friends like these.
“Now, let’s get back to preparations. We don’t have long before the ceremony is due to begin.”
“I’m all done with the dress,” Dana said. “Yvonne, why don’t you turn around and show everyone?”
Yvonne turned to face them, displaying her sleek, lace-covered gown. “How do I look?”
Lydia smiled. “Wonderful.”
“Wow,” Gabrielle said. “Just, wow.”
Amber nodded in agreement. “You look beautiful.”
Madison spread her arms out wide. “Look at you.” She pulled Yvonne into an embrace, taking care not to disturb the dress. When Madison pulled away, her face was wet with tears. Would she be able to make it through the ceremony without crying her eyes out?
There was a knock on the door, followed by the voice of Blair, who was one of Ruby’s bridesmaids. “Ruby is ready,”
she said. “If you’re ready too, we can get started.”
Yvonne nodded. “I’m ready.”
Together, everyone left the room and headed outside.
They were on a small private island at the Greek Isles, the late afternoon sun hanging heavy in the sky. The wedding was taking place on a cliffside, overlooking the ocean.
After a brief delay, the ceremony began. Soon, Amber was standing by the altar with the other bridesmaids as the celebrant made his opening remarks. She couldn’t help but feel moved by it, by this intimate celebration of love. It was a small wedding, just family and friends, but Yvonne had spared no expense in making it magical.
As the brides exchanged vows, Amber’s gaze drifted out over the crowd, searching for Carmen. She found her sitting nearby, dressed in a pale blue dress, her wavy hair cascading freely over her bare shoulders, the warm sun streaming down onto her golden skin. The way her eyes glistened told Amber she was as moved by the proceedings as she was.
This side of Carmen, this softer side, was still something she rarely let anyone see, except for Amber. And it warmed her heart to know that Carmen felt comfortable enough in
Amber’s presence to show her that part of her. There were no boundaries, no walls between them any longer.
As if reading her mind, Carmen’s eyes met hers. She smiled, a soft, radiant smile that stirred something deep in Amber’s chest.
Listen to your heart. She couldn’t deny what it was telling her right now.
Beside her, Ruby and Yvonne exchanged “I do’s”. The celebrant pronounced them married. And in front of an applauding crowd, they shared a passionate kiss.
And at that moment, Amber vowed that soon, it would be her at that altar with Carmen, saying I do and sealing their union with a kiss.
It was midnight when the reception finally ended. Carmen watched the brides depart, warmth spreading inside her.
She’d never been the type to get emotional at weddings, but it was hard not to be affected by this celebration of love between two women she’d come to call friends. She’d spent enough time with Amber’s friends now that she’d grown close with them, and she understood why Amber considered them family. She was starting to feel like they were her family, too. And seeing Yvonne and Ruby commit to each other for eternity was a beautiful thing.
She glanced at Amber beside her. The idea of committing to someone forever wasn’t something Carmen had ever considered. She’d always had too many other priorities, too many responsibilities, to even allow herself to dream of such a thing.
But then, she’d met Amber. And ‘forever’ no longer seemed like a distant possibility.
Amber turned to her. “Shall we get out of here?”
Carmen nodded. “That bed in our suite is looking good right now.”
“What’s the hurry? It’s such a nice night. Why don’t we go for a walk down to the beach?”
Carmen studied her girlfriend’s face. Amber wasn’t the type to stop and enjoy the scenery. Perhaps Carmen wasn’t the only one feeling sentimental tonight. “A walk on the beach sounds perfect.”
They left the reception hall and made their way to the beach. Once they reached it, Carmen slipped out of her heels, holding them in her hand as she stepped onto the cool, white sand. Amber joined her, leading her down to where the ocean met the beach.
They walked along the sand in silence, gentle waves lapping at their feet, the half-moon shining above them.
The beach was deserted. It was just the two of them.
Amber broke the silence. “Have I told you how wonderful you look tonight?”
