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  “Mine,” I whispered to her. I kissed her ass, and then I licked her, little licks up her spine to the back of her neck. She shivered and whispered my name.

  “You’re mine,” I whispered into the back of her neck. “Is this what you want?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m going to tease you, Mary. I’m going to touch you. I’m going to slide into you and take you. Is that what you want?”

  “Yes, Selena. Please don’t stop.”

  “I’m not stopping.”

  I did to her everything I said I would.

  * * * *

  We lay together on the bed. It was late. Mary was curled into me, not saying much, but she kissed the side of my breast from time to time, her hand resting on the other. “How are you doing?” I asked.

  “Basking.” She lifted her head. “That was… intense.”

  “Good.”

  “You couldn’t tell?”

  I smiled.

  “You didn’t let me…” Her hand left my breast and began moving down, but I captured it.”

  “Is there going to be a next time, Mary?”

  “I surely hope so.”

  “Good.”

  “Please stay tonight.”

  “I’d like that.”

  We worked on the covers, and it wasn’t long before we slept.

  * * * *

  In the morning, she whispered, “We could call in sick.”

  I laughed. “I want to see you again, but can we play it by ear?”

  “Yes.”

  “Are you seeing anyone else?”

  “I get a casual date sometimes, but no, no one else. I know you’re dating half the company.”

  “Not hardly half,” I said. I kissed her, and we touched for a minute or two before I slipped from the bed.

  “I won’t be long,” Mary said. “I’ll drive you home.”

  “I can take a Lyft.”

  “Please, I’d like to drive you.”

  “All right. I’ll wait in the living room.”

  I heard the shower. She was quick, although her hair was still wet when she appeared. “I’ll dry at your place,” she said. “Ready?”

  “Ready.”

  We didn’t talk during the drive, but we held hands on the way into my house. I gave Mary my hair dryer.

  She was gone by the time I was dressed, but there was a note propped against my purse. I opened it.

  I really had a nice time, Selena. I could love you. Mary.

  I had a nice time, too.

  Away

  “Please come to my office.”

  “On my way.”

  Two minutes later, I closed Tara’s door and sat down. We smiled at each other.

  “I know it’s short notice,” she said. “Tomorrow evening.”

  “No problem,” I said. “Where are we going?”

  “I rented a house in the Bahamas,” she said. “We’ll fly to Miami tomorrow. It will be late, but we have an overnight charter boat to the island. We’ll be gone until Tuesday.”

  “Does my boss know?”

  “She seemed cool with it,” Tara said with a grin. “I haven’t decided if I want to use your trigger.”

  “It’s up to you.”

  “Will you be disappointed?”

  “Tara, whatever you want,” I said. “So, beachwear and something for dinners?”

  “Sure,” she said. “Sounds right. I’m sorry. I tried to catch you yesterday, but I didn’t get a chance to look for you until nearly six.”

  “I was gone by then.”

  “I figured,” she said. “I’m going to work late this evening.”

  “I’ll get out of your way.”

  She didn’t say anything further, so we exchanged smiles, and I headed for my cube.

  * * * *

  It was seven, and I was still at work. I looked at the time. I decided that was sufficient, and I needed to get home and pack, so I collected my purse. But then I detoured to Tara’s office. She was still working herself, and I stepped into the doorway. She looked up and smiled.

  “How long will you be here?”

  “Late.” Her smile broadened. “Selena-pet obeys her lady.”

  “Until you release me,” I replied.

  The compulsion settled, and when Tara ordered, I moved to her and knelt. Then I watched as she worked her undies off before spreading her legs. “Taste,” she ordered.

  I gave her what she wanted, and it was far faster than normal when she began panting my name and pressing me more deeply to her. I felt her begin to shudder before she slumped.

  “Selena,” she whispered, still panting. “I release you.”

  I gave my own shudder of a different style then looked up at her, still on my knees. Her eyes were closed, and I could see she was basking. I slowly stood then moved behind her. I gave her a musky kiss against her cheek. She snorted but said nothing as I wrapped around her for a minute.

  “Selena,” she whispered. “God.”

  “I would have offered longer, but I still have to go home and pack.”

  “You have a passport, don’t you? God, I’m an idiot.”

  I laughed. “I have a passport. Going to be able to work?”

  “Yeah, once you take your delectable ass out of here.”

  I gave her another kiss then wagged my tail at her on the way out the door.

  * * * *

  I took a Lyft to work the next day, bringing my bags with me. No one seemed to notice, or at least they said nothing, and Tara didn’t attempt any subterfuge when she collected me mid-afternoon.

  “Did you bring everything you’ll need?” she asked as we tossed my bags into the trunk of her car.”

  “Yes, or if not, I have my credit card, and I triple-checked the passport.”

  We drove to the airport, negotiated through security, and made our way to the gate. We were a little early, but only about twenty minutes. We sat down, holding hands, my head on Tara’s shoulder. She was tense, and finally I asked her, “Second thoughts?”

  “That’s ridiculous.”

  “You’re tense.”

  “I’m not sure I remember how to vacation.” I laughed. “I’m serious. I’m so nervous, Selena.”

  I lifted my head and turned to her. “Are you confident that by sometime tomorrow, we’ll be on an island in the Bahamas, with a roof over our heads and a clean bed available?”

  “Yes, of that I’m confident.”

  “And are you confident in the return arrangements?”

  “Yes.”

  “Did you triple-check your passport?”

  She laughed. “Only twice.”

  “And it’s current.”

  “Yes. It’s current. It’s only two years old.”

  “So, you’ve vacationed somewhere?”

  “No. I keep it up to date because you never know when a hot babe will ask to take you somewhere.”

  “As I recall, I didn’t prompt this.”

  “I know. I’m just saying. Opportunity happens.”

  “When was the last time opportunity happened?”

  “Never.”

  I laughed. “You brought a bag. One presumes it has clothing and the other basics. And you didn’t forget me at work or something. You had etickets to get us through security. Do you really think you’ve forgotten anything?”

  “How to relax?”

  “Well, it turns out I’m pretty good at helping you feel good,” I said with a smile. “We’re going to have a nice time, Tara.”

  “I know. I just…”

  “Tara.”

  She looked away.

  “Tara,” I said gently.

  “I feel like I’m making mistakes.”

  I pulled her back to look at me. “What mistakes?”

  “Part of me thinks I should have sold RealSoft.”

  “Why?”

  “Because… Because I’m a shitty girlfriend.”

  “You’re not a shitty girlfriend.”

  “There’s a huge part of
me that wants you waiting at home for me every night, but I can’t ask that of you.”

  “Because you would be a shitty wife?”

  “Yes, I think I would be.”

  “I’ve let you know I’d be open for more commitment, but I’m in the best place I’ve ever been. I enjoy our time together. Not once have you bitched about my other dates, and you don’t even seem to silently bristle. Eventually, maybe I’ll find someone who wants us to devote our lives together, but right now, I’m happy, Tara.”

  And that was when they offered to let first class board. Tara stood, somewhat surprising me.

  Once we were settled again, our things stowed, wine in our hand, we tapped glasses, sipped, and then she asked, “How did the event go over the weekend?”

  “Interesting,” I said. I told her about it, which left her laughing and pensive, both at the same time, which was an unexpected combination.

  “I don’t think I would have come away from that very well.”

  “I didn’t think you’d be interested in so many unknowns.”

  “You’re right,” she agreed. “You’re okay?”

  “Yeah. I’m going to go visit my mom, though, whenever I can make arrangements.”

  “Where’s home?”

  “Duluth, Minnesota,” I said.

  “Duluth? Seriously?”

  “Seriously,” I confirmed. “You?”

  “Jersey.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah. It’s not as bad as people think.”

  I laughed. “I’m sure.”

  * * * *

  In Miami, there was a uniformed woman holding up a sign that said, “Tara Stout.” I nudged Tara, and we made our way forward.

  “I’m Tara Stout.”

  “Ms. Stout,” said the woman. “Very good. Do you have additional baggage?”

  “Just this,” Tara said.

  “Very good.” She took the rolling bag from Tara, and we followed her out the door. There was a car waiting not far away. The driver stowed our bags and helped us into the car. Soon, we were off.

  It was late but still hot and muggy. I loosened my blouse.

  “Welcome to Miami,” said our driver. “We’ll be at the harbor in about twenty minutes or so, maybe a little longer to your boat.”

  “Thank you,” Tara said.

  We sat quietly, holding hands. I watched the world go by, temporarily talked out. But when I turned to look, Tara was watching me. We smiled at each other. “You’re so beautiful,” she said.

  “That’s you,” I said. “But thank you.”

  It wasn’t a long ride, and then we arrived at the marina. Another woman was waiting, this one with a couple of porters, and they relieved us of everything we were carrying. I gave Tara a look, but she simply took my arm, and we followed our guide.

  I guess I hadn’t really thought about all the implications. Our guide led us to a yacht. I stared as we approached. “Tara?”

  “A friend of a friend thing,” she said. “We don’t get it the entire weekend. It’s just a glorified taxi. We could have flown, but it would have taken us half of tomorrow, and I thought we should make better use of our time.”

  “I can’t believe you did this.”

  “If I was going to get away, I wanted to really get away,” she said.

  * * * *

  We got a tour. Our things made it to our cabin, but then we stood together at the railing, watching as the crew got us moving. We stood under the starlight for another half hour, holding each other and kissing from time to time, then Tara leaned and whispered into my ear, “Selena-Pet obeys her lady.”

  “Until you release me,” I replied.

  “Come with me, Pet.”

  She brought me back to our cabin, and once we were there, she enjoyed owning me. I enjoyed it, too, and then cuddled together.

  “Selena-Pet,” she whispered.

  “Lady Tara.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, Lady Tara.”

  * * * *

  There was something hypnotic about traveling overnight via the boat. But then Tara was whispering, “Selena-Pet. It’s time to get up. Kneel to me, Pet.”

  I slipped from the bed and knelt. She moved more slowly, coming to a stop before me. She set her hand on my head then guided me where she wanted me to kiss. She sat back on the bed, then lay back as I continued to kiss and lick and do all the wonderful things I loved doing for her.

  I took my time, raising her ardor slowly, deliberately, until I felt her begin to clench and shudder. “Selena. Selena. Selena.”

  She shuddered a few more times then wrapped her legs around me, holding me partially pinned to her. I kissed a few times, then closed my eyes, waiting to see what she would do with me next.

  It took a few minutes, but she sat back up and pushed me away before tipping my head up to look at her. “I’d planned on us getting dressed. I want to see us approach the island. Go clean up. Be quick. We’ll shower later.”

  “Yes, Lady Tara.”

  Ten minutes later found us back at the railing. We were cruising past an island on our right, and then we turned in to a small harbor.

  It was another hour before we arrived at our home for the weekend. Our driver brought our things in for us, and once we were alone, Tara turned me towards her. “I thought about keeping you like this all weekend.”

  “Yes,” I whispered.

  “Selena-Pet, I release you.”

  I slumped as the compulsion left me. Tara pulled me into her arms and held me until I whispered, “Why?”

  “Because your trigger is far from the only reason I wanted this weekend away, Selena. I want to spend it with all of you. The trigger is now part of who we are together, but it’s only part.” I nodded understanding. “I’d like to go for a swim. Would you like that?”

  “Yes.”

  We had a nice day. Later, much later, we lay in bed together, holding each other, when she said, “Selena, I love you.”

  I cuddled more closely. “I love you, too,” I whispered.

  “I want to tell you something.”

  “All right.”

  “What we have is pretty good.”

  “I agree.”

  “But it’s unlikely to ever be more than it is.”

  “I know.”

  “I don’t think this is forever. It’s for now.”

  “Do you have any other for now girls?”

  “Only you. I want you to stop giving me carte blanche on when your Alteration ends.”

  “Why?”

  “Because every time you do, I’m tempted.”

  “To keep me forever.”

  “Yes, and I bet there’s a part of you that wants me to, but it wouldn’t be at all fair and incredibly unethical besides. Are you intentionally tempting me?”

  “I’d say I’m intentionally trusting you. You’re right. There’s a part of me that would let you keep me.”

  “It’s only a half a life. Not even that. It’s great sex and a lot of fun. The things you do for my ego. But Selena, I don’t want to be the kind of person who…”

  “Takes advantage of a devoted love slave?”

  She laughed. “Who abuses a devoted love slave.”

  “Tara, the fact you haven’t taken advantage of the opportunity means I’m right to trust you.”

  “Perhaps, but it’s still a temptation I don't want. I like when you’re my devoted play toy, but I also like you at other times, Selena. You’re pretty amazing. You know that, don’t you?”

  “I’m glad you think so,” I replied. “What do you want me to say instead?”

  “Put a time limit on it.”

  “All right,” I agreed. “48 hours or until you release me?”

  “Sure. Selena, what we have works because you’re seeing more people than me. I’m dating as much as I want. I love carving out the time for you we already share, but…”

  “I get it, Tara. You don’t owe me more than that. You’ve been honest and open.�
��

  “I feel guilty, Selena.” She sighed and started to cry.

  “Oh, hey.”

  “This isn’t about guilt,” she waved at her face. “I’d love to have more with you. I really would. But you’d be miserable. Even if I had sold RealSoft, I just would have started something else. I’d love to come home to you every night, but you’d get almost nothing from me most nights, and we’d both start fighting. I just…” She turned to look at me. “I was sure you’d give me another open-ended period. Selena, I really considered it. I did.”

  “Hey,” I whispered.

  “It’s the only way I’m going to have someone to come home to, and… Do you know how much I’d hate myself?”

  “Tara.” I pulled myself more tightly to her, as if we weren’t already pressed together. “Would you like to try it for a week, once in a while?”

  She began crying more heavily. “Selena…”

  “It might be fun,” I said. “I don’t know about work, but I bet I’d be happy, and you’d have someone waiting for you, someone who couldn’t wait to see you.”

  “Selena.” She pulled my head down to her chest, wrapping around me, still crying. We stayed like that for a minute while she got herself under control. “Don’t go anywhere.”

  “I like the view,” I said.

  “You brat.”

  She slipped away from me and headed for the bathroom. When she returned, she started at the foot of the bed and climbed up me, nudging me more in the middle, then pinning me to the bed. We smiled at each other. “Are you serious?”

  “Sure,” I said. “Maybe a short trial, a day or two.”

  She kissed me deeply then lay down, this time her head on my shoulder. “What we’re doing works,” she said.

  “Did you just say ‘no’.”

  “Oh, I decidedly did not say ‘no’. Could you work?”

  “I don’t think I’d want to go to work like that,” I replied. “I’d rather not.”

  “From home?”

  “Maybe,” I said. “I turn kind of… dumb. Maybe I can document test code or something, but I’m not sure I’d be up to anything tricky.”

  We lay together until she repeated, “What we’re doing works.”

  “Yes, it does.”

  “It works because you’re seeing more people than just me.” I didn’t respond to that. “Selena, we could do this forever, but it will never be more than it is. If you get a better offer…”