C/N:
The togas and pool are mine, but not the rest. Just borrowing the lovely cast to entertain us all!
_______________________________________________________________
Chapter 2: Intro to Desire
BPOV
After being released from the audience hall by a very pleased Aro, I decided to go to the bathing room for a wash and soak before dinner. I couldn't get over how much I had enjoyed this afternoon. Just the memory was enough to send a jolt of sensation through my still heated core. Imagining their eyes on me as I aroused her, thereby arousing them…I couldn't help but bite my lower lip to still the tingles running down my spine. I could hardly wait to do it again.
Ever since I came here, I've taken great pride and no little pleasure from the satisfaction I've helped the others achieve. I discovered I love giving pleasure. I can't imagine anything more powerful than watching those I'm pleasuring fall from the heights of ecstasy. But this afternoon, it was more than that. My fantasies of dark eyes staring at me while I stood hidden under Gianna's dress had filled me with tingling spikes of electricity unlike any I had ever felt before. It was that sensation which drove me to work even harder than normal to bring Gianna to her flushed and writhing best, over and over.
Which lead me to my other new obsession of the day: imagining what Aro's guests might look like. I had heard descriptions, of course, just like everyone else. I just wanted to see the details for myself, to see how close the reports were to the reality.
I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't see Jake standing in the hall just ahead of me. A squeak of surprise escaped my throat as I narrowly avoided running him down. His warm, strong hands securely captured my elbows, steadying me from falling at my abrupt halt.
"Wow, Bells! Where's the fire?" Jake chortled. "All you have to do is ask if you want my attentions, Sweetie." His sultry laugh filled my ears as he pulled me against his chest, running his hands down the back of my dress to cup my buttocks firmly for a moment.
A jolt of desire briefly clouded my thinking before I came back to myself, pushing against his chest until he released me. "Jake, you know that's forbidden. I'm an Innocent, remember?"
I reminded him, briefly flipping up the skirt of my short white dress to flash the fabric of the underlying panties at him. The scrap of fabric covering my lower body clearly designated me as untouchable. Well, untouchable within certain limits. I almost couldn't help the small smile which curved my lips remembering just how I had explored those limits. Taking a deep breath, I consciously drug my thoughts back to the conversation at hand.
Jake's grin took on a mournful edge as he stepped back a pace, dragging in a breath through his nose. "Yeah, I know. I just keep hoping I can tempt you enough to get you to make your Dad relent and change your status," he grumbled as he took my hand to brush his lips across the inside of my wrist.
"You know that's about as likely as Lord Aro giving up the idea of being present for my first, shall we say, complete, pleasure experience," I replied with a small snort.
"You also know Charlie won't relent while I'm here," I pointed out, shaking my head. "He's hell bent on keeping me pure, for reasons I don't really understand. All I know for certain is that he'll never relent, not until he's ready. I mean he lives amidst every human's deepest sexual desires, and yet abstains, for Pete's sake! I'm certain he's never partaken of any aspect of anyone here. His self control is practically legend. I think it has to do with some weird attachment he had for my mother. He wanted them to stay together beyond the five year parenting contract, against all custom. He's never gotten over her," I exclaimed, hoping this time I'd say something to help him really understand, finally.
"I don't claim to understand it, but he never does anything without thought, and I won't question him unless I have good reason to." I added, taking his hand into my own, staring intently into his eyes hoping to see if I was reaching him.
"Besides, I love what I get to experience here. There's something so liberating about being part of a partnering, yet maintaining a feeling of remoteness. Kind of like being the conductor and the musician simultaneously, rather than just being the instrument. It's hard to explain. I love the power it gives me to give with no expectation of receiving in return. Helping others achieve their ultimate pleasure while delaying my own…" I trailed off lost in my thoughts and feeling a familiar shiver pass down my spine.
I watched as lust clouded Jake's face once again as he inhaled sharply, "I know you want me, Jake, and you think that you can show me what you think I've been missing, but I'm not fighting my father for something that I can't imagine could possibly be any better than what I already have; not when I don't fully understand the ramifications such a choice could force on me. I'm happy how I am, Jake." I could tell I still had not fully reached him, but that he would drop the subject for the moment, at least. As much as he wanted me to be with him, he wasn't willing to risk alienating me or more possibly, hurting me.
As much as I had come to care about my father, I still wasn't sure why he had brought me here when I finally reached my majority earlier in the year, and most especially, why he had ensured I would be a designated Innocent. I shook my head. I just didn't have enough information to figure out this puzzle, and it was senseless to dwell on something I couldn't change even if I did understand. Like most things, understanding would come in its own time. Looking back up at Jake I released his hand. "I really am looking forward to a warm soak before dinner, Jake. I'll see you later?"
He smiled his best smile for me, reminding me as always of the sun breaking through the clouds to warm me. "Sure thing, Bells. Later." I ignored the sadness still lingering behind his eyes as I always did when we had this conversation. Once again, why agonize over what you couldn't change? Jake is my friend, and that's all I want from him.
Returning his smile, I turned and continued through the corridors toward the steamy bathing room with its vast pool of glorious heated water just begging to soak all one's cares away. It was one of the few pleasures I could completely partake of and I relied greatly upon the heated water to help me relax at the end of the day.
I planned to shower, soak, eat and retire to my chamber for the night. Otherwise I probably would have waited until after the meal to come here, but I knew Sue would let me take a tray to my room if I wanted. Tonight I just didn't feel like being social. I did want to be alone and think about how this afternoon made me feel.
It's not that I had a problem with what I did for Gianna. Quite the contrary, I didn't mind who I was with so long as we both enjoyed the encounter. I didn't see it as an issue requiring preference of gender; it was without gender for me, becoming something more than just the groping and grinding of bodies. It was a challenge to find what would appeal to each individual as I strove to read their bodies' signals telling me how to direct my efforts. A challenge I was quite good at based on how willingly I am welcomed into any pleasure encounter I choose to join.
These new feelings seemed to be connected with the sense of being studied I had felt this afternoon. It was disconcerting for the simple reason that I had never before wanted to please the one behind the observation more than whomever I was actively pleasuring. I usually hated being watched, it made me feel self conscious, like the blushing bumbling girl I so easily turn into. What had changed?
EPOV
After being shown to our suite and attached sleeping chambers, I quickly left to give my family private time to enjoy the fruition of our travels. I never felt as much like an unnecessary addition as I did at times like this, so I sidestepped the associated discomfort by seeking out the bathing chamber to soak away the grime and tension of our journey.
I paused in the corridor to ask a passing servant to direct me to the baths. She quickly offered to show me (a hopeful leer in her eyes), but I politely declined before she gave me the directions, most definitely disappointed. I sighed as I walked away. Would it ever get any easier? Was it an impossible desire to find someone remotely original and interesting?
I was lost in thought as I walked through the arched entry to the cavernous bathing room. I paused for a moment to orient myself to the room. I quickly crossed to the shower stalls, stripping off my belt and thigh length tunic followed by the high straps of my sandals from around my calves. The loincloth, I decided to leave on, signaling my desire to remain solitary. Stepping into the stall I pulled the cord above my head and allowed the mildly warm water to cascade down over my head and shoulders. I briefly scrubbed at any road grime clinging to my flesh. I was anxious to submerge myself in the vast pool of steaming water just outside, and didn't linger even a moment longer than necessary.
As I stepped out of the shower moments later my eyes lighted on the form of a young woman facing away from me bent over to scoop up a wad of cloth from the floor before her. Like a beast roaring from the starvation of a deep cave I felt the instant, almost overwhelming desire to bury my fingers in her chestnut hair and fuck her silly. To take her from behind, burying myself deep in her warmth and stay there until she screamed herself hoarse from my pumping—and I almost did.
My shock saved me. That, and the equally instant disgust I felt for seeing another sentient creature as merely a vessel for my lust; for seeing this beautiful creature as a type of glorified toilet. I almost turned on my heel and fled before she could turn and recognize my shameful behavior.
Instead I strode to the far corner of the immense soaking pool. Quickly lowering myself into the steaming water, I closed my eyes as I leaned my head back against the edge of the pool. I planned to remain in this position as long as it took for her to leave. Surely the warm water would lull me into such a state of relaxation I could forget my earlier disgrace.
BPOV
Arriving at the bathing chamber I quickly removed the belt at my waist were it held the folds of my thigh length toga in the perfect draped style currently in fashion. Just as quickly I pulled the ornate pin from my right shoulder where it held the fabric of my dress up, allowing the white fabric to pool at my feet. Stepping backwards out of the circle, I bent to push my panties down my legs, enjoying for a moment the feel of the air on my heated center. Bending further I scooped up the fabric to deposit it on a nearby ledge next to a discrete stack of clean panties. I'd certainly be in need of those when I finished as I had no desire to put back on the soaked fabric I had just removed from between my legs.
I turned to face the shower stall before me and chose the closest one available. As the slightly warm water cascaded from my hair and down my shoulders I tipped my head back to luxuriate in the caressing feeling of the water as it fell over my skin rinsing away the salty sweat from my earlier exertions. Shortly I felt clean enough to venture into the soaking pool.
I gratefully lowered myself into the steaming waters and tipped my head back against the edge, focusing my every thought on achieving as much relaxation from the heat as I could. Keeping my eyes on the ceiling allowed me to politely ignore the presence of the other bathers and subtly indicate my desire to keep to my own thoughts. I had no fear of not being recognized as an Innocent, even without the panties only worn by such individuals. The population of the villa was not large enough for anyone to not know who I was and of my protected status. Pushing gently away from the edge I slowly floated on my back toward the center of the pool, my slow breathing my only movement. My eyes slid closed and I allowed the heat to penetrate my sore, over worked muscles.
My thoughts drifted without pattern for several minutes before I returned to the one line of thinking I couldn't avoid (rather like a tongue which constantly seeks out a sore tooth). Why was I suddenly so aroused by the thought of being observed—observed while hidden? Could it be the idea of fresh meat, so to speak? Was it because I was being observed by unknown individuals, people whom I couldn't picture? I wasn't sure, but settled on this explanation as the only remotely satisfying one, and therefore the preferred answer for the moment.
A long while later I felt sufficiently relaxed to seek my dinner. Rolling over, I stood to walk to the edge of the pool and climbed out. Rinsing briefly in the shower once again to remove the slightly sulfurous smell of the pool from my skin, I rubbed a fluffy towel over my wet skin before bending over to allow my hair to hang toward the ground as I wrapped and twisted the towel around my hair. Flinging the towel back to hand from my crown to my shoulders like a second type of hair, I stood and collected the fresh underwear I had spotted earlier. Drawing them up my legs I shimmied them into position. Stepping into the center of my dress I pulled its single shoulder strap into position over my right shoulder and pinned it once again. Once I belted the fabric to my waist I felt ready to brave the kitchens in search of a meal. Still wearing the towel on my head like some kind of headdress, I entered the sweltering warmth where our meals were lovingly crafted by the best cook in the kingdom.
Sue had been one of the first to welcome me upon my arrival, making it plain I could seek her out for anything I would previously have sought from my mother. Her open forthright manner made it easy to acquiesce to this request and we had quickly become friends and more slowly almost confidants. Often before a feast she would even call on me to help cook the vast meals necessary. Thankfully, tonight I had been otherwise employed.
I knew Sue would know from my appearance that having just soaked I would want a quiet meal alone in my chamber. Just in case I was prepared to beg. Technically I should be sitting with the rest of Aro's collection to feast with his guests. For some reason, tonight I just wasn't in the mood to go and watch others doing completely what I could only join on the periphery of. Instead, I wanted to be alone with my thoughts and remember that tantalizing feeling.
Walking into the vast kitchens I was assaulted with the smells and heat of the heart of the Villa. I quickly spotted Sue supervising the baking of tonight's sweet course. Just as quickly she spotted me in return. As I approached, I could see her hands busy assembling a tray for me. It was times like this which had taught me that her standoffish nature was only skin deep. My smile mirrored hers.
"Seeking a quiet night, I assume? What will Aro say?" Her arched eyebrow said it all. She didn't really care that I was skipping out on the event, only that I was prepared to face those who would care.
"I honestly don't care. I'm tired and just want some time to myself. I'll deal with him tomorrow."
"So long as you are sure." With that she handed me the tray she had put together as we spoke and I retreated swiftly from the room, having thanked her with my smile of gratitude.
A short time later I lay in my bed covered only with a light sheet. My empty tray sat near the door on the floor waiting for me to return it to the kitchen in the morning. Full and comfortable I let my mind drift back to the events of the day.
My mind skittered right over thoughts of Aro and the explanation I would undoubtedly need to offer him, there was no point to worrying. I had made a decision and stuck with it. It's not like he owned any of us. I just didn't want to appear ungrateful or rude.
Thoughts of mystery eyes quickly overtook any thoughts of responsibility or lack thereof. I felt my breathing accelerate slightly as I imagined those eyes running up and down my body, leaving a trail of heat behind them. Pictures of what it might have been like to lock eyes with the observer as I pleasured Gianna saturated my mind, once again igniting the tight pit of burning need within me.
My hand slowly crept down the contours of my ribs and hip to settle over the curls between my legs. A shiver tingled up my spine. I always slept nude, something I was never so grateful for. It made imagining hot eyes upon my flesh all the more easily done.
Sliding my finger between my folds I collected some of the moisture emanating from my core and began stroking the center of my pleasure. My breathing picked up, and my hips thrust forward, bowing my back off the bed. The tip of my finger flickered with a rapid tempo, dancing quickly back and forth on my clitoris.
I had seen others prefer a thrusting motion to create the friction desired, but my flickering stroke, while unique always achieved the desired result much more quickly and thoroughly. Memories of the others I had surprised with the intensity of sensation generated by my dancing fingers brought a lusty smile to my lips and sent a charge of lust filled satisfaction through the pit of my stomach.
With one final buck of my hips, my body locked tight in an arching spasm as my orgasm ripped though my body. I clenched my jaw, locking the groans and cries which threatened to escape my panting lips as I climaxed hard. The force of my orgasm left me mildly surprised with its force; however, I was left too languidly depleted to willingly dedicate much thought as to why.
My last thoughts before sleep overtook me were to wonder what our new guests looked like, and curiosity about what it was going to be like, being with them.
EPOV
The hot water worked its magic on my tense shoulders, leaving me finally feeling ready to face Aro and his endless machinations. Even the relaxed bliss I was feeling couldn't keep me from wondering briefly what plan he has in mind to attempt to lure me into his 'collection' this time. Whatever it is, I'll have to be extra vigilant to be certain to circumvent it.
Lost in my thoughts, I soon became aware of having become nearly overheated from the hot water. Time for a cool rinse off and then dinner, I decided. Sitting up, I assumed I would find that the girl from earlier had left already.
I couldn't have been more wrong.
There she was across the pool floating languidly on her back, beautiful nipples on display, her luxuriant hair adrift above her head, the triangle between her thighs a deep shadow. The steam of the pool danced around her head making her facial features a hazy mystery.
My earlier reaction to her was minor in comparison to what I was experiencing now. If it weren't for the past few years of denying myself what others took so readily, I don't think I could have resisted.
The desire to cross the pool, lift her lips to mine in a crushing kiss while burying my fingers deep into her hot flesh reared up to assault my senses. I wanted to breathe her in, taste her every crevice, flip her over and claim her over the edge of the pool….over and over.
I trembled from the intensity of the feeling, all my muscles on lockdown, yearning to indulge in the most wonton of my fantasies, struggling to remain where I was.
"Gah! What am I thinking! Get a grip on yourself, man!" I internally screamed at myself, wrenching my eyes away with almost painful effort. Suddenly I couldn't get away from the steaming water fast enough, but if I left the protective screen of the water right now, I wasn't likely to make it far without anyone drawing attention to my not so "little" problem. I was in no mood to deal with fend of helpful partners today.
With a groan I laid my head back against the side of the pool, once again hoping if I just waited long enough, she'd leave first and then I would be free to leave without incident.
After a few minutes of fighting the desire to open my eyes and at least fuck her with my eyes, I at last heard the tell tale splashing of her moving to the edge of the pool.
Barely slitting my eyes I could see her place her hands on the edge of the pool in preparation to lift herself out. I quickly snapped my eyes shut again. My self restraint definitely was not up to seeing her bare backside pointed in my direction.
A few minutes later I risked another peek to see if she had gone. This time I couldn't tear my eyes away. She stood facing away from me rubbing a fluffy white towel languidly down her graceful limbs. To make matters worse she then bent over (thankfully for my sanity also turning slightly to the side as she did) to wrap the towel around her hair. She then stood and reaching over for an item hidden from my view.
In the briefest of moments, comprehension slammed into my brain. She was wiggling a pair of panties over her legs sumptuous legs. Oh, Gods! She's an Innocent! Would my depravity never end!
I had not only nearly disgraced myself, but had nearly committed a capital crime! My hands balled into fists as I fought the swirl of emotions (not the least of which continued to be lust) plaguing my mind, and making me want to all but tear out my offending eyes.
Jumping quickly from where I had lounged in the pool I thrust myself onto the deck and all but ran to the towels. Not even taking the time to rinse again, I wrapped a towel around my waist and fled to the safety of my chambers, mentally cursing myself the whole way.
_________________________________________________________________
A/N:
So…any thoughts you might want to share? Just click that lovely little box below!
Ch. 3 should be out in a few days. It's amazing how motivated I get to shirk my duties and type when I get feedback… ;D