Title: Confessions Lead to Strange Bedfellows
Author: Kimberly21570
Fandoms: Guiding Light / All My Children
Pairings: Olivia and Natalia / Lena and Bianca
Disclaimer: The characters of Olivia and Emma Spencer, Natalia and Rafe Rivera, Gus/Nicky Aitoro, Frank Cooper, and Jane, the nanny are owned by CBS/TeleNext and Proctor & Gamble. The characters of Captain Kathryn Janeway and Seven of Nine from Star Trek: Voyager, and the characters of Captain Jean-Luc Picard and Commander William T. Riker from Star Trek: The Next Generation are owned by Paramount Television.
No copyright infringement intended with regard to Guiding Light, CBS/TeleNext, Proctor & Gamble, Paramount Television, or any other entity. The dialogue and story content in these scenes are original. Written for fun, not profit. All other standard disclaimers apply.
Thanks to my pal, MoniRod for the edit. You totally Rock, Woman! I appreciate you, and I owe you—BIG TIME!
Rating: Chapter 14 is rated NC-17 for sexual situations and strong language.
Confessions Lead to Strange Bedfellows
Copyright May 2009
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."
— James 1:2-8, the Bible, New International Version (NIV)
"God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it."
Unknown
Chapter 14.4 – Trials and Tribulations:
Thursday, June 4, 2009… The Penthouse Suite, the Beacon—9:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time
A delightful dinner of tropical salads, complete with berries, of course, grilled pork tenderloin with seasoned roasted asparagus, and fennel and cran-orange rice, was sprinkled with laughter and quiet conversation. They topped it all off with a shared fresh peach-apricot crisp with vanilla ice cream for dessert, much to Natalia's delight. And then, as the sun settled on the horizon, they shared a few slow dances—and several lingering kisses—under the burgeoning starlit sky.
The time flew by without their even noticing, and two hours later, Natalia found herself reflecting as they leisurely made their way back toward their suite, hand in hand. She had walked these gardens alone on myriad occasions, and she had prayed in that very gazebo more times than she could count. But it was different, experiencing it with Olivia. Everything was different with Olivia, and Natalia treasured every single moment as if it were the most meaningful moment of their life together.
As they entered their suite, Natalia kicked her shoes off, and turned toward Olivia, impatiently waiting as her lover closed and locked the door. Noticing the discarded shoes, Olivia smiled and deposited hers beside them. And then she met Natalia's gaze—those shimmering dark eyes said it all. She went to her, taking Natalia in her arms, kissing her slowly, tenderly, as her hand slowly slid down Natalia's arm, their fingers locking on connection.
Bodies pressed together, kisses continued, a languorous exploration as tongues reached out greeting, teasing, and the sweet sting of teeth followed, as they nibbled a lip, or tugged at bits of tender skin. Firmly grasping the back of Natalia's neck, Olivia tilted her lover's head to gain greater access, and Natalia rode the sharp edge of desire as the warmth of Olivia's mouth moved along her skin. Finally, Natalia whimpered and managed to squeeze out a breathless plea that Olivia stop teasing, and just take her.
Slowly, Olivia lifted her mouth from burning skin, finding Natalia's gaze. Passion simmered in darkened jade, reflecting in pools of feverish mahogany. And then, wordlessly, their gazes never parting, Olivia led Natalia toward the bedroom. Their bodies hummed with desire, and anticipation infused the air around them as they moved. Every moment, every breath, all day long, had led to this moment, and they were both enraptured by the current of electricity that flowed between them, letting off sparks even when they were apart.
A soft gasp fell from Natalia's lips as they entered the room. Candlelight flickered from every corner, splashes of crimson stood in stark contrast against the crisp white sheets on the bed, the rose petals suffusing the air with their light, sweet fragrance, and one of Natalia's favorite love songs quietly crooned in the distance.
Natalia felt the heat of tears once again, as Olivia pulled her close. "Why?" she whispered in awe.
Fingertips lightly brushed Natalia's cheek, as her own eyes glistened with tears. "Because you stood up for us," Olivia answered honestly. She had been so afraid that Natalia would back down, would change her mind under the pressure of the pregnancy, of Frank's tirades, of Rafe's unending disapproval. But she hadn't. Despite every obstacle, she had chosen to stay, to fight for them. "You easily could have chosen your son, your children, over me," she acknowledged. "Instead, you chose us all."
"I would never choose otherwise, Liv," Natalia vowed. "I couldn't… Not after all that we've shared." The corners of her mouth slowly tipped into a smile. "Besides, when have you ever known me to take the easy way out of anything?"
Olivia's spontaneous response was a light chuckle, accompanied by a soft smile. "Never…"
Delivered on a whisper, Olivia's acknowledgment of Natalia's commitment to their family brought a sense of peace to two hearts. Tenderly, Natalia took Olivia's face into her hands. "And I never will," she vowed. "Especially not when it comes to us, to our family."
Words faded away then, as their eyes locked, searching in the candlelight. And then it began again—Lips met, softly, gently, and Olivia opened to Natalia, eagerly accepting her tongue, meeting it with her own. Natalia's fingers tangled in silky chestnut locks, as Olivia's fingertips brushed against Natalia's sides, caressing her from breasts to hips and back again, before gathering her close. Her hand felt warm against the soft, cool skin of Natalia's bare back, and silently, they both praised Natalia's wisdom in choosing that particular dress.
Strong, gentle hands lingered, caressing Natalia's back. Sliding lower, they brushed against her ass, squeezing firmly, eliciting an appreciative groan from deep in Natalia's lungs. The hem of Natalia's dress slowly inched higher beneath Olivia's hands, as they slid back toward her waist, and instinctively, Olivia's thigh wedged between Natalia's legs.
Natalia released low grunt at the intimate contact, and then Olivia's hands were gripping her, pulling her impossibly closer; their kisses ever deepening. "God, how I want you," Olivia breathed.
"I want you more," Natalia murmured into their kiss. "I've missed you so much."
Though it had only been a few days, it felt as though an eternity had passed with everything that had transpired. "I've missed you too," Olivia replied on a desperate whisper. Her hands glided from Natalia's waist up to her face, gently cradling it as their kisses lingered, tongues engaging in a slow, sensual dance.
A hitching of Natalia's breath, followed by a slowly exhaled moan spurred Olivia on. Her hands slid down to Natalia's shoulders, fingertips slipping beneath the straps of Natalia's dress. And then, slowly, she brushed them aside, pushing them along smooth shoulders, and down Natalia's arms.
Natalia shivered as the dress descended her body, but she was anything but cold. The heat that burned deep in her belly could have ignited an inferno. She always burned with such intensity for Olivia, and believed with all her being that she always would.
Olivia stepped back, allowing the smooth fabric to pool in elegant folds around Natalia's feet. Once it was gone, Olivia's eyes flickered down to Natalia's bare breasts. She had known all evening that Natalia wasn't wearing a bra—the cut of her dress announced that loudly and clearly. Still, it was thrilling to see those luscious breasts make their appearance, as the dress slipped down Natalia's curvaceous body.
Fingertips fluttered across the swell of them, and Natalia's breath caught.
Olivia smiled. "Your breasts are so beautiful," she whispered, causing Natalia to blush just a little.
"They're getting so big!" Natalia whined.
"I know," Olivia said roguishly, as her thumbs skimmed the peaks of Natalia's nipples.
Natalia released a laugh that morphed into grunt of approval, as she stepped into Olivia's body again, leaving the dress behind on the floor. Mouths connected, and their kisses never missed a beat, as agile fingers slipped into Natalia's hair, releasing the clasp that held it. And then long, raven curls cascaded down her shoulders; and Olivia's fingers tangled freely in those gloriously soft locks. She luxuriated in the sensation of softness gliding through her fingertips, as she matched the sensual thrusting of Natalia's tongue with her own, again and again.
Soon, Olivia's blouse joined Natalia's dress on the floor, and then their mouths met again, passions rising. Lightly, her tongue skimmed Natalia's lower lip, and then dipped inside. Natalia welcomed her, sucking gently on Olivia's tongue, as agile fingers worked the closure on Olivia's slacks. And then, one item at a time, the remainder of their clothing fell away, and their hands were free to explore the heat of bare skin.
Cool sheets soothed heated flesh, as Olivia gently lowered Natalia to their bed. She was careful to situate her own body only partially atop Natalia's, her thigh stealthily slipping between toned thighs, pressing against her wet center. Natalia cried out at the contact, and then her arousal escalated. It felt as though Olivia's hands and mouth were everywhere, all at once. The heat of her mouth, the light fluttering of her tongue, the feathery tickle of her fingertips, like flames licking against Natalia's skin, as Olivia slowly explored.
Stealthily, Olivia's hand slid from Natalia's belly to her breast. Gently, she cupped it in her hand, and reveling in the weight of it against her palm, her thumb lightly grazing a plump nipple. The taut bud grew instantly harder, drawing a grin from Olivia.
Natalia groaned and arched her back in response, pressing harder against Olivia's hand.
Glancing up, Olivia caught Natalia's gaze. Her eyes twinkled, as her tongue skimmed the taut dark bud with purpose. "I love how responsive your nipples are to me."
"It feels so good when you suck them," Natalia confessed on a sigh.
"Yeah?" Olivia's lips adopted a cocky grin.
"Uh-huh," Natalia answered on a throaty chuckle. "I love it when you make me… y'know… just from…"
The expression that accompanied the flush on Natalia's face replaced the word that she hadn't uttered, and Olivia smirked in response. She nuzzled against Natalia's ear. "When I make you what, Natalia?" she husked, lightly nipping at the lobe, as she rolled the nipple gently between her thumb and forefinger. "Tell me…"
On the heels of a soft whimper, Natalia nibbled her bottom lip, as the smooth caress of Olivia's sultry voice threatened to send her body into a total frenzy. "When you make me…"
"Come on, Honey," Olivia coaxed. "Say it for me." Her own body was throbbing at the mere thought of Natalia's voice saying such things.
"When you… when you make me… come, just from… from sucking my nipples," Natalia murmured on a breathy moan.
Olivia released a deep, throaty growl as she grew painfully erect in response to Natalia's confession. It excited her beyond words to hear Natalia say such things, but she pushed her own need aside in deference to Natalia's. "Is that what you want right now?" she husked.
"Yes!" Natalia hissed. "Please…"
Olivia smiled against Natalia's breast, as she drew a firm nipple deep into her mouth. Her tongue fluttered around it, teasing it with light, maddening flicks, until Natalia whimpered in protest. And then Olivia began a slow, gentle suckling motion that quickly sent Natalia's body into a frenzy.
When Natalia again begged to be taken, Olivia released a sultry laugh that only served to taunt both the nipple and Natalia, even more. And then she moved to the other breast where, amidst whines of protest from Natalia, she began the slow, sensual torture all over again.
Frustrated and wildly aroused, Natalia sighed, as she tangled her fingers in thick chestnut locks. "You know what they say about paybacks, don't you, Olivia?" she threatened.
Amused, Olivia smirked, and continued the leisurely torturous assault of Natalia's other nipple. First she bathed it, with long, languid strokes of her flattened tongue. Then she kissed all around it, with wet, open-mouthed kisses that left Natalia's entire breast tingling. And then lightly, she flicked her tongue at the edges and the tip, teasing the rigid peak until it pulsed, aching to be soothed. Natalia whimpered, almost delirious with arousal, and finally, Olivia drew it deep into the warmth of her mouth, gently suckling again.
Natalia felt the rush of heat pinging from one erogenous zone to the next, as the force of Olivia's mouth on her breast sent shock waves throughout her body. She groaned loudly. "Harder," she demanded, as fingers tightened in Olivia's hair. "Please, Liv. More," she begged, her hips stirring, seeking the pressure of Olivia's body.
The sweet sound of Natalia's soft pleading made Olivia's clit pulse between her legs. She rode the edge of her own burning arousal, drawing heat and passion from it as she continued to pleasure her lover.
Carefully, Olivia increased the intensity in response to Natalia's demands. She knew from experience that too much stimulation would leave Natalia in pain later, and she didn't want to risk it. Ever mindful of that as her mouth and tongue worked to sate Natalia's nipple, her hand slipped down, fingertips teasing lower. A means of distraction, she purposefully tickled the thick patch of curls at the apex of Natalia's thighs, occasionally brushing the tip of that gloriously swollen clitoris. She hadn't even needed to look to know that it was throbbing for her, aching for her touch.
Natalia whimpered, and tugged at her, drawing her up. She wanted that tongue in her mouth again. She missed its eager insistence, as much as she missed the weight, the firmness of Olivia's body, thrusting against her own. Silently, she cursed her stage of pregnancy—her growing belly, while not really all that big, was inhibiting their lovemaking, and she was none too pleased with that state of affairs.
Olivia groaned into Natalia's mouth, as her fingertips dallied in the wetness and the heat between Natalia's legs. "I love how hard you get for me," she murmured. Rhythmically, her index and middle fingers slid against the sides of Natalia's swollen clitoris, caressing it.
"Oh, yeah?" Natalia purred, as she arched her back, pressing harder against Olivia's hand.
"Oh, yeah," Olivia hissed. Taking the shaft of Natalia's clit between her thumb and forefinger, she gently stroked the length of her through the fleshy hood that protected her most intimate parts. It was almost like jacking off a tiny cock. And Olivia thrilled at the prospect—she was a master, after all.
A feral growl ripped from deep within Natalia's belly, abrading her lungs as it lifted through her chest. "God, I love it when you do that!" she cried out in exclamation, her clit throbbing as her entire body shuddered beneath Olivia's skillful touch.
Pleased, Olivia smiled, as she slid her fingertip around, gently stroking her from beneath. "You get so big, so hard when you're hot for me," she husked against Natalia's ear. "I swear you could fuck me with this thing sometimes."
A low growl slipped from Natalia's lips, as her hips bucked against Olivia's hand. "I wish I could!" she grunted. "Sometimes I wish we both could…"
Delivered on a sigh of desperation, Natalia's confession lodged somewhere deep within Olivia's subconscious. But in the moment, all she heard was the frantic tone in Natalia's voice as she begged, once again, to finally be taken.
Mercifully, Olivia didn't make her wait one second longer.
Thursday, June 4, 2009… The Farmhouse of Love—10:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time
Aimlessly, Rafe meandered through the rooms on the main floor of the farmhouse. He was bored of being in his bedroom, and desperate for entertainment. More than a year in prison should have cured him of that, he silently scolded. Or at least taught him to occupy himself a bit better. But it hadn't. And now, here he was, ambling through this strange place he was supposed to call home.
Strange was definitely the operative word for it. He had never lived anywhere that had more than three rooms, including the bathroom. And now he was supposed to live in a place that had ten times as much space, and more bathrooms than people. He felt lost. Lost, and very alone.
Entering the kitchen, he methodically scanned the still unfamiliar terrain. The room was an interesting blend of old and new. He couldn't decide whether or not he was in favor. Despite the fact that most of the appliances and décor were foreign, there were subtle touches of his mother's presence all around. Like the ornate wooden cross with the silver inlay that hung on the wall, and the little statue of the Holy Mother that sat on the hutch. Even some of the new things reminded him of her, and that made him feel more secure.
But then there were things that seemed even more foreign to him. Like the collection of decorative plates that were displayed on a rack on the wall. Growing up, there had barely been enough dishes to even eat from, let alone fancy extra ones to hang on a wall! Clearly, that was one of Olivia's contributions. He scoffed at the very idea that she would be allowed to help decorate his mother's home. His home. Who the fuck did she think she was!
Quietly, he crept across the room, the hardwood floor creaking beneath his bare feet. The noise startled him, and he quickly glanced around to make sure no one was watching. He couldn't stand that. Not after all those months with guards surveying his every move. He couldn't even take a shit without someone gawking at him! He hated that more than anything.
Once he was certain the coast was clear, he moved toward the refrigerator. Dinner had been hours before, and he needed to be certain his blood sugar didn't drop. The key to accomplishing that was to eat small amounts of food, several times a day, and he was grateful to be alone in the kitchen.
He stopped cold when he saw the photo on the refrigerator door. It was a picture of his mother with Olivia and Emma. They looked like a real family, and they seemed so happy together. That scared him more than he cared to admit. Throughout the evening, there had been moments when he felt regret for what he said to both his mother and Olivia. But those moments were fleeting, and he quickly snapped back into anger. Now he was faced with fear, and that unnerved him. What if his mother was replacing him with Emma and the baby—children who had done no wrong?
Willfully, he shoved those thoughts aside. They made him feel sad and lonely.
He reached for the refrigerator handle, opening the door. Crouching down, he rummaged through the crisper drawer, snatching a handful of grapes. Then, rising again to his full height, he began popping them into his mouth, one by one. The drawer snagged as he tried to close it, and he cursed under his breath. Waging a battled with the obstinate appliance, he finally won.
And then he turned his attention back to the grapes, popping another into his mouth. He wondered then, who had paid for them, and instantly, they turned bitter, where they were once sweet against his tongue. That sent his mind to pondering other things, like who really paid the mortgage, and the electric bill, or even the bill for his fancy new cell phone. He refused to even think about who had paid for the tricked-out SUV his mother was driving now. The thing had more gadgets than he had ever seen, and it probably cost more than the whole fucking house!
Incensed, he tossed the remainder of the grapes into the trash can, and wandered into the living room, finding Jane on the sofa. She paid no attention to him whatsoever, her eyes glued to the lighted screen of the Nook in her hand. From the slight flush of her skin and the expression on her face, he assumed she was reading one of those crude romance novels, like the ones the old woman who used to babysit him always read. She must have had thousands of them tucked away in that dark, dank apartment where he spent the better part of his childhood. She had devoured those books as though she were starving and they were her only source of sustenance. That had always baffled him; until he finally learned to read. Then he understood. And he had to admit, he had gained quite an education as a result of her obsession.
Memories of the contents of those books mixed with thoughts of his mother, and Rafe visibly bristled. He wasn't stupid. He knew what Olivia was doing to her on this "date" of theirs. Grownups didn't date; they ate dinner, had drinks, and then fucked. Some of them just fucked. That was probably Olivia's M.O., he assumed. The thought of that bitch touching his mother that way made him want to vomit.
Dropping down into the chair, he sighed loudly, finally catching a snippet of Jane's attention. "Something wrong?" she asked distractedly.
"How long has this shit been going on between my Ma and Olivia?" he demanded. He had questioned Emma earlier, and she proudly showed off her "My Two Mommies" presentation, telling him matter-of-factly that their mommies were very much in love. She couldn't tell him when it started; couldn't remember a time when it wasn't true. He had simply passed it off as her being only a child, and not having any real sense of time. Frustratingly, he was all too familiar with the passage of time.
Intrigued, Jane glanced at him over the top edge of her Nook. "Officially?" she asked. "Or when did I first notice the sparks between them?"
Bushy eyebrows furrowed. "There are no sparks," Rafe said dismissively. "Don't be ridiculous."
Jane laughed at his complete lack of awareness. What was it with men, anyway? "Of course there are!" she insisted. "They've been setting off fireworks since the day they met. It's like the freakin' Fourth of July every time they're in the same room!"
Rafe sank down into the chair, sulking. This was not what he wanted to hear. He was hoping at least someone had some sense in them, and could see that Olivia was just using his mother. Clearly, that someone wasn't Jane. And it probably wouldn't be Josh, either. Olivia had that poor sap wrapped around her little finger. She was probably fucking him too! Why else would the guy offer to spend time with him, be a mentor?
"You know, Rafe, your mom and Olivia have a really great relationship." Jane's observation broke through his errant thoughts. "They complement one another perfectly."
"She's just using my Ma," Rafe accused. Anger simmered in his coal black eyes.
"Yeah, I don't think so," Jane argued. "I mean, have you met Olivia Spencer? She has everything she could possibly need or want. Not that your mom isn't really great, because she is, but… what does she have that Olivia might need?"
Grasping his mop of reckless hair in frustration, he stomped his foot, as he cursed under his breath. "Why am I even talking to you?" he muttered, as he tore his body from the chair. Shaking his head in disgust, he stomped out of the room like a spoiled five-year-old.
What a douche! Jane thought. Shit, even Emma behaves better than that! She rolled her eyes. Olivia and Natalia certainly had their work cut out for them, she mused. She sighed heavily, and turned her attention back to her Nook. The story she was reading was rather juicy, and she hoped to finish it before turning in for the night.
Thursday, June 4, 2009… The Penthouse Suite, the Beacon—11:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time
"Jesus, Natalia!" Olivia gasped, the moment she could form words again. Her chest was heaving, and her body tingled from head to toe; not to mention the pulsating bundle at the apex of her quivering thighs. Natalia's skillful mouth and tongue did things to her that she never even imagined. The student had become the master, and Olivia was beyond pleased by that turn of events.
Returning to her, Natalia met her mouth, allowing the taste of her to linger between their lips and on their tongues. "Jesus doesn't get credit for this," she said with a self-satisfied smirk. "I do." Dark eyes danced naughtily as she emphasized who deserved the credit for Olivia's spectacular climax. She could still feel the aftershocks against her fingertips as she stroked her lover in all the right places.
Jade eyes twinkled. "Was that a joke?" Olivia laughed. And then she groaned, and her hips shifted, as Natalia's fingertips found her sweet spot again. "Fuck, yes! Right there…"
Natalia kissed her again. "Yes. I think it was," she murmured. "But this isn't…"
Delivered in tandem with the fingers that plunged deep inside Olivia's heated core, Natalia's words drew a throaty growl from burning lungs. Instinctively, shapely hips rose to meet thrusts that were perfectly synchronized with Natalia's tongue as she explored the warm, welcoming recesses of her lover's body.
The first time, she had teased Olivia with light strokes and fluttering kisses, driving her to distraction; much the same way Olivia had driven her earlier. Paybacks, and all… But this time, she quickly, skillfully brought Olivia to a shattering climax. She delighted in the scents and sounds of Olivia's pleasure, in the sensation of Olivia's warm juices on her fingertips and tongue. This time, the heated evidence of Olivia's pleasure pooled in the palm of Natalia's right hand as she cried out, invoking God and praising Natalia; gratifying her beyond measure.
And then, with Natalia's fingers still buried deep inside her, Olivia rolled to her side. Their eyes locked for a moment, and then Olivia gently grasped Natalia's face in her hands. She kissed Natalia slowly, thoroughly, as she murmured against her mouth, telling her again what a wonderful lover she was, and how deeply she loved her. And finally, their breath becoming one, they settled in one another's arms, bodies intertwined, touching at every possible juncture.
Friday, June 5, 2009… The Farmhouse of Love—12:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time
Stomping barefoot through the living room, Rafe groggily wiped the sleep from his eyes. An insistent banging on the front door had awoken him from fitful sleep, and he was none too pleased with the intrusion. Who the fuck knocks on someone's door after midnight? he silently groused. Whoever they were, they were an asshole, he decided. He sighed heavily, and raked his fingers through his already disheveled mop of thick, dark curls, as he yanked the door open.
"Frank?" His tone was a mixture of dazed and confused, as he opened the door to the detective. Instantly, he was wide awake and in a panic. His eyes grew wide, and his heart raced in his chest. An unsolicited visit from a cop so late at night couldn't possibly be good news. "Oh, my God! Did something happen to Ma?"
"That's what I'm here to find out," Frank slurred.
Dark eyes perused the detective. He looked haggard, his clothing rumpled, his face, unshaven. And worse, he smelled like he had bathed in booze; though he was no longer as wasted as he had been earlier in the day.
"I've been calling her all night. She won't pick up." Frank pushed his way through the door. "Where is she?"
"Frank, what the hell, man?" Rafe sounded both confused and concerned. Glancing outside, he noted that other than his mother's SUV, the detective's squad car was the only vehicle in the driveway. "Did you drive yourself out here?"
"Well, how the hell else am I gonna get all the way out here?" Frank asked sarcastically. "I'm no Olivia Freakin' Spencer. It's not like I can afford a fucking driver!" The comment came out like an accusation. "It's no wonder your mom left me," he sulked.
Annoyed, Rafe sighed, and grabbed Frank's bicep. "Come on," he said, yanking on the detective's arm. "Let's get you some coffee."
"I don't want any fucking coffee, Rafe," Frank snapped. "I wanna see your mother."
"Well, she's not here," Rafe reported. Again, he pulled on Frank's arm. This time, the detective followed him.
"Where the hell is she?" Frank demanded, as Rafe pushed him down into a chair at the kitchen table.
A bushy eyebrow arched. "Not that it's any of your business, but… she's out with Olivia." He liked Frank. He liked him a lot, actually. But he didn't care for the fact that Frank thought he had a right to make demands on his mother's time, or know the details of her whereabouts. The irony of his thought pattern was lost on him.
"It's the middle of the night!" Frank exclaimed.
"Exactly," Rafe said bitingly. "Which has me wondering why you're banging on our door." It was more demand for an answer, than request. He let Frank chew on that while set about making the coffee. He grabbed a filter from the cabinet above the coffeemaker, and slipped it into the basket. And then he popped the top on the glass container where the coffee grounds were stored, scooping a liberal amount into the filter.
"Well, I needed to talk to her," Frank attempted to reason.
"And you couldn't do that sober, and during the day?" Rafe challenged. Filling the carafe, he poured the water into the reservoir, and pressed the start button.
"I tried it during the day," Frank sighed. "Olivia had me thrown out of the Beacon."
Surprisingly, Rafe noticed that the issue of sobriety had been ignored. "Were you drunk then, too?"
"I'd had a few," Frank minimized. "But she had no right to keep me from talking to Natalia!" He slammed his hand down onto the table, causing the vase full of fresh flowers to teeter.
Quickly, Rafe reached out to steady it. And then he sat down across from the detective. "What are you thinking, Frank?" he asked rhetorically. "You can't go running around town drunk."
"I wasn't drunk!" Frank yelled.
"Like you're not drunk now?" Rafe challenged.
Frank leveled him with an angry look, but said nothing.
"Look, I get it, man. This whole thing with Olivia is bullshit," Rafe said. "But you're not doing any of us any favors acting like this." Least of all, yourself, he thought. But he didn't say it. "You've gotta pull yourself together, if you wanna be with my Ma."
The hum of the coffeemaker was the only sound in the room, as Frank mulled over Rafe's words. "Don't matter what I do. She doesn't wanna be with me," he sulked. "I just wanna see my kid."
Rafe nodded and sighed. "Yeah," he commiserated. He wasn't about to give up on Frank and his Ma being together, but he let it go for the moment. "You still gotta clean up your act, Frank. My little sister deserves to have a dad, but Ma won't have it if you're acting like a dumbass, drinking and driving like this. You get caught, you'll lose your job. Or worse… my sister could lose her dad, like I did. That just sucks, man. You gotta stop."
Surprisingly, Frank wasn't so drunk that he couldn't listen to reason. Slowly, he nodded his head, acknowledging that Rafe had a point. It had been anger and fear, more than alcohol, which propelled him to the farmhouse in the middle of the night; but he still knew that he'd had far too much to drink to be driving. His sense just seemed to escape him when it came to the subject of Natalia and his baby girl.
Realizing what an ass he was being, Frank apologized for waking Rafe, and the two of them commiserated over the shared pot of coffee. Rafe rambled on about his mother's hypocritical behavior, and how Olivia was only using her. Frank was only too eager to agree. He recounted for Rafe, in vivid detail, all of Olivia's past sins, and when he was finished, Rafe hated her all the more.
At some point during their conversation, Jane shuffled into the kitchen, drawn by the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee. "Hey, Detective Cooper," she greeted sleepily. "What are you doing here so late?" Her tone held curiosity, rather than criticism.
"I came to check on Natalia," Frank answered. "She hasn't answered her cell all night."
Jane padded toward the kitchen counter, and lifted Olivia and Natalia's matching iPhones. Olivia had switched carriers and upgraded to smartphones when she added Rafe to their plan, in anticipation of his release. "That's because they leave them here when they go out on Thursday nights," she explained.
Rafe grumbled under his breath. Why hadn't he noticed that?
"Olivia bought a burn phone that they only use on date night," Jane went on to explain. "She didn't want them to be disturbed, unless…"
"Yeah. I'll bet," Rafe interrupted accusingly.
Jane leveled him with a look. "Unless there was a problem with Emma… or you, Rafe," she emphasized his name, quieting his grousing. "So the warden at the prison is the only person other than me who has the number."
Frank looked sick. "Well, I hope they don't plan on continuing this 'date night' bullshit once my kid is born," he declared. "Natalia belongs at home, taking care of…"
"You know what, Detective, I'll bet she's thinking Thursday nights would be a great night for the baby to spend with her Daddy," Jane said, attempting to ease the tension he was bringing to the room.
That seemed to quiet him down. And then he was nodding. "That sounds like a fine idea," he said, almost agreeably.
Jane smiled, and shook her head. Men could be so simple sometimes. She reached up, and pulled a mug from the cupboard. Pouring herself a cup of coffee, she emptied the pot, and asked if they would like another. Both men declined, so she settled in at the table, joining their conversation where they had left off when she interrupted. Within minutes, it was clear to her that neither man was happy with Natalia's decision to be with Olivia. Sadly, it was also obvious that neither of them realized they had no control over it. She pitied them for their foolishness, but knew it would do no good to try to set them straight. So when she finished her coffee, she rinsed the cup, set it in the drainer, and shuffled off to bed again, leaving the fools once again to their folly.
An hour and a half after Frank's arrival, Rafe insisted that the detective turn over the keys to his squad car. Frank attempted to protest, but Rafe refused to back down. He knew Frank wasn't drunk anymore, but he still wasn't in any condition to be driving. Frank's obstinacy prompted Rafe to give him an ultimatum: either Frank allow Rafe to drive him home, or Rafe would call the precinct to have him picked up. In the end, Rafe won. Dropping Frank at home, Rafe parked the squad car in the driveway, and took a cab back to the farmhouse, at Frank's expense. By the time he got home, it was nearly three in the morning. And much to his chagrin, his mother still wasn't home.
Friday, June 5, 2009… The Penthouse Suite, the Beacon—12:45 a.m. Central Daylight Time
Forty-five minutes later, Olivia and Natalia were slipping into the warm, swirling waters of the heated Roman bathtub in their suite's master bath. While Natalia napped after they made love, the way she often did, Olivia had quietly slipped from their bed, and padded naked, into the bathroom.
Readying the water, she lit a handful of lightly scented candles, bathing the room in a welcoming aroma, and a soft, ethereal glow. And when Natalia awoke a few minutes later, Olivia nuzzled against her ear, whispering suggestively to her of all the delicious things they could do together in that tub. Natalia didn't need to hear much before quickly expressing her interest. She was out of the bed before Olivia could even move; pulling her mass of curly locks up into one of those messy ponytails that Olivia found so sexy. Pleased, Olivia grinned to herself as she climbed back out of their bed.
"Oh, my God, Liv, this is beautiful!" Natalia gasped when Olivia led her into the enormous bathroom. The warm water that filled the spacious tub was liberally topped with bubbles, and sprinkled with more crimson rose petals. And a silver service tray was situated on the stone inlay that surrounded the tub on all sides. It held a bottle of sparkling cider and two delicate crystal wine flutes, a bowl of fresh strawberries, a small, decorative bouquet of flowers, and two flickering candles.
Wrapping her arms around Natalia's waist from behind, the heat of her mouth skimmed along Natalia's long, graceful neck. "I'm glad you like it," she whispered against Natalia's ear.
Spontaneously, Natalia shivered in Olivia's arms, drawing a soft chuckle from Olivia's lips. She teased Natalia about being cold, and received an adamant assurance from her lover that she was anything but cold. And then Olivia suggested that they enjoy the warmth of the water anyway. Natalia was more than eager to agree.
Taking Natalia's hand, Olivia steadied her as she climbed the steps and lowered herself into the swirling water. Olivia was right behind her. Sliding down into the bubbles, Olivia slipped her legs around Natalia's thighs. Gently, she pulled Natalia against her chest, as she leaned against the built-in padded back and neck rest.
A long, slow sigh released from deep in Natalia's chest, as she relaxed into Olivia's body. Strong arms instinctively wrapped around her, and she leaned her head against Olivia's shoulder. And then, cocooned there together, surrounded by warmth and bubbles, they shared nibbles of strawberries and sips of cider until their bellies were sated. And then they talked quietly, about everyday things, as they lazed there together, immersed in the warmth of the water as it whirled around them. It amazed them both that they never ran out of things to say.
And then Natalia wondered aloud about what they would do if they ever did run out of things to say. Olivia grinned in response. "We'd probably fight about whose fault it was," she reasoned. "And then we would talk about the fight."
A hearty laugh fell from Natalia's lips. "You're probably right."
"You know it, Honey," Olivia replied casually, drawing another laugh from Natalia. "We fight almost as well as we make love."
Dimples bloomed. "That, we do," Natalia agreed.
Nuzzling against Natalia's ear, Olivia's tone turned husky. "Pretty sure that means make-up sex is gonna be incredible," she wagered.
"Mmm…" Natalia responded noncommittally.
"Kinda makes me want to pick a fight with you, just to test it out," Olivia commented.
Natalia chuckled. "I don't think we need to go looking for trouble," she replied. "Arguments seem to find their way to us all on their own."
Nodding, Olivia conceded, "You have a point." And yet, she noted, they hadn't really fought about anything in months. Disagreements, yes, but not arguments like the ones they used to have when they were fighting over Gus, or fighting their feelings for one another.
As their conversation continued, shifting to other topics, Olivia pulled a washcloth from the decorative towel rack that was situated in perfect reach at the corner of the stone surround. Dipping into the warm water, she collected a pile of suds and began a slow, methodical washing of Natalia's body—back and neck, arms, belly and breasts, and points lower. Every touch, every stroke, drew melodious noises of appreciation from Natalia, as Olivia worked her way along soft skin.
"I'm beginning to feel very spoiled, Olivia," Natalia practically purred, as the warm washcloth brushed against the edge of her breast once again. "A full-body massage and a toe-curling orgasm yesterday, and today, all of this." Her comment ended on a slow, contented sigh.
"You deserve so much more," Olivia murmured against Natalia's ear.
Turning her neck, Natalia brushed a light kiss against Olivia's lips. "I have all that I need right here," she declared. "And I should be spoiling you like this, too."
Returning Natalia's kiss, Olivia smiled against her lover's lips. "Just the fact that I get to be here like this with you, is enough for me, Natalia. It's more than I ever hoped for; more than I ever dreamed."
Natalia shifted in the water, enough to take Olivia's face into her hands. She kissed her with deliberate intent, and then she smiled into those sparkling jade eyes so filled with desire. "Know what the one downfall of this bath is?"
"What?" Olivia sounded amused.
"It washes your scent from my body," Natalia husked. "I love the way you linger on my skin after we make love."
"I love it, too," Olivia whispered. And she vowed right then and there to make love to Natalia before leaving for work in the morning—that way, they could linger with one another all day long, despite the distance that momentarily separated them.
And then, as Olivia set the washcloth aside, they turned quiet—not from lack of topics, but from a mutual desire to simply be with one another. It was something they treasured: the ability to be quiet together; to not need words to communicate. It was quiet then. Enough to hear the soft crackling sound of bubbles popping. And they communicated instead, with light touches—Natalia's fingertips grazing Olivia's thighs—Olivia's lips skimming Natalia's shoulders, or the nape of her neck.
Basking in the simple pleasure of being with Olivia in such an intimate way, Natalia's emotions surged. Showering with Olivia for the first time had been intensely intimate for her. She hadn't bathed with another person since bath time with Nastassia as a child. The idea of sharing that with a lover was foreign to her, and she hadn't been prepared for the emotions it evoked. And this time was proving no different. Inexplicably, the intimacy of this was far more intense, and though she didn't know why it was affecting her so deeply, she didn't hesitate to share her thoughts and emotions with Olivia.
As their conversation turned more intimate, lightly, leisurely, Olivia's fingertips skimmed Natalia's sides—up and down, up and down; her hands gliding easily through the water. It wasn't even a conscious action, as she murmured softly against Natalia's ear, telling her how happy it made her that Natalia felt safe enough to share her most intimate thoughts and feelings the way she did. She knew it wasn't easy for the other woman. It wasn't easy for either of them. But somehow, they were learning to negotiate this new manner of intimacy—together.
Conscious or not on Olivia's part, her touch, the sultry suggestion that always infused her tone, triggered that automatic response in Natalia's body. It didn't take long for Natalia's breathing to shift in that way that spoke to Olivia of her lover's growing need. And then, driven by instinct, Olivia's hands slid around Natalia's waist again, caressing her belly, as the heat of her mouth skimmed an earlobe. Her tongue lightly teased, and her fingertips caressed swollen nipples, as Olivia whispered to her, encouraging her to express her needs, her desires. And suddenly, the tightness of Olivia's nipples abrading Natalia's back, coupled with the aching in her own nipples, as Olivia's palms slid effortlessly over those rigid peaks, threatened to render Natalia speechless.
Without another word, Olivia shifted gears. Wedging her toes under Natalia's calves, she lifted them, slipping her legs beneath, where she used her ankles to lock their bodies together. And then she glided forward while holding Natalia in place, effectively sliding beneath her until Natalia was sitting on her pelvis.
When Natalia uttered what sounded like the onset of a protest, Olivia simply husked, "Trust me," against her ear; and then she wrapped her arm around Natalia's chest, pulling her upper body back until she was reclining atop Olivia's body.
Releasing a slow sigh, Natalia relaxed against Olivia's torso. Her next awareness was Olivia's hand covering her aching mound, caressing her in that way that always made her crave more. Natalia groaned in response, as she teetered on the edge of desire. And then Olivia shifted slightly, bracing herself against the bottom of the tub with her free arm. Spreading their legs as she lifted her hips, she raised Natalia's body just enough to allow the warm, pulsing water from one of the jets to filter between her fingers, hitting Natalia in exactly the right spot. It took every ounce of strength in Olivia's body to hold her lover in that position. The muscles in her legs, and arm, and abdomen, and lower back twitched and burned, but Natalia's response was more than worth the pain.
Natalia jerked and gasped at the sensation caused by the rush of warm water that tantalized the tip of her swollen clitoris. It was simply delightful. "Oh, my God, Liv!" she exclaimed, as her body shuttered in response to this new and exciting stimulation. Instinctively, she pushed at Olivia's hand, insistently shoving it out of the way, as she surged her hips upward, seeking more. And when the torrent of water hit her clitoris with the full force of its impact, Natalia cried out again, this time her entire body convulsing with pleasure.
Amused by Natalia's voracious appetite for stimulation, Olivia released a husky laugh. Sliding her hand to Natalia's hip, she steadied her. "Be careful that the stream doesn't go inside you," she cautioned. "I know it feels really good, but the jets are too powerful."
Somewhere in her semi-awareness, Natalia comprehended Olivia's instruction, and instinctively, she nodded. She would do anything Olivia wanted, if it meant this incredible sensation would continue.
Olivia grinned at Natalia's wordless response. Slowly, she thrust her hips up and down, causing the water to tease Natalia's clit, heightening her arousal. The more Natalia's body twitched, the louder she moaned. And the louder she moaned, the faster their hips thrust, until finally, Olivia felt Natalia's entire body snap from the tension as her orgasm broke through. And then, writhing and trembling against Olivia's body, Natalia rode the waves of her climax as they rushed from one to the next. Olivia held her steady, and the thrusting of their hips slowed, but didn't stop, as she purposefully prolonged Natalia's climax, allowing her to edge along the crest. She simply delighted in the sounds and sensations of Natalia's pleasure as she came.
Finally, the tremors eased to subtle aftershocks, and Olivia lowered their bodies deep into the warmth of the water, allowing it to soothe aching muscles. She knew she would be sore in the morning, but she simply didn't care. Her hands resumed caressing Natalia's body as she slid them back into their original positions at the far end of the tub.
Her breath still hitching, Natalia exhaled in short gasps, as she shifted to her side. Slipping an arm around Olivia's waist, she pressed herself against Olivia's body, kissing her, as Olivia leaned against the padded back rest.
Olivia groaned into their kiss, reveling in the fiery embers of Natalia's desire, as Natalia's tongue swiped against her own in quick, teasing thrusts. Neither of them could say how long their kisses lasted, but when Natalia released Olivia's mouth, she could still feel the aftershocks coursing through her veins, as she rested against Olivia's torso, nuzzling into her neck.
When Natalia's breathing finally slowed, she grinned against Olivia's neck. "That was freaking fantastic, Liv," she husked against warm, wet skin. "I can't believe we've never used this tub before."
Olivia smirked. "I'm guessing you won't argue about a Jacuzzi in the master bath now." It wasn't a question. She knew she had won.
"I'd take out a second mortgage to pay for it if I had to," Natalia declared.
A deep belly laugh bubbled up, bursting from Olivia's lips. The water sloshed over the edge of the tub from the force of her laughter. The sound it made told them both that it was joining an already formed puddle. Casually, they both peered over the edge, surveying the floor. Natalia laughed then too. "I think we made a mess," she commented.
"Indeed, we did," Olivia conceded with a grin. Leaning forward, she playfully nipped at Natalia's ear. "But I think it was worth it, don't you?"
Natalia made noises of agreement, as she turned to kiss Olivia again.
"Do you realize what just happened here?" Olivia asked, her voice low and sultry, as she pulled Natalia against her again.
"What?" Natalia sounded intrigued.
Olivia's mouth skimmed against Natalia's ear again, her tongue lightly teasing. "You just made yourself come for me, Natalia," she husked. What Olivia had started, Natalia quickly took over, and before she realized it, the thrusting of their hips had been under Natalia's steam, not her own. It thrilled her beyond measure, and her own arousal spiked as she watched Natalia drive herself to climax against the streaming jet. "Do you have any idea how hot that was?"
Instantly, Natalia's face flushed, and she grew excited again. Glancing toward Olivia, she purposefully caught her gaze. "You liked it?" Boldly, she sought confirmation of what she already knew.
"Very much," Olivia answered, her head moving up and down in a slow, seductive nod.
"How much?"
"Enough that it made me come," Olivia husked against Natalia's lips.
Dark eyes widened, and pulsed with excitement. "You did?" She had been so enraptured in her own release that she hadn't heard Olivia's telltale sounds of pleasure. She felt a little sad about that—she lived for Olivia's pleasure.
Another slow nod of Olivia's head accompanied a sultry, "Uh-huh."
Dimples bloomed. "Good," Natalia declared. "Now, how many other ways can we try this?" she asked with a suggestive grin. Olivia was never short on ideas, especially when it came to sex, and Natalia couldn't wait to try every single naughty idea that crossed Olivia's mind.
Olivia laughed. She loved Natalia's openness and curiosity about sex, her willingness to embrace new ideas when it came to their lovemaking. It simultaneously surprised and thrilled her. "I can think of at least a half dozen other ways," she roguishly admitted. "And as much as I'd like to try them all right now, I think we should probably save them for another night."
Natalia's lips adopted a pout, and Olivia laughed, and kissed her. "It's getting late, Honey," she reasoned. "We should get home and get some sleep. Em will be up before we know it."
They both knew it was true. Even summertime didn't quell Emma's proclivity for being an early riser. She was so much like Natalia that way. Natalia sighed. "I hope this baby is more like you," she said wistfully.
"What, you want two women in your life who grunt at you when you try to wake them up?" Olivia teased.
An amused chuckle fell from Natalia's lips. "No, I want her to sleep in, so I can wake her mommy up properly."
"Ooh, well in that case, I hope she's like me, too," Olivia playfully agreed. Lightly, she kissed Natalia's lips. "Now come on, we need to get out of this water before something more than our fingertips and toes start to prune," she teased.
"Have you ever wondered why that happens?" Natalia said, as a means of distraction.
"I don't have to wonder," Olivia answered. "I already know."
Natalia gave her a skeptical look. "Why?"
"It's neuroscience," Olivia shrugged. "They get pruney to help us grip things, or to give us traction, when our hands and feet are wet."
Once Natalia lifted her slack jaw, she simply shook her head. "It's ridiculous that you know that," she said, as she watched Olivia climb from the tub. Her body revved up a notch again, as she watched the water sluicing from Olivia's toned body.
Olivia grinned as she dropped towels on the floor to soak up the mess they had made. And then she held out a hand to help Natalia out of the water. "Admit it. You love that I'm a little bit geeky sometimes."
"You can be as geeky as you want," Natalia said, as she accepted the proffered hand. "I'll still find you wildly sexy. Just… don't ask me to play Riker to your Captain Picard, okay?" Olivia had an odd fascination with Star Trek, and while Natalia found it amusing, she refused to indulge it. Much like she refused to indulge her obsession with daytime Soap Operas and Dr. Phil.
A playful smirk hijacked Olivia's lips, as she wrapped a huge, fluffy towel around Natalia's body, and used it to pull her close. "Deal," she agreed, pressing her lips against Natalia's in a brief kiss. "I think we're more suited to Janeway and Seven, anyway."
Natalia leveled her with a look. "I'll play whatever games you want, but I am not wearing some geeky Star Trek costume, Olivia," she adamantly declared.
"Good," Olivia replied offhandedly, as she pressed into Natalia's body, skin on skin. "I prefer you naked, anyway."
Draping her arms around Olivia's neck, Natalia grinned and kissed her. "I think that's something we wholeheartedly agree upon."
"Indeed," Olivia murmured into their kiss, as she purposefully let Natalia's towel pool around their feet. "Now… do you wanna be Janeway, or Seven?"
"Depends," Natalia qualified against Olivia's mouth. "Who gets to be bossier?"
A throaty laugh tumbled from Olivia's lips into Natalia's mouth. And then, without responding, she simply deepened their kiss.
TBC in Chapter 14.5: Trials and Tribulations…