TDWP: The Devil's Mistress

by bearblue

After Paris, in a world where bioengineering is a fact of life and sometimes a fashion accessory, Andrea Sachs had few options, except to rise to the top and become mistress of her own kingdom. Five years later, her world is about to change again as a plot by Miranda's enemies brings the editor low and into Andrea's realm.

11. Chapter 11

TDWP: The Devil's Mistress Ch. 11

The man, standing spread-eagled and panting, supported by chains that had been carefully applied, was spent. His body language was, aside from its positioning and the marks that evidenced an intense physical experience, quite relaxed. He leaned into the touch of the woman who artfully brought him to this heightened space and his expression was one of absolute surrender. If she demanded more of him, one knew he would pull from his depth to respond.

He was not the only one who is putty in her hands, at least symbolically speaking. A goodly portion of the audience would have done much to be in his place.

She leaned in and whispered something just for him, a praise, if one measured his expression correctly. Then the woman stepped back and nodded to the assistants. They liberated him carefully, and where before they dragged him, now one carried him like a child, cuddled and secure, away.

She watched them leave, and only then turned her attention back to the audience, which, aside from appreciative noises and a final cumulative exhale had not broken the scene. Once again her gaze raked the audience slowly. This time, however, when she arrived at center, she let her attention stay on Andrea.

Mistress Six let the silence hold, and then said, "We are pleased. You have earned an audience."

- TDWP -

Miranda, once she determined that it had to be who she thought, had exercised considerable will to just observe. Once it appeared that the scene was over, she glanced at Emily, whose expression had gone through several renditions, which had started at disapproval, but had ended up at awed. She reached then, because she could, and took the young woman's hand. It caused a gasp, but also brought Emily's attention back to her. "Art is art," Miranda said very quietly. "Sometimes it is found in the most unexpected of places."

The Brit nodded, a little taken aback by the observation and definitely the experience, but not in disagreement.

"Are you alright?"

Emily, who would have bit the head off of anyone else who might have asked, merely nodded again. Miranda squeezed her hand. She understood the feelings were probably very visceral. Certainly she was not... unmoved. Then, daring, Miranda turned to Andrea. She communicated via the networked part of herself, rather than spoke, "May we speak?"

Andrea, who had been whispering something to Lisle, no doubt setting up the appointment, turned her attention to Miranda after.

Miranda was aware that the Mistress had cast glances in her direction, trying to gage the silver-haired woman's responses. The editor, however, had long practice in remaining cool in almost any circumstance. That said, she let the warmth she felt for Andrea color her aspect.

Andrea said, "Did it please you then?" If there was a touch of surprise in her voice, Miranda ignored it.

"It was not a performance for me, but rather for you. I appreciated the skill involved and would like to meet the person behind the mask, Mistress."

"It can be arranged."

"Can it be arranged before she meets with you?"

"Not without my being there, no."

"I would not dream of keeping you away, Mistress."

Andrea's smile filled her eyes.

- TDWP -

They did not go to the conference room, but rather to one of the Mistress' audience suites. The decor was light; golds and whites and daylight. The windows were faux, as their view led to places much too green to be real, and they were well into the belly of the complex, but they lent a warm reality to the scene.

There was a throne again, and space for... entertainment, including a bed set to the side. Miranda held no inner comment about objects observed. She was waiting with a near toe-tapping anxiousness, which a few short months ago would have led to striding down halls, snapping orders to commence and demands for coffee. For her, the fact that she managed to stay still was on the order of a miracle.

Which, apparently, Andrea knew almost as soon as she entered the room. "Have you been standing the whole time?"

Miranda arched a brow, "Your minion, not Jayden or Lisle, gave me a strict order to stand here until you arrived. I have no idea what he did with Emily, but also no doubt the Tams will keep it orderly. Mistress." The delivery of the final word was perhaps a little sharp, but not disrespectful nor an act of forgetful appendage. Then, bending a little, she communicated via network channels, "As I did not know the level of security for the room, as it is not listed, I opted in favor of 'it might be videoed'."

"I see," Andrea said and she walked toward Miranda, until they were standing very close, not quite touching. She shared, also silently, "The room is very private, no cameras unless we bring them." She gazed into fearless blue eyes and her expression warmed. Then she said, aloud, "How daring are you, Miranda?"

"I ran a multi-billion dollar industry based very much in what is daring."

"If I said I wanted you naked and that the woman coming will see you so..."

Miranda promptly reached for the first closed button on her blouse. Andrea's hand reached out and stopped her. The silver-haired woman closed her eyes at the heat conveyed, and bit her lower lip slightly. The hand did not move. When she felt able, she opened her eyes again, noting that the Mistress' attention had not wavered.

"Let me."

Andrea uncovered her hand, which Miranda let drop, then she gradually unbuttoned the blouse, almost all the way down, leaving it tucked in. Her fingers then slid up Miranda's abdomen. The editor exhaled, feeling as if blood were rushing everywhere at once, as if need crowded her blood.

Andrea whispered, "I'm so tempted to just start loving you now, Miranda, to be caught taking you by this woman."

The silver-haired woman blinked then, as she realized the words were tinged with a heated possessiveness. It was... surprising, given what she had thought she understood, but...she could not help leaning into Andrea's touch, craving it. "Take me then." She meant it, absolutely.

"Fearless."

"No. Just yours." Miranda whispered in correction, only for her ears.

Andrea's breath caught. Then she visibly relaxed. She drew back and Miranda mourned the loss of contact.

"Our visitor will be here shortly," Andrea said as she walked away and then sat down on the throne with that striking casual elegance. She relaxed back into it. Then she extended her hand, "Come and sit."

Miranda started forward and took her hand, then allowed herself to be pulled where Andrea wanted her. Once again once settled on her lap and without prompting, her body relaxed against her lover with an astonishing ease. "I do not know how you do this to me, Andrea."

Andrea's arms wrapped securely around Miranda and she drew her close. "You are not alone in the sensation. I imagine if the situation were reversed, I would do the same."

Miranda pulled back, just enough to look in Andrea's eyes. She cocked her head and then said, as was her wont when words failed, "Well."

"Kiss me."

Miranda did not hesitate. Her lips brushed softly against her lover's and then, the kiss deepened and warmed. She was well aware that one of Andrea's hands had crawled sensually up her skin, and covered one of her breasts under the open cloth of her blouse. A delicate touch honed her nipple to aching and then Andrea's palm rested there, rubbing only lightly. Her other breast ached from the contact of brushing up against her lover's body. Time disappeared for Miranda, as did all thoughts of anyone else. Desire flushed Miranda's skin, and she felt delicious heat spread from belly on down. Her legs spread just a little, but it was not a conscious gesture, merely the posture of receptivity that her positioning and her need allowed.

It was Andrea who pulled back first, slowly. Miranda's eyes were heavy lidded, but not quite closed. She watched the younger woman, hungrily, still mostly aware of where she was, but at the same time on the edge of being easily lost. Miranda leaned forward, curving her face into Andrea's neck.

The brunette said, "Do you still want to meet with her?

A puff of air and then a kiss caressed Andrea's neck. "Yes. I must."

"Must?" The word was said with ill-pleasure.

"She will attempt something foolish if I do not."

Again Andrea drew in a breath, but this time it was one of understanding. "You know her."

"I think I do. I could be wrong. It was a clever mask, covered much of her face. You'll know her when you truly see her, from the assistant days." Miranda pulled back, "If it is who I think it is, she must be on the list. She already was. On mine, that is."

Andrea blinked, and then peered into Miranda's eyes. This time it was she who was at a loss for words. "Well."

Miranda's lips curved into a sultry smile and she pecked Andrea on the lips. "I used to find jealousy tiresome. Usually because it was oh, so hypocritical. But on you, green shades to gold."

"I only want to protect you."

"And keep me."

"I... Yes."

A knock at the door warned them. Miranda leaned forward and whispered, "They may try and I may forced to go, but you will always have me, my Andrea."

The brunette squeezed the woman in her lap gently, "No one is taking you anywhere against your will again. They will rue the day they try." Then she settled back into a pose that was a little less seduction and much more queen. "Enter."

- TDWP -

The woman strode in with confidence, looking about with quick awareness. If there was a hitch in her step it was very hard to tell. She still wore the mask, though her outfit had been changed to something a touch more leisurely. She stopped in front of the throne and, this time, curtsied. "Mistress Six. I am honored to be in your presence."

"Your performance was delightful. We thank you for it." Andrea said, watching the woman with an inscrutable expression on her face. The brunette's fingertips trailed lazily along the revealed parts of Miranda's skin. The editor had shifted, no longer so completely pliant in the Mistress' arms, but neither was she unrelaxed.

"It was my pleasure," the woman answered. "I have looked forward to this moment for some time. I had no idea it would come so quickly once the opportunity was upon me."

"You are now in the safety of my chamber, where your privacy will be respected. Neither I, nor my slave will reveal who you are to outsiders, unless you should choose it. Will you take off your mask?"

For the first time since entering the woman's eyes flicked toward Miranda. Then she reached behind her head and undid the clasp that held the mask in place from the back. It was so perfectly fitted, it did not just drop. She reached from the front and gently pulled it off, finally revealing her face.

Everyone remained quiet for a few seconds, then Andrea said with just a touch of astonishment, "Nan Westmore. You are a woman of talent and quite a surprise."

"To you, perhaps." Miranda quipped.

Before Andrea could respond to the tweak, Nan erupted into conversation.

"Do you have any idea how very difficult it has been to track you down, Miranda? You were supposed to call and I told you what would happen if you missed it. I did warn you. Thank god I had a man on the job to begin with," Nan vented almost immediately, obviously a touch distraught.

Miranda glanced at Andrea who offered a nod. Then she stood and started toward her friend. "You had me followed?"

"No." Nan started. Then she said, "Well, yes. But not followed, followed. He was simply there to make sure things went smoothly. To assist the assistants, if you will. I recalled our conversations about how challenging you were finding it to find someone to fill in a certain person's shoes." She glanced meaningfully in Andrea's direction and then back to her friend.

"Ah." Miranda said, as she stepped down off the dais and as if a mystery had been solved. Of course, there was more to it than that, but she held her peace for the moment. "I begin to understand my new second assistant's sudden competence. The price of a good friend can not be measured in cash, but really Nan. It was quite unnecessary."

"Nonsense. I should have thought of it sooner. You've been going through them like sand for years now and you can't tell me the migraines were getting any better. It was the least I could do. Besides, it's always helpful to have a man on the inside. How do you think I manage your surprise parties?"

Andrea's eyes widened. "You never mentioned headaches, Miranda."

"My medical condition was not anyone else' business. It had no bearing on anything."

Andrea would have disagreed, especially given what it potentially explained about mood, but she also wanted to hear what Nan had to say. She made a mental note to check with the doctor about it.

"Anyhow, you did not show up for one of the events the next day and my man grew worried. Naturally we followed up. Are you aware that absolutely no police statements were given nor were you or your children reported missing. I spent money hand over fist to find alternate sources to try to locate you." Her hands moved expressively. "My people lost you at that damn corporation and then picked up a possible track, which led to this country and then many, many, many bribes later, one learned of a very important person who might possibly know how to or at least be able point us in the right direction to find one very screwed friend of mine. It was a completely long shot to even try, since by all technicalities, once sold you were lost. All we had were numbers and then I'm not entirely sure they were the right ones. Luckily I'd been taking lessons."

"Lessons. Whatever for?"

"Oh. New girlfriend, what else. She wanted something a little more exciting. So I hired a professional dominatrix to teach me. She was quite wonderful at schooling me, but the effort was somewhat useless as the girlfriend didn't stick. Apparently I am intimidating. Me?" The protest was sincere, even after that astonishing display in the stadium.

"Darling, you are. We won't just speak of the multinational corporation or of the charitable organizations, of which you seem so fond. We can just point to today's display. Women in power, Nan. Not everyone can handle a woman of strength. We've had the discussion."

"Yes. Yes." Nan waved, then she planted a hand on her hip. "Well, it turned out the lessons were useful after all." She turned her attention to Andrea, "I do thank you for letting me borrow that young man. He was extraordinary." Her expression tightened. The other hand dangled the mask near her thigh and she looked to Miranda who was now very close. "So. Do I have to rescue you or not?"

"She really is always like this. I thought it was just the gala." Andrea blinked.

"Always has been. No dear. You may stand down. I am quite rescued."

"Well, I can't quite stand down yet. The children..."

"Are fine. With us."

"Oh. Thank god."

And then, outburst finished, Nan burst into tears and Miranda drew her into her arms.

- TDWP -

"Naturally you come out of this looking better than ever." Nan pulled back from the hug, still unabashedly teary. She wanted to take a good look at her friend, but the moisture was making it a little hard. Miranda gently thumbed the tears away. "Most women just go to the surgeon and avoid all the headaches of kidnapping."

"And enslavement. Mustn't forget that."

Nan hissed. "No. Mustn't." She turned a narrow gaze at Andrea.

"None of that. Andrea is not the cause. She is the cure and the rescue. And a very timely one."

Nan's expression turned speculative then, altering quickly from points dire. She pulled back more fully, though not entirely out of Miranda's embrace. "And how did you find my friend?"

"By accident. Caroline and Cassidy were brought to me first."

Nan wavered, looking slightly green, then as the full impact began to sink in. "I think I need to sit down."

Miranda quietly led her friend to the edge of the bed and they sat together, with Nan tucked into the other woman's shoulder consolingly. Andrea stood then, suddenly able to let go of several unexpected worries. She paced to a hidden bar and drew a drink of some potency for the woman, taking only a moment to recall what she had seen the woman drink the one time they had met. Then she took a place at the other side, holding out the drink to Miranda, who took it.

"Here you go," Miranda said. "It must have been long days for you."

"For me!" Nan protested, even as she pulled back and wiped her cheeks. "Look at me blubbering, when it's you who..."

"No," Andrea said firmly. "You will not devalue your experience. You've both been through differently hard times, but hard times none-the-less. You have a right to the tears and the aftershock."

Nan sniffled and then said to Miranda, "No wonder you loved her." She grasped the drink then and, surprising them both, only sipped. "What? I'm not insane. Just very tired and it's making me weepy." She waved a hand at both of them, "And then of course, you."

Miranda pressed her lips to Nan's temple.

"I have guest rooms, Nan. Will you stay with us for awhile?" Andrea asked.

Nan took another sip, this one a little longer. "Yes. I'll stay. Miranda wants to tell me things and you obviously know things I do not. I took time off. They think I am in the Caribbean getting my tan. The do not disturb order is quite firm, but I stay in contact."

"Good."

- TDWP -

Those persons who had accompanied Nan on her quest, her bodyguards and an assistant, were given quarters in the compound and a small guided tour about the facility, so they could familiarize themselves with it and the protocols related to being guests there. The guards were put under the temporary direction and care of Derick, while the assistant was given the rest of the day off to recuperate. Nan was not the only one who had experienced very long days during the search.

It had been a temptation to tell the woman everything right off the bat, but both Miranda and Andrea agreed that she likely would receive the news after a solid nap and some food. They brought her home and settled her in the promised guestroom.

After, Miranda finally made the inquiry that had begun to niggle. "Where is Emily?"

"Lisle decided that she and Emily ought to get to know one another better."

The silver-haired editor cocked her brow, "How much better?"

Andrea's grin was slow and teasing, but she relented and shrugged, "Honestly, I don't know. Lisle mentioned something about needing to give Emily a breather and shopping."

"It has been a few overwhelming days."

Andrea cast a glance in the direction of Nan's room. "For everyone, I think."

- TDWP -

Dr. Montgomery smiled at the three women. "Miranda, you're officially off the chain of thou-shalt-not. Everything appears to be either well on the mend or exactly where it ought to be. I'd like to do a check up in a couple of days, just to make sure we're staying on track."

"I'll speak with Miranda and Lisle about times," Andrea said. "Just to be sure, are there any activities that we ought to limit?"

"Don't throw any boulders. No lifting cars. Not for a week at least." Addison's grin was impish. "But seriously, use common sense."

"I think we can manage that," the brunette said, appreciating the tease. She looked at Miranda who appeared very at ease and then at Emily, who, even with the shopping spree, still had aspects of strung-tightly written in her posture.

- TDWP -

"What?" Miranda arched an eyebrow at Emily, "Did you think I'd pounce on you as immediately as given the go-ahead."

The art-director-in-hiding flushed, feeling slightly caught out. It wasn't as if they'd talked about things all that much and she really did not know what to expect or not expect or...

"Relax, Emily. We were having a fine time before. Nothing is changed." Andrea extended her elbow to Miranda, who looped a hand around it. "Well, almost nothing. I think we need to talk about the list and Nan and sundry other details and then, I think we should allow things to happen naturally."

"Naturally!" Emily didn't quite spit the word.

Before she could begin on a diatribe, Miranda let go of Andrea's arm and then paced toward Emily. She deliberately reached and clasped her face with both hands. Then, without hesitating, kissed her until it deepened. Then she pulled back and looked into the redhead's eyes. "Better?"

The Brit took a moment to consider. Then, exhaling, she nodded. Miranda did not quite smile, but she pulled back and allowed Andrea to claim her hand again.

They started walking toward the exit. Then Emily pegged. "Wait. Nan?"

"Ah, yes. She was the performance artist."

That stalled Emily slightly, but she picked up again, "I find that distinctly hard to believe."

Miranda offered a tiger's smile, "Could you imagine me doing it?"

"Yes," Emily said, as she opened the door, followed through and then held it for them. "Actually, I can. Nan Westmore on the other hand..."

"Think it through, Emily, then come back to me," Miranda said as they passed by her. "Or better yet, discuss it with Nan. I think you'll find it illuminating."

"You're serious."

"Oh, and she is now on the list, just so you are aware."

Emily found herself standing several paces behind before she realized they had continued to move forward.

- TDWP -

Miranda peeked in on her old friend and then quietly backed out of the room. She found Emily in the study, along with Andrea. They both looked up at her. "She's worn out. It will be awhile, I think," she said as she took a place on the other end of the couch upon which Emily sat.

"She's an extraordinary friend," Andrea commented.

"Yes. But also lucky. I shudder to think of her daring so much on my behalf. If it had been anyone but you, Andrea..." They shared a glance, understanding the risks.

"Well, then we will praise fortune for her kindness, and be glad she made it here safe. We will also make sure she is able to return home safe. I will put out the word that she is ours and to be treated as such."

"Does she know? That she is on your list?"

"She doesn't even know about the list, Emily. But she'll be told and yes, I suspect, she would know in a way, as she's been on my list for quite some time now." The Brit couldn't find a reply that fit, so Miranda decided to tease a little more, "It's called discretion. Despite appearances, she does have it."

"For the important things," Nan interjected. She entered the room sleepy-eyed and tugging her robe closed.

"I thought you were still asleep."

"Oh, I was. Then I nightmared. Seemed fruitless to try to sleep again. It always takes me a half-hour to settle down and so I might as well be up for that little bit." Nan took a place in the middle of the couch, tucking her leg under her as she sat. She turned briefly and said, "Hello Emily. Nice to see you again. I see you too are riding the jet-lag stream."

The redhead's eyes were wide, but she managed to sound a little less shocked than she felt, "Not quite as much as I was, thank you."

"Hmm. Well, we shall get caught up, I'm sure. Miranda, I walked in as you were saying something about a list. Whatever are we talking about?"

- TDWP -

Miranda was grateful for what extra strength and capacity she'd been given, because as they revealed the changes in her life to her friend, Nan's grip on her hand had grown progressively tighter. The editor had been the one to reach out, knowing that her friend might need the contact and that Nan was aware and careful of Miranda's sensitivities. The socialite listened gravely and did not ease the grip until the explanation, which had bounced between the three other women as topics flowed, finally ended.

It was quiet in the room after, as Nan was given the chance to absorb the information and the implications. Finally she said, "Well, of course, I'm going to say yes. Miranda, I find you absolutely impossible to resist, as you well know." She leaned over and kissed her friend on the cheek. Then she turned her attention to Andrea, "After listening to you, I think, if I am to keep up, I might need to consider that it's time for another face lift. I am very interested in meeting your Dr. Montgomery."

"I quite like you the way you are," Miranda said.

Nan just smiled, "You always say that. But, I remind you, this is one my vacations and you do know how I traditionally return home from them."

Emily said, "I still remember page six gushing over your last vacation's results. You looked quite fit."

"I should have, given how much it cost. Though I also admit that I have been quite lucky in my choice of surgeons. Only skillful hands have touched this body."

"Somehow, I suspect that luck had nothing to do with it. We'll talk with her and see how we can help you maintain your cover," Andrea said.

"Excellent, thank you." Nan closed her eyes briefly and then opened them again. "I believe my nap is calling me once more. I think I will try again."

Andrea unfurled from her seat, standing. She reached down with her hand toward the woman, "I still owe you time, Nan. Would you consider a companion for your nap?"

The woman blinked at her and then flipped her gaze at Miranda. Blue eyes offered gentle reassurance and acceptance. "Well," Nan muttered. Then she placed her free hand in Andrea's and let go of Miranda's. "How can I refuse?"

Andrea smiled easily and gently assisted the socialite up, "By saying No. I have a very simple policy that way."

"You needn't worry on that score, dear Andrea. You and I are going to get along famously." She looked straight into Andrea's eyes. "I know it." She turned to look at Miranda and Emily and grinned impishly, "Enjoy the time this one is so carefully arranging for you."

Miranda merely continued to gaze serenely at her friend, while Emily became instantly gobsmacked.

Nan chuckled, "My job is done here. Take me away, Andy."