Chapter 10:
For a month following the incident in Miranda's office and the talk she had with Nigel, James, and Isabella, Andrea avoided Miranda Priestly as if she were plague ridden. She continued to have dreams where Sergei showed up angry with her but they were less and less as the days went on. Nigel asked every once in awhile how she was managing with the dreams and with Miranda. She always gave him the same answer but he seemed to understand and never pushed her. She loved him more for that. Isabella supported her no matter what she chose and James was just James. He would come over to distract her if she needed it but really he wouldn't push. He'd make her a drink and they'd sit and talk about new designs and bounce ideas off one another.
The girls were on break from school and they loved it. They loved New York and for that Andrea was extremely grateful. The twins were still regular visitors and she would make sure to be away from the house or in her art studio when Miranda came to get them in the evenings. So far no one had said anything to her about it and she guessed it was mainly because the catalog was due out soon and no one wanted to distract her from work. Isabella managed to rent a nice 2-story warehouse just two blocks from the fashion house. Aubrey was working on setting up the viewing room for the new season and setting up the area designated as 'the catalog corner'. She was also looking to hire a second to work under her. Andrea planned to move the girl from secretary to personal assistant. Business for her had picked up after her clothes showed up in American Runway and a few of her paintings that decorated the viewing room were wanted by some art collectors/dealers so she was busy painting replacements and personal requests from some friends of Doug's.
At present she was in her art studio staring at the painting she was finishing work on for Emily. Emily had become a constant in her life again much to both of their delight. Friendship was easier for them now that they were no longer running around mad trying to make sure Miranda's coffee was hot enough. Andrea tilted her head to the left before running her brush over the canvas adding a few finishing touches before stepping back and admiring the piece. She loved painting. There was a freedom to it that one didn't get when designing clothes for people to wear. She loved spending time in her own sanctuary and painting when she had time.
The girls were out with Kat and the twins for the day, going to the zoo, a few museums, dinner, and then a ballet so Andrea was free to paint to her hearts content. She smiled and moved the canvas to the drying rack she'd gotten from Doug as a house warming gift. She picked up a blank canvas, set it atop her easel and began anew. She didn't have any other requested paintings so she just let her mind go and the brush flowed across the vast emptiness of white.
The music was playing in the room so she didn't hear the soft gasp behind her or the footsteps moving towards her. When she turned to switch out her brush she jumped and let out a startled cry, Miranda stood before her eyes fixed on something on the far wall. Andrea turned to follow her gaze and groaned inwardly. She had forgotten that Isabella decided to display the random drawings she had laying around and was now staring at the wall that was half covered with them. The drawings contained herself, the twins with her daughters, Isabella, Emily, Nigel and James, and about half a dozen of them were of Miranda herself. She forced her eyes back to the older woman before moving over to her iPod dock and lowering the volume slightly so they could talk without yelling over it.
"When did you do those?" Miranda asked her when she returned to her easel and continued with her work.
"Different times. Most of the girls' and Isabella's were done while we were in Italy. Only two of them were done here of the girls. Isabella has maybe four of them that were done while we lived here. The one furthest to the right was finished just two days ago. The top two pictures of the twins are the newest. Drew one last night and the other this morning." She shrugged and tilted her head squinting slightly before turning back to Miranda, "Would you move to the left a little please? You're casting a shadow. I need to make sure the color is right."
Nodding slightly Miranda moved to stand on the other side of the easel where she knew Andrea would see, "Why are you avoiding me Andrea?"
Andy paused in her painting her eyes darting to Miranda quickly before she mixed some colors on her palette and returning to the painting with a sigh, "What makes you think I'm avoiding you?"
Miranda sighed and walked over to the window staring out at Central Park, "Andrea, I'm at your house 3 sometimes 4 days a week and this is the first time I've set eyes on you in overt a month. You came by the office almost daily just to deliver my coffee and see how things were going or to talk with Emily and yet she's not seen you in the office either."
Andy sighed looking at the painting in front of her before moving to the sink, dropping her brushes in, and running water over them. Turning she looked at Miranda and leaned back against the counter, "You are so confusing Miranda." Andy shook her head and sighed hopping onto the counter crossing her arms over her chest. "I've just been busy and I've been dealing with some personal issues." She turned staring at the only picture on the wall to her right.
Miranda followed Andrea's eyes and moved over to look at the portrait on the wall, "Did you do this?" she asked looking over her shoulder at Andrea who nodded.
"Yes, I did. My late husband. Sergei DeMarzio. It took me some time before I could actually finish it. I started it right before he got sick. Lexxi was about 6 months old. He was sitting on the beach, just existing. He loved the beach, its something we had in common. The image just stayed in my head. That's what came of it."
"I'm sorry you lost him. From what I've heard he was a great man. And a great artist with a mind for business, I believe that's what Isabella said."
Andrea nodded again and smiled sadly, "He was both. We would work together in his studio. He said I was his muse." Laughing softly she shook her head, "I think it was just an excuse for him to get me there and watch me work. It all just seemed to come naturally to me. Painting, drawing, a little photography. I took art classes in school but it wasn't until that night in Paris… sitting in front of the Eiffel Tower that I realized I loved it. I was actually writing something in my memory journal. Something I had remembered that seemed important, but before I had even written two words on the page I started sketching. For the first time since waking up I felt free, relaxed. I sat there for hours just filling the pages with random clothing designs. From there it went to images of people that, at the time, I couldn't remember, buildings I had come across. Predictions of what Rory would look like. I couldn't remember her father at the time. It was as if I found my calling. In a way I guess I did."
Miranda lips twitched as if she were fighting a smile and Andrea gazed at her questioningly before looking back at the picture of Sergei. "That was the last time I'd ever seen him look so at peace. A few months later he fell ill. Cancer, brain tumors to be exact. It was difficult. He became a different man." She let her voice trail off closing her eyes against the tears that sprang forth taking a few deep breaths.
Andrea's eyes shot open when she felt a cool hand against her cheek, staring directly into Miranda's deep blue eyes, "I'm truly sorry for your loss Andrea. Losing someone you love is not an easy task. I…" she stopped and shook her head slightly and just watched her.
Andy's heart raced, she could hear her blood rushing, liquid heat pooled in her stomach and her breath caught as she took in the look in Miranda's eyes, "Miranda… don't." she said so softly she wasn't sure if the woman could hear it over the music even with their close proximity, "Please, don't."
Miranda closed her eyes and let her hand fall onto the counter top. She let her head drop and took a few deep breaths before she looked up at Andrea again, "I didn't come here for this, I just wanted to know. I'll let myself out. Goodbye Andrea."
Before she could think twice Andrea grabbed Miranda's wrist and pulled her back in front of her, "Mira, what do you want from me? I mean… really, what is going to come from this," she waved her hand through the air between them; "I just don't understand it. I don't understand you anymore. Everything about you confuses me. This you… she doesn't… match the person I remember."
Miranda's eyes met hers full of longing and something else that Andrea couldn't or wouldn't wrap her mind around. Her arms tightened around her as if trying to hold her body together as her heart raced. Miranda's voice was calm, emotionless, and full of something that sounded almost like regret, "Nothing Andrea. It's nothing."
Shaking her head Andrea scoffed, "You're a terrible liar Ms. Priestly. Tell me the truth. What do you want?" she watched the older woman lower her eyes and shake her head slightly her lips parting as if she were going to speak but she remained silent and pursed her lips together.
"Miranda, look at me." Andy said her voice soft and warm. Miranda remained still her eyes glued to the floor. Andy sighed and reached forward tilting Miranda's chin up until their eyes locked, "If you don't tell me, how am I supposed to know? I can't exactly read your mind. I'm out of practice." She smiled and used her legs to pull Miranda closer to her, "Mira… you have to let me in. You have to trust me…" leaning forward she brushed her lips over Miranda's lightly.
She felt Miranda tremble and then her lips moved against hers. Andy gasped which allowed Miranda to slip her tongue into her mouth. She couldn't stop the moan that escaped her or the heat flooding her body. Instinctively her arms went around Miranda's neck, her hand buried in the silver locks and she kissed her, groaning and pulling the older woman closer to her. Every nerve in her body was at attention, her mind clear of all thoughts but Miranda.
Miranda sighed into the kiss her hand's trailing lightly over the younger woman's sides slowly slipping beneath her shirt. Her finger tips tingled when she felt the soft, smooth skin beneath them; she kneaded and ran her nails over Andrea's stomach before slowly making her way to the round, lush mounds she ached to cup in her hands. Andrea's moan urged her forward and she took both full breasts in her hands feeling the pleasant weight settle against her palms her thumbs stroking the stiffened nipples. Miranda kissed her jaw and nipped at the side of her neck before sucking on the tender flesh there.
Andy moaned her body arching into Miranda's touch. She wanted this, wanted Miranda, her body screaming out for more, needing to feel more of her. She pushed Miranda away gently watching her and locking her eyes on hers when she hesitantly looked up at her. She bit her lip and stared before pulling her shirt off and undoing the front clasp on her bra.
Smiling at the slight hitch in Miranda's breathing she slowly let the straps fall from her shoulders and down her arms tossing it onto her shirt. She sat motionless half exposed to the older woman, shivering at the heated look Miranda was giving her. Her nipples tightened when Miranda breathing increased her gazed locked on her breasts, tongue darting out to moisten her swollen pink lips. Andy shifted slightly and Miranda sprang into action losing her shirt and bra quickly before moving back between her legs hands falling to her hips.
"Andrea…" she breathed looking up and staring in her eyes, "you… if you are going to change your mind, please tell me now." She finished her voice soft yet strong but Andrea could hear the slight fear there and her heart clenched.
She smiled slightly and shook her head, "I don't want to. Mira… I want you, I want this… I won't pu-" the rest of her sentence was cut off as Miranda crushed their lips together in a hot needy kiss, hands tangling in her hair.
She heard Miranda moan into the kiss and grabbed her by the shoulders pulling her firmly against her. They both gasped when their breast came together the kiss growing more frantic and heated. Andy let her head fall back as Miranda kissed and nipped at her jaw then down her neck her breath coming in tiny pants. She gasped then groaned in her chest when a warm wet tongue pressed against her nipple before it was encased between Miranda's lips and sucked into the wet inferno of her mouth. Her back arched pushing her breast further into her, her hand coming to tangled in the silky locks of silver hair pulling her closer crying out when Miranda bit down on the sensitive bud of her nipple, "Mira… oh god… more… please."
Miranda growled around the breast in her mouth and moved away quickly divesting the younger woman of the remainder of her clothing. Moving between her legs again she cupped her hot, wet center in her hand, the heat scorching her fingers, "Oh god… Andrea, you're so hot… and wet." She moaned her finger easily slipping between the slick folds, circling her opening. Her body throbbed and burned for the woman panting and moaning before her. She kissed and licked her neck her fingers teasing her covering themselves in her essence. She sucked hard on her pulse point plunging three fingers into her quickly causing Andrea's hips to cant forward as she cried out her nails digging in Miranda's back.
"Miranda! Oh my god." Andrea panted her body cocooning hers, fingers fumbling with the button of Miranda's pants.
Andrea undid Miranda's pants pushing them down with her legs and ripping her panties off of her before slipping her hand between the older woman's parted thighs. She bit her lip when Miranda moaned against her throat, easily and quickly she entered her heated center moaning at the wetness she found there. Dizzy with the knowledge that she had done this to Miranda, Andrea wrapped her legs around her hips pulling her closer her head falling to her shoulder as she pumped her fingers into her fast and hard.
They found a steady rhythm together, Andrea falling easily into the fast and hard tempo Miranda started. Her hips bucked wildly against her, nails clawing at Miranda's shoulder and back as the pressure inside her grew rapidly, "Mira… fuck… I" her words died out on a horsed scream when Miranda raked the nail of her thumb over her clit then kissed her hard biting her bottom lip.
Gasping, panting and moaning into each other's mouths they moved faster, thrusting deeper and harder within each other. Andy slipped another finger into Miranda's velvety center curling them up the heel of her hand rubbing hard and faster against her clit. She felt Miranda mimic the action and pulled out of their kiss burying her face in Miranda's neck as she climbed higher and higher. She felt as if she were going to burst apart, her lungs burned as though she were suffocating, drowning from the sensations Miranda was causing inside of her, "Miranda… I… oh fuck… Mira, close… so close... ohmygodohmygodohmygod." She cried clutching at Miranda her hips jerking faster. Her fingers thrusting faster and harder as she felt Miranda's walls clenching at her fingers the older woman's hips bucking frantically against her hand.
"Come for me Andrea," Miranda moaned in her ear her voice breathy and low.
Andrea's nails dug into Miranda's skin, marking her as her hips bucked hard and fast. She fell over the edge screaming her release into Miranda's neck as wave after wave of intense pleasure washed over her, surrounded her, filled her, bringing her to the most powerful orgasm of her life. She was vaguely aware of Miranda clutching at her, her body trembling, of her powerful cry muffled by her shoulder.
A few minutes later they were still in the same position, breathing fast pulling air into starving lungs, still locked together by fingers still buried to the knuckles inside one another. Andrea lifted her head slightly kissing Miranda's neck reverently as she removed her fingers before leaning her head back against the wall. Miranda lifted her head and stared up at her a mischievous glint in her eyes and a slight lifting at the corners of her mouth. Before Andrea could question in Miranda wiggled her fingers still inside of her and started a slow steady thrusting.
Andy writhed on the counter top her eyes fluttering shut a guttural moan falling from her lips, "Miranda! I can't…. oh god. I-" her words ending abruptly and she moaned her head snapping up as she looked down between her parted thighs, the erotic image that greeted her nearly sending her over the edge again.
Miranda was kneeling in front of her, fingers moving in and out of her dripping center at a steady pace her tongue licking around them, over her swollen lips, before attacking her hardened red clit. Her head fell back hitting the wall hard. She slid herself closer to the older woman's mouth her hand tangling in Miranda's hair pulling her closer. Liquid heat flooded through her body pouring out of her, her back arched hips grinding down faster against Miranda's hand and mouth.
A soft whimper fell from her lips when Miranda pulled her fingers out of her only to become a throaty moan when she quickly replaced them with her tongue licking up all her juices and flicking over her opening. Andrea felt Miranda's hands on her ankles and allowed her to lift her legs up and bending her knees so that her feet were resting on the countertop as well.
"Mira… baby… please." She sobbed her body tense and aching. Her center ached she could feel another orgasm growing and she needed more. She bucked hard when she felt the editor's tongue began darting into her fast and intense. Her hands flew to the wall on either side of her head her toes curling around the edge of the counter; her back arching again, hips grinding as Miranda sucked, licked, nipped and fucked her fast with her tongue.
She bucked hard against her when Miranda bit down on her clit suckling it hard, the pad of her tongue pressing hard against it, "FUCK!" Andrea cried out body jerking wildly against the counter and wall, hips straining against the unrelenting hold Miranda had on her as she burst apart inside, stars dancing in her vision, coming fast and hard as her orgasm ripped through her. Closing her eyes she tried to breathe her chest burning from the lack of oxygen.
Miranda's deep guttural moan around her clit broke through the haze in her head sending tremors through her body and causing her to look down her sweat laden body and watch her. Mesmerized she watched as her lover licked and sucked at her center fast and hard drinking up every ounce of her essence as if she were starved for it. She trembled and moaned at the sight the breath leaving her body again causing Miranda's eyes to shoot up to her. She held her gaze the love and desire in Miranda's open and honest eyes along with the hard sucking on her clit caused her to come again. She bit down hard on her lip trying to keep the scream from escaping as her body jerked and flailed. Her brain went offline, her body limp, and her heart pounded chaotically in her chest but she refused to take her eyes off the woman between her thighs. She watched as her cum covered her pink tongue still licking and darting gently into her, she watched as Miranda swallowed her down licking every drop from her center and thighs.
She panted hard and fast as Miranda watched her, watching her, a slight smile playing across her lips as she kissed every inch of her swollen center and the insides of her thighs. Andrea felt her heart flutter and her eyes mist. She was in love with this woman, and had been for a while. She had crossed the line of no return and could no longer deny what she felt. She had tried. She had fought it, fought Miranda. Pushed her away, stopped her at every turn, and avoided her for as long as she could but the woman was a part of her, locked inside her mind, body, and soul.
Andrea blinked rapidly trying to clear her eyes and watched as Miranda stood, licked her fingers and lips moaning, eyes fluttering shut as though she were experiencing a moment of pure ecstasy. She felt her stomach clench and her heart expand a small whimper escaping her as she stared at the woman that had haunted her since the day they met in a moment of total honest and open bliss. Her whimper drew Miranda's eyes and she gasped. She stared into those hypnotic blue orbs that blazing with a ferocious love and let the tears finally fall as she accepted defeat. She would never be able to push Miranda Priestly away. She had asked for her honesty and trust and it was there staring her in the face as if daring her to question it.
"Mira… kiss me… please." She whispered her heart aching for the woman in front of her, needing her, wanting her, beating for her.
The answering smile stole her breath with its intense beauty and when those beautiful soft, plush, pink lips found hers she sighed and wrapped her arms and legs around the owner, losing all space between them. She let her tongue slip between her lips and run softly over Miranda's smiling when she whimpered and parted her lips. She licked and sucked herself off of Miranda's lips and tongue laughing softly when her lover moaned. Her laugh became a groan when Miranda pulled her closer rubbing their centers together.
She pulled away and looked at her, lips parted slightly as she inhaled sharply, "Miranda…" she shook her head and tangled her hands in the woman's hair, "Fuck Mira, you have no idea what you do to me." She kissed her again softly and laid her head on Miranda's shoulder her face buried in her neck.
"Andrea… I need to tell you something." Miranda whispered softly her heart racing feeling as though it would fly out of her chest at any moment. She ran her fingers through her lovers hair and then down her spine smiling at the shiver that passed through her. She kissed her temple before moving her head back into her line of site. She held her eyes and let her hands fall back to her hips. She pulled her closer and began moving her hips rubbing their centers together again. Andrea's moan was like music to her ears. She couldn't get enough of hearing it.
"Mira…" Andrea moaned out her hands locking over her shoulders making her knees weak.
She never allowed anyone to give her a nickname or shorten her name except for the woman in front of her and if she's honest with herself, she loved when Andrea used it. It made her heart warm and her stomach flutter. Somehow she had fallen in love with the girl. She had suspected it long before and it had terrified her so she ignored it. Took solace in the arms of another man she never should have been with, hid behind the image given to her, until that day in Paris when she felt her world crumble around her.
Miranda held tight to her lover hips moving slightly faster as she kissed her lover passionately pouring all the love and desire she felt for her into it. A soft moan escaped her when she felt the responding kiss, her head fogged and she swooned. She ran her hands over the skin beneath them loving the warmth she found there and the slight trembles running through her loves frame.
"Andrea," she whispered against her lips, "I don't know how, I don't know why… but I've fallen deeply, madly, passionately in love with you. My life is incomplete without you." She looked into her warm chocolate eyes drowning in their depths. Her lungs constricted and her heart clenched as she realized how much she needed Andrea. She'd never needed anyone before she met this wondrous creature in her arms. She feared needing anyone, feared what would happen when she was no longer wanted. Despite all of this she accepted it, knowing in her soul that she would not, could not ever love anyone as deeply as she did the woman now staring at her, moving against her, stirring up feelings and sensations she'd long lost all hope of feeling. She was in love and falling deeper and faster the more she was with her. "I don't want to live without you anymore; I can't live without you anymore."
Andrea stared deep into Miranda's eyes locking her ankles together and holding onto her as she rocked against her, burning coil unraveling in her stomach. She bit her lip and watched the emotions and thoughts fly through her eyes hoping and praying that she wouldn't fuck this up. Her heart belonged to this woman and her fears were keeping her from giving Miranda the one thing she wanted. Andrea could see it in her eyes, the need, the want, the desire, the love, but she could also see the fear and doubt. She hated herself for putting her through this. She tilted her head slightly and clutched at Miranda's arms her eyes shutting briefly.
"Mira… I'm sorry for hurting you. I" she opened her eyes and kissed Miranda softly, "I'm not letting you go. I can't. I love you too much to lose you again."
Miranda felt her body shudder and moaned pulling Andrea closer her hips moving faster as she inhaled deeply, "I love you Andrea. I love you. So very much." She whispered as she felt her orgasm wash over her.
"Miranda" Andrea breathed out her arms locking around Miranda as she trembles leaning heavily against her lover as she is swept away once more. She panted slightly and smiled against Miranda's shoulder planting a soft kiss there and leaning up. "I… I'm sorry I never told you before now Mira. I just… I don't know… you terrified me. It was confusing to be so scared of you and yet to be deeply in love with you at the same time." Sighing she shook her head and glanced away. "Never again, I promise. I will tell you every day in every language I know for as long as you allow me to, just how very much I love you."
Miranda smiled again tears falling silently down her cheek, "I know, my love, my Andrea. My heart beats for you and until the day it stops I will love you."
Smiling she wiped the tears from Miranda's face, kissed each of her eyes, her nose, her cheeks and then her lips letting all her love fill the tender kiss. When she pulled away she rested her forehead against Miranda's and just held her, enjoying the feeling of being there. They stayed like that enjoying one another and talking softly about anything and everything that came to mind until the intercom behind Andrea sounded and Irene's fluent Italian speech sounded throughout the room.
"Lady Andrea, I know you hate to be bothered in your studio, and I am sorry to disturb you, but there are two people here requesting to speak with you. As it is, Lady Isabella has stepped out and they say that it's of great importance."
Sighing Andrea leaned over and pressed the required buttons on the device, "Very well. See them to the library, I shall be down after I shower and dress. Thank you Irene." She replied wondering who it was the older woman did not want to be privy to the conversation. Sitting up she smiled at Miranda, "Want to shower with me?" she asked wrapping her arms around Miranda's waist and kissing her softly.
Miranda laughed softly and returned the kiss nodding, "Indeed."