Chapter 33

Don't be a tease

The heat of the summer had set in. Her daily routine involved waking up before the sun to tend to the animals, it was easier to get the work done before the heat of day. She'd then go on clearing crew or on weeding duty. Today, she'd had the misfortune of being on clearing crew when the traps were particularly busy. Her team didn't get back until well into the afternoon.

Emma was hot, sticky and stunk of walker.

She had the foresight to wear a swimsuit under her work clothes that day. Once she returned from to the fort, she made a bee-line to the beach.

The beach was a pebbled spot near the mouth of the canal where the water was crystal clear. A handful of swimmers were there when she arrived. Most of the camp kids were splashing away. Daryl was sitting on a boulder with his crossbow. She sat down on the rock next to him and stuck out the heel of her riding boot. "Gimme a hand?"

He nodded, setting aside the bow he grabbed the heel of her boot and helped tug it off. Her breeches were dark with sweat under her boots."Ain't it a bit hot for boots?"

She shrugged "I figure it protects my legs from biters." She stuck out her other boot out for Daryl, who obliged by pulling it off. "Damn it's hot."

"Not so bad." Daryl was wearing a sleeveless shirt and a pair of grey cargo pants.

"Says you." She peeled her sweat soaked t-shirt off over her head, revealing the navy blue bikini top. She checked out of the corner of her eye to see if Daryl was watching. He was. "So, you came down for a swim?"

"Figgered someone ougtta be armed out here w'tha kids 'n all"

"True, but they have a good view on the wall. Watch can see any walkers coming and give us plenty of time for us to scamper up to the gate."

"Better safe 'n sorry."

"Well, I feel better knowing big bad Daryl is out here watching my back." Feeling bold, she stood up and slowly peeled off her breeches as provocatively as she could without looking too obvious. She reached up and pulled her hair out of its customary braided crown, letting it fall loosely down her shoulders.

She shook her mane out, running her fingers through the waves and looked back over her shoulder at Daryl. "Sure you don't want to swim?"

His eyes were dark with lust, but he remained silent.

"Suit yourself." She waded into the water. When she was deep enough, she dove in, allowing the cool water to wash off the day's work. The water was cold, but she soon adjusted to it. She swam a few laps along the bay, never straying too far.

Emma loved swimming. She loved the sound of her breath as it left her body and bubbled up past her ears. She enjoyed the way the water lifted and held her body, the way her hair floated like seaweed around her. In the water it was possible to forget about the misery and horrors that the world held, if only for a moment.

When she returned to the shore, someone handed her a bottle of shampoo. She stood hip deep in the water and massaged the shampoo into her scalp. Feeling Daryl's eyes on her back, she took her time, letting the bubbles slowly drip down her body. Archer relished washing her hair in the lake. There was something extravagant about diving under the water to rinse the rich lather from her hair.

When she was done, she floated on her back and stared up at the sky as the clouds drifted by. The only sound she heard was her own breath as it filled and left her lungs. It was relaxing.

Until it wasn't.

Strong arms grabbed her waist and yanked into the depths of water. She screamed and beat at the hands, which quickly released her. When she came up spluttering she heard a familiar chuckle.

"Jesus Christ Daryl! You gave me a goddamn heart attack!" She splashed water at his face. He only laughed louder. "What's the matter with you?"

"C'mere." He grabbed her arm and pulled her over to where he was standing in the neck deep water. One arm wrapped possessively around her back, the other reached down to grab her ass.

"What about guarding the kids?"

He leaned down, tickling her neck with his whiskered chin. "Gone back up." He whispered in her ear. He pulled her leg around his hip. "Just you 'n me." It came out like a growl.

"And pretty much anyone on the wall. They can see us here you know." She put a hand on his bare chest. He was wearing his pants but had left his shirt back at the water's edge.

"Can't see under the water." His hand at her back deftly released the clasp on her bikini top.

"Daryl!" She warned, but he was quick. He dunked them both under water, where he could easily place his mouth on her breasts without being seen. When they came up for air, she was breathless for more than one reason.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned into him. "I don't want us to be a spectator sport."

He pulled her one leg up higher on his him and slipped his free hand into her. He stroked her velvety folds. "Should've thought 'bout that 'fore you did that lil' strip tease."

She wanted to pull away, but Daryl knew how to make her forget herself. He teased and stroked, circling her clit as they spun slowly in the water. Daryl's one hand was holding her tightly against his chest while the other brought her closer and closer to the edge.

"Daryl." She whispered wantonly. "Please."

"Please what?" He leaned into her ear, placing small kisses at the sensitive skin on her neck.

"Please…" She had only one thought.

"No." He suddenly released her and disappeared under the water. It took her a moment to register he'd left.

"Daryl?" She called, searching for him on the water. He came up halfway to shore, slowly swimming in.

Hastily she replaced her bikini top. "Daryl!" She cursed.

He climbed out of the water, his chest glistening in the late afternoon sun. He didn't look back. Calmly, he picked up his clothes and crossbow and headed up to the fort.

She muttered a string of cuss words she'd never admitted to knowing and stared after him, her belly still warm with desire. He'd brought her so close to bliss and chose to leave her there, unsatisfied.

Goddamn he was an infuriating man.

She refused to chase after him. Archer needed to calm her nerves before she went back up and cold water was probably the best thing for her right now. She had a feeling this wasn't over.

}.{

Her skin was still cool from her swim and she couldn't bear the thought of donning pants. Since she didn't have watch this evening, she donned a light sleeveless cotton sundress for dinner at the fort. Emma took up her usual position at the end of table in the parade square under the shade sail they'd hung to provide some relief from the heat.

As usual, Michael sat on one side of her, with Joel immediately across from her. They were deep in conversation about Michael's latest project. She was far too distracted by the day's earlier events to pay much attention.

Daryl sat down beside her, carefully running a hand down her leg as he sat. "Enjoy your swim?" He asked casually.

"It was less than satisfying." She remarked, aware that his hand was slowly pulling her sundress up over leg. She reached down to push his hand away. He wouldn't budge. "How was yours?"

"Water's warm. Nice and warm." He had his hand on her bare leg now, and he was gently stroking the inside of her knee.

She squeezed her knees together tightly, but succeeded only in trapping his hand between her knees. She elbowed him.

He chuckled, but didn't budge.

"Seriously." She whispered under her breath. "Everyone's here."

He leaned into her and whispered "So?"

She rolled her eyes and finished eating quickly. Trying to ignore what he was doing with his hand in her lap. She rose from the table a little too fast, bumping it with her knee and drawing attention to herself.

"In a hurry?" Joel asked.

"Dish duty." She headed into the kitchen with her plate. She was halfway through the dishes when Daryl showed. He stood behind her and reached around to grab a dishcloth, briefly pressing her into the counter with his hips.

"Daryl!" She hissed. "Maggie will be here any minute."

"Naw. Traded off with her."

Realization dawned on her. "You're on dish duty?"

"Yep." Daryl casually reached up to place cup on the shelf above the sink, letting his arm gently brushing past her.

She shivered at his touch as her body remembered his earlier ministrations. As they worked, he monopolized every opportunity to place his hand on her hip, lean against her, brush past her or reach a strong arm around her. Every touch was brief and feather light, each one more maddening than the last.

She wanted so badly to push him down on the floor and ride him hard right there. The only thing stopping her was the constant interruptions as people walked in and out grabbing plates or returning dirty ones.

Only when the last of the fort's residents had gone off to their evening tasks did Daryl speak "Your room, now."

She obeyed wordlessly. Hopeful that release would come soon.

Daryl followed her in and closed the door behind them. "Don't move." He ordered, as he circled her where she stood. He trailed a finger along her collarbone, gently teasing the straps of her bra down off her shoulders, but leaving the sundress in place.

He stood behind her, kissing the sensitive part of her neck as he pulled her hair free of her braid. He ran his fingers through it as it fell gently down her back. He reached his hands around to her thighs and slowly raised her dress up until he had access to her panties. He dragged his fingers along the waistband before lowering them down to the floor as he sank to his knees behind her.

His hands slowly traveled back up her legs, fingers reaching into her folds wet with the desire he had inspired. Her breath hitched and she heard his soft chuckle again.

His hands on her hips now, he turned her around to face him. "Take off the dress." He ordered. She obeyed, letting the soft cotton fall off her shoulders. "Bra." He said, and she slid it down too, releasing her breasts. The corner of his mouth twitched and he licked his lips.

She shuddered.

He leaned in to her stomach, rubbing his rough face into her skin. "mmmm" he said softly. His hands grabbed her ass hard, causing her to squeak in surprise. He lowered his head and sniffed at her core. "Mmmm."

"Daryl…." She said warningly.

He looked up at her with wicked eyes. "What?"

"Daryl…" She pleaded.

His tongue darted into her folds, she nearly crumpled at the touch. He looked up at her sharply "I said, don't move."

She didn't dare disobey. Emma placed her hands on his shoulders and fought to stay upright as he licked and suckled at her, his rough chin tickling her inner thighs. He released her ass only to slide two fingers inside her stroking in time with his tongue.

"Daryl…" She panted.. "Please…please.."

"No." He said simply, releasing her. She moaned in frustration.

Chuckling again he scooped her up and tossed her on the bed. He sat beside her, one hand casually rolling a pert nipple between his thumb and forefinger. Daryl looked down into her eyes. "'Fore ya tease me again. I wantcha ta remember this."

She bit her lip. "Please…"

"Say it."

"Please Daryl."

"Say ya want me ta fuck you."

"Fuck me Daryl." She panted. "Please fuck me."

He stood up and undressed slowly, watching her intently. She was writhing with desire, her body longed for him. She was pleased to see he was not unaffected by his own teasing. His cock was hard for her. She reached to touch it but he batted her away as he slowly unrolled a condom onto it.

When at last he climbed on top of her, he leaned in to tease her breasts with his tongue. Alternating between rough nips and gentle suckles. She spread her legs widely for him and lifted her hips up to meet his.

Daryl poised himself at her entrance. "Say it."

"Fuck me. Fuck me hard."

As he plunged into her, she came hard on his cock. He lay still on top of her, riding out her orgasm. Only when her shuddering slowed, did he start to move, slowly in and out. He hitched one of her legs up over his shoulder as he pressed into her. She shook her head from side to side, trying to escape the new bubble that was building inside of her. He leaned in to capture her mouth with his.

His quickened this thrusts, his body slick with the sweat of his effort. She came again and his roaring orgasm followed shortly after.

He collapsed on top of her, the two of them breathless. Daryl rolled off to the side and hugged her back against his abdomen, absentmindedly fondling a breast. "Mine."

"Yours" she sighed before drifting off to a dreamless sleep.