Chapter 35 #2
"I think they’re spending New Year's together.
Vanessa asked me for a few things she doesn't usually.
.." Kelsey trailed off, and my expression must have been priceless because she burst out laughing.
"She told me she's heading to the Caribbean to use my place there.
Then I got a notification from corporate governance for a three-person authorization, plus staff. "
"I cannot believe Sarki didn't tell me!" I exclaimed. "She told me they were 'getting to know each other' and heading to Milan!"
"I didn't know about the Milan cover story. But it makes sense—Vanessa actually hates going to Italy," Kelsey noted.
"That bitch," I muttered, half-joking. "She messaged me saying I have a meeting with the apartment architect today and didn't mention a word of this."
"Meg, let them have their fun," Kelsey urged, pulling up a chair to sit directly across from me. Our knees were nearly touching when she caught my chin, forcing me to meet her gaze. "Forget about the Milan trip. Let's talk about us."
"What did she even do with those paid tickets?" I wondered aloud, but Kelsey was already moving on.
"I’m going to walk you through exactly what I have planned for tonight," she stated, her voice dropping into that lower, more commanding register. "If there's anything you want to tweak, we change it now. Deal?"
We spent the next hour reviewing the logistics. I asked her to adjust a few details, making sure of one non-negotiable point: if I was going to be naked at any point, it had better be somewhere warm.
???
That afternoon, I logged onto a video call with the architect to finalize the apartment's decor. She assured me that everything would be move-in ready by the time I returned to D.C. A new home for a new life.
Feeling mischievous, I shot a text to Sarki, asking if the Caribbean was treating her well. She replied almost instantly with a photo of her, Lisa, and Vanessa in a pool, holding glasses that looked more like mojito pitchers than actual drinks.
"Kels, look at this," I laughed, showing her the screen. Kelsey chuckled at the photo and pulled me into her arms, suggesting we take a selfie of our own to send back as a rebuttal. After I hit send, she gave me a soft, lingering kiss that felt like a long-awaited homecoming.
"They look happy," she noted, her voice warm with contentment.
"Happy? Look at the size of that glass! They're having a blast," I replied.
"We'll head down there once you’ve handled your business in the States. That trip we talked about," she promised. "I’ll take the opportunity to stop in L.A. and make sure my Vice President hasn't made off with my additives."
"Wait, what? Shouldn't he be someone you trust implicitly?" I asked, surprised.
"In theory... but my dear, saintly father chose him, and I can't fire him. We’re constantly at each other’s throats. But... no shop talk today. I’ll fill you in on that drama later."
"Fair enough! Let’s focus on today. We’ll handle the paperwork, and soon enough, we’ll be lounging by a Caribbean pool for the weekend."
"The house is actually on a beach," she corrected with a wink. "On a private island, to be precise."
I couldn't hide my excitement for what lay ahead. When the clock struck 8:00 p.m., I took a long shower and slipped into a sleek blue sheath dress. Underneath, I wore the off-white lingerie Kelsey had specifically asked me to bring.
I took my time with my makeup and left my hair down in soft waves.
As the minutes ticked toward 9:30 p.m., I went to the master suite to find her, but she was nowhere to be seen.
I decided to finish getting ready and wait in the living room, heart racing, until Kelsey gave me the signal that it was time to begin.
It wasn’t long before I heard the heavy click of the door. I watched as Kelsey entered the room, looking sharp in a navy blue suit, carrying two large packages.
Following the instructions she’d given me earlier, I immediately knelt on the floor and bowed my head in submission. I tracked the movement of her loafers as she approached. She reached down, tilting my chin up to capture my lips in a long, lingering kiss.
I remained perfectly still, the silence stretching as I listened to her preparing the space behind me. I didn't dare turn my head. Only when she finally reached out her hand did I allow myself to stand, using her for support.
"You look beautiful, Kitty," she murmured.
"Thank you," I replied softly. She gestured toward a lounge chair and asked me to fetch the sparkling wine and two glasses. I returned with the bottle, feeling a flush of embarrassment. "I’m sorry... I actually don’t know how to open this."
Without a word, Kelsey took the bottle. With practiced ease, she stripped the seal, popped the cork with a muted thud, and poured us each a glass. She patted her thigh, signaling for me to sit.
"You're anxious," she noted after we toasted and took our first sip. I nodded, unable to deny it. Her hand came to rest heavily on my thigh. "I want to show you something out on the balcony."
I stood when she signaled, momentarily worried about the biting cold outside. But before we stepped out, Kelsey draped a thick, heavy coat over my shoulders.
To my surprise, the air outside was pleasant. She had arranged for portable heaters to be scattered throughout the terrace—I hadn't heard a single sound of their installation. I leaned against the marble railing and noticed the steam rising from a heated pool.
"Was this pool always here?" I asked, mesmerized.
"It's always been here. It’s just been too cold to use," she explained. "I had the heaters brought in today so we could enjoy the view. Apparently, the pool has a cover, but Dimitri only bothered to tell me that this morning."
"What was in the boxes?" I questioned. She stepped closer, her arm sliding around my waist with possessive intent.
"Everything I need to bring you to the very edge," she whispered. She refilled my glass, and I felt the warmth of the alcohol beginning to haze my senses. "May I?" she asked, reaching for my coat. I nodded, and the heavy fabric slid down my arms and pooled at my feet.
I turned to face her, resting my hands on her shoulders as she pulled me into a feverish kiss. She squeezed my waist, crushing me against her. When we finally broke apart, she took me by the fingertips and led me toward two marble pillars. Iron rings were anchored deep into the stone.
She took a length of cotton rope, winding it around her fist before looping it through the rings above my head.
She did the same on the other side. My throat went dry; the mere sight of the preparation sent a jolt of electricity through me before she even touched my skin.
Kelsey then secured my ankles to the rings bolted into the floor, spreading my stance.
"That dress is stunning, Kitty. It’s a shame I’ll have to tear it," she said, her eyes dark with mischief. "Since I forgot to have you undress earlier... well, let’s just pretend this wasn't on purpose."
I couldn't help but smile. I knew by now that she had a penchant for destruction. She ran a pair of shears along each strap, made a small notch at the neckline, and then, with both hands, ripped the fabric clean down the middle. It fell away in a heap.
The shiver that raced through me had nothing to do with the cold. The heaters were perfectly placed, making the marble terrace feel like a cozy, private sanctuary for the ritual about to begin.
Before touching me again, Kelsey refilled her glass.
She took a slow sip, letting the sparkling wine chill her mouth before trailing her lips over my shoulder, my collarbone, and the lace edge of my bra.
Finally, she claimed my mouth. The rush of excitement was every bit as intoxicating as the crisp alcohol on her breath.
She pulled away, circling me like a predator. Her eyes never left my body, and she bit her lower lip in a way that made my heart hammer against my ribs.
"Did you know I’ve been dreaming about you in this lingerie for days?" she asked, her voice a low, dangerous velvet.
I shook my head, unable to find my voice under the weight of her gaze.
She moved back into my space, her tongue tracing the line of my neck while her fingers ghosted along the waistband of my panties.
When she reached my ear, she whispered in a tone that sent a violent shiver through me, stealing a jagged moan from my throat.
"I’ve spent nights masturbating to the thought of taking these off and devouring you. "
With a deft movement of both hands, she unhooked my bra and let it drop to the marble floor. I took a sharp breath, meeting her eyes with my most wicked smile.
"I lost count of how many times I touched myself thinking of you," I countered, my voice regaining its edge.
I watched her return to the table and pick up what looked like a set of weighted clamps.
I’d seen them in BDSM tutorials, but the reality was far more daunting.
She swiped her tongue over one of my nipples while her other hand ran the cold iron of the clamp over my stomach, forcing my muscles to tense in anticipation.
"Let me know if the pressure is too much," she murmured.
She secured the first clamp, slowly adjusting the tension.
When it reached that exquisite, blurred line between pain and pleasure, I gave her a sharp nod.
She mirrored the sensation on the other side.
Once finished, she stepped back to admire her handiwork, a dark look of pride crossing her face.
Kelsey shed her jacket and tie, unbuttoning her sleeves with clinical precision.
She took another sip of wine and checked her watch.
My apprehension was massive—the "not knowing" was a torture all its own, and I knew the anxiety was written all over my face.
I was fighting a superhuman battle just to stay silent and composed.