Painted Rose

'Shell?' Simon broke the calming silence.

'Mhhmm'

'Can I stay at your just for tonight. Rita is supposed to be out on business, and staying in the house on my own, just send my mind into overdrive.

'Sure..' His eyes lit up

'Thanks Shell. You don't know what this means to me.'

They finished their drinks and exchanged growing primal flirtations. Unwanted excitement grew deep within her core. Rising like a tide between her legs. She was still so horny from the painting session earlier, and a night alone with Simon was proving to be almost overwhelming. Keep it together Shell. This doesn't need to get any more complicated...

***

It was all so romantic, snuggled up on Michelle's Sofa. They were in a comfortable silence listening to the ambiance of the roaring flames, which gave the room a warm orange glow. A perfect date if it wasn't for one minor complication. Michelle let out a sigh as she pushed herself up from Simon's arms.

'What's wrong Shell?'

'This doesn't feel right...'

'We've always been close. What's wrong?' He was right. They had been friends a long time before Rita was ever on Simon's radar. Michelle twizzled her hair and said.

'Just you being here when I know you should be sharing this moment with my sister. She doesn't even know you are here. It just feels like I am crossing... You know like a boundary that I don't want to cross. Just because she is going behind your back, doesn't mean you should do the same you know.'

'If its any consolation, I don't know where Rita is either... And judging by what I've found, a hug on the sofa is nothing. Besides you've always said how I make a good pillow.'

They both smiled at each other. He was right and she hated it. Simon trained, but his overindulging lifestyle meant he was slightly softer than pure shredded muscle. Michelle loved it. It was so soft and soothing lying on his chest. Life was for living in the moment. What harm could a snuggle do to comfort someone who is grieving for their relationship?

She let out a sigh once again and began to lie back down on his chest. Simon's hand stopped her mid decent. He gently placed his index finger on her chin and tilted her head up. There was a pause as they locked their gaze. Simon's eyes opened her heart as her lips began to moisten. Her mind denying what her body wanted so badly, but the longer she stared the more intoxicated she became.

Simon readjusted and began to slowly edge his way towards Michelle. He got so close she could feel his warm breath on her cheek. She surrendered, even if it was just for a moment. Their lips locked and it was like a jolt down her spine. She had wanted this so badly ever since she had met him. Years of delayed gratification was being... NO

'Rita...' Michelle whispered as she pushed Simon away as gently as she could. 'We're not going to follow her same mistakes Simon. If you want me, we do this above board or not at all. Her voice was fierce and firm. Simon looked shocked. His eyes wide and cheeks red.

'Oh... God.... What am I doing... I'm... I'm'

'It's OK Simon, I understand, but I'm not being a pity fuck. You're a bit lost at the moment. I don't blame you.' She went to hug him but it was her to in this dance to be pushed away.

'I can't Shell. I'm sorry. I just...can't. I need to be alone now. I know this.' He picked up his coat and ran out of the door before Michelle could say anything. The door gently sealed shit. She had to find out what was going on. Simon deserved to know the truth. Why was she cheating on someone so perfect?

If Rita wasn't in tonight, then it would be her perfect opportunity to snoop around a bit. See if Rita is hiding something. Simon would just have to keep control of his emotions just for a little while at least. Michelle sorted her flat, grabbed her handbag with her notepad in it and left not long after Simon.

//// Chapter 3 ////

Time was ticking. Michelle wanted a resolution no matter what the outcome. Obviously, she would prefer the one where Simon doesn't get hurt. They weren't together romantically but she still cared about him as a friend. Which is why he deserved to know the truth.

It wasn't long before she had arrived at Simon and Rita's house. It was on a street where all the houses were in pairs. They lived in a semi-detached modern house, made of steel girders and insulated blackened glass. It was a very stylish look reserved for those with an above-average income. You couldn't see in, but those looking out had a crystal clear view of the entire neighbourhood. A voyeurs dream. She touched the doorbell and a deflated voice rang out.

'Hello?'

'Simon it's Shell... Can I come in?'

'Oh god...' He muttered. 'I don't know if I can Shell. You know what you said about going behind Rita's back. You're a good friend, and I am grateful you said what you said... But I...'

'Simon. I'm not here to Fuck you.' Though a dark part of her wished she was. 'I'm here to help you.'

'With what?'

'Listen, there is no one who knows my sister better than I do. If she's hiding something. I'll know where. Please Simon, let me help you get to the bottom of this.'

The door clicked open and began its horizontal glide, revealing the shadow of a tall dark figure, standing cross-armed. Before she could react the shadow latched onto her like a koala to a tree.

'I'm sorry Shell...I'm so sorry..' A tear dropped onto her neck. She returned the squeeze.

'It will be alright. We'll get you the closure you need. That way you know where you stand, and how to move on with this.'

They both went inside where Simon proceeded to show Michelle the places he had looked so far for any clues. Rita wasn't as clever as that. If she had anything to hide, you only had to check the most obvious of places. Being an intelligent man, Simon looked in all the places that were subtle and discreet.

They checked the bedroom. It had a very plain feeling to it. Cream carpets, cream walls, cream bedcovers, no life to it. It looked smart but was so absent of any colour. Not to Michelle's taste at all. The drawers were empty of anything incriminating. Though one draw brought a flirty smirk to Michelle's face. Their 'naughty' draw. It was full of vibrators, lubes and butt plugs. The one nearest the top was a grey two-pronged vibrator. On the side, it read 'Prostagasm'. Michelle's smile grew even more.

'Having a bit of solo fun are we Simon? I never knew you liked anal?'

'Hey! That's private.'

'Oh come one, I'm not going to tell anyone, besides I've heard it's like the G-Spot for men, and I'm all for pleasure for pleasure's sake.' He looked away but she could see the heat rising in his cheeks.

'There's nothing here Simon. Perhaps there is something downstairs.'

They scouted the Living Room, Nothing. Kitchen, nothing. Dining Room, nothing. There was one last place that they hadn't checked and that was the entrance hallway. Something was telling Michelle to check the phone drawer. Michelle walked over to it as Simon exclaimed.

'Nothing in there. I've checked it several times.' Though Michelle didn't believe him. Rita always used to hide her smut in drawers when they were growing up, never at the top, always underneath a pile of safe for work magazines. If there was a place that she would keep anyone's number it would be by the phone. She opened the drawer. A generic pile of useless magazines. Check. She placed her hand underneath the pile, slowly pulling up the collection of glossy paper. Please don't be it, please don't be it...

'Shit..'

'What? What is it?'

She put the magazines on the top of the drawer which revealed a pamphlet from the Red room.

'Not getting satisfied at home? Come see one of our Master's of Pleasure. It only takes one night to change your life.

Full discretion guaranteed.'

Simon put his hand to his mouth. The fury building in his eyes as he intensely stared at the pamphlet.

'I fucking knew it... The bitch! After everything I have done for her... She slaps me in the face... Not getting fucking satisfied at home? What about my fucking satisfaction?'

Simon walked off into the kitchen. Michelle heard the clink of ice hitting the bottom of the glass, followed by the distinct sound of a liquor being poured. She felt so bad for him. Why had Rita done this? Michelle flipped the pamphlet over.

'Need a little more to get you there? Interested in getting in touch with your shadow self. Want someone with a firmer hand? Get in touch with Master Ricardo today'

Simon came round the corner with a full tumbler of whiskey in hand.

'Whenever I see that look Shell, you're always about to do something dangerous... What is it?'

'I know what I have to do Simon.'

She had always been curious about the delights of pleasure spiked with pain but had usually just defaulted to more vanilla pursuits of ecstasy. Oh well, two birds one stone. If being a good detective meant submitting to the will of Master Ricardo, so be it.

'Can I use the phone?'

'Of course'

She dialed in the number from the card. Ring Ring.... Ring Ring... Her heartbeat quickened. She could almost hear it. Thud thud, ring ring, thud thud, ring ring...Click

'Master Ricardo speaking.' His voice had a heavy Spanish accent, of course it would be Spanish with a name like Ricardo.

'You will refere to me as sir from now on. Is that understood?'

'Er... Sure why not?'

'Excuse me? You aren't starting this relationship in my good books madame... Or perhaps you are looking for that extra bit of punishment?' Each word he took great care to annunciate perfectly. This was a man who paid great attention to detail.

'Now try again madame... You will refer to me as sir. Is that understood?'

'Yes, Sir'

'Good. Luckily for chou I have a spot free Thursday at 8 pm. Come to Club Red. Don't be late. And as this is your first time, it will be £100, but only because I like your voice.'

The phone went dead before she could even ask anything more. She hadn't even found out what she was even letting herself in for. What the hell was she thinking? Simon still looked puzzled.

'What's happening Shell?'

'Well... Apparently I am lucky enough to have an appointment with Master Ricardo next Thursday at 8 pm.' Michelle paused for a moment, and then continued. 'I'm gonna take the time to do some digging Simon. I'll find out what she is doing with him. See if she is actually hiring him or not.'

'Hiring? She is fucking paying for it? God if she'd just let me near her I'd be able to... God.. This is stupid.' His tone angered as he puffed out his chest like a gorilla about to charge.

'Calm down Simon.'

'Calm down!? Calm Down? I've just found out my wife-to-be is paying for sex. How do you think that makes me feel? Who is it? I'm gonna kill him if I ever see him.'

She placed a hand on his heart.

'Shh... I can't imagine how you are feeling right now, but anger isn't the right way to deal with this. It isn't his fault. He is just doing what he is paid to do. I'm going up there Thursday. I'll talk it through with him and clear this all up. We don't even know what this is about. This could be a surprise for you, you know. You did say that you always wanted to go there with her'

His shoulders relaxed down as he took a deep breath in and sipped a large gulp of whiskey.

'Sorry Shell. It's just... It's just.' She placed a finger on his lips. There was a long pause. The silence was broken when he surrendered to his sadness and began to cry. They embraced one last time and then she left him to mourn with purpose in her step.

//// Chapter 4 ////

It was only Tuesday and Michelle was anxious not just about the things that are happening with Rita and Simon, but also because of what she signed herself up to later this week. She needed to get her mind off it all and there was no better remedy than to paint.

She walked over to her easel and pulled out the sketch from her art class. She pondered for a moment and smiled with naughty intent. She was already crossing one boundary with Ricardo, might as well go all out and finish her erotic adventure with Asoka. She peaked at the delight that she had drawn of this beautiful maiden and eagerly made the phone call to invite her lusty muse over.

'I thought you'd never call.' Asoka 's tone was low and raspy. Whether it was because she was already anticipating Thursday or not, Michelle was incredibly turned on. She felt the ripples of delight building inside of her, eagerly waiting for a delicate touch.

'I was wondering if you could help me?' Michelle questioned.

'In more ways than one I am sure sweetie. But I have a feeling this is about a small amount of modeling you might like me to do for you?'

'How did you know'

'Because no one draws a piece like that and leaves the woman in everlasting suspense. No, an artist of your demeanor would want to see her pursuits pleasures fully... fulfilled. Not like most men treat their women, but you aren't a man, which leaves us with a whole lot of delightful options... Now tell me sweetie, where is my booty coming to? This is a booty call in the most professional of ways. Am I right?' Each word Asoka muttered teased and tantalized Michelle's mind to the possibilities of what could happen. She decided she would let it.

'67 Sol Street. Buzz when you're here, and I'll come get you.'

'Get warmed up for me...' There was a long pause

'With the painting of course, do a small sketch of something. I want to see what that beautifully slutty imagination of yours comes up with.'

The phone went dead. She was insulted, challenged and incredibly intrigued. Get warmed up? She had been warmed up for days now, from the moment she had seen Asoka drop that purple gown to the floor and gazed upon her physical perfection, no she didn't need to warm up. She needed to cool down!

Michelle took a shower, washing in the sweetest rose scented soap. If this was going to be the night she explored her bicurious side she would do it smelling like heaven. The shower grounded her a little bit. Calming her erotic mind just for a moment so she could focus on setting the right scene.

She lit up the fire and tidied up all small bits of clutter. She wanted the place to be perfect for her date. Date? Was she growing feelings for Asoka? She didn't dwell too much about it. She wasn't expecting anything to happen, yet she was preparing for everything all at once. It didn't seem long before the buzzer went. Butterflies again. She had had enough butterflies in her stomach this week she could start her own sanctuary.

'Close your eyes, I'll be right there. No Peaking'

The doors wooshed open and Michelle grabbed both of Asoka's hands leading her inside. The hand to hand contact charged her body with pure sexual energy.

'You smell like roses sweetie, you didn't have to go all out for me you know...'

Michelle blushed, but luckily for her, Asoka couldn't see it.

'Oh this, its just my soap. I have a spare bottle if you like it?'

'Getting all cleaned up for me eh? What ARE you planning to do with me I wonder?' Asoka teased. Michelle didn't respond and kept leading her into the apartment. As soon as the doors closed Michelle asked Asoka to open her eyes.

Michelle had rearranged the room, moving the sofa to face the easel by the window, eagerly awaiting for its sweet bird to take its perchperch. Without a word, Asoka dropped her jacket to the floor. She was wearing a thin, light purple, see-throughsee-through dress that revealed her soft, supple naked body. She was so hot, Michelle just wanted to rip the clothes off of her. She had to paint soon or she would lose herself to such feminine beauty.

Asoka moved over to the lounger and adopted the exact pose from her painting. She looked over to Michelle with teasing eyes.

'It seems I'm missing that extra bit of spice here... Which is a shame... I'd so love to give you a true to life performance of your work.'

Michelle's cheeks reddened further as she walked over to the easel.

'Oh no need to be shy my dear. I know you find me attractive, but not just on the 'I've got tits' level. No, in your eyes I see something deeper.'

' I... I don't know what to...'

'You don't need to say anything sweetie. It's not words I want from your lips...'

Suddenly the confidence was sapped from her body. She was stood there as if time had stopped. Her mind wandering from worrying thought to worrying thought. Asoka got up and slowly walked over to Michelle caressing her hand. Michelle looked into Asoka's dreamlike eyes.

'Whats wrong? You seem tense?'

'I'm just....'

'It's ok you can talk to me. Anyone who can do art like that must have a very beautiful mind.'

Michelle took a deep breath in and said.

'I've always been curious about what it would be like to be with a woman... I've just never you know... Actually done it.'

There, she had taken the leap. Now to see if she falls to the floor or manages to get her clumsy wings to actually work.

'Oh my dear. There's no need to be ashamed. I knew you were the moment I laid eyes on you. I say embrace curiosity for curiosities sake...'

She stroked her shoulder which ignited a new wave of sensations down her arm. Michelle's mind may be playing tricks on her, but her body was screaming for attention. Their eyes met as she felt the heat rise between the two of them. Michelle licked her lips. Asoka couldn't help but notice and moved just a bit closer to Michelle. They locked eyes for one moment longer, then Asoka made her move.

She was fierce as a tiger, courageously moving towards its target with a quick and precise pounce. Their lips snapped in place as if they were magnets. She felt pure tension rise from within her stomach as she surrendered to her passion. Asoka's breast had slipped out of her dress, fully hard and erect like a mountain standing proud in the scenery. They were nipple to nipple, even if Michelle still had her clothes on.

Their tongues danced like flames in the night. My god, she tasted like fresh mint. She had done a bit of cleaning up herself too. Asoka must have known they were going to kiss, she was prepared for it, but Michelle couldn't help but wonder, what else was she prepared for?

Asoka's hands began to wonder. Squeezing her breasts as their lips unlocked. She kissed her cheek and then began to make love to her neck. Slow and purposefully. Each kiss showing affection in a completely new and sensuous way. Michelle let out a half moan at the touch of soft lips against the sensitive skin of her neck. Asoka was so gentle with her caress, it wasn't like any other sexual experience she had felt before.

A hand slipped down her stomach and nestled itself with lustful intent at the top of her trousers. Asoka teased a finger in between the waistband and Michelle's skin. Gods, why did she stop there? Michelle twitched at the touch of her fingers so close her pussy, yet denying the pleasure of physical touch. Then it hit her.

The twitch almost a waking moment of how real this was all getting. Was she even ready for this?

Asoka's hand popped out of her trousers and continued its descent further south. Rubbing her clit through the fabric of her trousers. No this didn't feel right. She couldn't, not yet anyway. Michelle grabbed Asoka's wrist as gently as she could.

'Asoka... I'm sorry. I just don't think I'm... Ready. You know? God's I want you so badly, I'm just, a bit, you know.'

' Check you out with your lady balls. You don't have to explain yourself my dear. You know its very rare I find someone who is good at communicating what they really want, and it just makes me want you even more. We're gonna have a lot of fun together I know it.'

She removed her hand and pecked Michelle on the lips.

'No pressure sweetie, K' She let out the biggest smile she could that warmed Michelle's very soul. She was confused. How could she still remain so upbeat after being rejected moments earlier?