Project Marigold: The Waldorf Ch. 01

Liu was definitely into Mary. She knew this 17 days earlier when she easily cracked his cloud based porn stash. "Amateur" she thought at the time. It was filled with images of large women. Ethnicity, hair color, location didn't' seem to matter to Liu. 'Curvy' was the politically correct term. Mary had heard many other less flattering terms to describe the body type through the years.

The files were random and tame from Mary's point of view. There were few pictures of actual intercourse. Most were of fleshy pink or brown women posing for the camera - posing for Liu. They would stand totally naked, their large breasts spilling down toward the floor. Large and dark aureoles surrounded long and even darker nipples. Sometimes a hand would cup one of the milk filled glands and lift them up to her own mouth, as if trying to feed herself with the warm and sweet syrup.

The torsos narrowed slightly below the rib cage, only to begin their gradual expansion. Layers of skin and fat surrounded the waist at the belly button, spreading out slightly toward the earth. Most had enough elasticity left in the skin to give the impression of toned muscle - female sumo's that were tough and strong. A few had midsections where time had defeated the collagen and the rolls looked like gourmet cheese.

Their waists melded into massive hips. 'A man could get lost in those hips' Mary thought. They were wide but oddly inviting. Their sexes were always adorned with soft silky well-trimmed hair. Some women held one hand on top of one of their monster buttocks and tilted the hip outward, as if these beautiful masses of muscle fat and skin needed to be accentuated. They all smiled back at Liu - back at Mary. They all looked confident. They all looked real. They all looked like they enjoyed sex - not just trying to make a man believe in their ecstasy. Mary believed that when these women orgasmed, the world moved.

So when it came time for someone to meet Liu in an attempt to get closer to him and to gain access to the 'real' digital secrets the agency was most interested in, Mary was considered the natural agent. It would be her first in the field. Dev recommended her for field work several months back and she was surprised at how quickly she had agreed and she jumped into training.

Her break up with Evan, but also growing confidence in her own person, made Mary a more than willing volunteer. Plus she knew the truth about most field work - it was not like the movies. It was eventful but not dangerous. And it got her out from behind the desk.

Her first field task was relatively simple. It was believed that Mr. Zhang was negotiating an oil deal with Iran against the wishes of the US. If so, some evidence of these negotiations might be kept on his personal computing device - a tablet he carried with him on most occasions and that had been specially designed by one of the leading Taiwanese computer firms. Mary was to identify as many details of the device as possible in the hopes they could discover some vulnerability. They would use the details of the device to later hack their way in. Alternatively, and only if possible with complete discretion, Mary was to secure the device and bring it back to the agency.

"Mr. Zhang" Mary touched the back shoulder of the Vice-Minister. He turned. Zhang stood 6 feet tall and looked down at the 5' 4" Mary. He smiled a big broad warm smile. Mary couldn't tell if there was a hint of appreciation or even lust in the wrinkles that radiated from the side of each grinning eye.

"I'm Shannon Reilly with IT Defense Ireland" she proceeded with no attempt at an Irish brogue. Her one hand slid down his arm as he turned while her other hand reached out for a business like shake. Zhang took her hand, and then bent down and caressed her cheek with his clean-shaven face for a European style greeting. Mary smelled minty after shave. Zhang would have picked up the scent of Green Irish Tweed perfume.

"Ah good to meet you Ms. Reilly" Zhang enthusiastically responded in perfect English as he pulled back but held her hand in his with a firm and friendly grasp. He was dressed in a dark blue Zegna suit with a silk tie. He proudly sported graying temples against otherwise jet black hair. She had interrupted him as he stood listening to other delegates wax on about recent developments in technology based outsourcing. The reception at the Waldorf was the kickoff cocktail party for the two and half day event that was intended to be an annual catalyst for countries interested in exporting their technology based labor skills. Mary / Shannon of course could sniff out technology posers from a mile away - and this was no exception. These were the 'suits' not the coders and she did her best to hide her scorn.

"I thought I recognized you walk in earlier" Shannon responded. "I know we are scheduled to chat tomorrow at 9, but I thought I'd introduce myself here at the party."

"I'm so glad you did" Zhang said and Shannon blushed. "When my office explained that I was to meet with a computer security expert I have to say I was not expecting a woman of such beauty." Zhang lied. He had been provided a full background check 3 days earlier. The meeting was an important one for the Taiwanese government. Technology dominates their economy - both directly and indirectly. They are home to many important technology outsourcers and each of them requires being up to date in security and encryption. Plus, the Taiwanese government itself is always under cyber surveillance and even attack. Their enemies like China and even their friends like the US are unapologetic snoops. IT Defense, based in Ireland, is known worldwide for its advanced techniques to combat such efforts.

But if there was any doubt as to whether Liu would accept the meeting, it faded when his assistant provided Shannon's picture and security background. Outwardly he responded in stoic reflection. Inwardly he felt familiar sensations. He accepted the 9am meeting.

"Did you enjoy tonight's keynote?" Zhang asked Shannon.

"Honestly I found it a bit presumptuous." She replied. "The US likes to demonize fringe elements and portray non-US efforts at cyber terrorism as large almost factory like organizations." She continued. "But they aren't. The most successful threats are driven by a small handful of really, really smart people. IQ's off the charts. They may be supported by a small group of slightly less intelligent techs - but it is far from an army."

Zhang sensed Shannon was not a fan of the US. He smiled. She continued with her informed assessment of the situation.

"Tell me Shannon" Zhang finally interrupted. "Why did you get into this business? What made you decide to become a computer programmer? It seems awfully - um - isolated for a person such as yourself."

"Well" Shannon started, preparing to spew her pat answer as if she had rehearsed it for a job interview.

"And please don't tell me about the value of security, that it's important for Ireland, and the citizens of the world, that you enjoy solving puzzles." Zhang chided as if reading her mind. "Tell me, what were the feelings you had the first time you realized this was to be your life's passion."

Mary stopped. She flashed to Evan and his odd almost unanswerable questions. She let the silence hang between them for several moments, smiling into his fatherly eyes. He didn't speak. He wasn't letting her off the hook. She told herself to keep it simple and true - one less lie you have to remember.

"I feel powerful when I'm invisible" she finally replied with a determined tone. He just smiled back. His eyes opened and closed as if he had already known the answer.

"I discovered I am good in the background. I actually reveal the best of myself when I am hacking through systems that aren't even seen. But 99% of the time these revelations are only for me to see. No one else. I'm not judged. I don't have the pressure of feeling I have to perform. And any disappointment I feel is only mine. And frankly it's not even disappointment. It becomes just another challenge I can silently attack until - well until its conquered. You can't really do that with people. Any interaction -no matter how well intended and loving - comes with some judgment in the real world with real people. When I'm invisible I am never judged. And sometimes, I even get to be the judge." She smiled back at him. She wasn't sure where that had come from and felt flush in the cheeks.

"Hmm. I see." Zhang chuckled. "I'm more of a superman myself" he continued with an attempt to lighten up the mood. "Flying, saving - sometimes destroying - is so much more heroic. But I definitely appreciate the power of invisibility." He looked at her provocatively. "I have found that when superman and the invisible woman get together, interesting things can happen" he reached out his hand to hers. "You see invisible people seek selfish pleasure. They don't feel they need people around them. But they are wrong. They need resistance; both mental and physical. They need an opposing force. And what can offer up more force than the man of steel" he laughed and locked his eyes on hers. He saw through her. They paused and stared at each other. "What was he saying" Shannon thought. She had never been in this position before. She let the pause linger.

Zhang leaned in. "Ms. Reilly, I think you are very good at finding out secrets. I wouldn't be surprised if you found out one or two about me." She blinked in surprise. "If so, all the better. Because then you know that when I say you are a beautiful woman it is not out of courtesy. You know that I desire you. I yearn and lust for you. And I know that what you need is an opposing force to - um - wrestle with" another long pause. "You will only feel my presence in the manner that brings you pleasure - certainly no judgment. And I will enjoy the selfish expressions of a most beautiful but invisible woman."

He broke the hand hold and sat back. Shannon was panting. The sensation was now flooding her senses. "It has been so long" she thought. Blood was flowing in unusual directions. Her legs felt weak. Her cheeks were flushed. Her head spun. Her fingers tingled. Her groin pulsed. She pressed her legs together and squirmed.

"Why don't we retire to my room" Zhang held out his hand. "If you need to give yourself an excuse, it's because I want to check the meeting place and agenda for tomorrow's meeting on my tablet."

'Well that's convenient' Shannon thought to herself then she took his hand.

Liu held out a white cotton hotel robe. Shannon took it cautiously. "Why don't you get comfortable in the bathroom? I thought you might like to wear this." Then he pointed to the bed where a matching robe was spread out, arms flailing on the quilt. "As you can see I'll do the same. Then we can enjoy some champagne and the starry night together."

Shannon thought it was a good idea. She glanced over her shoulder on the way to the tile and chrome in-room spa and saw Zhang begin to undo his tie. Once in the bathroom she quickly dug out her phone and tapped out a message to Dev. "In room 423. Seeking device. Update soon." She put the phone back in her clutch and took a deep breath then undressed. She lingered as she removed her panties. Her sex was noticeably swollen. Even the slight touch of her hands caressing her skin as she undressed created goose bumps. Her hands skimmed the sides of her breasts as she removed the shear front clasping bra. She looked at herself in the mirror. "Would he like what he saw?" she asked herself. She struck a pose similar to the ones in his porn stash. Then she stopped leaned forward and started to hyper ventilate.

It took several breaths to gain control. She closed her eyes but still saw white lights. She needed to calm down. She smelled the ocean and sea salt. She felt herself leaning into the breeze. The spa faded into the background and she was in San Marcos. "God damn, he's right" she thought with a laugh. She stopped thinking about Liu. She stopped wondering about his acceptance of her; wondering if she was his type or if she was beautiful enough. Instead she began to wonder if he would be good enough for her. Would he be the quiet man of steel that he promised? He had the burden of proof.

She opened her eyes again and looked in the mirror with a more determined look. She took her hands and gently caressed herself. She rubbed her neck and shoulders. Tension began to fade. Her head fell lazily to the side, but she still observed herself in the reflection. Her hands slid down her chest and breast plate. Her palms circled the outside of her breasts, avoiding the hard nipples. The hands continued their journey down her taut abdomen. They found her sex and lingered with soft gentle caresses before venturing to the sides to sooth her hips and to reach behind and caress her ass cheeks. She repeated the massage, but this time she closed her eyes. She was back on that island. She began to feel the selfish desire and longing. Her knees grew weak and she knew she was ready. She slipped on the robe; she didn't feel like fastening the front. She walked out to greet Liu.

Liu had arranged two chairs by the window farthest from the bed. He was sitting in one of the French Renaissance knock offs, casually sipping champagne, legs crossed as if he were enjoying just another Sunday brunch. Shannon wondered how often he had done this. He stood when she walked in. Silently he handed her a glass and offered her the other chair. The window was open and the cool breeze landed on Shannon's face. It was cold but pleasing. The New York night was in full swing and the noise from the street was loud and distinct. She closed her eyes but she didn't long for San Marcos. Instead she was beginning to create a new memory. She hoped it would just as pleasing. They stayed that way for minutes, sitting quietly listening to New York.

She sensed him approach her from behind. He gently reached to take her champagne flute. He sat it down, then, kneeling behind her as she sat in the chair, began to hum a song. Shannon didn't recognize it - perhaps a traditional Taiwanese love song or lullaby she thought. His hands fell on her shoulder. One hand made its way to the back of her head. He ran his fingers through her Marilyn Monroe hair, caressing the crown of her head. With eyes closed, she gently rolled her head with his caress.

The other hand reached forward. It found her skin under the loose fitting robe. For a few moments it ran across her chest just below her neck. Then it slipped further under the cotton covers. It found her breast and it felt the hard nipples betraying Shannon's excitement. Shannon let out a gentle whisper of a moan and smiled. Soft caress after soft caress warmed her bosom. He gently played with her nipple with his fingers. More blood flowed to them - and to her loins.

Now with both hands he slid the robe off of her shoulders and she sat in the chair, nearly completely naked. She felt invisible appendages from behind the wooden and lace chair hungrily consume her breasts, her abdomen her thighs. She suddenly realized she needed a bit more resistance. She stood up and walked to the bed. The two white cotton capes followed them briefly before landing on the floor, holding each other like lovers.

She turned at the foot of the bed to face Liu. For the first time he saw the man naked and vulnerable in front of her. The years had been friendly with Zhang. He still displayed a well-toned if not slightly graying torso. There was enough muscle definition that if she squinted he might look like the man from Krypton. A hairy chest led to an almost hairless abdomen and then lower his fully erect cock stood at her attention. She giggled. "I see you weren't lying about being the man of steel" they smiled at each other.

He took the one step forward needed to close the gap between their naked bodies and they embraced. They kissed long and passionately. Inside she felt her feelings surge. Her tongue darted deeply into his mouth. She withdrew her tongue and was pleased to feel his tongue keep up the chase. His tongue explored and filled her mouth. Juices flowed. Mouth-watering saliva seeped from glands. She took a quick moment to swallow, then resumed and invited his tongue into her mouth again. She pressed her breasts and her hips into his. She almost straddled his leg to feel him rub up against her crotch. Resistance she thought. She wanted him inside of her. First she wanted to taste him.

She broke the kiss and glanced up. His gentle smile told invisible girl to do whatever she wanted. She laid her head against his chest and felt the beat of a strong pulse. She lowered herself, kissing and nibbling on the way down. If this pleased him, she was happy. But she was doing this for herself. She wanted to feel the passion of the man pulsing in her mouth. She reached the steel rod and rubbed it against her lips and cheek. She reveled in its hardness but also its soft hot skin. She licked at the underside and felt the steel shiver as if vibrating and this reflexively sent one of her hands down to her own sex.

She took the tip of the shaft into her mouth. It twitched. She twitched. She stuffed it in an inch more and felt herself moan. She withdrew and licked the underside some more. She stuffed it in again, just a bit further. She could feel blood surge into the steel girder and it swelled some more; larger and more powerful to offer more resistance. She withdrew and licked the underside yet again. She tasted the salty early pre cum aperitif and imagined the taste and smell of her own sex. One more time she plunged the cock into her mouth.

Then her world changed.

Five minutes later.

Lying there in the dark, next to a man she had met just two hours earlier, she wept. She rested her hands on his naked back, bowed her head to make contact with her hands, and she prayed for his soul. She prayed for her soul. Then she put her arms and body inside the soft white cotton cloak that was waiting patiently at her side, headed for the door and she made herself invisible.