“Thank you,” Kaelee whispered as she kissed the top of Greta’s head. “Are you okay with everything?”
“Veryokay. I’m the one who’s sated, andyou’resaying thank you tome?” Greta sighed. “You spoil me, Kaelee. I was afraid we’d never get to do anything again, and… I want this. I wantyou. I don’t know what that means long term, but I want this.”
The feel of her hot wet center against Kaelee’s hip was almost as distracting as the pulse between her own legs. Kaelee kept Greta pinned tightly to her side and said, “You were very good. Tell me what to do, Greta.”
Briefly, Kaelee hoped that Greta didn’t notice that she had used her actual name instead of a pet name, but all Greta said was “Rules?”
“Hold me. Help me. Fuck me. Please?” Kaelee whispered, half embarrassed at how badly she needed this tonight, how badly she had needed Greta ever since they met.
But then Greta asked, “Hard or soft?”
Kaelee struggled to get the words out, but she managed to say, “I want to give you control. I want… you to decide. No mouth. No toys. Just you.”
“Even when you give me control, it’s still yours,” Greta promised her as she slid her hand lower. “Take my wrist in your hand. You can squeeze it, if you need me to be faster… or you can tell me what you want. Now, later, whatever works. All I want is to make you feel good. You have the control even now, Kaelee. I am still at your mercy.”
Kaelee was glad that Greta couldn’t see the tears of relief in her eyes. No one had ever made her feel so safe and treasured. And the result was that no one had ever led her toward orgasm as frequently and surely as Greta.
Whatever it takes, I can’t endanger you, Greta,Kaelee thought asGreta played her body like she knew Kaelee’s every secret already.I have never felt so sure of my own joy as I do with you.
Out loud, she said none of that. She’d accepted that her trauma and issues with sex were permanent, but with Greta she felt safer, and her boundaries sometimes faded. Honestly, Kaelee hadn’t thought such a thing was possible.
I’ll treasure it while it lasts, but it’s not forever. It can’t be. I can’t endanger Greta by staying in her life.
22Greta
Late that night, Greta woke to see Kaelee sitting at the desk illuminated by moonlight and a small desk lamp. Newsprint cuttings and photos were scattered over the surface. Greta wrapped one of the hotel robes around her and went over to stand behind Kaelee.
In Kaelee’s hand was a laminated clipping. The only reason it wasn’t crumpled unrecognizably was the laminate covering that was cutting into Kaelee’s hand. A tiny bead of blood welled up from her palm where the edge had sliced the skin.
Mr. Arthur Leopold (“Tripp”) Alden III of Raleigh announces the engagement of his daughter, Sabrina Alden, to Kyle Gray, a newly promoted senior vice president of marketing at Alden Enterprises. Gray is the son of Eustace and Irene Gray of Charlotte. A fall wedding is planned.
Under the text of the announcement were two pictures, one of a much younger Kaelee and one of a polished-looking man who was visibly older by at least a decade. In the photo, Kaelee’s currently short-cropped hair was a waterfall of waves that flowed over her shoulders. Her salmon-toned blouse had small sprigs of flowers, and there were no tattoos anywhere. Tiny hoops—one set only—were visible in her ears. Her smile looked strained, and her eyes looked sad.
Greta looked down at the desk. Another clipping on top of the mess seemed to be announcing Kaelee’s departure. It was mostly about her father, his donations, and how difficult the situation was for the family.
(Raleigh) Mr. Arthur Leopold (“Tripp”) Alden III of Raleigh reported his daughter Sabrina Alden missing on Tuesday. Police have spoken to Miss Alden’s fiancé, as well as her sister and cheerleading squad. Alden was to be a freshman at Duke University in the upcoming term, but she’d fallen in with bad elements in recent months. “We want Sabrina to come home where she belongs. We are willing to pay for any leads in her whereabouts,” Mr. Alden told reporters. There have been no ransom demands, and Mrs. Alden tearfully expressed her fear that her daughter was unable to contact her family.
Several prominent political figures and religious figures, along with Miss Alden’s fiancé, were present at the Alden residence. “Tripp Alden, a long-time contributor to the Right Way fund, has supported vetting and training personnel who could bring back family values,” said local congressman Mitchell Edward Jones. “He needs our help now. Join us in prayer for his lost daughter.”
Greta looked at the clippings scattered on the desk. “This was what was in the envelope?”
“Yes.” Kaelee stared at the assorted mess of articles. “Short version? I was declared missing, and then my parents had a memorial. I’m notdead, legally, but they apparently were seeking that. If I died, they could seize my trust fund.” She tapped the corner of an announcement that the family was having a memorial so they could grieve and move on. “Last year, I guess, they let the community know that I was ‘presumed dead’… except he had my mobile number. He obviously knows I’m not dead.”
She sounded more rage-filled than sorrowful, and for that Greta was grateful. She kept her voice gentle and low in the dark room and asked only, “What do you need?”
Kaelee looked back at her. “I don’t even know. I don’twantto cancel my book deals or destroy my newly established career. I know that.”
“Good.” Greta put a hand on Kaelee’s shoulder. “Is that what they’re asking? Is there anything else?”
Kaelee handed her a folded letter. “She has demands. This is her doing as much as his, I guess.”
Dear Brina,
I know you think you can leave your family and life behind. I’m sorry you and Kyle had a fight, but that’s no reason to turn your back on all of us. Your father is very frustrated at how your belligerence will reflect on him if you are discovered living your sinful life.
I was not pleased with the idea of having a memorial service, but he thought a memorial would help everyone move on. The event was well attended, and many people said nice things about you.
When his people delivered the news on your book deal, he was livid. You look so much like me. If people were to see the photo of you or pick up that book, they’ll think we lied. You have to understand that we simply wanted to stop all the questions. We have tried to be patient while you have your little adventure, but your father says you were already finishing that last degree. We can tell everyone you wanted to be independent and earn your way. Your father spoke to the public relations team. We have a good plan. You will ruin everything with this book and story about being a homosexual.
