Rapture's Rendezvous

Maria lowered her eyes. “Yes. I remember. You did say that.”

“Now, honey. Don't let knowing that worry you too much. All men have to have these needs fulfilled. If Ruby didn't do it, someone else would.”

“Yes . . . 1 . . . know“

“So you just remove the rest of your things and climb onto that bed. Michael should be coming any moment now.”

“I just don't see how this will work,” Maria said, turning her back to Ruby as she stepped out of the rest of her undergarments. She was glad to see that Ruby had turned the last light out and couldn't make out Maria's nude shape in the dark.

“Just lie on the bed and keep your mouth shut. In the darkness of the room, Michael won't be able to tell if you are Negro or white,” Ruby purred. “And because of your olive tones, you'll just blend into the darkness. You'll see.”

Maria went to the bed and climbed atop it, feeling the coolness of the sheets next to her skin. She trembled, hugging herself. “I'm a bit afraid,” she whispered, teeth chattering.

“Good. Michael knows he's going to enter a room that has a scared girl waiting for him. It's best you play the part to the hilt.”

“How can I thank you, Ruby?” Maria said, trying to see Ruby, but not able to even see her outline against the wall.

“Honey, just keep this Michael Hopper happy,” she said, laughing throatily. “As long as we have the likes of that man and the riches he possesses frequenting this house, Ruby is kept all smiles.”

“Okay,” Maria said, stretching out on the bed. “I only hope he doesn't realize who I am. It could cause many complications.”

“When a man gets his passions aroused, he isn't aware of much else. Just enjoy it. He's quite a skilled lover. Let him take you away to heights of ecstasy. Don't worry about anything else.”

Maria began to speak once again, but was halted when a knock on the door broke through the ensuing silence. “Michael,” she blurted, covering her mouth with a hand. “God. Oh, Michael.”

Ruby opened the door and moved out into the hall. Maria could hear muffled voices, then felt the thundering of her heart when the door opened and closed once again, giving her only a brief glimpse of Michael's face when the light fell across it when he opened the door. Oh. God. How can I do this? Maria worried to herself. When she listened and could hear the rustling of clothes being removed, tears wet her checks. Here she was . . . with Michael.. . and not able to even breathe his name … or tell him that she loved . . . missed . . . him. …

When she felt the weight of his body slide on the bed next to hers, she immediately smelled the familiar aromas of him. It was as before . .. expensive male cologne and cigars. Oh, how could she have been expected to forget such things about him? Their togetherness had been a time of sensuality. She would always be able to remember even the smallest details about him … the man she adored … the man she loved. She tensed, waiting for that very first touch.

“I know that you're new at this,” he said, taking her hand, kissing each fingertip. “I shall be gentle,” he added. “I shall make you never be afraid again.”

Maria was filled with many emotions. Too many to separate inside herself. His lips … his fingers . . . had become his eyes . . . seeking her out in the darkness. His lips were soft against her flesh, yet tearing out small pieces of her heart as he continued to explore her body. Once he let his lips move from her fingertips, he let them move to the hollow of her throat, then downward until he found a breast, the nipple taut, ready.

A warmth seized Maria, remembering the skillful-ness of those lips. Yes. It was so easy to recall. As though they had never ever been separated. She groaned from deep inside herself, as his lips moved lower, across the trembling flesh of her stomach, then lower, tracing that part of her body that lay spread between her thighs.

Squirming, Maria chewed on her lower lip, having the need to cry out from passion. But she instead reached downward, until she found his arms, and then encouraged him to move upward, so wanting his lips to crush against her own. Then when he did as she wished, Maria began melting inside, a slow, gentle melting that went from her head to her toes. She moved her body next to his, feeling the hardness of his manhood as it lay against her leg, wanting to reach out. . . touch it. . . but she feared being that bold would cause him to wonder about this girl who wished to remain anonymous … the girl who was supposed to be inexperienced.

“You are quite skillful in the way you kiss,” he finally murmured, running his fingers

upward, through her hair. “And, ah, such luscious, soft hair. Nothing like any I've felt before in this house of girls. Your hair is soft, almost like silk. Not coarse like the other girls of this house.”

Maria's heartbeats faltered. Was he guessing that she was indeed not a Negress? Were there ways to tell? Then she forgot her worries … her fears … when his lips moved to her throat and kissed her there once again … so soft… so sweet… while his fingers made contact on both her breasts, kneading, pinching.

“And now I'd like to warn you before I enter you,” Michael said, moving a hand down between her thighs, caressing her there. “Ruby said this was the first for you while in this house. She didn't say if it was the first time for having sex, though. But I will be gentle, just in case it is.”

Maria closed her eyes, as the intensity inside her grew. She was full of wondrous desirous feelings. She felt no guilt… no shame. What she was doing seemed natural .. . even expected of her . . . since she was with the man she loved. If she could only whisper of her love to him, touch him where he now throbbed . . . urge him inward. She didn't wish for him to be gentle any longer. She wanted him to take her quickly .. . recklessly even. Being in Michael's arms once again was causing her head to reel with delight. She wanted to tell him this. But instead, she had to continue to lie mute .. . writhing . . . waiting. . . .

With a moan of ecstasy, he entered her. First slowly, then with quick, eager thrusts. His fingers pressed into her flesh, lifting her hips to meet him. His mouth crushed down upon hers, trembling with passion and desire.

“Maria,” he then whispered as his body quivered .. . clutching her to him as though she was in a vise. .. .

Maria's eyes flew open, momentarily stunned, having heard her name. Had he truly spoken it? Did he know? How? But soon even these thoughts were taken from her mind when she felt the pleasurable sensations begin as waves in her head, then splashing through her in one marvelous climax after another.

“Ah, Maria,” he whispered, caressing her breasts, then withdrew suddenly. “I'm sorry, miss . .. uh . . . I'm very sorry to have spoken another's name. It seems it's a habit of mine. I guess I can't get someone free from my mind. I'm sorry. Believe me. . . .”

Tears moved down Maria's cheeks. She reached for Michael and urged him to lie next to her once again. She wrapped her arms around him, fitting her body into his, clinging. Oh, Michael. Oh, Michael, she thought to herself. You do love me. You do miss me. Oh, Michael. How can I marry Nathan Hawkins knowing this? Oh. God. What shall I do?

Michael's fingers went to her cheeks, wiping the tears away. “I'm sorry if I hurt you,” he whispered, kissing her gently on the lips. “I tried to be gentle.”