Lesbian romance

https://www.amazon.com/author/kitabook

Chapter One: All This Could Be Yours It would be a lie to say that I wasn't nervous approaching the strangers door. I had never done anything like this before, nor had I imagined doing something like this in a million years. I raised my hand to knock and then paused mid action, with my hand lingering in the air. I wondered again if this was really a good idea and checked my watch -- three minutes till. I let my hand drop again and closed my eyes, before recalling the events that led me here.

It was about two weeks ago that everything had begun. I was hanging out with Sara, my best friend, and receiving consolation. My most recent boyfriend, Eddie, had broken up with me the previous day. Sara was doing her best to make me feel better about the whole scenario.

"In my opinion, it was a good thing." Sara had remarked while fixing us each a cup of coffee. She scooped in sugar and stirred it slowly. "He was loud and obnoxious and kind of a prick if I'm being honest."

While all those things had been true, I had been able to deal with him because he had the ability to make me feel special -- not all the time, but enough to maybe feel like I loved him.

"He was good to me," I argued, but quickly

amended. "Sometimes."

Sara placed a steaming mug in front of me and I noticed she rolled her eyes at my comment. "Julie, when are you going to stop settling for what's just all right? You need something that's going to be good for you. Even better, you need something that will be great for you!"

I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. I loved Sara for that reason. She was like a bright little sun bouncing around and brightening up everyone and everything around her.

Still, there was that little detail nagging at the back of my mind. The reason why Eddie told me he didn't care to stay, no matter how pretty or successful I might be. In the end, his words stung more than him leaving. They lingered in my head and made me doubt myself as a woman.

Sara noticed the crease forming between my eyebrows and used a thumb to rub it out. I swiped at her hand. "Knock it off."

"What's really bothering you here?" she asked a little more serious now. "You can't bullshit me. I'm your best friend."

I was embarrassed to tell her. Mostly because I

was embarrassed for myself, but either way I had to get it off my chest.

"He suggested that I...had little to no sexual fluidity," I mumbled.

Sara raised a brow at my comment. "There's no way in hell that Eddie Randall even knows what sexual fluidity is."

"No. Those were my words," I scowled. "If you want an exact quote, he told me I had the sex appeal of a saltine cracker."

Sara blinked and then let out a howl of laughter.

I visibly winced at her reaction and she stopped abruptly. "Wait, you believe him?" I looked down at the cup of coffee I had yet to even touch and nodded my head somberly.

"It's never been something I really cared about. I didn't, I didn't realize it was such a big deal. So, yeah.

He's right. I know nothing and I'm terrible and, and I don't even know!" That's when the tears came.

Reluctantly at first but it didn't take long for me to really feel sorry for myself and get them rolling hard.

I felt Sara slip a comforting arm around my shoulders and I welcomed her embrace. I heard her sigh before she squeezed me hard to her side. "You

can't listen to guys like that about anything, especially not sex."

I raised my head to protest but Sara placed her hand over my mouth without even looking at me.

Damn, she knew me too well. A small grin formed on my lips at my friend's intuition.

"But, if you really are concerned about your, eh...prowess let's say, I might be able to help. I'll have to make some phone calls to find out though."

I separated myself from Sara's grasp both intrigued and very confused at the same time. "What are you talking about?"

Sara looked at me for a long moment, gauging something in my face before she proceeded. "A couple years ago, I was going through some serious guy trouble. Basically the same thing," she shrugged. "You know me, I was raised sheltered. I didn't even see a man naked until I was in college. My third year of college mind you. Anyways, a girl I knew recommended someone she knew to help me get in touch with myself -- so to speak. It ended up being one of the best things that ever happened to me."

"I feel like you're being really vague," I said.

Sara heaved an exasperated sigh. "I'm trying not

to scare you off before you understand what I'm offering. You tend to spook easier than me Jules."

I nodded, smiling wider now. "Fair enough. I promise I won't run off screaming while you explain whatever you're trying to explain."

"Thank you," Sara replied.

"I'll wait until you're done to do that," I quipped and Sara pushed me so hard I almost fell out of my chair.

She rose from the crouch she had been in beside me, and walked back over to where she had originally been sitting. "I'm not quite sure where to even start, so I'll just explain this as simply as I can. I was introduced to this girl, we never exchanged real names for various reasons, but she taught me everything I needed to know on the subject of sex. Very hands on lessons if you get my meaning.

"Now I didn't know what to think at first, but it wasn't an uncomfortable situation at all. I paid her to teach me things I didn't know and she created a safe environment that gave me the freedom to explore and learn. I know this whole thing probably sounds strange, but let me assure you, I have the greatest sex life imaginable with my husband. I have to give credit to her for helping mold me into who I am now."

I sat stunned as I listened to Sara. She was telling me that she had paid a stranger -- assumingly on multiple occasions -- to have sex with her for 'learning' purposes. Not just any stranger either, but a woman.

Sara took one look at my face and laughed. "I know that apprehensive look, but this one time I have to tell you to trust me. If you're serious about what you're telling me then maybe she can help you out too."

I began playing with my honey blond locks, not looking Sara in the eyes anymore. I wasn't exactly sure about anything she was telling me. Luckily, Josh walked in the front door not long after. I was sure his appearance would spark a change of topic, but instead Sara grabbed her husband and planted a steamy kiss on his lips before asking him simply. "I'm pretty amazing in bed, huh baby?"

Josh's eyes got big when she asked and he responded enthusiastically. "Fuck yeah! Is that an offer?"

I stood up quickly. "Okay then," I said mostly to myself, grabbed my jacket off the back of the chair and walked towards the front door.

"Jules," Sara called and I turned my head to look

at her. "I'll keep you posted."

I nodded once in response. I wasn't exactly sure if the nod meant I was in or if I was just trying to get her off my case. Either way I left not a moment after.

There was no way I wanted to stick around to see what was going to happen next.

Days after our initial conversation, Sara called me and told me to come over. I still had a bad feeling about the whole thing, but I went regardless. It didn't take her long to start in where she had left off last time.

"So I was able to contact my mystery mentor.

She's agreed to take you under her wing. Oh, and before you start off on some prudish bullshit remember that I'm trying to help you and that's why you're stuck here in the first place."

Ouch...

"Yeah okay," I mumbled.

"Meaning?"

"I suppose I'll trust you. I have no reason not to.

I do have some questions though."

Sara shrugged her shoulders. "I'll answer what I can, but I'm sure I don't know everything you want to

throw at me."

"There's really just one thing on the front of my mind," I said.

"Let me guess, how much is this going to cost?"

Sara shot back.

I was slightly surprised. "How did you know?"

Sara laughed. "You're a penny pincher, no real guesswork there. In all seriousness, that depends on the client. She'll explain everything when you meet though."

"Well hopefully you can tell me when that will be. Or am I supposed to use telepathy to figure it out," I quipped.

Sara laughed even harder now. "You're sarcasm is refreshing Jules. It's so much better than the mood you've been in lately."

I offered Sara an authentic smile for once, she was right. I may be a bit testy and feeling rather lost, but that fire I've always had was sparking back up in my life at least. "You're welcome. Now, you were saying."

"Ah yes," Sara rooted around her kitchen counter

for a moment before retrieving a scrap of paper that she handed me wordlessly. Three lines of text were written on it.

An address: 2942 East Wenz Ave. This was a surprisingly upper class part of town. My interest was piqued.

A time: 2:45 Friday. Extremely specific for no specific reason at all.

Lastly, three words were written on the final line, all of them were underlined and capitalized: DON'T BE LATE! I stared at the paper for a few moments, slightly mesmerized by the prospect now. I also noticed that the handwriting was not Sara's, meaning that it had to belong to Sara's 'mentor.' You could tell the script was hurried and still it was flawless. I pocketed the paper finally and tried not to think about it too much as I hung out with Sara, talking about something other than my sex life for once.

Thank God. Still, things kept creeping into my thoughts.

What would I wear for something like that? Would I need lingerie? Moreover, what do you say to someone like that when you meet them? "Hi, I heard you were

going to fuck me until I'm a pro, ready to get started?"

When that last thought hit my mind, I smacked my palm against my forehead right before my whole face turned beet red. Sara tried to coax me into telling her what I was thinking but I couldn't. It was too ridiculous.

For the next few days that was how it went, I would mildly obsess over all the details of what could happen. I did end up buying lingerie for the occasion, but I was sure it really didn't matter in the end either way. I dressed modestly besides that, a simple green sweater and slacks. I would have preferred something lighter, but the last of the spring rain had been cropping up all day and I figured it was better not to chance it.

Which brings things full circle.

I looked at my watch again, the time on the face read two forty-five exactly. I grinned at my own good timing and raised my hand to knock once more. I took a deep breath and actually proceeded, rapping heavily on the door three times.

It was no more than a moment before the door was swept back and she appeared. I studied her for a moment, realizing instantly she was nothing like I expected. I had no idea what my mind had conjured of

this mystery person but I knew the woman standing in front of me was not it.

She was tall, easily standing a few inches above my modest height of five foot five -- even so with the extra inch or two the boots I wore added. She was also more feminine than expected. Truth be told, the woman was gorgeous. She had dark brown hair that was pinned up, side swept bangs and a few loose locks on either side of her jaw line accentuated her beautiful face. Her eyes were the color of the ocean depths and her bone structure was flawless.

A perfectly tailored, pale pink button up shirt adorned her top. You could see the swell of her near perfect breasts easily through the fabric. Tight jeans showed off long legs and her feet were bare.

Something about this laid-back look took me by surprise. It was...

Sexy. Whoa. Where the hell did that come from?

Finally this stranger spoke. "Right on time," she smiled and I could see the top row of her pearly whites.

"I truly appreciate punctuality," she opened the door to her home wider and swept a hand back. "Please, come in."

I nodded once and walked past her threshold, noting that I also didn't expect her to be so courteous

and formal. I suppose I wasn't too good at creating realistic expectations about anyone, but in this particular case I really had been dead wrong on every account. I supposed that would teach me to assume in the future.

The tall brunette swept past me, saying quickly over her shoulder, "If you would take your shoes off here and just follow me, please." It was worded like a suggestion but I felt like I had no choice in the matter.

Her voice had a subtle authoritative tone to it and it had me flustered. She certainly was intimidating.

I kicked off my boots, which made me feel significantly shorter, and followed her into the living room. She had me sit on the couch and then took a seat for herself in a plush wingback chair across from me that looked like an antique. The stranger crossed her legs and leaned her weight back on one elbow resting on the arm of the chair. Her other hand cupped her chin as she surveyed me with a mix of intrigue and scrutiny.

"I always find this to be the most awkward part so let's just dive in, shall we?" Her voice was smooth, like her words floated on silk. I nodded in agreement and the stranger smiled for a moment again.

"First things first, we don't use real names.

Names develop an emotional attachment and that's not what either of us is here for. Second off no kissing, if

that's a weak area for you, you'll have to find a different tutor. Now you probably think that I mean on the mouth, but my preference is no kissing -- period.

It's another thing that develops emotional attachments and we just discussed that bit."

It sounded like she had done this speech more than a few times, her satin voice picking up pace to just get it over with. "Any questions on rules one or two?" She raised a brow to me and again I felt flustered at her intimidation factor.

"What should I call you if we're not going to use names? I would hate to just call you, y'know, you." I shrugged.

The brunette chuckled. "I honestly don't care what you call me, so long as it's not derogatory or demeaning to me in any way. As for you..." she hummed and looked me up and down, stroking the length of her jaw with the first knuckle of her index finger. With her free hand she snapped her fingers and pointed at me. "I got it, I'll call you Honey."

My jaw fell open a little and I looked at her in disbelief. "Really? Honey? What kind of name is that?"

She chuckled again. "You know, it's not often that anyone dares to question what I say. I like your

attitude. It should make things more...interesting. But as for the name, yes, really. Desserts are kind of my thing," she flashed me a wide smile. "I have a notorious sweet tooth."

"Now," she said folding her hands in her lap and going back into that businesslike manner. "Is there anything else you have questions about?"

Might as well do it now. "How much is this going to cost."

The smile reappeared on her face and for the briefest moment, I realized that smile was very predatory. It was as if she wanted to eat me alive. Duh, stupid, that's kind of the point.

"Well this is the first time that cost has preceded procedure. Most women are more than happy to throw their money away as long as they get what they want.

Peaches was right, you are different than the rest."

"Wait a second. Peaches?" I giggled. "Oh my God, I'm making her life a living hell next time I see her."

The brunette observed me, looking quite amused.

I was going to have to figure out something to call her.

I hated this anonymity.

"It fits her though don't you think? She's a very sweet girl, somewhat simple too, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing. Candied peaches are easy to make, but they satisfy you all night." Her words were coated with innuendos and I did my utmost not to imagine this beautiful stranger making love to my best friend.

Luckily, my superior willpower won out.

"So why Honey then?" I was a little curious even though I felt like she was dodging the financial issue.

We would get back to it.

"I haven't figured that out yet. Maybe it's the hair," she shrugged. "I usually go off a hunch. Eleven times out of ten I'm right."

"Wow, that wasn't super overconfident," I stated sarcastically.

Her smile vanished but the twinkle, that wicked glint was back in her eye. Sitting forward slightly she informed me, "My confidence is always at the appropriate level." Her eyes bore into mine for a few seconds and I was mesmerized. I blinked and shook my head before turning away from her gaze. "Your payment will depend on a few different factors. It's usually a certain amount per session."

"Okay, what factors?" I replied glad to be getting through this part finally.

"Initial cost is how much work I think you'll take and then I'll deduct the cost of how much I think you're worth," she spoke like we were talking of a bank transaction or something and not the strange situation we were actually in.

"Excuse me? What do you mean how much I'm worth?"

Staring out the window she tried again. "Let me put it this way. After putting you through a 'trial run' so to speak, I'll determine how much of my time and energy it's going to take to coach you up. That's really how much you owe me. But depending on how hot I think you are, how much I want to fuck you, how fun it is to fuck you, blah, blah, blah, I'll deduct more off the total. That may seem really crass and shallow to you, but think about it. I'm taking time out of my life to make yours better."

"Actually that makes complete sense," I said and her gaze slowly turned to meet mine. "So how much am I going to cost?"

"Mixed with what your friend said and the way you carry yourself, I have an idea. Only one way to know for sure though. Strip for me." Again, her tone didn't change an octave, like it was just completely normal to say this stuff to a stranger. I suppose for her

it was.

I looked at her with wide eyes for a moment before I got myself together. I would have to get to this eventually, might as well start now. I stood from the couch and with shaky hands lifted the sweater over my head. I shook out my hair from the static and proceeded to unbutton and unzip my pants before shimmying out of them as well.

Standing before this stranger in lingerie, I felt slightly violated, but more than that I felt sort of empowered. Even more so when she whistled in appreciation and got up from her seat slowly. She circled me until she was standing behind me and with two fingers on each hand slid up my sides to the straps of the bra. She traced the straps back to the clasp and paused. I felt her weight lean into my back and her lips press against my ear.

"Do you mind?" Another demand disguised as a suggestion.

I swallowed hard. "Not at all."

She still didn't make a move. "Do you want me too?" I had to think about that for a moment, and while I did the other two fingers from each hand, the ones that weren't resting on the clasp of my bra began to stroke my bare skin with feather light touches. Shivers

ran up and down my spine.

"Yes," I muttered.

She nipped the top of my ear sharply. "I can't hear you," she growled.

"Yes!" I amended quickly, realizing after a moment how much I really liked her biting me.

"Okay then," she replied nonchalantly and proceeded to pop the clasp on my bra. Slipping the straps off my shoulders, she let gravity do the rest of the job while she lightly ran her nails along the length of my back. Suddenly she dug them in hard and I inhaled sharply, as I felt my knees get weak. What was she doing to me?

Her fingers crept around to grab my breasts. She squeezed them generously and I felt her hot breath on my neck when she moaned softly. She spun me around and dipped her head to one breast and sucked my nipple into her mouth. My toes curled into the carpet and my hands balled up into fists.

My gorgeous new companion stood up straight.

"At this point I'm thinking three hundred. A little cheaper than my usual rate, that's for sure," she informed me "So you don't think I need much work?" I asked,

my breath coming in a little ragged. The brunette laughed. It was almost mocking, but I was having a hard time feeling insulted.

"Oh no, you need plenty of work. I mean, Jesus, you're so wound up I feel like I'm dealing with a virgin here," she reached out and took my breasts in both hands again. Her fingertips rested on the flesh while her thumbs stroked my nipples up and down, agonizingly slow. Her face moved closer to mine and for a moment. I thought she was going to kiss me so I closed my eyes, but then she grazed her cheek against mine and purred in my ear.

"But these tits, they're easily worth a couple hundred bucks," she squeezed them hard and pressed her thumbs into my nipples.

"Ah!" I called out, my voice sounding higher than my usual speaking range. She pushed me away now, not mean but a little rough. My eyes shot open again to her standing with her arms crossed, just staring at me.

"Get that off," she demanded, pointing at my panties.

I nodded dumbly, already realizing there was no struggling with her. You played along or she would just take what she wanted anyways. I began to push

my lacy panties down my trembling legs and mulled over this stranger. I had an idea of what I wanted to call her.

I met the tall brunette's eyes once more, which were glazed over with lust and watched her lick her lips. Her blue eyes bore into mine as she pushed me back down on the couch. Her hand crawled up my thighs and between my legs.

One of her fingers slipped between my folds and explored. Something must have pleased her because she emitted a low groan from somewhere deep in her chest. She wove her other hand in my hair and yanked downwards, exposing my neck. The brunette ran her lips along my sternum back and forth and after a moment I realized she was smelling my skin. She then licked the length of my neck and bit, right where it meets the shoulder.

"You're so wet," she muttered and my face went red. Her hold on my hair went slack, but her finger was persistent in its search, in fact another digit had joined the first. "Does that embarrass you?"

Her eyes were back on mine, but this time I didn't want to meet them. Besides that, what she was doing to me had my lids forcing themselves down. I just wanted to close my eyes and revel in every sensation.

"I'm not sure..." I answered honestly.

"Figure it out," she said and twisted my nipple without any warning. My eyes shot open of their own accord once more. "Does it embarrass you that a woman made you so wet? That she's making you feel like no one else has? That she's utterly controlling you?"

I couldn't answer any of those really. I just knew that her words were making me wetter now. I couldn't figure out if it was what she was saying or how she said it -- in that commanding voice I was becoming quite accustomed to. The one I seemed to like responding to.

I didn't answer quickly enough, because she punished me again. This time lifting my leg to land a loud smack on my ass. I could feel it getting warm a moment after her hand left the spot. I couldn't even remember what she asked me anymore, I was in such a haze that I just called out, "Yes. Yes! YES!" "I might have to knock you down to two fifty," she murmured and I wasn't sure if she was talking to me or herself. I couldn't concern myself for too long however because a moment later she drove her digit up my tight channel. I gasped loudly, feeling like I had just lost all of my air.

"So fucking tight..." she muttered and bit me again, this time on my inner thigh. I had an idea that she bit me to keep me on my toes, but I also think she liked it just as much. She seemed to bite me when she was pleased. Further research was necessary, my brain thought a bit sarcastically before she drowned out my thoughts again by circling her thumb along my clit.

The pink nub was engorged and erect. I had never been this aroused in my entire life. She leaned in close again and observed my face. I struggled to look back at her.

"You will tell me when you come -- or else," she growled.

Instantly panic rose in my chest. "What if I'm not able to?" my voice quavered as I spoke.

She laughed the same almost mocking tone from earlier. "You will, trust me. So you better let me know," I nodded but I wasn't convinced myself. If I couldn't will my body to come what made her so damn special?

My brain had no idea what she was doing to me though, because mere moments passed before I was bucking my hips uncontrollably and throwing my head all about. I felt like I was possessed. I had absolutely no control of myself anymore.

Electricity ran all throughout my body and I felt

the sweetest relief all the way down to the tips of my toes which I couldn't help curling. I knew this was it and I was trying so hard to say anything. Tell her I was indeed coming. Tell her that it felt so amazing. Tell her 'oh my God' over and over again. The only thing my voice box would allow was grunts though.

"Uh. Uh. Uh!" This seemed to amuse my dominator.

"I'm sorry I don't understand. Are you trying to tell me something?" she cocked her head innocently and acted like nothing else was going on. I nodded my head as clearly as I could and my eyes bugged out. I could feel my stomach clenching again and soon I was swimming in my own pleasure once more.

"Come, Coming," I whimpered, in a barely audible voice. My entire body felt warm, tingly and like a ton of lead. I slumped into the couch and the tall woman finally backed off. She considered the soaking digits that had been inside of me for a second before touching them to her nose briefly. She then sunk them in her mouth and closed her eyes. I heard a low hum come from her and my own eyes rolled into the back of my head.

"Two hundred, that's as low as I can go," she rasped and I struggled to crack an eye.

"What are you talking about?" I was so frazzled I had no idea what was going on.

She chuckled at my state. "Never had anybody do you that good, huh? I wasn't even trying."

I began to speak but couldn't, I swallowed hard and tried again. "I've never y'know..."

Her jaw dropped. "Wait a second, you've never...what? Had sex?" I shook my head. "Got off?"

I nodded. "You're kidding me." I shook my head again and she looked at me more apprehensively "You are okay, right?"

She did seem concerned, but was she even looking at me? I was more than all right. I was mellow.

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm definitely all right. I'm amazing." I tried convincing her but she still looked a bit apprehensive.

"You're sure I wasn't too rough?" she asked.

I sat up and leaned forward a bit. "I think I like it a bit rough."

She let out a sigh and grinned at me. "Oh, we're going to have a lot of fun, aren't we Honey?"

"I sure hope so. Bear," I said with a small smile myself.

She raised a brow. "Bear?"

"Sure, Bear," I replied simply and stood up. I flung my arms over my head in a full body stretch while the brunette watched me with appreciation. I picked my panties off the ground -- giving her an amazing view I'm sure -- and stepped back into them.

The bra wasn't far from the skimpy panties and I worked the straps back over my shoulders. Bear appeared behind me suddenly and attached the clasps again.

"I took it off, only right to put it back on," she murmured in my ear and a pronounced shiver ran down my spine. "However, I didn't tell you that you could put them back on."

I froze where I was and waited to see if there were to be any repercussions. A small part of me wished there was. Where that part had come from out of nowhere was beyond me though.

"Am I, in trouble?" I asked apprehensively.

"Not today," she whispered still very close to me.

"Unfortunately I have to be somewhere in," she

checked her watch briefly, "forty minutes, or else I would rip your clothes back off and teach you what happens for not asking me permission first."

I felt the wetness begin to seep from my already hot and dripping sex and coat the inside of my panties.

I yanked my jeans on quickly before she could notice the spot forming on my crotch. I had never found women sexually attractive and yet I was ready to get on my knees and do whatever as long as she commanded me to.

What the hell was going on with me? I looked all over the floor for my sweater to no avail. Whirling around, I saw Bear was standing with her arms folded and the sweater over one shoulder.

"Looking for something?" she asked casually.

"Yes. May I have it?" I queried.

She gave me a fond look. "So sweet and polite too, but no. Not until you answer a question for me."

"Okay," I said, very patiently. "Ask away."

"Why Bear? That is the most interesting, and if I'm going to be honest, coolest name anyone has ever given me. And that's over things such as Boss and The Authority," she laid out her hands in front of her -- 'tell

me a story' the motion said.

"I'm a-" I didn't want to give away to much information seeing how we were trying to be as anonymous as possible. After rethinking things I began again. "I work with animals. Even in this short amount of time, I can tell that you most resemble a bear." I reached for my sweater but she stepped out of the way and since she had about five inches on me it wasn't hard to keep it away.

"Elaborate," she said simply.

I sighed. "Well, first of all you seem altruistic.

Not many people know that bear's are and I'm guessing you don't advertise it on your chest either. You probably have some sort of appearance you need to maintain. You're physically strong and intimidating, that's an obvious one. You're also keenly connected to your sense of smell it would seem."

I got very close to her and stood on my tiptoes to whisper in her ear. She was standing straight up though so I barely grazed her earlobe. "Not to mention that they have the most notorious sweet tooth in the animal kingdom," I murmured, and then added for good effect, "especially for honey."

I couldn't be sure, but as I was pulling back from her, I swore I saw her tremble just the slightest bit.

"Okay, here," she said and threw me the sweater.

Quickly she turned away to mess with something on the table.

I shook my head and pulled the sweater on.

"That's all I get? Okay, here?"

"Well, I'm really trying to understand how someone I just met can figure that out on first impression. And you weren't even really functioning half the time," she stared at me with scrutiny again. I guessed that she was trying to figure me out and it made me want to laugh loudly.

"I told you I work with animals. I watch them and I study them. People could also be considered animals.

Do you understand?" I responded, pulling the sweater over my head now "Yes. I'm following. And if that logic is true, than what are you?" she inquired I had never thought about it. Pointing that high perceptive finger back at me was never as easy. "I'm not sure. I guess that's something I have to figure out.

I'll get back to you on that."

"Perhaps next time then."

"When will that be? I mean, seeing you again."

I blushed. A little anxious, a little excited for the next meeting. After all, in Bear's words this was nothing but a trial run. What else could she have up her sleeve?

"Ah yes," Bear held up a finger to me and then left me alone in the living room. She reappeared a few moments later, coming from the entrance behind me.

She snuck up so quietly, that when she spoke I felt like I was going to jump out of my skin.

"Take this," she said, handing me a sleek black phone. It wasn't the newest, hottest model, but it also wasn't some cheap throw away. Obviously if she had such expendable resources, she had to make good cash.

"Okay," I said.

"Keep that on you. I'll call you when I want you to come over here. I have a very busy lifestyle and it's not as easy as just coming over whenever you feel like it," Bear explained.

"Well you're not the only one. I have an insane work schedule sometimes. You can't always expect me to jump if you call me," I informed her.

"Actually, I will always expect you to jump when I call and eventually you will," Bear flashed her devastating smile at me and I absolutely melted, having no sarcastic retort for once. "But in this case -and as a workaholic myself -- I not only understand but completely respect you for your ethics. So I'll say this instead, if I call and you're not sick or working, I expect to see your honey buns front and center.

Understood?"

I nodded. "Yes." "Good," Bear said. "Let me walk you out."

She put a hand on my shoulder and guided me towards the front of the house. This is the most courteous 'get the fuck out' I've ever been involved in.

Bear opened the door but stopped me from just walking back to my car.

"Don't be surprised to hear from me very soon," the brunette said and leaned down to my level. "I think you just might be my new favorite craving." She then promptly slapped my ass and let me be on my way. My pussy tingled again from the warm sensation on my behind.

I made it back to my vehicle, although I'm not sure how seeing that my legs trembled the entire time.

I could imagine Bear standing in her front door

laughing, but I didn't dare look back. I could wait until next time, even though my newly awakened loins didn't have the same thought. I supposed I would have to thank Sara next time I saw her.

Chapter Two: Caught Up In You The first time I noticed the absolute hold Bear had on me was at work some days later. I leaned over a guard rail on one of the many foot bridges scattered between the exhibits, a bucket of fish in one hand and steak cuts in the other. They swung idly while I stared at the marine life below me. It was still dusk, so there weren't any guests to worry about, and that made it so much easier to lose myself in the fantasy I was creating.

I was naked at Bear's house again, this time on all fours on the fluffy living room carpet. She was teasing me, running her fingers all over me and then out of nowhere she would grab my breasts, tweak my nipples, spank my ass or bite me. I bucked back against her, begging for some release as she tortured me mercilessly.

"Seems like you want something..." She would taunt me and I would be forced to beg her.

Unfortunately, I couldn't get too far into my fantasy scheme before I was pulled out of it abruptly.

"Hey Boone! Gonna daydream all day or are you planning on getting some work done?"

My head whipped up at the familiar voice, the

only person I really answered to around here -- senior director Rusty Porter. Even though we ran this show as co-directors, he was the senior and I was the junior so he was the boss man at the end of the day. Still, it was fun to fling him crap sometimes.

"I figured if the predators got hungry enough they might just go rampage on the guests, and that would be real entertainment," I quipped.

Rusty laughed a big booming laugh and walked away, shouting over his shoulder as he did, "Get it done Boone."

I uttered a little giggle myself and checked my watch. I had been standing here daydreaming for close to twenty minutes. Damn. With a foreclosure sign on my fantasy realm I took off to do some real work.

Making my way to my favorite exhibit, I swung the buckets with more enthusiasm and whistled a tune.

There was another reason that I called her Bear.

I hadn't thought about it until just now and even so I probably wouldn't ever admit it to her but I had been fascinated by bears my entire life, every since the first time I saw one. Something about the creature was magnificent, powerful and awe inspiring. Basically it was love at first sight with me. While I was nowhere near love, I had to admit that Bear had that same effect on me. I was smitten with her on first glance.

Dammit Jules, Focus!

I took a few deep breaths, willing my brain to go back to work mode. One final thought slipped through from my subconscious before I got my head on straight though. If I would have realized sex could be this fun years ago, I may not have made it through college.

We had three grizzlies here at the Suncoast Zoo, and being the only actual specialist for bears, I was their main caretaker. Our full-grown female was named Amna and she was four years old. Her two cubs Royce and Bruno were only six months. Their father and Amna's life mate, Brutus, died shortly after their birth. Since then Amna had been temperamental to pretty much everyone here but me.

It was true that Sara was my best friend, but Amna was my favorite creature to be around in the whole world. I first met her when I was just an intern at the zoo, working off the last year or so of my graduates' diploma. After some serious campaigning and the eventual support of some regional businesses and financers, the zoo was able to start their first wildlife awareness program -- mainly just a front to crackdown on sport hunting. The Animal Alliance is what they called it and I was lucky enough to go on the inaugural mission. Teaming up with the local park and forest rangers, we trekked through the states

woodlands trying to save lives.

Finding Amna was a win/lose kind of situation.

We had come upon a hunter just as he had bested Amna's mother and was turning on the young cub. The rangers pounced on him immediately.

Forgetting all about the hunter while the rangers drug him off, I turned on the young frightened cub. She was barking at her mother's side and nudging the huge bears frame with her nose. The sight broke my heart into a million pieces. Without regard for anything, least of all my colleague's opinion, I rushed up to the tiny animal. Getting on my knees I scooped her up and held her close to my chest. She couldn't have been more than a few months old, still just a baby.

The cub shook in my arms for a few minutes and then eventually settled and fell asleep. I had looked up to astonished stares of my peers and one smiling face, that of Rusty Porter. He told me later that day that he wanted me to work for him. He knew I had the passion and drive to do this job and if I didn't work at his zoo he was going to raise hell. A week later I was hired on.

It was definitely a learning curve going from internship responsibilities to working job responsibilities and it made school life unbearable until I reworked my schedule. It paid the bills better though and most importantly I was doing what I loved.

Not much else in my life was relevant compared to my dream and all of a sudden I was living it. Sure the hours sucked, the conditions sucked, you got injured and you went to work sick or tired, but you also knew you were making a difference. That you were doing something that only an elite number of people can do.

Every time I visited Amna it made everything I did worthwhile.

On that thought I walked into the bear cave and was instantly assaulted by the twin cubs. I held the buckets high in the air while told them off. "Hey! I'm not giving you any 'till you settle down. I know, I know. I'm late. I do have a life though, so excuse me."

Amna intervened, nudging the cubs trying to crawl up my legs with her nose and scolding them herself with a low growl. When Royce and Bruno had backed off sufficiently for Amna, my friend nudged her big head against my side and I put the buckets down to scratch her ears and back.

When Amna felt loved enough she pointed her nose to the bucket and sniffed, that was my cue. I grabbed a big fish in each hand and threw one of them to her. Amna caught the fish with her mouth and then tossed it over her shoulder to the cubs that immediately began scrapping over possession of the salmon. I threw Amna the other one I was holding and she repeated the action shutting both cubs up immediately.

It was her turn then. Removing the other two fish, I

laid them at Amna's feet and scratched her ears again.

"How you been girlfriend? Tolerating those two?" I asked and she sniffed in disdain causing me to chuckle loudly.

"Yeah I hear you. Babies are annoying. You were one once." Amna stopped eating completely, looked up slowly and just stared at me. I stared back until she went back to her food. I challenged someone to tell me she didn't understand what I said to her. Amna had such a personality, she was definitely memorable if nothing else. Of course, this thought process got me thinking of another Bear.

I sighed, pushing her out of my mind for the umpteenth time and went over to the cubs to examine them. I lifted each one to test their weight and then checked their eyes, teeth and paws before I allowed them to run off again. Amna sat down next to my spot in the dirt and I leaned my head on her chest fur. Who else in the world had a grizzly for a best friend?

I enjoyed just sitting there with the big bear watching her crazy cubs tumble all over each other.

Brutus definitely hadn't been as cuddly as Amna, but I still wished he would have been here to see this with us. I guess that's the crazy stuff you think of when you surround yourself with animals instead of people. As comfortable as I was I had to get up eventually to take

care of the other morning jobs. I loved on each of the grizzlies again, stacked the full bucket in the empty one, and exited the pen.

I noticed then that I was being watched by a young man by the name of Rolan Hollenbeck. He had been introduced to me just a few weeks ago by Rusty as our newest intern and the kid had followed me around ever since then while I did my duties. He basically volunteered himself as my protĂŠgĂŠ -- whether I wanted him to be or not.

Kid might actually be too mean a word. He was barely twenty-one, just six years younger than I was.

His fresh faced, over eager attitude reminded me often how young he really was though.

"Good morning Miss Boone," he greeted, a mega-watt smile plastered on his face.

"I told you Rolan, I don't answer to that name. I can't handle that kind of formality in life. Call me Jules or Boone or something besides miss. Please," I said with as much patience as I could muster. I found it much harder to be patient with human beings though.

"Of course, whatever you say," he replied.

"I'm heading over to the wolf den here in a minute, you want to tag along and learn the ropes?" I

asked him, trying to offer just as much assistance as Rusty had given me in the beginning of my career.

"Yeah! Sure that'd be great!" he replied a little too enthusiastically.

It was a bit endearing in its own way. At the same time, I couldn't help but wonder if the real motive behind his interest in my work was perhaps a little crush. Not that it wouldn't be flattering, he was quite a good looking young man himself. Sandy hair, green eyes, an easy smile and a chiseled jaw line. Any girl would swoon over him, but I happened to have other things on my mind.

Hot young stud hits on you and all you can think about is being dominated by some strange woman.

What has gotten into you?

I frowned at my own internal conflict. It was a little unfair. Was it really so wrong for me to be enamored about the new sensations in my life? Sure it wasn't conventional, most folks probably wouldn't even understand what I was doing. God knows I didn't until I did it. Besides, I just got out of an unsatisfactory relationship, shouldn't I be allowed a little fun and adventure?

"So I saw you with the grizzlies back there, are they always like that with you?" Rolan asked,

obviously sensing my distance.

"Pretty much. Amna's my baby," I chuckled.

"Mr. Porter told me the story of how you found her. I had no idea that animals could form such strong attachments. Its magnificent," his voice was awed, but it had never seemed like such a big deal to me. It was natural.

"They're a lot like us actually. People just have their own preconceptions about things before they can have a chance to actually learn. Most bears wouldn't harm a fly, as long as you give them their space and regard them with respect," I shrugged, approaching the high fence of the wolves' domain, almost a full pack roamed within its confines. I glanced at Rolan and he seemed sort of put off by what I said.

"I appreciate your interest though. I know what's normal to me isn't like that for everyone else. It's nice to know someone cares," I said, trying to make my voice softer, more welcoming. Rolan perked back up with that wide, silly smile reappearing on his face. I rolled my eyes and got serious.

"You're gonna want to keep your distance in there. Square your shoulders when you look at any of them -- especially the males -- and keep your chin up.

You have to walk with an air of dominance or they will

eat you alive -- literally. Do you understand?" I asked.

"Yeah, I get it. Thanks for the tip," Rolan replied, looking a little uneasy all of a sudden.

Wolves and big cats were a close second under bears as my favorite beasts, but there was a certain young male that had been making my life a living hell lately. Five wolves in all lived in the domain. There were two females, Ripley and Bella, both about three years old. The alpha, Leroy, was around six or seven and there were two younger males besides him. One of the young males was Ripley and Leroy's pup Rory, he understood his place on the totem pole and was usually very content and laid back. The other young one, Kefka, was a rescue. In the wild, he was his own master. The hierarchy didn't suit him well and he had been letting us know lately.

"One more thing Rolan," I said, pointing to Kefka sitting on a lone rock away from the rest of the pack.

"Stay away from him."

Rolan nodded and his eyebrows furrowed, making his handsome face less pleasant to look at. In reality, Kefka was still small enough to deal with on his own -- if you were strong enough of course. On the other hand, I didn't want to tangle with any of these wild beasts in a bad mood.

I opened the door to the habitat and stepped inside. Rolan followed closely behind me, his steps cautious and deliberate. Along with being the most laid back, Rory was easily the friendliest wolf. He trotted up to us knowing that I had a tasty snack for him and sat his butt down. Leroy watched this with some amusement.

It was routine with the normal pack. Rory would come over, being the ambassador for the rest of them and after he took a steak back to Leroy they would all come and eat. Except Kefka, he was tricky. Today I mixed things up a bit though, instead of delivering the alpha his meal, I set the bucket down and crouched in front of Rory and urged Rolan to do the same.

"This is Rory. He's another one of my buddies.

Also he's a big softie," I mussed up the fur around his jaw and Rory bowed his shaggy gray head to give me better access. Rolan stroked the fur on his neck softly.

He was clearly nervous.

"You have to remember to trust them as much as they trust you. It's really all about blind faith. It can be scary, but look at the payoff," I told Rolan and he gave me another smile. I pulled the big wolf closer to me and kissed his head. Then I pushed myself up and gave him the meat he had been waiting for finally.

The females got up almost as soon as the steak

was dropped in front of Leroy and marched up to me in a line. Ripley, Bella and Rory took up the rear. It was amazing how well a good wolf pack ran. At that thought though I was forced to look up at Kefka, he seemed to almost sneer back at me.

Both of the females took their steak back up to their previous position around Leroy, preferring to eat as a group. Rory, however, flopped down in front of us and proceeded to tear at the meat with no remorse.

I looked back at Kefka and sighed.

Pulling the last steak chop out, I handed the metal buckets to Rolan and slowly moved closer to Kefka.

Unlike the other wolves, who were much more relaxed around the normal staff, Kefka saw me moving closer and stood up to defend his spot. I held the steak up and made eye contact with him, my feet moving ever closer. Sooner or later, he would have to learn to work with us. Kefka lowered his head, not yet baring his teeth or growling, but he stood stock still.

"It's okay buddy," I said in a soothing voice. "I just want to give you this."

Rolan was right on my heels -- I should have told him to stay back. It was hard enough to try to do this myself. Having someone inexperienced with me, someone who didn't know how to react with the more volatile rescues, made it even riskier.

Kefka sniffed the air and cocked his head to the side, my peace offering enticed him. We were just feet away, so I threw him the chop and waited, making sure to keep a rigid posture. Kefka smelled the meat and licked it once. This was better than the last few times I had dealt with him.

Behind me I heard Rolan exhale audibly and turn towards the door. I wished I would have briefed him better instantly. As soon as Rolan turned, Kefka leapt off the rock with a howl and braced to pounce on him.

"Run, Rolan, run!" I bellowed and leapt in front of the silver wolf just as he sprung off his back legs. I grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and forced his snout up, keeping the deadly fangs he now bore away from me. I may have been small, but having worked with big animals for quite some time, I had become strong. Maybe not like Bear, but enough to exert the force necessary to roll the wolf off of me. Kefka growled while I scrambled to my feet.

I wish I knew what your fucking problem was...

I thought briefly.

Kefka ran back towards his rock now and I was really confused as to what he was doing. Then he doubled back and prepared to pounce again, only with more momentum this time. I prepared to fend him off

again in the brief moment I had, but when the wolf's weight came crashing down on me a second time I collapsed back to the earth. There was wracking pain all over when I hit the ground, but it was instantly replaced by a searing sting at my shoulder and side.

Suddenly the weight was gone and there was a loud thud beside me. My eyes shot open quick enough to see Kefka's eyes roll back in his head right by my face. He was still breathing though, and that's when I noticed the small dart sticking out of his neck. Not even a moment later I was hoisted up by several hands and led out of the pen.

"Are you okay Jules?" Rusty asked, his face in front of mine now.

That was a good question. I looked down at myself and whistled. Three scratches, short but deep, ran from the top of my shoulder to the sternum. Just above my hip I wore half of Kefka's dental imprint.

I've had some bad incidents, but this was brutal.

"Yeah I think so, just need a band aid or two," I joked, but my voice was shaky.

Rusty's laughter shook the timber around us.

"Yeah, I'm sure it will cover that right up. Come on, let's get you cleaned up," he said and threw my arm over his shoulders. Rolan tagged along a step behind

us, keeping his head lowered the whole way.

"It wasn't your fault Hollenbeck. I didn't tell you the most important rule. You never turn your back.

This one's on me," I told him, but it didn't look like he was having any of it.

"You told me to stay away from him, I should have hung back," Rolan muttered.

"Nonsense, this wasn't anyone's fault. Sometimes things just happen," Rusty said overriding both of us and opening the door to his office. Of course, I wasn't having any of that.

Going right to work, Rusty got a bowl of warm water and few rags, along with disinfectant and bandages. While he did that I unbuttoned my work shirt -- ruined -- and my tank top underneath -- also ruined -- leaving me in just a sports bra. Rolan blushed deeply and stared intently at the floor. Rusty didn't even seem to notice. He walked right up to me with a warm wet rag and wiped down the scratches, completely unfazed by my feminine charms.

"That SOB got you deep. Almost to the bone," Rusty remarked under his breath. I shrugged and this got him laughing again. "You see this son?" Rusty called to Rolan, who gave him an awkward sideways glance, trying to avoid looking at me. "Gets mauled by

a wolf, zero fox given."

I snickered at the zoo's inside joke along with Rusty. Rolan chuckled nervously. "Get off it Hollenbeck," I sighed with exaggeration. "Haven't you ever seen a girl in her bra before? I mean, it's not even a sexy bra."

Now Rolan blushed hard, his entire face went a dark, ugly red. "Just trying to be respectful Miss -- uh, Jules."

Rusty rolled his eyes and I did my best not to laugh. He had just finished cleaning out the scratches and I watched as he applied a generous amount of antibiotic cream to the wounds. Rusty then wrapped it up, going over my shoulder, under my arm and then wrapping it around my middle, right over my rib cage.

"Hey kid," Rusty said looking at Rolan. "In the closet over there I have extra company polo's, would you mind getting one?" He then turned back to me, "What? Small? Medium?" he asked me while his attention shifted to cleaning the bites.

"Small," I confirmed, still watching Rusty intently. Out of my peripherals I saw Rolan hustle over to the closet. He was probably thankful at the idea of getting me back in clothes.

The bites didn't take nearly as long to clean. They weren't as deep as the scratches, but they were much more sensitive. Just like the other wound, Rusty applied ointment and then wrapped it, simply going around my abdomen this time.

I stood up and took the shirt Rolan had silently laid on the desk next to me and quickly pulled it on, securing two of the three buttons at my collar. I was pretty woozy though and instantly sat back down. I happened to glance at the bowl besides Rusty and the color of the water wasn't the tinged pink that I had expected, but a deep crimson. How much blood had I lost?

"Shit. I'm dizzy," I muttered.

"Yeah, you're going home," Rusty declared. As much as I wanted to argue, even I knew it was a good idea.

"Fine," I sighed. "I think I'm just going to wander around a little bit before we get flooded. Try to get some blood moving where it belongs, you know?"

Rusty nodded and loaded me up with a couple packs of gauze and the tube of ointment he was using.

"Change that when it starts to bleed through. Probably need to get the top one swapped out in the next couple of hours," he told me. I nodded, slipping the supplies

in my khaki shorts and left the office with Rolan still close at my heels. "If you need a ride home or anything I can do it. I feel terrible about all of this," he said, gloom thick in his voice.

"You shouldn't, it was a good lesson. Never turn your back, always be on guard and always be aware of what you're dealing with. Besides, you were quick enough to get help and that makes all the difference in the end anyways," I informed him. "As for that ride, I might take you up on it. I'm not sure if I should drive right now."

At the exact moment those words escaped my lips a phone went off. Both of us looked around for the owner, not recognizing the tone. Until I realized it was the other phone I was carrying. I held a finger up to Rolan and turned away from him, quickly answering it.

"Yes?" I said.

"Get over here," Bear's voice flitted into my ear, low and husky. Instantly goose bumps popped up on my arms.

"I understand," I replied, trying to stay covert with Rolan so nearby.

"You better," she responded and hung up. I was

feeling a little breathless all of a sudden and it had nothing to do with the loss of blood.

Turning back to Rolan I offered him an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that. I appreciate your offer, but I was just reminded of something I have to do."

He shrugged. "It's cool, just wanted to lend a hand."

"It's appreciated," I said. "Hopefully next time you can get some job experience without me having a near death one."

We both laughed for a moment, bid our goodbyes and then I walked off towards the parking lot. I was sore and stinging all over, but there was also a delightful anxiety in my stomach about seeing Bear.

I gave myself a short pep talk before exhaling and exiting the car. After three knocks on the door Bear appeared. Without a word, she drug me inside, pushed the front door shut and slammed me against it. That hurt, but I wouldn't let her know. Especially when she was pressing her body against mine and whispering in my ear.

"I usually don't call on anybody in the first week, but this Bear needs her Honey," she husked.

Without thinking I nipped at her neck and teased.

"Not without getting a few stings first."

Bear met my eyes. "It won't stop me," she told me seriously.

I couldn't stop grinning. "Very little stops a bear."

It was kind of fun how we kept making terrible jokes with these silly names. I wondered if this was all part of her training.

Bear moaned in her throat and grabbed my waist roughly, bringing my center close to hers. While that was a whole new novelty I was curious to explore, Bear's hand was right were Kefka bit me. That sensation erased my smile finally and I groped for the wall as my knees buckled. I winced loudly and Bear jumped back like I was on fire.

"Whoa, what the hell?" she asked, her brows pulling together.

My eyes were on the ground and I saw her feet were bare again. Remembering her instructions from last time, I kicked off my shoes without a second thought with one hand firmly planted on the injury bothering me. I had no idea why this was a priority at this moment, except that it was a command Bear had given me -- and I was inclined to follow those to the

letter.

I met Bear's eyes and waved a hand, trying to tell her it was no big deal. Finally I stood up straight again, unbuttoned the polo and pulled it over my head. I pointed to the bandages and informed her. "There was a bit of an accident at work. I wouldn't be here otherwise."

Bear considered me and walked towards the living room. She didn't have to say 'come' to have me following like a puppy. It was strange, I didn't feel exposed or embarrassed walking around the house without a shirt on. Work was one thing, but in all instances Bear was still very much a stranger.

Bear folded her arms over her chest. "Are you sure you're up for today's lesson?"

"If I wasn't, I would have lied and said that I was at work," I shrugged.

That wasn't completely true though. I wasn't sure if I was up for whatever she wanted. I didn't even give myself time to think. She wanted me here and so I came -- no questions asked.

"You wouldn't lie to me. You respect the chain of command here," Bear said in a taunting voice.

I almost hated that side of her, but at the same time it was hard to refute 'condescending' Bear's point.

I wouldn't lie to her. I wasn't a liar in general, but just that first experience with Bear had planted the notion in my head that I couldn't run from her and I couldn't hide from her. Figuratively or not.

"You're right, I wouldn't. But it's because I respect you. There is no chain of command here.

You're in control." I said this without much regard.

Bear however was very amused at my opinion. She replaced her mocking sneer with the predatory grin that made me melt.

"That's right, I'm in control. Now strip me," she held her arms out loosely from the side in expectation.

"All right," I said and took a deep breath, instantly very nervous.

I started with the hem of her blue V-neck tank top. I lifted it up slowly, first to reveal a firmly toned stomach and then a black silk bra, before it was over her head. I hadn't realized it until right now, but my lips had parted and I started to breathe harder.

I reached down and unbuttoned her pants next, the ones that fit like a second skin on her. Stealing a glance at her face I noticed that she still looked quite amused. Maybe even a little excited.

There was something else though. Making eye contact with her while I did this, it made a heat rise in my chest that I didn't quite understand. I quickly looked back to my task.

Even after unzipping them completely, it was still a struggle to get her pants down. I had to get on my knees in order to tug them past her thighs. Weren't these uncomfortable to wear? Jesus...

Bear lifted her feet and allowed me to get rid of the jeans completely, leaving her in just her bra and panties. I considered her for a moment from my position on the floor and then tried to get up. Bear stopped me with a soft touch on my bad shoulder.

There should have been a twinge of pain, but instead there was an electric current that ran through my skin.

Bear made sure she had my attention before she spoke with a low and raspy voice. "I want you to lick me."

To illustrate her point she took a finger to her panties and drug it up the length of her pussy. I could hear my heartbeat thumping away loudly in my ears now. I knew I had no choice -- whether I wanted to or not -- because Bear had told me to do something.

I scooted closer to her, looking at her face the whole while. Bear's eyes were half lidded and she

wore a small grin. I put my hands on Bear's thighs, looking away from her finally and down to her sex instead.

I licked my lips, approached her panties with my tongue extended and licked the length she pointed out.

I repeated the action, using more of my tongue this time and pressing harder. Bear closed her eyes and sighed, before laying a hand on my head.

Tasting the silk was a little weird, but it was what was underneath that made it interesting. I could feel the shape of Bear underneath my tongue. I could feel how slickly her lips moved while I licked. She must have been turned on.

Bear touched my chin, urging it upwards, and I obediently let her guide me. She didn't just want me to look at her she wanted me to stand up, so I rose to my feet. Bear retracted her hand from my face and reached behind to unclasp her bra. Her breasts did nothing to detract from Bear's perfection -- if anything they added to it. Smooth, flawless skin capped with rose colored nipples, I imagined that I could get a little more than a handful out of each one.

"Do you like my tits?" she asked, cocking her head in inquiry. "I see you admiring them."

"Yes," I answered in complete honesty. "I want

to touch them."

"Then you need to ask me nicely," Bear informed me.

Again, I answered, without hesitation, while moving in even closer to her, "May I touch them Bear?

Please?"

Instead of answering me with words, Bear grabbed my hands and pressed them against her chest.

I tested their weight and squeezed them, liking the feeling of them in my hands. My fingers ran circles along her flesh, getting closer and closer to Bear's nipples, before I grabbed them between my thumb and forefingers and yanked towards me. This got a real reaction out of Bear for the first time. She threw her head back and gasped.

"Do you like that?" I asked.

Bear restored her posture and let herself breathe normally again. She had much better self-control than I did. "I think I should be asking you the same question."

"I like it," I shot back and pulled on her nipples again, twisting them in opposite directions this time.

"Do you?"

Bear pushed her breasts closer to me and giggled.

I could feel the vibrations in her chest. "Yes. You keep me on my toes Honey," she smiled, regarding me fondly. "And I like that too" I loved when she looked at me like that. It was similar to how some people looked at a pet that they regarded above people. Exactly the same way that I looked at Amna.

Holy shit, I'm her pet... and I like it.

Bear hooked her thumbs in the waistband of her panties and got rid of them. "I want you to really lick my pussy now," she told me and I made to get on my knees again. Bear stopped me mid action however.

"Take your time."

I nodded my understanding and appreciated her near perfect body again. It's not that I didn't think I looked good or that I lacked any defining physical features, but Bear's body resembled that of a deity. She was tall and statuesque, her body was lined with perfectly toned muscles without making her look bulky. Her skin was soft and tanned, like the smoothest satin, and her face -- oh, her face. It was blindingly beautiful.

I placed my hands on her hips and drew her closer to me, until our chests pressed together. I dipped my

head to her neck and sucked the skin there, sealing the deal by biting her now inflamed flesh. She definitely wasn't expecting that because I felt her jump in my arms.

I dipped my head over her succulent breasts now, wondering exactly what her nipples would feel like around my lips. There was no teasing or forewarning to the act, I simply took her nipple between my teeth and sucked. Bear cried out in low whimper and I was a little taken off guard. That was the most noise she had made the entire time. I flicked my tongue across her nipple, liking the novelty of it but liking more how it made Bear grasp onto me tightly.

I left her chest almost as soon as I arrived there, however. Instead, my fingers ran along her long, smooth legs as I got on my knees once more. Bear had been really quiet so before I gave her what she wanted I decided to tease a little bit first. Tease her and answer some questions bouncing around in my head.

"Tell me, how is licking you going to make me any better in bed with the guys?" I asked. "How do I know you're not trying to groom me for your own lesbian desires?"

Bear's head whipped to face me, she was much more alert than I had given her credit for. "Well if that was the case, then I'm doing a damn good job aren't I?"

I blinked a few times in stunned silence -- she had me there.

"If I were trying to groom you I wouldn't care about getting attached would I? The point of this isn't to make you a lesbian, it's to teach you that oral is all the same," she explained. Bear took a few steps back and plopped her naked butt on the couch, I followed her on my knees.

"Elaborate," I said, mocking the way that Bear talked to me. I saw a twitch of a smile on her face.

"It's important to watch your partner. How they react when you do things and to just learn to pay attention overall. If you can figure out how to pick up on my signs, how hard will it be to do the same for a man?" Bear wasn't condescending while she said all of this. She was patient when she taught me.

"That makes sense," I said and dipped my head to her sex, beginning to lick without any more question. Bear quickly slumped into the coach and lolled her head back on the cushions.

Admittedly I had no idea what I was doing. I had never really masturbated much or watched porn, so I wasn't as educated on all the hot spots. What I did know, however, was that I liked the way my tongue

felt wrapped up inside her. I buried my face in Bear's pussy and ran my tongue everywhere. Inside and outside of her folds, up her tight channel, and around her hard bud -- everywhere that I could reach, I laid claim too.

Whenever I would swipe across her clit and Bear didn't expect it, she would jump. I kept coming back to that again and again and it drove her crazy. I totally got what she was saying now. She didn't need to be a guy for me to learn how to pay attention.

I realized I wasn't doing anything with my hands and so I began to run them up and down her legs. This took more conscious thought than I ever realized. Or maybe I was never really trying before. That thought unsettled me for some reason.

I wasn't sure how long I was there on my knees, it could have been minutes or hours, the only thing I was really aware of was how much I loved having her all over me. Her hands went between gripping my shoulders to tangling into my hair and occasionally she would lean forward and bite me somewhere. This would instantly bring back a reminder of my fantasy from earlier.

I was honestly a little surprised myself at how much it turned me on to lick her. I could feel myself getting sopping wet and there was a dull ache starting

in just under my belly button. I groaned at the sensation and at the same time heard Bear gasp loudly.

She clamped her thighs down around my ears and raked my back with her nails. There was a sting of pain, but not nearly as bad as I'd had today.

When her legs finally relented, I came up for air and ended up falling backwards on my hands. I looked Bear up and down. She was drawing in big, heaving breaths, her eyes were closed and her hair was a mess.

She was so damn sexy.

When Bear finally came to she had that familiar fond look on her face, and I welcomed it with a grin.

"You're a much faster learner than I expected," Bear admitted.

I don't think I could have smiled any broader but I tried anyways. "So you liked that?"

"Very much, yes," her voice resounded in utter honesty. Bear stretched her arms above her head and twisted her back from side to side. "It's going to be-" but she stopped mid sentence as her eyes went wide.

"Shit, your shoulder!"

My eyes shot down to the injury to see that the bandage was dyed red. I would have been more alarmed if I knew how long it had taken to get like that, but truth be told I didn't really feel it right now. It was

a bit sore, but not bad.

"Got to change this," I sighed and stood up.

"Let me help you," Bear offered.

"Are you sure? I can do it myself."

"I'm sure you can," Bear replied. "But you did something nice for me so the least I can do is pay you back."

"Well if I have a choice between you helping me out with this and you helping me get off, I'll have to take the latter," I said. Bear rolled her eyes and led me into the kitchen, then sat me down at the table.

"I'm used to this, I'll even help at no charge," she gave me a wink and knelt down in front of me. Bear unwrapped the bottom bandage first. I noticed she had a very meticulous way of doing this, by rolling the bandage as she undid it.

"Do you have to have absolute order in everything you do?" I asked in regard to the previous observation.

"I had an aunt that I used to spend the summers with. She was a trauma nurse and everything in her house was clean, immaculate and had its place. I'm

sure that's where I get it from. Besides that it made me immune to seeing stuff like this." Bear pointed to the bites on my torso. When she leaned in for a closer look however she gave a kind of half grimace. "I've never seen anything quite like that though. What the hell bit you?"

"Kefka," I said, and Bear gave me a strange look.

She had already begun taking off the second bandage.

"Kefka is a wolf. He's not the biggest one we have, but he's big enough to knock me around."

"Are you kidding me?" she asked in surprise and I shook my head. "So what happened exactly?"

"Well, I have a trainee that I was trying to teach the ropes too. I obviously didn't do a good enough job because he did something to disrespect Kefka. I tried my best to keep Kefka away but the fucker has sharp claws, so that was pretty much all she wrote," I explained and then winced as the last of the bandage came off. It had begun to stick to my skin and the sensation was an odd and unpleasant one.

"Jesus," Bear said looking at my shoulder, "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah, no problem. This isn't the first time I had something like this happen," I shrugged. I wasn't trying to act tough. These situations just came with the

profession.

"Well I'll tell you this Honey. You are without a doubt the most extreme person I've ever been with. I can only imagine how that must have felt when it happened," Bear said with a shake of her head.

This made me grin again. "Well you are without a doubt the sexiest person I've ever been with."

Bear rolled her eyes. "Flattery will get you nowhere. Besides, it's not like you've taken many to bed and in comparison to any guy you've had, I'm obviously the hottest."

I sighed wistfully. "Every time I start to think you're really human you say something like that and prove me wrong. Then again, that's probably the point."

Bear's eyes twinkled. "I think you may be much, much smarter than I originally gave you credit for.

You more than keep me on my toes," Bear leaned in close to my ear and I tensed up. I always anticipated what she would say when she was this close. "You keep me excited."

I didn't move an inch. My lips were just as close to her ear as hers were to mine and I took advantage of it. "Doesn't happen often, does it?" I muttered.

"No," she admitted. "I bore easily."

I nipped at her earlobe and pressed my body closer to hers. Bear let out a light moan that was extremely sexy. The next sound she made was not so nice however.

"Ew." I pulled back from her quickly, feeling the sting of rejection, but it was soon replaced with humor.

Bear's beautiful flawless skin was dotted with my blood and her face had a grimace of horror. Not being able to control myself, I laughed long and hard. All the while meeting her disapproving gaze.

Standing up, I asked, "Where do you keep the washcloths?"

"Left side of the sink, second drawer down," she replied flatly.

I found one and ran it under warm water for a second and then rung it out and brought it back to Bear.

I didn't sit down in the chair again, but instead I knelt on the floor next to her before proceeding to clean Bear up.

"There," I said in a low voice, raising my face to

meet her waiting eyes. "All better."

Something happened when our eyes met. I couldn't explain it and I didn't know how to react to it, but there was a sudden magnetism I had never felt before drawing me closer to Bear. It was simple really, we just looked at each other and I could feel the serene peace settling over me. It was almost too late before I realized what my brain was trying to tell me. I wanted to kiss her -- really bad.

I also didn't want her to get pissed and end all of this, however, so I scrambled to my feet and fled from the kitchen, leaving Bear sitting on the floor blinking in confusion. I found my shirt in the hallway right when Bear appeared in front of me. It felt like a bad idea to be here right now. I was worried what I might do.

"Thank you for everything. I'll be fine now and, um, I should, uh..." I had never been a good liar though and the next part eluded me. I should what?

"You're not the only observant one Honey. You realized it too and it's a lot easier when it happens that way," Bear told me, her voice soft and nonthreatening.

"What do you mean?" I mumbled, trying not to make eye contact with her.

"You're not the only girl that had the desire to kiss me -- you're just the only one that's ever stopped before it happened. Don't beat yourself up," Bear leaned in close and rubbed her cheek against mine, before whispering in my ear. "That's my job."

That broke my stoicism. I couldn't help but giggle a little. "Yeah, okay," I said, allowing her to drag me back to the living room by my bra strap before depositing me on the couch.

"First things first," Bear said and tugged my sports bra off. "Covered in blood anyways."

Straightening up, she now stood before me with her hands on her hips and a very smug look planted on her face. "Now I thought you wanted me to do something for you, so I'm not sure why you're trying to leave. Besides, I thought you had figured it out already. You can't run from a bear."

I grinned. "So what are you going to do to me?"

"Well," she began and dropped to her knees. Bear gripped the top of my shorts and without even unzipping them, pulled them to my ankles along with my panties. "I think I'll just have you here," she breathed, her eyes off of mine and on the prize.

I had received oral a few times and it was somewhat uninteresting to me. It was mostly just boring and sloppy, with no real direction at all. Bear changed my mind about the whole thing right away though. It wasn't boring or sloppy and most of all I never wanted it to end.

Bear battered my clit, swirled her tongue inside of me and lapped at my sex like a cat with cream. The entire time she did this I kept up a consistent string of moans and positive affirmations. I could tell that she was absolutely loving this -- maybe even more than I was enjoying it.

One of Bear's long fingered hands crept behind me and gripped the small of my back. She tugged me forward on the couch, forcing me to arch my back while her other hand squeezed my thigh. Then without any warning, she slid into me with two digits. I called out loudly, feeling like something was escaping out of my chest.

Bear's head shot up from between my legs. "Tell me all about it baby," she husked before returning to her task.

God I loved her voice, and her touch, and, and...

Her fingers were ending my ability to form cognitive thoughts and her tongue was dissolving my

ability to speak intelligently. Oral wasn't boring, all of those douche bags I had dated were boring. If this is what it was supposed to feel like, then I might be addicted.

Bear lifted her face from my pussy once more and said softly, "Tell me when you cum. And you should know by now that I'm very capable of making it happen."

"Okay, okay," I babbled.

"I let you off easy last time. But you better tell me right away this time," her voice was dead serious but you could taste the lust behind it.

"Yes, of course, anything," I said. At this point I would have said whatever she wanted me to, as long as her hand didn't stop and she put her mouth back on me.

Bear was pleased with my response this time. She bit that sensitive spot where my thigh and hip meet and I started bucking back harder against her strokes.

"Yes," I hissed. Bear went as deep as she could, pounding against my g-spot with her fingertips.

"Yes!" I called out again, much louder this time.

Bear picked up her pace while sucking my clit between

her teeth at the same time.

"Yes! Yes! God yes!" I howled to the ceiling, my head thrown so far back I could feel the cords sticking out of my neck.

"That's right," Bear murmured.

I tangled both hands into her hair and shoved her face back to my clit. "Don't you fucking stop!" I said through gritted teeth.

Later on I would marvel at the guts I had in that moment. I could imagine Bear's astonishment of my sudden boldness as well. It wasn't at all something I would have done (or said) with any other lover.

Bear didn't stop, thank God. She kept on her consistent pace until I felt the slow rise over the dam.

This was it. How had I lived my entire life without this magic feeling?

Then the dam broke.

"Coming! Coming. Bear, oh my God, oh my God, Bear, I'm coming for you!" I babbled as loud as my voice would allow and gripped the couch cushions harder.

Bear didn't stop like I expected her to. Instead she

doubled her efforts on me. Almost immediately I was rocked again. A low groan escaped my lips as the orgasm wracked through my body. It completely lit me up.

Bear withdrew her fingers finally, and with one last long lick to my clit separated herself completely from my sopping wet sex. I let out a tiny whimper that I was sure she didn't hear. It felt a little empty inside of me with her fingers gone.

My eyes flicked up to Bear's and I saw that her entire face and neck were covered in my juices. Bear extended her tongue and licked all around her mouth in an attempt to get every single drop of me. I closed my eyes and hummed in contention while my hand unconsciously crawled down to my clit.

"Not enough for you?" Bear said with some amusement in her voice.

My lids cracked just enough to see Bear's smile and shaking head. "No, you definitely are," I replied.

"I'm just so hot right now."

Bear took my hands and placed them around her neck. "I always think you're hot," she muttered and nipped at my neck.

I thought this was going to be it for the day. We would say some cute banter maybe and then I would

be on my way. Bear surprised me however by leading me to the ground, and instructing me to get on all fours.

I thought about my daydream from earlier again and went red all over. Not that I should be embarrassed around Bear -- she did just have her tongue up my pussy after all. I hoped she wouldn't have noticed that minute flush in my skin but nothing seemed to escape Bear's perception.

"Something wrong?" Bear asked, not really sounding like she cared if I was bothered or not.

"Not really. I just, um, happened to think of something from earlier," I murmured.

"Tell me about it," Bear replied.

Even though I couldn't see her face, I knew she probably wore her predatory smile. Bear wore many faces, and they were becoming more and more predictable. I was curious if she knew how aware I was.

"Before work I was thinking about you. You had me like this on the floor and you were teasing me.

Running your hands all over me. Then you would dig your nails into my back or spank me or pull my hair or bite me," I was feeling out of breath and bold. I didn't

know why I kept going but I did. "I especially liked it when you would bite me. It made me really wet."

"If you like it so much, then maybe I should stop doing it," Bear cooed into my ear. Running her hands slowly down my sides now.

"It'll be a lot harder to tell when I'm doing well then," I groaned and Bears hands faltered. I don't think I was supposed to know that.

"You," Bear said and ran her nails down my right side.

"Are," she pulled my left nipple and it took everything not to cry out.

"Much more," each word was accentuated by a slap on my ass cheeks. She fell silent for a moment and the anticipation had me quivering.

You are much more...what?

I felt Bear's weight press on me finally, pushing me forward some. I could feel her hot breath on my neck as she husked into my ear, "Perceptive than I would have hoped." Then she bit my neck hard.

I cried out but she didn't stop there. Bear proceeded to gnaw down my neck to my shoulder.

There was pain in the way she bit me, but it was a pain that sent an adrenaline rush through my system. Pain was familiar. In some ways, we were old chums, seeing how often that I had hurt myself in life. This pain was nothing like what I had come accustomed to however. It was more of a raw feeling -- an animal feeling.

I wanted Bear to go animal all over me.

"You're a dripping fucking mess," Bear rasped and dipped her fingers into me. She pumped in and out for a few strokes before pulling out abruptly and biting my side, right under my arm.

"Ooh..." I moaned, and sunk from my hands to my elbows.

Bear grabbed a handful of my hair and pulled my head up, she was right at my ear again. "You really like that don't you? If I didn't like doing it so much, I would probably make you beg for it." She nipped my lobe and the breath escaped me in a hiss. "Then again, why spoil a good thing? If we both like it," Bear licked along my spine and then nipped at the base of my neck, "We can both benefit from it. Don't you think?"

"Yes," I replied shakily, wondering just what she was going to do with me now.

"So what else happened in your little fantasy?"

Bear breathed.

"Nothing. My boss told me to get back to work," I said this so deadpan that Bear chuckled behind me for a brief second. She quickly composed herself again though.

"That's why I don't believe in bosses. Well, unless I'm the boss of course." I could hear the smile in her voice. "How about I write an ending to your little daydream?"

"Be my guest," I said. I was up for whatever she might have waiting for me.

"Be my guest, she says..." Bear chuckled again, her voice floating away from me.

It didn't take long for her footsteps to return my way but I kept my head down the whole time, waiting for whatever would happen. Somehow, I knew that this was part of the game we were playing. I needed to stay submissive.

Bear's hands went back to my ass, fondling the skin and spreading the cheeks every once in awhile.

My juices had seeped down my crack and the air hitting that area was a tingly kind of feeling. I fidgeted uncontrollably, getting more impatient with every

moment that ticked by.

"I hadn't planned on doing anything like this with you yet, but you look like you need it so bad -- and I want to give it to you," Bear sounded extremely breathless, but I had no idea what she was talking about. I wanted to turn around and look at her but I settled on my elbows and continued to wait instead.

"When was the last time you were fucked?" Bear asked gruffly. I was confused. Was this a trick question?

"Umm, just a few minutes ago...by you?" I sounded as confused as I felt.

"No," Bear chuckled. "Good answer, but no. I meant, when was the last time you were fucked by a man. You know, with a dick. If I have to be so blunt," Bear replied and it was my turn to chuckle. She slapped my ass again and it shut me right up. "Answer the question Honey."

Even though it was her term for me as the delicious snack that she wanted to eat, both figuratively and not, something else perked in me when she called me Honey. I didn't think about the yummy golden syrup, I thought about the term of endearment. She called me baby earlier too. Was that normal for all of her clients?

"A few months. I can't remember specifically," I answered her finally. This was another one of those questions that would have been mortifying to answer had anyone else in the world been the one to ask it.

There was no verbal response from Bear. Instead she stuck the same two digits into my channel again that had been there earlier. She swirled her fingers around and dug deep with them. I weaved my hands into the plush carpet below me and let my head hang.

I'm sure there was some part of my brain that knew what was going on, but my main conscious was still in the dark -- or perhaps just too lust drunk -- to figure it out. Everything was very clear to me however when Bear's fingers came out and I felt something else pressing at my entrance. Something much bigger than a couple of fingers.

"Shouldn't be a problem since you're so wet," Bear muttered to herself. Even if the comment had been directed towards me, I wasn't paying attention.

All of my focus was centered on my sex and the new arrival to mine and Bear's private party.

"Wha--what is that?" I asked tentatively.

Bear chuckled behind me. The sound held no merriment though and I had a feeling the predators

glint was back in her eyes. My stomach knotted painfully.

"A surprise," Bear husked and gave my ass a hearty slap.

I squeaked in response, the sound high and foreign to my ears. It dawned on me suddenly that she must have been wearing a strap-on. I may not have ever seen one in real life, but it didn't mean that I was ignorant to their existence.

Bear pushed the toy against my lips harder and the head of it began to plunge in. I could already tell her equipment was much bigger than Eddie's. Bear thrust forward a little bit more and I winced. This was the biggest thing that had ever tried to enter there.

Thankfully, I didn't have to say a word. Bear realized what was going on and stopped pushing. This didn't slow her down at all though. She reached her hands around to fondle my breasts and pressed her own against my back. I could feel her stiff nipples digging into my skin.

I began to relax a little under the pleasant feel of her touch. She wasn't twisting or pulling my nipples anymore. Instead she was stroking the skin softly and circling them with her fingertips.

I sighed and sunk my shoulders lower to the ground, until I was laying my face across my folded arms. This of course stuck my ass higher in the air.

Bear straightened up abruptly and slapped my ass harder than she had before.

A wave went through me after that. Completely on the whim of my body, I ground my hips back in one long, languid motion. At the apex of the motion my hips bucked backwards hard and the head of Bear's cock sunk into me.

"Oh!" I exclaimed, my voice still sounding too high for my own liking.

Bear slowly slid another inch or so in and I hummed deep in my throat and closed my eyes. At this point there was nothing I could possibly do to resist Bear's spell. She had complete power over me and every moment it got stronger. With every inch she fed me I lost more and more control on reality and of myself.

For the second time today I was caught wondering if this was how sex really was supposed to be. Maybe it was just how Bear did things. If so, how the hell would I ever be able to give this up?

In the midst of my racing thoughts I realized that Bear's legs were pressed against mine. The whole

thing was inside of me. It filled me up to a point I had never experienced and I had to admit, it was an amazing feeling.

"I'm in you to the hilt," Bear asked, sounding as breathy and hot as I felt. "How does it feel?"

"Fantastic," I mewled.

Bear grasped my hips in both hands and pulled back a fraction of her length and then slowly made it disappear inside me again. She continued this agonizing pace, pulling a little more out on each stroke until finally she had removed almost the entire length.

Only the head remained lodged in me.

Bear lingered at that point like she had when we began. Only now I wasn't getting used to her girth -now I was hungry. My passion was a fire and Bear wasn't giving me nearly enough wood to get blazing. I gripped the carpet and groaned in frustration.

"Trying to tell me something Honey?" Bear queried. "If you are, you really need to speak up."

I went red again. Dirty talk had always been an embarrassing topic for me. Why? My brain argued.

You're being stupid. How is it embarrassing to tell her you want to be fucked into next Tuesday? She's already inside of you.

"I want you to do it faster," I said in a low voice.

I was breaking all sorts of barriers today.

"Do what faster?" Bear responded.

She was going to make this difficult. "Fuck me.

Fuck me faster."

"I'm not sure who you're talking to though, Honey," Bear replied, still unmoving. She was absolutely killing me right now.

"Fuck me faster Bear," I nearly whined. "Please," I added as an afterthought, for good measure.

"That's more like it," she said and slammed into my waiting box, retracting just in time to hit that delicious spot on the front wall of my canal.

"Uh!" I cried in surprise. "Uh, uh." I whimpered, feeling my knees go weak when she hit the button inside me again.

"You will never forget how well I do you. Not for the rest of your life," Bear growled and started to pump into me even faster, slamming on my g-spot with every stroke. Her fingers gripped my hips tighter to the point where her nails sunk into my flesh. The sharp sensation mixed with her incessant attack on my pussy

was exquisite.

"You'll never forget either," I said, out of breath.

Damn, was I brazen this time.

Bear stopped her thrusting and for a brief second I thought I had hit a nerve. Maybe she would punish me now and not let me come. Instead I felt her weight press down on my back again, which pushed the toy even farther inside of me. I felt like I was losing my breath.

"Never," she whispered and began her motion again. She didn't stand straight up again however.

Instead she did it in small increments, causing her equipment to hit me in ways I had never been touched before.

"You're so fucking incredible," I moaned.

"You better believe it," Bear rasped. "Ever since the first time I saw you, I knew I wanted to dive deep into this honey pot and leave my mark on you."

"No pun intended?" I was able to grunt out between my heavy breathing.

"Pun completely intended," she replied and continued jack hammering away.

"Oh fuck, Bear," I groaned, her words having an acute effect of their own on my dripping pussy. She really knew how to play me like a fiddle.

"I'm trying, I'm trying," Bear grunted behind me, somehow managing to rock me even harder.

That was my breaking point.

"Coming!" I said instinctively and my legs began to shake so hard I lost my balance and came crashing to the floor. I thought she would stop, or slow down or something, but even my collapse didn't deter Bear. She really was going to leave a mark on me that I wouldn't be able to erase.

Around that time I started calling out for Bear, God and any other deity that might be able to help me out of my own whirlpool of pleasure. Eventually it all faded out and the only thng I could feel was the consistent thump-thump still pounding away inside of my sex. I knew when Bear was finally done with me though. I felt her retract her tool and it caused the air to rush out of me all at once. If I thought I felt empty after her fingers left me earlier, it was nothing to the downright loneliness in my loins after she took that monster away.

Somewhere in the haze I felt myself being turned over. The plush carpet felt incredible on my aching

back and hips, I was content to just lay here forever.

Then I felt something unexpected -- a feather light touch on my forehead, moving my sweaty bangs out of my face.

I heard Bear's soft laugh somewhere above me.

"Somehow you manage to glow and look like hell at the same time."

This hit my funny bone as well. When I tried to laugh, however, the right sound didn't really come out.

It sounded weak and thin.

I forced my eyelids open and was rewarded with my favorite of Bear's personas. When our eyes met she cocked her head and smiled. It was the same look from earlier only my thoughts were different.

I'll gladly be your pet. Hell, you can collar me if you want. I don't even care anymore.

"So, that's how good sex should be." she said very simply and flashed some teeth.

"I've been ignorant far too long then," I mumbled.

"Yeah, you have," Bear laughed. "Come on let me help you up. I'll get you something to drink and then we can rewrap those bad boys." She pointed to

my wounds from earlier before offering me her hand.

I had completely forgotten about my run in with Kefka by this point, but the mention of it brought a sharp and sudden sting to my shoulder.

I clasped her hand and let her heave me off the ground. Given the fact that I was pretty much dead weight, mixed with how easy Bear lifted me off the ground scared me a little. She could probably man handle me if she wanted and I wouldn't even be able to make a struggle. Bear led me back into the kitchen and down in the same chair as before. She then went and rummaged around in the fridge.

"I got water, juice, soda and liquor, what takes your fancy?" Bear called over her shoulder.

"Something strong," I groaned. I wasn't much of a drinker, but it felt appropriate right now.

"Coming up," she responded. I had already laid my head down on the table and closed my eyes again.

I had never felt so completely drained and dead in my life. Was this normal too?

Bear nudged my arm with a cold glass and I lifted my head and sat up. She was holding an identical glass and was offering it out in cheers. I lifted my arm after a moment to take the drink in my hand and clunk my glass to hers.

"Bottoms up," I remarked in a rasp and took a huge swig.

"Hopefully it's not too strong for you. I don't want you getting in a wreck or something when you leave. I already got you pretty sex drunk," Bear chuckled. I noticed that it wasn't like her laugh when we were being sexy. It was softer, more joyful and full of good humor. I liked that sound a lot.

"You'll kick me out as soon as you're done here right?" I asked and Bear rolled her eyes.

"Not immediately, no. Jeez, you act like I'm heartless or something," she scoffed.

"Not heartless. I just think you're above mundane human matters," I felt a sarcastic grin pulling at my features. "That includes post coitus conversation."

"That would mean that I'm not human," Bear replied, mimicking my grin.

"You could have fooled me."

"Well I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I'm naught but a mere mortal," Bear shrugged closing her eyes.

"And besides, I'm entertaining your need for post coitus conversation right now. Using your words of

course. I would call it bullshitting after a good fuck."

"Here I thought I was brimming with sarcasm.

Apparently I have a lot to learn from you in that department also," I said with a laugh.

"Well, it is my duty to equip you for the future. I guess I could write that into your initial cost for an extra thirty bucks or so," she thought this was hilarious but my face went somber. I knew I had forgotten something.

"Yeah about that, I was supposed to bring your fee today, but, y'know..." I mumbled, feeling terrible, but Bear waved me off.

"Don't even worry about it. I trust you, you wouldn't screw me. And if you tried, well, I proved that I can screw you better."

That got me laughing. Hanging out with the real Bear was actually a lot of fun. You couldn't tell normally since she was so good at her persona -- that commanding, intimidating presence.

"Whatever you say. Do you know the time by any chance?" I asked, taking another swig of my drink. I could add bartender to my list of things Bear was great at.

Bear craned her neck over her shoulder to check the clock in the kitchen. "Uh, it's about three forty or so."

I almost spit the drink back out. "Are you serious? I've been here for like six hours!"

Bear shrugged again, the smile planted firmly on her face once more. "Well it was my day off. I thought I would take my time and enjoy it." I didn't even know what to say to that. "You have extra bandages for that right?" Bear asked with a point to my wounds, smoothly changing the subject.

"Yeah, in my shorts." I replied and Bear retreated to the living room. She reappeared a moment later holding all of the supplies Rusty had given me earlier.

Why was she so concerned about taking care of me?

A silence settled between the two of us as Bear began working. The bleeding had stopped completely awhile ago, that was one thing I had going for me at least. I was still a little worried about having to get stitches though.

"So does this mean you have some connection to the medical profession?" I just wanted to break the silence between us, it was getting uncomfortable.

"Not even close Honey. I mean look at these

wraps, that's not professional. Feel free to keep guessing though," she replied, so focused on her task she didn't even look up.

"It was worth a try. I am curious what job takes your particular set of skills."

Bear grinned at me for a quick moment. "You wouldn't know my actual set of skills. You've only been introduced to my God given talents."

"You are so full of yourself," I remarked.

"And that's one of those particular skills," she retorted. "There. All done." She was fast. Faster than Rusty even.

I stood up from the chair and every inch of my limbs protested. There was way too much physical exertion that I had put out today. I noticed that Bear had already collected my clothes and dropped them behind my chair. I bent over to grab something but then stopped mid action.

"May I get dressed?" I inquired in a flat voice.

"Mmm, I suppose," she replied. "I would rather you didn't, but I do have to let you go eventually.

Otherwise there would be no fun in hunting you back down."

I felt a sharp pang in my stomach and cursed Bear internally. She was turning me into a friggin' sex fiend.

I got dressed as quickly as I could, turned around and drained my drink in one last gulp.

"Thanks, this was awesome," I said and held my glass up. "And I'm not just talking about the drink."

Setting it back on the table, I took a last glance at Bear and shuffled my feet awkwardly. She seemed comfortable and content, completely naked with her legs crossed and a smug sort of smile. Queen of the castle.

"It seems you're more eager to go than I am to kick you out," she observed.

I shrugged. "I'm kind of afraid to be around you.

You're pretty dangerous to me."

"Yes," she answered, like it should have been a common fact, not a confession on my part. "Well I don't want to make you uncomfortable. Why don't I see you out?" Bear offered and I raised my eyebrows.

"Dressed like that?" My voice was thick with unbelief.

Bear shrugged. "I don't have to."

"You probably shouldn't," I replied feeling breathless again.

"Whatever you prefer," Bear grinned again, her smile wide. "Before you go though, I wanted to tell you something that I learned the other day. About honey."

"Oh yeah, what's that?" I asked.

"It makes you unbearably horny," Bear's eyes were glued to mine and her voice was low and husky.

Again my stomach knotted painfully and I felt out of breath. I didn't even nod or reply I retreated from her home as quick as I could. In the process I ended up leaving my shoes next to her door and didn't even realize it until I got home.

She was totally ruining me.

Chapter Three: Undisclosed Desires "Something wrong?"

"Huh?" I replied, snapping my head up. I had been thinking about Bear. Again.

"You haven't touched your coffee," Sara remarked with a hint of disdain "Sorry, just distracted I guess," I mumbled and took a big swig of the coffee in front of me. Mostly for Sara's sake.

"What's on your mind?" Sara had begun idly flipping through some trashy pop culture magazine.

I bit my lip and considered my best friend. A part of me wanted to ask her all the questions I had about Bear. At the same time, I liked the way that Bear made me feel. If she was like that with all of her clients, I think it would burst my bubble a little bit.

Still...

"Hey Sara, can I ask you a question? About Bear?" I asked, wanting to find out more than I didn't.

Sara looked up at me and seemed puzzled at first.

Finally realization dawned on her and she laughed.

"Bear? That's what you call her? I mean, God Jules, I knew you were obsessed, but really? That makes me wonder about the real problems with your sexuality."

I set her with a stoic look. "Gonna answer my question or not Peaches?" I retorted, my voice irate.

"She told you?" Sara hissed.

"It was more of a slip of the tongue," I admitted.

"What's your sounding defeated.

question?"

Sara

mumbled,

I paused, not knowing how to start this conversation or even what I needed to know first. "Did Bear ever call you anything? Besides your 'name' I mean."

Sara thought about it for a second. "Not really.

Maybe girl. Like, 'over there, girl.' You know?"

I shook my head. "No, I was thinking of something more...affectionate." I kind of mumbled the last word out.

"Never," Sara said quickly, "Why do you ask."

"Well, I suppose it's not a big deal," I looked away from Sara and started twirling a lock of hair

around my fingers. "But she called me baby the other day."

"Baby? What did you do to her Jules?" Sara scoffed and laughed darkly. "Perhaps she's showing a little likeability finally."

"Meaning?"

"I don't know. She was always a bit cold and distant. Not that I took it personally, I mean that was the point. She's sure warmed up to you though it sounds like. Did she say anything else intimate?" Sara was curious now, and this worried me. I didn't want her asking me a barrage of questions -- this was my time to do the asking.

"Not really," I shrugged trying to be nonchalant.

Sara had gone back to her magazine and I went back to staring out the window. "So what are you going to do?" she asked idly.

"What do you mean?"

"Well this obviously isn't normal, so what are you going to do about it?"

"Nothing. It hasn't gotten weird or anything. I like Bear. She's kind of fun to hang out with. I mean,

besides when it's obviously fun to hang out with her," I chuckled a little at my ability to make such a blatant sex joke and not care.

"You guys hang out?" Sara asked, sounding alarmed.

"Well maybe not in the conventional sense, but we've sat around and talked about things other than sex," I shrugged again, feeling a little odd about bringing this up. I had prepared myself for feeling like everyone else, I had not come to the conclusion that Bear might actually be singling me out.

"Well if you ask me, it sounds like she might have a thing for you. Just keep that in mind. Don't let anything go where you don't want it to," Sara informed me. Her words said that she cared, but she was lost in her magazine again.

"Yeah, of course," I said and stood up. "I'm going to go for a walk. I might swing back by later."

"Sure," Sara replied not even bothering to look up or say goodbye.

It was a gorgeous day, the season was finally turning to summer weather and I was dressed appropriately for it. I had a thin yellow tank top with a sleeveless pink hoodie over it. The jacket had no

purpose except that it was cute, which I would admit to no one. On my lower half, I wore white shorts. Not like the ones I wore for work however, these were tight to my legs and made my butt look amazing.

Still probably not as tight as Bear's jeans though.

That sudden thought set the pace for where my mind rested as I strolled around town. All of the things we had done together, all the things we could do, all the things I wanted to do. For a brief moment, I wondered what it would be like to wear Bear's strapon and do what she did to me. I had no idea why, I just wanted to try it.

The farther I walked, the more I dove into my thoughts. The more I dove into my thoughts, the faster I walked. Before I knew it I was thinking about what Sara had said. Maybe this wasn't normal, but I didn't feel like I cared that much. Was I really that attention starved, or was it something deeper that Bear had uncovered in me?

I took stock of my surroundings for the first time on my stroll and realized I was very far away from Sara's. Somewhere near downtown it looked like -and only blocks away from Bear's. Was I obsessed or something?

Still, this was slightly advantageous. There was a

bank about fifteen minutes walk from here, I could get Bear's money for her and just drop it in the mailbox. I felt bad about not having it last time, but more importantly I hated having a debt to anyone. Besides, this way there would be no awkward moment to comb through on our next encounter.

On my walk to the bank I found a whole new dilemma to deal with. What if she was there? Would I try to be stealthy about it and hope she didn't see?

What if she did see me, would she think I was stalking her?

It didn't take long to get to the bank while my thoughts raced through the different scenarios. I withdrew the funds, grabbed an envelope on the way out and scribbled Bear across it in big letters before stuffing the cash inside. I then exited the bank and headed back the way I came.

Rounding the corner of the sidewalk, Bear's place came into view. I breathed a sigh of relief when I noticed there wasn't a car in the driveway. There was no traffic coming in my way so I began to cross the street without a second look in the opposite direction.

A moment later, I heard the squeal of stopping tires inches behind me.

I jumped and clasped my chest, spinning on the driver and preparing to freak out. Bear got out of the

front seat with the same intention and froze upon seeing me like I had when I realized it was her.

"Holy shit, are you okay? And what are you doing down here?" Bear asked in a low voice.

I was still a little stunned and it took me a second to formulate a response. What were the odds of this happening first off? And second, instead of the tight, thought provoking clothes I was used to seeing Bear in, she was wearing a form fitted navy pantsuit.

That's a switch.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I said finally and held up the envelope. "I was walking and I figured I could drop this off. Sorry."

Bear waved her hand, dismissing me. "No its fine. Let me park." She got back in her SUV without my response and parked in the driveway a few feet from where I was standing. I shrugged and stuffed the envelope back into my inside jacket pocket before making my way over to her.

A grin appeared on Bear's face when I got close.

Immediately however she took a step back and looked all around her. What was she so paranoid about?

"Would you like to come inside?" she asked.

I recognized that tone. The words said if you would like to. The husky tone she spoke in, however, said get in there now. I walked past her without a word -- she sure had molded me good. I could feel her eyes on my ass and knew that she probably wanted nothing more right now than to reach out and slap it. I couldn't help but wonder why she didn't.

I heard the door shut behind me and then Bear was wrapping me up in her arms from behind. She brushed her cheek against mine and hummed. "It's not fair for you to dress like that Honey. Not fair to everyone that doesn't get to touch you all over and it's not fair to me either," Bear muttered.

"How so?" I breathed.

"I have a very important video chat in less than hour and now I can't concentrate on anything but your fine ass," she nipped my earlobe.

"Why are you trying to resist it?" I asked. As per usual, the hotter Bear got me, the brasher I got.

Bear groaned and slipped one of her hands from around my midsection, to slip under my shorts and panties. I felt Bear's fingers slip all over the place with no particular purpose and it caused me to moan loudly.

"You're wet," Bear muttered.

"Been thinking about everything I want to do with you."

Bear retracted her fingers from me and brought them towards her mouth. Before she could taste my juices however, I intercepted and tasted her fingers myself.

Bear groaned in her throat. "Things like that?" she rasped.

"No. That was a whim," I replied and Bear gave a brief chuckle before she bit my shoulder. She unzipped my jacket, letting it fall to the floor as she worked my top up and off. She bit me again and without the fabric between us I could feel her sharp teeth acutely against my skin.

"Oh, what you do to me," she mused and her grip around me tightened, mashing me closer against her body. Her other hand slipped back down to unbutton and unzip my shorts. She didn't remove them though, instead just snuck her hand back under my panties and began doing circles around my clit.

"I like what you're doing to me," I whimpered and snaked my arms around her head, forcing her face back to my neck. She bit me again -- harder this time -

- and I bucked my hips into her hand.

Bear sped up her hand on me and I felt myself clenching right away. She was like a magician of pleasure. My pleasure. My knees went wobbly but I stood through the fierce orgasm that ripped through me suddenly.

"Bear," I moaned and laid my head back against her. Bear nuzzled her nose into my hair and inhaled deeply. I wanted her to kiss me, just on the neck where she had bit me earlier. I shivered at the thought of how good it might feel, then sighed knowing it wouldn't happen.

Bear loosened her grip around my middle and held up her watch. "Seventeen minutes." She muttered with a frown and removed her hand from my pants finally. I wanted it as much as she did, so I took the initiative.

I spun around and grabbed her ass in both hands.

"I'm up to the challenge," I said.

Bear's face had been covered in lust, but after my comment, it broke and turned into a fond look. She was pleased with me again. This lit me up inside.

"Just one second," Bear replied and removed my hands from her gently. She disappeared, leaving me in

the foyer feeling hot, bothered and a little messy. And very, very happy.

She reappeared and took my hand, leading me to a room in the house I hadn't seen yet. It was wood paneled and lined with bookshelves. A beautiful mahogany desk was smack dab in the middle of the room and a big, comfy chair sat behind it.

"I don't bring many people in her so count yourself lucky," Bear informed me and sat down in the chair.

I crouched in front of Bear, mostly underneath the table. Something about that made me a little hotter -- the fact that I was hidden. Unless someone was right next to the desk they wouldn't even know what I might be doing under here. When did I get so naughty?

"I always count myself lucky when I'm with you," I said, feeling corny as soon as it came out of my mouth.

Bear found some amusement in this though. She slid her pants off completely, kicking them under the desk next to me. "I'll make you feel even luckier if you do a good job here," Bear remarked. I didn't need any more incentive than that.

Spreading Bear's thigh I moved my face closer to

her sex. I didn't want to fuck around and waste a bunch of time, but I realized in that moment that I really did like the position I was in. Regardless of what Sara said, I didn't need to do anything. Normal or not, this thing we had worked and most importantly I liked it.

Pushing all other thoughts out of my mind except how incredibly sexy Bear was, I buried my face in her pussy and started giving her my all. I remembered the things that made her jump and gasp from last time and sought to find new things that had that same effect on her.

After a while though, I noticed that she had a hurried almost frustrated way of bucking into my face.

Without much thought I slipped a single finger in her up to the knuckle. She relaxed her hips and sighed as I started a quick in and out, curling my finger like she had done to me last time and getting a definite positive response from her.

I flicked my tongue upwards on Bear's clit and she grabbed my hair. "Right there, right there!" she whispered in rushed breaths and I focused my tongue on that spot while I slid in a second finger.

"Fuck," Bear groaned and slumped her head against the back of the chair while her hips bucked. I felt her insides clenching my fingers unbelievably hard and for a moment was worried about one breaking.

I lifted my face from her pussy to see her gorgeous face in ecstasy. This led my eyes down to how her chest was heaving and the way her legs shook around me. How was it that she was this sexy all the time?

As bad as I wanted to keep going, keep pleasing her as long as she would let me, I didn't want to press my luck. I couldn't risk her getting distracted and missing whatever meeting she was anticipating. I retracted my fingers but continued to lap at her softly with my tongue. After cleaning up all the juices on and around her lips I sat back on the ground and licked my own lips -- I didn't want to miss a drop.

Bear was a mess. She was panting and her top was all crooked, not to mention that her hair was a disaster. Her gaze met mine and she smiled instantly.

No ruse, no double meaning. That smile said, 'Thank you. I needed that.'

With a big breath Bear sat up and straightened her top then rubbed her cheeks and shook the sex fog from her brain. She blew the bangs out of her face and with a sigh unpinned her hair.

"Guess I can't go professional," she muttered to herself and ran her fingers through her long, dark locks. I couldn't believe it but in less than a minute she

made herself look completely presentable. You would be none the wiser that she had just had came forty five seconds ago. Unless you noticed that she still wasn't wearing pants of course.

A ringing from Bear's PC went off and I realized how close we had cut it. For some reason that made me feel good. I was able to deliver. With another glance at Bear who was taking a few more deep breaths I started to crawl out from the desk. Bear raised her foot to my shoulder and pushed me down to the ground once more.

"Stay," she mouthed and answered the call. I was wondering if I was about to become privy to some firsthand information about Bear, but I was instantly proved wrong when the voice coming from the computer spoke.

"Ciao Signora Kaganoff. Come stai?" It sounded like an older gentlemen, and he definitely wasn't speaking English. It shocked me just as much when Bear spoke back smoothly.

"Molto bene, Mr. Gustavo. Sto indovinando sei di buon umore te questa sera?" she replied with a good natured smile.

The man laughed. "Naturalmente. Volete tagliare le chiacchiere e arrivare a lavoro allora bella?"

Bear nodded, but held up one finger. "Se si può solo darmi un momento." she ran two fingers along her throat, "Stavo solo afferrare un drink quando hai chiamato, potrei mettere in attesa per un minuto?"

"SĂŹ, sĂŹ," he responded and Bear clicked something on the keyboard and turned back to me. She smiled at me briefly and bent over to slide out an ottoman from under her chair then patted the top with another look at me.

"Take off your shorts and lay down," she said and left the room.

I did as she instructed, taking off my bra for good measure, and clambered on top of the ottoman. My legs hung off the edge but my head had a place to lie.

It was a fine trade off.

Bear reappeared a moment later with a glass of water in her hand. She set the water next to her monitor and settled back down in her chair. Bear pushed me back under the desk and I was thankful she had such audacious taste. There was plenty of room under the mahogany desk for me to almost sit up if I wanted to.

"Pull your legs in," Bear instructed and I obeyed.

She pulled her chair up to the desk, grabbed my

legs and draped them on either side of her waist. I could feel the heat coming from her pussy on mine.

Bear turned her attention back to the screen and a false smile replaced the one she wore moments before.

"Grazie," she said and held up the water. "Ora dove eravamo rimasti?"

I was pretty positive it was Italian they were speaking. My grandmother was Italian and she fused the English and Italian languages together seamlessly.

Of course that meant you never knew what she was talking about, but eventually you started picking up on things. I knew grazie meant thank you for sure, but not much beyond that.

Bear may have been aware of my pondering because one of her hands started sliding up my thigh.

I was so aware of that feeling that my brain completely shut off trying to listen to them. Her fingertips brushed against my lower lips before she ran her hand down my other leg.

The casual conversation Bear was involved in had become a spitfire back and forth all of a sudden.

The voices were nothing but a buzzing to me though.

I was so focused on that hand and where I wanted it to go. I found Bear's face with my eyes and bit my lip, silently pleading her to look at me and know. I needed her to touch me.

Bear's smile, real or fake, had vanished. Her eyebrows were scrunched up and her lips were tight in between sentences. Whatever they were talking about was serious stuff. Her hand stilled on my knee and I let out a quiet groan of protest. I thought the noise was low enough for me alone, but nothing escaped Bear's notice. Her head cocked in my direction just the slightest and her hand began to move again. It wasn't until two of her fingers plunged inside me that I realized I had been holding my breath -- the exhale coming out as a hiss between my teeth.

There was no nice, gentle warm up to this session. Bear slipped into my hot channel again and again, pounding on my sweet spot and thumbing my clit constantly. I felt like the more intense her conversation got the harder and faster she fucked me.

Bear sat forward in her chair and I felt her sex slid along my leg leaving behind a warm wetness. Bear showed no signs that she felt anything however. She put her free elbow on the desk and began waving her hand about dramatically.

"Questo è ridicolo. Gustav non avrebbe pagato piÚ di tanto!" she growled, sounding absolutely pissed.

I knew that tone and was instantly tuned into it -- and turned on by it. That was Bear's commanding voice.

Her roar so to speak.

That tone passed her lips and she began to really pound me. I bit down on my hand to stop myself from crying out. She was shaking my whole body with her exertions.

The force of the orgasm that came on from this violent pounding hit me like a battering ram. The air left my lungs and I was left gasping and grabbing at the ottoman, while my teeth dug into the flesh of my free hand. I prayed she would slow down her assault but Bear did no such thing. I gripped the ottoman with the hand I had been biting and hung on for dear life.

After another minute of the sensation of her fingers in me through my orgasm I realized I didn't want her to stop at all. I could feel another one in reach.

If I just kept going I would get it, and I wanted it.

But Bear's hand stopped, and her voice went softer than it had been. I felt the orgasm slipping away and frantically started moving my hips on her still hand while reaching down to my pussy and rubbing furiously. I had never been to this level of horny before, where I felt like coming was a matter of life or death.

Thankfully Bear was very attentive and adept at multitasking. She could see me struggling and started fingering me with purpose again. I closed my eyes and gritted my teeth, my hand circling my clit as fast as my

heart was pounding.

It was right there. I felt like I could reach out and touch it. I kept running faster and faster towards it and then before I knew it, the orgasm crashed into me like a brick wall. It felt like every muscle in my body was paralyzed. My back arched and my hips were raised up, but I couldn't move from that position.

Bear's strong hand supported while I came down from my high and the fingers inside of me slowed down. This time I was glad they did. Slowly my muscles relaxed and settled back into the ottoman.

Bear stood and pulled the ottoman out from under the desk. I blinked at the bright lights in the room. Next thing I knew she had her hand on my back and was sitting me up.

"Here," Bear said and I took the glass of water she held out to me. I drank from it greedily and when it was gone I held out the empty glass to Bear. I flopped back down on the ottoman and closed my eyes. The things she did to me were freaking amazing.

"You are so gorgeous. Has anyone ever told you that?" Bear murmured.

I wanted to look at her but my eyes were so heavy. "Not really, no," I said with a small smile.

It was true. The caliber of my looks had been suggested through catcalls and wanting stares from men for years, but no one had ever told me what they really thought of me. Never with an outright proclamation of gorgeous either.

"That's insane," she scoffed.

"You're in a good mood all of a sudden. You sounded pretty mad a minute ago," I remarked.

"Well things worked out in my favor. I saved money and I made money. Who doesn't love that?"

I felt her hands on my thighs and tensed up. Oh God, I don't know if I can go again. Then her cheek brushed against my hip and nuzzled into the crevice between my thigh and pussy. I exhaled raggedly.

"Relax," she muttered into my skin. "I'm not going to attack you. I just want to taste the fruits of my labor."

The next thing I knew her tongue was sampling me. It was the lightest touch I had ever felt down there.

Her tongue was soft and the way she lapped at me was soothing in an odd way that was unknown to me until now.

I melted even deeper into the ottoman at her lip service. Besides putting my hand on her hair and tangling my fingers into it, I didn't want to move at all.

She had removed all desire for me to do anything. Not for the first time I considered offering myself up to her whim for good. I honestly didn't know how I would cope without this kind of sensation in my life.

I was having a hard time thinking cognitively anymore, and realized I was quickly lapsing into sleep mode. I tried to force my eyes open again but it was too late. My brain may have been aware but my body was shutting down. Before I could struggle too much, I simply slipped off. *** I didn't wake up on the ottoman like I expected to, but on Bear's couch. There was a fire crackling on one wall and it threw shadows over Bear, who was reading the paper in her usual chair. I never noticed the fireplace before. She is really, really distracting. I pushed the blanket off me and started to sit up. No matter how quietly I attempted this it still caught Bear's attention.

"Don't forget your clothes on your rush out of here like you did with your shoes last time," Bear said flatly, not even bothering to look up from the paper.

"Your hearing is incredible," I said, still sounding very sleepy.

Bear dropped the paper to give me a devilish smile, before it went back up. I swung my feet off the couch and noticed that Bear had folded my clothes and put them on the ground next to me. I wasn't sure if that was a clue that I'd overstayed my welcome or just her way of being sweet.

Either way I stood up and started to get dressed.

I slid on my panties and bra, fumbling with the clasp for only a moment. Picking my shorts up, I noticed that Bear's hands were shaking.

"Are you okay?" I asked, shorts still in my hand.

"Please, just hurry up and get dressed. You're making it impossible to not start this whole thing over again," she practically moaned.

I grinned unconsciously and strode to the front of her chair. With one finger I pushed her paper down and she looked at me reluctantly.

"I have no objections," I said with a flirtatious smile.

Bear heaved a sigh. "Please, don't tempt me Honey. I can't."

I pouted my lip and gave the best disappointed face I could muster. Bear looked torn but eventually sighed again and put the paper back in my face.

"Fine," I muttered. Why did I care so much anyways? And when did this become more recreational than educational? I finished getting dressed and checked the time.

"Is it really eight? Jesus, you're insane you know that?" I exclaimed and heard a tiny chuckle from the paper. "Well I should go. It'll take me an hour to walk back at least. Always seems to take longer in the dark."

Bear put the paper down for good finally and stood up. She had changed in my slumber, this time into a long colorful summer dress. Somehow, it still seemed to fit to her body like it was made for her. She always had a way of looking like a runway model no matter what she wore. It made me a little jealous sometimes.

"You're not walking. Come on," she said and motioned to the door. I shrugged and followed her out, grabbing my good work shoes that were still by the door as I did. I climbed into Bear's SUV and breathed in the wonderful smell that was all her.

She didn't really look at me at all while she drove

and only spoke to me for directions. It was a little awkward but at the same time, I knew she cared about me enough to see me home safe. Whatever was weird with her right now must have happened while I was napping because she was on cloud nine before that.

"Thanks for the ride," I said and opened the door.

Before I could get out though, Bear put a hand on my arm to stop me.

"I should be thanking you," Bear replied. "I was stressed about that meeting earlier. When I first saw you I thought God was trying to torture me, but you really helped me relax and stay focused on everything.

Things might have gone much differently otherwise.

So, thank you."

I was a bit surprised, but her words also made me feel good about myself. "You're welcome Bear.

Anytime."

We both looked at each other for the first time since getting in the car. Both of us were trying to be stoic, but I couldn't stop the grin despite trying to have a straight face. Eventually she broke too. Bear released me and I got out of the car and walked across the street to my apartment.

"Honey?" she called and like always, I had to look back. "I might take you up on that offer," she said

with a wink, before finally driving off.

She made my knees weak when she talked to me like that. I didn't bother turning any lights on in the house, I just went straight upstairs and went to bed. I didn't have the energy to stay awake any longer today. *** Getting up the next morning was almost like dealing with a hangover -- a sex hangover in this case.

My head was still foggy and my muscles ached all over, not to mention that constant throbbing in my pussy. I realized that last thing wasn't all bad. It was just a constant reminder that I wanted Bear still.

I couldn't focus on anything at work and realized that it was sort of a pattern. Every time Bear would take me for a few hours and brand me I would start living on autopilot. Like the whole experience put me in a haze. When that haze wore off, she usually came calling around again.

I wondered if this was on purpose, like she was brainwashing me or something. She didn't seem like the manipulative type though so I had a hard time believing it. Could probably just chalk it all up to good timing.

I knew I could debunk my silly brainwashing

theory for good when she didn't call at all after the first week. I had been over her spell for days now and still nothing. Close to two weeks after our impromptu rendezvous and still no word from her. Around that time I had the opportunity to buy some exotic new exhibits that I'd had my eye on for a long time and as much as I was hung up on Bear, there were exciting things that had my attention more focused.

We were scheduled to receive the animals in a few days and I had just set up the new habitats with the rest of the team. Rusty had been out with a nasty bug for the last week so he didn't even know the extent of the news yet. Luckily he was supposed to be coming back later today so he would soon be filled in on all the excitement.

It was another beautiful late spring day and I was walking along minding my own and whistling a happy tune. There was something about this time of the year that was truly wonderful to me. Everyone, from the birds in the sky to the businessmen in the concrete jungle, perked up during spring. I was no exception today. I had been flitting between exhibits and saying hello to all the wildlife and lending a hand wherever necessary. It was just one of those days that I loved my life.

My peace bubble was popped however by the sound of Bear's ring tone. It was a surprise to hear from

her after this time, but still I answered quickly. No reason to keep her waiting.

"Bear."

"Honey." I could hear the grin in her voice.

"Yes, sexy?" I replied, because I was alone.

"Busy?"

Unfortunately yes. Then again... "Depends. Do you want to take a field trip?"

There was a long silence and I thought for a moment that she had hung up. "What did you have in mind?" Bear replied finally.

"I'm going to give you an address to the place I work at. I promise I'm not going to violate any of your conditions," I assured her.

Again there was a string of silence. I don't think that Bear was used to this kind of treatment. At the same time though, I think that's why she liked me.

"Okay. I'm up for an adventure." Bear said.

This excited me to no end. I gave her the address and directions before hanging up. From where she

lived I would give her ten to fifteen minutes.

Depending on if she primped or not, we might be looking at more time. The thought of Bear primping for me brought a smile to my face and a defined thump in my loins.

I made my way to the admission center to wait for Bear and ended up chatting with Sam, one of my good friends that worked up front. She had been going on about college and her friends and this new guy she had met and how it was destiny. I tuned her out as soon as I saw Bear's SUV pull up.

I held a finger up to Sam. "Sorry to cut you off, but I have to go meet someone," I said and gave her a rueful smile to let her know I really was sorry before striding over to the parking lot.

Bear got out looking just as good as ever, wearing a short gray skirt, knee high socks and another tailored button up. This one white with three quarter sleeves. She looked like a catholic schoolgirl wet dream.

I rushed over to her quickly and said under my breath. "Are you aware of how you dress sometimes?"

Bear looked at me with a wide smile, before leaning down to brush her cheek against mine. "Yes. I do it on purpose," she whispered in my ear.

She dazed me only for a minute with her charms.

I shook my head and cleared my thoughts. "Of course you do," I muttered and rolled my eyes. "Come on."

I motioned with a hand and Bear started moving as soon as I did. She didn't walk behind me though, like I often did with her, she walked beside me. If I was going to look at this psychologically it meant that she saw me as her equal. I would like to believe that was the truth.

I began to give Bear a short tour of the grounds, at least until my destination was met. I pointed out different rare and exotic birds in the avian habitat and showed her where the lions ate. We passed by the wolves and she stopped me.

"Which one was it?" Bear asked. I was a bit confused however. She sighed and yanked my shirt aside at the collar and pointed to the healing grooves in my skin.

"Oh, right. Kefka," I mused.

The beast in question was sitting on the rock as usual. It was directly in the sun so none of the others seemed to want anything to do with it anyways. Kefka didn't seem to mind though. Many times I had caught the canine staring up at the sky like he was trying to

challenge the sun. I was starting to think he was a little crazy. It might have been too appropriate that me and the guys decided to name him what we did.

I pointed him out to Bear and she whistled in appreciation. "Damn. He's bigger than I thought. I'm surprised you made it out as well as you did."

"I'm tougher than I look," I assured her.

"I believe you, keep your panties on. For now," Bear chuckled. "So does everything around here have a name."

"Yeah of course. We all have names don't we?

Animals have just as much personality as humans do.

Sometimes more. It helps people feel more connected also. There are some folks, like me, that just...get them on their level. Others need a bridge between the human and animal kingdom."

"Have you named any of them?" she inquired, cocking her head in the cutest way. It would never cease to amaze me how she did things to me that no person ever could before.

"Yeah. Of course," I said quickly, clearing my head. "Couple wolves I named. Leroy, Rory and Kefka -- that son of a bitch. Some others."

"Kefka. Where did you even get that?" Bear asked.

"Final Fantasy. Guess I should have thought that one out better," I replied deadpan.

"Oh, wow. I've never had a nerd before," Bear quipped. "I suppose there's a time and place for everything though."

"Actually you've had a nerd three times if my count is correct," I replied with a wink, "You ready to keep going."

I got her walking again, but I didn't get too far into my plans with Bear before the two of us ran into Rusty and Rolan. Of freakin' course! My mind screamed.

"Hey, hey, hey!" Rusty hollered and made a beeline for me. Rolan followed obediently, his normal grin widening upon seeing me and then faltering a little upon seeing Bear. He began to size her up immediately and I rolled my eyes again. I'm surrounded by weirdos and narcissists.

"Hey there boss, how you feeling?" Normally I would have been more excited to see him, but today I asked this with little enthusiasm.

"Same old, same old. You hear that we're getting a pair of Siberians? Couldn't believe that," Rusty said and shook his head.

I chuckled, my smile becoming more real and less put on. "You're welcome. I set up that deal."

"You see this is why I keep you around. Well that and to be the living example for every green horn around. No fox given, eh?" Rusty laughed and elbowed me. Bear giggled beside me and Rusty became aware of her presence finally. "Who's your pretty friend?"

"Uh, right. Rusty, Rolan, this is Bear. Bear, that's Rusty," I pointed to my boss, "and the silent man is Rolan, my protĂŠgĂŠ."

Rolan simply grunted in response but Rusty had been more attentive. "Bear?" he asked with a questioning look.

Bear laughed, "My name is Brair actually, but she could never pronounce it when we were kids so she called me Bear. You know her, she's always loved animals. Isn't that right Honey?"

"Honey?" Rolan asked with a choked look. Oh, if he only knew.

"My mom called me that," I said without thinking. She was rubbing off on me, I was never an on my feet liar before.

"Yup," Bear agreed nodding her head, with the most priceless shit eating grin on her face. "Honey Bee. She used to get so mad when I would call her that." Bear gazed down on me and the grin softened. It turned into my favorite look and I couldn't help but return it.

"Eventually though I came to like it, kind of fits too. Honey Bear," I could hear that my voice was different than normal, and when I giggled it had the air of a little girl. This was not how I acted at work. The weird look I was getting from Rusty right now confirmed that.

I cleared my throat quickly and clapped Bear on the back hard. She didn't even flinch. "Good times," I said much more loudly. More, normally.

"Yeah, uh, anyways. Good to meet you, we have to be on our way. Come on Rollie," Rusty said and made a departure that was slightly uncomfortable. For me at least.

I shook it off however and continued on. A sudden thought hit me while we walked and persisted until I finally leaned over to Bear.

"That's not really your name is it?"

"Pssh. Not even close," Bear scoffed. "It was a pretty good cover though."

I shrugged my shoulders. "Worth a try I suppose."

The whole mystery of it was a little fun, but I was curious what other people called her. What did real people in her life identify her as? I suppose names were kind of important.

"Boone! Boone!" Speaking of which.

I spun around to see Rolan running back, probably forgot to tell me something in his jealous moment. I jogged over to him and hoped to God that Bear hadn't caught what he called me. I didn't want her to get all weird and distant.

"What is it?" My voice was nearly a hiss and Rolan visibly recoiled.

"I, uh, just wanted to tell you that I've been accepted in. I mean, I'm on the team. I, umm..." Rolan went bright red.

"Wait a second. Are you trying to tell me that

you've been hired on here?" I brightened up a little bit.

He was my apprentice after all and that meant I was doing something right. Besides, Rolan was a good kid. He deserved this.

"Yeah!" he replied, his pizzazz returning to him rapidly.

"Well congratulations buddy, I'm happy for you!" I said and clapped him on the back.

"Really Jules, I couldn't have done this without you. Thank you for everything." Rolan admitted and flung his arms around me.

This was a little awkward, especially because I could feel Bear's eyes on me right now. She has no reason to be jealous though, a part of my brain argued.

Still I untangled myself from Rolan and was glad when I was finally free of him.

"You're more than welcome. I think you'll be a great asset to this team."

Rolan flashed his famous megawatt smile and I thought to myself for the umpteenth time how crazy I must be to not go gaga for this guy. Instead, I was wondering what the tall brunette behind me would have to say. I was sure it would be memorable if nothing else.

"Something you want to tell me about that?" Bear said simply when I joined her again. Her emotion was indistinguishable. It was so frustrating.

"Not really. Rolan is just very enthusiastic. He wanted to make sure that I knew he had just been hired on full time," I explained.

"Didn't seem like it when I met him," Bear grumbled.

"Okay two things. One, are you really that blind?

That kid has the most gargantuan crush on me. He saw how we were and was instantly intimidated by you. He knew there was no way he could get close and personal with me when you were around. And two, am I sensing even more jealousy from your front?" I mocked surprise and clasped my hand to my chest. "I had no idea that I was such a hot commodity."

Bear looked around quickly then grabbed me around the midsection from behind.

"Now I have two things to say," she husked in my ear and the little grin I reserved only for Bear appeared on my face. "One, a bear does not share honey.

Period." I shivered in her arms at her claim on me. I never thought I would want to be owned by anyone.

"And two, I knew you were a hot commodity the

second I laid eyes on you." Bear released me with expert timing as an elderly couple came around the corner. They were none the wiser to our secret.

We continued walking in silence. I would meet her eyes in a sideways glance every few seconds and eventually Bear began to chuckle. It was so infectious that I began my girly giggling again.

"Sooooo. Boone, huh?" Bear said, breaking the silence.

I froze, a chill running up my back. "You heard that?"

"It's not like he whispered it. And as we've established, I have pretty fantastic hearing," Bear replied sarcastically.

"Yeah, well. I was hoping this little outing wouldn't reveal more than it should," I mumbled.

"Real name or nickname?"

"Both."

Bear cocked her head inquisitively. "Elaborate."

I didn't answer right away. Would it be smart to tell her the truth here? I didn't want to alienate her no

matter what. Still, we had been very adamant about the truth, and that was more important to me.

"It's my last name. And it's also a nickname because I'm a marksman," I said, not looking at her at all anymore, rather just keeping my eyes straight ahead.

"I don't understand the nickname."

"Yeah, you wouldn't. It's another nerd reference."

"Is it comic con everyday here or something?"

Bear scoffed.

"Not exactly, but if you think about it, this is a science job. It's pretty much a stereotype to be a little geeky at least," I shrugged.

"Okay, smart ass," Bear replied.

My grin faded once the initial fun died down however. "So does this mean things will get weird?"

"Boone is just as much of a nickname as Honey it would seem, and I don't feel anything about it. So, no."

"Good. I'm glad to hear it," I said and stopped, putting my hand on the fenced barrier between us and

the bear den. "Here we are. Are you ready?"

"Ready for what exactly?" Bear asked cautiously.

"That's a surprise," I replied with a wicked smile.

"Come on."

I unlocked the padlock to the barrier and took Bear's hand before toeing open the door. I knew the cubs would most likely be sleeping, this was around their nap time, but Amna should be up and that was the point.

"If you're taking me somewhere as a ritual sacrifice or something, I'm going to be- Holy shit." Her sarcasm stopped mid sentence at the sight of Amna ahead of us.

The great grizzly had been standing on her hind legs to reach something on a high branch. For once Bear was the one feeling dwarfed. I let go of Bear and walked up to Amna, Bear's eyes bugged out of her head the closer I got.

"Hey there, baby girl," I cooed to her and Amna dropped to the ground at the sound of my voice and shuffled over to me. Amna rubbed her big head against my shoulder and licked my neck.

"Ew," I giggled and wiped off the saliva the best

I could with the collar of my shirt. "Yeah, yeah I love you too."

I turned around and saw Bear looking at me totally awe struck, I rolled my eyes and signaled for her to come over. Bear took a deep breath and gave me a 'what the fuck' look before approaching us slowly.

Amna perked her ears up when Bear finally was standing next to me, but she didn't care to look up when I was scratching the fur around her ears. I stopped petting her and she groaned giving me an irritated look. I looked back to Bear, who was standing stock still next to me, and took her hand in mine again.

"Bear," I said and she looked at me briefly. "I would like you to meet my best friend, Amna. And Amna, this is Bear," I shrugged. "Not a real one obviously." Amna snorted and Bear laughed. That broke the ice.

I raised my hand that had Bear's in it and placed both of our hands on Amna's fur, "She really likes it when you use your nails to get down to the under coat." I told Bear and resumed petting Amna.

After a few moments Bear reacted and started petting the large beast with me. She was silent for awhile and I watched her reactions. At first she was stoic but after a few moments she smiled a little in

wonder and then more and more, enjoying the rarity of this experience.

"I'm scratching a grizzly bear, I don't know if anyone will believe me when I tell them. This is incredible," she remarked.

"I'm glad you're enjoying this, not many people are allowed to come to my world," I replied.

"Thank you for allowing me."

I looked at Bear then -- really looked at her. She wasn't paying attention to me at all though. She was watching her fingers go through Amna's fur again and again.

"Thank you for letting me," I whispered.

Bear met my gaze now and she smiled. The soft, fond, affectionate smile. My smile.

"Want to do something really unbelievable?" I asked, a little grin forming on my face.

"If you ask me to have sex in here I'll have to turn you down. I don't like working with an audience," Bear joked.

That cracked me up. "God no. Amna might think

you're killing me and then she would rip you apart and that wouldn't be pretty. Worse, I would have to clean up the mess." I moved around to Amna's side and put a hand between her shoulder blades and one on her pelvis. I pushed myself up and kicked a leg over the grizzly's back, so I was sitting on top of her.

I offered Bear my hand. "Want to go for a ride?"

"You have got to be kidding me," Bear replied incredulously.

I rolled my eyes. "I don't kid here. If I'm offering, it means we can do it."

Bear reluctantly took my hand and I pulled her up on Amna. The grizzly gave me a weird look over her shoulder; she was used to riding me around, not anyone else. Still she began to amble around, after an exasperated huff.

"This is ridiculous. You must have the coolest job in the world," Bear whispered into my neck.

I shivered. "Yeah it has its perks," I muttered.

"What do you do here anyways?" That's a bit personal for Bear.

"Well, besides the older gentleman you met a

little bit ago, I run here," I replied simply.

"Seriously?"

"What did I tell you about kidding earlier?"

"It's just, you seem a bit young to own an entire establishment like this," Bear replied and I felt her shrug behind me.

"Well no one really owns the zoo. I run it, there's a difference. That means I tell everyone what to do, take care of the multitude of things that need to be done -- feeding, bathing, delivering babies, teaching interns, all that fun stuff. Besides, I may not know what you do, but I know you're in a powerful enough position to have a gorgeous house on the rich side of town and wear tailored everything and I know for a fact you can't be more than a few years older than me, so age has nothing to do with success. It's all about drive."

"TouchĂŠ," Bear muttered.

Amna flopped down in the dirt, done with us and I chuckled and helped Bear off.

"Well then, end of the road. Do you want to head to my office? Get on to the real reason why you're here?" I asked with a wicked grin. Bear took my hand

and led me back to the chain link fence that held the exit. I unlocked the gate and drug Bear out with me, only one thing on my mind now.

I had let go of her hand now that we were in the flowing stream of pedestrian traffic, but managed to lead her along as quick as I could by tugging her shirt in the right direction ever now and again.

I pushed her into my office then shut and locked the door before I leaned my back against the door panting hard. "Noon is always ridiculous around here.

Suppose I can't complain if it pays the bills though."

"Don't worry about that, I have something to take your mind off of it all," Bear husked and moved closer to me. She lifted the hem of her skirt to reveal the head of her toy pinned to the waistband of it. The same toy that had brought me to submission not long ago.

"I remember how much fun we had last time," Bear nearly purred, her eyes glinting wickedly.

It sounded nice. It sounded more than nice actually. On the back of my mind, however, my fantasy resurfaced -- the one where I was making Bear call out my name while I used the strap-on.

"Gimme that thing and put your hands on my desk," I said.

My voice took on a commanding tone I had never used before, let alone with Bear. Bear seemed taken aback. She blinked a few times but didn't move otherwise.

"You're joking," she said flatly, but her eyes were questioning as they searched my face.

I took two steps towards her, squaring my shoulders and puffing out my chest like I did when I approached the big predators. "How many times do I have to tell you that I don't kid around here?" I growled. "I'm in charge." My voice didn't soften in the slightest and I could imagine that my normally amber colored eyes were probably cold, dark gold now.

She had me by five inches and probably close to fifty pounds, but Bear still visibly retracted from me.

Without a word she released the straps at her waist and the cock fell to the floor. Bear picked it up and handed it to me, then turned, bent over and gripped my desk like she had been instructed.

With the harness still in my hand I pressed myself against her from behind. I tangled a hand in her hair and yanked her head back.

"Good girl," I rasped before releasing her.

Seriously, what was coming over me all of a sudden?

A thought screamed in my head but I squashed it as soon as it appeared.

I unbuttoned my shorts and slid them down to the floor. The straps of the harness baffled me for a moment, but figured it out quick enough to still feel in charge. I hadn't a clue on how to use this thing, but I figured diving in headfirst was the best option.

I lifted Bear's skirt to see her bare pussy glistening. At least I knew she wanted this just as much as I did. I tested her with my fingers and they slid in easy enough. Bear's own fingers tightened on the edge of the desk and I could hear her nails pressing into the hard wood.

After pumping in and out for a few strokes I moved closer to her, putting one hand on the toy to guide it to her center. I thrust my hips forward slightly when I was pressed against her entrance and Bear looked over her shoulder at me. Her gaze was steamy.

Half-lidded eyes appraised me right before she bit her bottom lip. I pushed harder and felt the cock sink into Bear's depths. When my thighs met hers, Bear's head dropped between her shoulder blades.

I fumbled a bit trying to find a rhythm before reaching out for her hips to stabilize myself. I found out quickly I could guide Bear at whatever pace I

wanted as long as I had a handle on her hips. I knew I was really doing well when Bear started to cry out.

At first I smiled, liking the feeling of control for once, but then I remembered the windows were open.

Regardless of how small they were I didn't want to attract any attention. I let go of her hip with my right hand and jammed the side of my fist in Bear's mouth.

She bit down instantly. It stung like a son of a bitch, but I promptly began to take it out of her with the strapon.

Bear came hard, in a way I hadn't seen her come quite yet. She arched her back suddenly before beginning to shake uncontrollably. I was a little worried actually and so I slid out of her as gently as I could. I did away with the equipment around my waist, not wanting it on any longer. As nice as the heady, powerful feeling was to take over Bear like that, I was still much happier to be rid of the contraption.

After pulling my shorts back on, I began to rub Bear's back up and down. She had stopped shaking and was now breathing like she had just finished a marathon.

"You okay ba-Bear? Okay, Bear?" My voice almost betrayed me and replaced her name with another B word. Even though she had called me baby once, this felt different. Intimate. That's not what we're

about...is it?

Bear stood up straight. "Yeah," she said after a few more moments, but her voice was weak and feeble. Unrecognizable to what I had become accustomed to. Not at all the Bear I knew. Before I could make sure she was really okay, a sharp knock came at the door. I pulled my shorts back up and kicked Bear's toy under my desk, before stomping to the door.

"Yes?" I said with some irritation. It was another fresh faced intern, this time a young woman with red hair and a name I couldn't remember. Not that it was their fault, but these kids just happened to be everywhere I didn't want them to be.

"I-I'm sorry Miss Boone. I heard a noise and thought...well I thought there might be a problem," she stammered, shrinking at my presence.

"That's all right," I sighed. "My friend got sick is all. Don't worry about it. Go run along." The girl nodded and did what she was told looking relieved to be getting away.

I turned back to Bear in hopes of maybe getting things going again, but Bear was all straightened up and looking ready to go. The strap on had even disappeared from under the desk. Man she was quick.

"Taking off so soon," I asked with a raised brow.

"I really shouldn't stay," she mumbled and tried to walk past me. I caught her by the arm and Bear stopped with a sigh. Her eyes bore into mine for a long moment and I could tell there was something wrong in them.

"I'll call you," she said, and I had a hard time believing that she was telling the truth. I let go of her arm and she left my office without a backwards glance.

I plopped on the edge of the desk, where Bear's hands had been moments before and mulled. Did something just change? Because that didn't seem normal. Maybe the control was never meant to be passed on. Did I just fuck everything up?

I slapped the wood and stood up. No point in dwelling. It was what it was and whatever happened was what was going to happen. Besides, I couldn't sit here all day. I would go crazy.

I left my office again and wandered. I didn't even need to be here, I was just overseeing things. I didn't want to leave though because what would I do? Go home? Nothing exciting back there. Besides, there was something very comforting about listening to the voices of the wild all around me.

I should have figured someone would be out to wreck my brief serenity of course. "Hey Jules," Rolan chirped next to me, appearing out of nowhere.

"Hey," I grunted.

"Where's your friend?" he asked looking around.

"She had to take off. Urgent meeting or something."

"I see," he replied, not sounding like he cared where she might have gone at all. "Well I wanted to talk to you alone anyways."

I sighed, here we go. "Yeah, what's up?"

Rolan stopped my forward movement by grabbing my shoulders and standing in front of me.

"Are you avoiding me? I feel like ever since your accident you haven't really been talking to me."

I waved Rolan off. "No! Of course not." I haven't talked to anyone much, don't feel special.

"Good, I'm glad to hear it. I was thinking, you know, now that I'm not your 'student' that you might want to go out sometime and get a drink or something," Rolan offered his trademark smile and it

was impossible not to return it, even though the back of my mind was screaming, NO! NO! NO! "Ummm, I'm not sure Rolan. It's been busy lately and I don't know when I would have time." That was honest at least.

"I totally get that. I know what position you're in, so how about I just give you my number and you call me when you can. I'm flexible," he said with a wink and I almost cringed.

For just about the millionth time I wondered what the hell was wrong with me when it came to this guy.

Any woman in my position would be salivating at the mouth at this opportunity, but I wished he would just go away and leave me alone. It was pretty pathetic that I would rather be pining over the emotionally closed off closet romantic and not the sensitive pretty boy.

Fuck, it was like high school all over again.

"Sure, I'll keep it in mind. Thank you for the offer Rolan," I told him as politely as I could. He wrote down his number and gave it to me as quick as he could, presumably before I changed my mind. I gave him the slip once he handed me the paper and tried once more to find some solace.

I ended up heading back to my office and locking the door, knowing that I couldn't be breached in here

as hard as they might try and that was better than chancing an encounter with Rolan or anyone else again. I glanced around at the pictures on my walls, so many of my furry companions and me, it made me smile.

I wanted her, but I didn't need her. I could carry on just fine if that's what she wanted. If she was trying to push me away now, then I still had plenty in my life to be happy about. My eyes settled on a picture of Amna as a cub. Besides, I would always have a bear regardless of anything else.

Chapter Four: Because of You I was right.

Three weeks after Bear had left me high and dry and I was still standing just fine. It was a lie to say that I was the same though. Sure I was doing all right and God knew work kept me busy enough, but as the days began to drag on I realized something wasn't right.

Something was missing.

As much as I detested the empty coldness of my own house, I began spending a lot more time there.

Mostly sleeping when I wasn't working. I had lost the desire to be social or adventurous and most of the time I just felt exhausted.

I couldn't put a finger on what was going on. If someone were to tell me that I was lonely, maybe even depressed, I would have laughed it off. Lonely? I don't have time to be lonely. Then again how else could you explain my behavior?

"Where have you been?" Sara asked with a hand on her hip. She had picked up on my seclusion finally and decided it was time for me to snap out of it already.

"I've called, texted, messaged, called your work, everything. What's up with you?"

"I've just been antisocial I guess," I mumbled.

"You're always antisocial, but you usually don't avoid me."

I eyed her warily. "I'm thinking you introducing me to Bear was a bad idea."

Sara took a seat across from me. "Why's that?"

"I got in too deep and maybe she did too. I haven't seen her in awhile, and that's not really normal in our...thing."

"Maybe it's time for you to move on. I mean you can't pay for sex forever," Sara shrugged.

Something sparked in the back of my brain. Had I really paid Bear for sex? I pushed it away as soon as it came though, thinking it to be unimportant.

"Move on to what?"

"Well I for one know a very handsome young lad that has been waiting to take you out. Maybe you should capitalize on those washboard abs and show him your newfound 'sexual fluidity.' What do you say?" I couldn't help but grin at Sara's attempt to mock me.

"Maybe you're right," I sighed. "I've been pushing Rolan away for months and for no good

reason really."

"Well, what are you waiting for then? Give him a call! No time like the present," Sara said, brightening up instantly at the thought of playing matchmaker.

"Nuh-uh, nope. Not with you here." I said and waved my hand back and forth in front of me, warding Sara away.

"Fine," she grumbled and got up from the couch, "Tell me how it went though."

"Fine," I moaned back in the same irate tone she just gave me. Sara stuck her tongue out at me and shut the door harder than usual.

I chuckled again and considered what she had said. I had no reason not to. Again and again I had considered how much I liked Rolan -- he had everything going for him really. I just wasn't attracted to him like that. He was easy on the eyes, sure, but he didn't get my motor running. Then again, I probably wasn't being fair at all.

I found the number he had given me last month amongst the piles of junk mail, receipts and other random scraps of nothing that were piled up on my dining room table. I looked at the paper for one last moment and took a deep breath before dialing Rolan's

number. I was sure it was going to voicemail and then I heard Rolan's familiar voice.

"Rolan Hollenbeck, whom may I ask is speaking?"

"You answer your phone like a secretary, what's with that?" I giggled.

"J-Jules?"

"Hi Rollie," I couldn't hide the smile in my voice.

His innocence was just so endearing. Probably what attracted Bear to me. I gritted my teeth and shoved that thought out. "Listen I thought about your offer and I would love to take you up on it sometime. Maybe tonight?"

I had no idea what pushed me to offer myself up so soon. At this point I was just winging it and hoping for the best. This was something I had never really done before and the prospect was a bit terrifying.

He sounded more than excited when he answered. "Yeah, I would love that! Umm, how about I pick you up at seven? There's a great place I go to for drinks, so much better than most of the bars downtown."

Did Rolan have a snobbish side I had never seen

before? This was interesting.

"Sure. That sounds great. I'll see you then," As soon as I hung up, the smile I had fell. As if it were an act. Doesn't matter, I'm doing this either way.

I need to get her off of my mind somehow.

From what Rolan had said I wasn't sure if I should dress upscale or casual, but I finally settled on something in between. Basic black mini, you can't go wrong there. I tousled my hair and added a touch of makeup, mostly to bring out my eyes. I figured if I would do this, I might as well do it right.

Rolan showed up two minutes to seven -punctual as the rest of us -- in a white button up and tan jacket with pants to match. Obviously it was classy enough. I was glad I didn't decide to go casual.

"Wow. You look, wow," Rolan stuttered when I opened the door.

"Thanks," I said and smiled. "You don't clean up too bad yourself."

He chuckled nervously and opened the car door for me. The ride to Rolan's hot spot was quiet; neither of us really knew what to say. He was polite though and if nothing else, that definitely won my favor.

We sat at the bar and I let him order for me.

Apparently this was a specialty place. Rolan called it an artisan bar. Whatever it was I was utterly baffled at the drink selection. This wasn't like any bar that I had been to and after taking a quick look around at the patrons, I realized that I was a little out of place.

"Are you sure I have the annual salary to be here?" I asked sarcastically.

Rolan raised an eyebrow. "I think so."

"That was a joke," I explained.

He nodded and smiled. "Ah, gotcha."

"I've never been in here before. I guess I didn't realize how high class it was," I admitted. "I think I'm the most surprised that there even is a richy bar in town."

Rolan swirled his cocktail around. "I hope it doesn't give you the wrong idea about me."

"No, I just never knew. You definitely don't carry yourself like an entitled brat," I said before quickly adding. "That was a joke too."

"I figured," he chuckled.

"Rollie!" I heard behind us and Rolan's head whipped around to a table where three young men -all in smart, tailored suits -- were sitting. Rolan looked at me, "Give me one second?"

I shrugged. "No problem." As he turned to talk to his buddies, I took a big swig of my drink. This night was feeling painful already.

It was curious how you could actually feel someone's eyes on you sometimes. Maybe it was just a woman thing, but there was always a creeping sensation on the back of my neck when I knew someone was staring at me. I felt that particular burn and glanced over my shoulder cautiously.

My drink damn near splattered on the floor when I met the cold, dark eyes of Bear staring back at me.

Our eyes locked and there was something in hers that I didn't recognize at all, in fact it frightened me a little bit. Surprisingly, it also excited me.

She made a slight nod towards the door and began talking to the two men across from her. A moment later she met my eyes briefly again and I got up and went outside. She says 'jump.' I say 'how high?'

Fuck, I'm pathetic...

I pushed open the door and the cool night air hit

my face. The big difference about this place was not having a bunch of belligerent assholes out front. I was thankful for that at least.

Bear appeared outside a moment after me and if one was reading faces, you could see that something was seriously wrong. "What are you doing here? And I thought you weren't with him," she said with a harder edge than usual.

"It's nice to see you too, Bear." I said, trying not to sound as exhausted as I felt.

Bear sighed. "I'm sorry. It's good to see you as well Honey. I've missed you."

"You know how to find me," I said with a shrug, not meeting her eyes.

"Yes," Bear said, her patience sounding strained.

"Answer my questions please?"

"Well this isn't a member's only club and you seem awfully invested in someone you've blown off for the last month." I wasn't proud of the way I snapped my response by any means, but I couldn't help the frustration I had.

Just at the wrong time, Rolan came out of the door. He came right up to me and slid an arm around

my waist. I disliked the feeling of his touch instantly.

Bear wasn't very fond of it either. She speculated his gesture with narrowed eyes and pursed lips.

"There you are. I couldn't find you after I managed to give my mates the slip," Rolan said with a big grin and then faced Bear as if he had been oblivious of her until that moment. "Hey there, Brair wasn't it?" There was smugness in his voice that I didn't like either.

Bear ignored him completely and instead burned her gaze into me a moment longer. "Well. I didn't realize you were busy. Some other time," she said curtly and turned on her heel.

"Wait a second!" I called after her and twisted from Rolan's embrace. I turned to face him. "Look can you just give me a few minutes?"

Rolan frowned. "I just got rid of my friends, are we going to bounce around like this all night? I mean, I finally got you to go out with me."

I looked over my shoulder and Bear was gone, I wasn't sure if that pissed me off more than Rolan's words.

"Seriously? This is how you want to start something? On a double standard? I asked for a few

minutes before she left, obviously she was upset and it was important. But I had no problem with you bullshitting with your friends," I said.

Rolan looked ashamed now. He kicked at the concrete. "I guess you're right."

I shook my head -- he really was a kid still.

I dug a twenty out of my clutch and handed it to him. "Here this should take care of my drink. I'll see you at work." Rolan stood speechless, clutching the bill I gave him and looking sad. I refused to feel sorry for him though.

I walked down the street trying to flag down a cab and muttering to myself. I had known this was a bad idea before I even went out with him -- and of course, Bear was there. I see her out of the blue as soon as I do something to separate myself from her. It was like I wasn't supposed to forget.

I finally got a taxi to stop and gave the cabby Bear's address, asking him to get there double time. I was just as mad at Bear as I was with Rolan. She wasn't listening to me either, and then she just blew me off after ignoring me for nearly a month.

It almost felt like she was doing this on purpose though, not because she wanted to. Whatever her

reasons, the more I stewed the more annoyed I got and when the driver pulled up in front of her house, I threw bills at him over the seat and slammed the door. I was feeling brash and direct so when I got to her door I threw it open without bothering to knock and stomped straight to the living room.

"In here," I heard Bear call from the kitchen and I followed her voice. Bear was leaning against the kitchen counter with a glass of dark liquid and her usual face of unreadable emotion.

"I had a hunch you might follow me," Bear said with a tip of her glass in my direction. "I was just hoping you wouldn't."

"What gives? Why did you run off like that?" I fumed.

"If I'm going to be honest, it was for everyone's good. That kid's face is begging to be punched and I just didn't want to be the one to do it. At least not tonight," Bear said and took a swig of her drink.

"Would you like one? I think it was your intention to have a few tonight before I distracted you."

"Sure," I said slowly and sat at the table, never taking my eyes off of her. "What's your problem with Rolan?" I asked.

Bear set a glass similar to hers in front of me.

"Cuba Libre, nothing fancy," she said with a wave of her hand. "And as for your question, mostly his smug, entitled face. Besides that, it's not so much about him as a person. It's the concept of him."

I took a drink and felt the slick burn down my throat. I made a motion with my hand for her to keep going. Bear sighed and pursed her lips, looking irritated.

"I don't want to think about being with you after you've been fucking some guy."

This pissed me off even more. "Well you're not fucking me! Besides, how many other girls do you have on the side?" I blurted out and felt bad instantly.

"I didn't even want to be there tonight." I said much lower now.

"What are you talking about?" Bear asked and drained her glass.

"I never wanted to go out with Rolan in the first place. Sa- I mean, Peaches said that I should move on after you dropped off the face of the earth. She convinced me to do it," I shrugged.

"Well that changes things," Bear muttered.

"Why?" Bear didn't look at me. Instead she stared intently at something on the ground I couldn't see, her brows pulling together in a tight line. "I thought you were moving on. You know, moving forward. I didn't expect you to be sitting around waiting for m- ...Sitting around waiting."

So she had been avoiding me.

"You want another drink?" Bear asked, finally looking up at my face.

I shook my head. "I would rather have something to eat."

Bear raised her eyebrows and cocked her head. I wasn't sure if she was confused or just taken off guard by me. Whichever it was didn't matter much to me though. I stood from the chair and strode towards Bear.

Looping my index fingers into her belt buckles, I tugged her closer to me.

"How about we chalk all of this up to misunderstanding? Let me show you how much I missed you and if you're still feeling raw after that," I leaned in closer to her. "You can punish me however you see fit."

Bear uttered a low groan and I took that as a green light, falling to my knees in front of her. The hardwood sent a zing of pain through my shins and up my thighs but I ignored it in favor of the prospect before me. I slid Bear's belt off and threw it carelessly on the ground, then popped the button on her jeans and slid them down those long, long legs.

Bear had become a little impatient herself and already had her top on the floor with her jeans. That left her in nothing but her bra and panties, with me salivating at the prospect of what was underneath. My eyes trailed the length of her body, from her feet to her face. I didn't notice that my breathing had became ragged just thinking about possibilities.

When my gaze landed on Bear face, I was a little taken back. She was staring at me longingly -something I was used to -- but this was different. It wasn't lust fueled, like she wanted to just bend me over and fuck me. It also wasn't condescending and smug, like she got sometimes when I was unsure about doing something. The closest I had in comparison was the face she made when she was pleased, the one that made me feel like her pet. This was warm and affectionate, similar in that way but still there was something else.

It was honest.

The smile touched her eyes and made them warmer. Not the usual cold blue I was used to, but a lighter, electric color. This was what a real smile from Bear looked like. It had me captivated more than any other look she had ever given me.

I reached up and pulled the cups of her bra down until Bear's breasts spilled over the topt. Taking one in each hand I squeezed the flesh. Testing the weight of each and thumbing over her nipples.

With one final twist of her nipples my hands made a downward descent until I was gripping her thighs. Without warning I dove towards her sex and took the waistband of her panties in my mouth. I flicked my eyes up to Bear to make sure she was watching me while I drug her panties to the ground with my teeth. The further down her legs I got them, the wider Bear's grin became.

Bear undid her bra and threw it as I was casting her panties aside with everything else -- now to set out on the real job. I touched my tongue to Bear's ankle and ran it up her leg, flicking the top of her thigh before I did the same with the other side. Bear shivered and touched my shoulder, leading me towards her sex.

"What do you want Bear?" I purred.

"Your tongue on my pussy," she said without a

pause.

I stopped and set her with a look. "It's not as much fun to tease you."

Bear grinned down at me. "That's because I'm not demure and innocent."

"I'm not sure I can claim innocent anymore..." I murmured and took Bear's sex in my mouth abruptly.

That shut her right up.

This wasn't going to be a 'lesson' or a race to the finish. I wanted to spend my time on her. I wanted Bear to know how much I loved pleasing her. I nuzzled my head into the crook of her thigh to get more comfortable.

I could never imagine wanting to do this for a man, there was something about a blowjob that was more work than anything for me. I knew girls that were into it, and I always thought I was weird because I wasn't. Of course, it all made a little more sense now.

My eyes were closed and I was thoroughly enjoying my work of lapping away at Bear happily.

Her fingertips pressed into my face softly, before sliding back. They were replaced by the feel of her palms on my cheeks, with her fingers interlocking behind my neck. Bear urged my gaze upward.

Bear looked so happy -- it was strange to me. I had never really seen her authentically happy. She had her moments of course, but right now she looked utterly serene. My chest swelled with emotion, knowing that it was me that made her look like that. I wasn't sure if I could place the feeling, but it was overwhelming enough to still my tongue. I cocked my head and studied Bear for a moment.

"You're too damn cute," Bear sighed.

I smirked and ran the tip of my tongue along the length of her clit before touching it to my top lip.

"Fucking tease too," Bear groaned, plunging her fingers into my hair and drawing me closer to her center.

You taught me, I thought sarcastically and sucked Bear's clit between my teeth. Bear heaved a ragged sigh and tightened her grip on my neck. I moaned in absolute contentment and Bear's eyes rolled to the back of her head. Then I felt her legs quiver and I knew she was close.

"Right there, right there," Bear urged and a moment later she shook all over and dug her nails into my neck. I'm guessing she expected me to let up because she tried to wiggle her hips backwards, away

from me. I doubled my efforts and felt a shiver run through Bear again.

"Oh, FUCK!" Bear howled and tried to resist my embrace. I wrapped my arms around her waist and struggled with her, forcing my mouth to stay latched to her pussy.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck..." She said it over and over again while she squirmed in my arms, then suddenly she was trying to pull my face up.

"Look at me with those pretty eyes. I want to see you when I come," Bear panted.

I looked at her without a second thought. Bear bit her lip and did her best to keep her eyes open. The longing and desire that was written all over that stare would have had me dripping if I wasn't already soaking the kitchen floor.

"Oh, shit," Bear muttered.

I ceased my tongue on her finally, but my hand continued the work where my mouth had started. I didn't get far though because Bear grabbed my wrist and stilled it in an instant. She then set me with a stern look.

"Woman!" Bear growled.

I smiled playfully. This was her fault after all.

She made me a relentless sex machine. Still I obliged her and sat back. Resting my weight on my hands, I looked up at Bear.

She was a mess -- it made me feel awesome.

With a shaky breath, Bear stood up straight again and tried to compose herself. She ran her fingers through my hair and I leaned into the embrace with a content hum. I felt her tangle her fingers in my locks and then abruptly pull my face up towards hers.

Bear grinned, this time the condescending one. I had the compulsion to stick my tongue out at her for her sudden change in attitude. However my attention was drawn to Bear pulling me in the direction of the living room, using my hair as the leash.

I attempted to stand up at first but Bear whirled on me and put two fingers on my shoulder. Her eyes bore into mine and she didn't even have to use pressure from her hand to get me on my knees again. Her eyes usually said everything I needed to know and right now they screamed 'obey, or else.' I nodded so she understood that I got the message.

Even though I was on my hands and knees and essentially being led around like an animal, I didn't

feel degraded or inferior. It was part of the game. More symbolically though, it was me surrendering to Bear.

Bear pulled me to my feet in the living room for no reason. Just like she had given no reason to want to drag me in here by my hair. Her face was soft and she was smiling again though, so that was a good sign.

"I never got to tell you how beautiful you looked tonight. Even with your make-up all messed up," Bear chuckled and wiped underneath my eyes with her thumbs. I couldn't help but laugh too. "If I'm being honest, and I'm usually not unless it's about business or sex, I think I was a little jealous. You came in looking like that, and when I saw you all I could think was that none of the scum bags eyeing you up should be allowed to."

"It doesn't take much to arouse jealousy in you," I pointed out, and then added as an afterthought.

"When it comes to me at least."

"Yeah," Bear sighed. "You asked earlier how many girls I'm fucking, and the answer is only one -you. I suppose jealousy happens when you're not juggling half a dozen other girls and making yourself an emotionless stone."

"Now I feel like a real jerk," I pouted.

Bear wrapped me in her embrace and tugged me closer. "Don't. It's not a big deal."

I looked up at her from under my long lashes and did my best to look flirtatious. "So how beautiful am I? You still haven't told me exactly."

Bear's face was so close to mine I thought she was going to kiss me. I closed my eyes and waited, but was disappointed when she placed her cheek against mine and sighed. She had tricked me just like the first time we were together. Only this time it was frustrating because I wanted her to kiss me, and that sigh said she wanted it too.

"I wish you could have seen things from my point of view. When you came in that bar, everyone was looking at you," Bear whispered in my ear, and the sudden blush in my face made my cheeks burn. "It took everything I had not to just walk over and steal you away." I bit my lip, she made me melt with her words.

Bear's hands were back on my face and I looked at her without a prompt. "You're usually the prettiest girl in the room. But tonight, you were stunning." She traced her thumbs along my cheeks and stared into my eyes deeply. "Absolutely gorgeous."

One of Bear's hands left my face to unzip the back of my dress until it pooled around my feet. Bear

uttered a sound of wanting from deep in her chest.

"Are you sure you didn't have bad intentions tonight?" she husked and ran her fingertips down my naked body.

I smirked. "I never said I didn't have bad intentions actually."

I was hoping she wouldn't take that the wrong way. Thankfully, Bear just chuckled and ran her tongue against my collarbone. She pushed me backwards on her plush couch, which had a longstanding relationship with my bare ass at this point.

"I don't even know where to start," Bear admitted raggedly and ran a hand through her hair. She got on her knees and lifted one of my legs high in the air. "I guess I could clean up your mess first. Before it gets everywhere," she licked from just under my knee to my pussy. "You must have been really excited in the kitchen."

"I had my tongue inside you, of course I was excited," I managed to retort through the amazing sensations she caused on my skin. Bear chuckled and promptly buried her face in my pussy.

I went limp it felt so good. It wasn't right though.

It wasn't what I was wanting.

"Bear?" I cooed and she looked up as if on command. Maybe innocence was my superpower over her. "That feels amazing, but I was wondering if you could do something else for me?"

The look that appeared on Bear's face suddenly let me know we were probably on the same page.

"What did you have in mind Honey?"

"Something a little more...penetrating," I responded and batted my eyelashes for good effect.

Bear didn't move however. She took a couple of swipes at my pussy again and I couldn't help but moan at how good it felt.

"How do I know you're not going to try to do what you did last time?" Bear asked, cocking a brow at me.

"Because I'm not the boss here; you are," I panted.

Now Bear stood up. She was intimidating when she towered over me like that. Especially with the devilish grin she was wearing.

"Don't you forget it," she said and left the room.

I got up from the couch and looked around the room for a good place to do this. I eyed her chair, somewhere she had never taken me near sexually, let alone sit in. With a small smile I got on my knees in front of it and placed my hands on the arms of the chair.

"I love a girl who knows what she wants," Bear chuckled upon her entrance into the living room again.

She placed her hands on my hips and squeezed. "I wonder how much you really want it though."

Bear pushed the head of her dildo into my wanting entrance. I pushed against her with my hips and it slid right in. An amazing sensation washed over me instantly.

"Bear," I moaned her name in one long syllable as she fed me the rest of the toy, taking me higher.

"Well I guess that shows me, huh?" Bear said her voice full of humor and ground her hips against mine.

She then pressed her palms up my back and lightly ran her nails against my skin on the way down. It was an electric tingly feeling.

"Where have you been all my life?" Bear sighed.

"Laying around waiting for you to fuck me," I replied without much thought. I heard Bear chuckle

behind me again. You could easily make out the sincerity in her laugh.

"Can't leave the lady waiting, now can I?" she asked.

"Uh-uh," I hummed.

She took my hips in her hands and began to stroke inside of me, "As you wish," she replied and said no more.

Unlike the last time she had used the strap-on with me, Bear's hands were all over the place. She always kept one hand on my hips at any given time, but the other one would wander all over. Reaching around to squeeze my tits, to slapping my ass, to running her nails down my back again and again. The whole experience was a cornucopia of pleasure.

Then, out of nowhere it was gone. Bear pulled out of me and I sat up in order to whip my head around and stare daggers at her. She ignored my looks, sat down in her wingback chair and patted her lap.

I jumped up without a second thought and crawled up in the chair, putting my thighs on either side of Bear's lap. I let her guide me back down but that was it. In this position I ran the show, and if she wasn't aware of that yet, she was about to be.

Sure enough, as soon as I started a slow, deep pace, Bear bucked her hips up trying to go faster. I slammed myself in her lap and intercepted the hands that were creeping up to my waist. I pulled them up in the air and gave her a firm shake of my head.

Bear grunted in frustration but I ignored her.

After all, she had gotten off already, where was she to complain? I resumed the pace I had before Bear tried to intervene, holding her hands high until I knew she could behave herself. Of course having to lean forward and hold her long arms in the air left my breasts waving in her face and Bear soon forgot about controlling the pace in favor of sucking my nipples into her mouth.

I let go of her wrists and like I expected she took my breasts in both hands. I threw my arms behind me and gripped her knees. This not only pushed my chest farther in Bear's face, which she gave a moan of appreciation for, but it also gave me the right angle to hit my G-spot on every stroke.

I would rise up really slow and slam the toy on my G again and again. It didn't take me long to notice that when I slammed myself down that Bear would also respond verbally. I figured out that the harness must be hitting her clit every time I did that and so next time I slammed down on her I ground my pussy into

the base of the toy also.

Bear exhaled like the wind had just been knocked out of her. She pulled her head up from my breasts long enough to stick a few fingers in her mouth. She took those and began to rub my clit furiously. There was no way I could last much longer now.

At the initial moment of my orgasm I arched my back and inhaled sharply but a second later I collapsed against Bear. I kept trying to move my hips, wanting more, but couldn't really with my current angle. Bear really was like a bad drug. The more I had of her, the more I wanted it. The more I wanted it the less I cared about how I got it.

I was still struggling to hump into her when Bear took me by surprise. She stood up from the chair and lifted me with her, then set me on the plush ground.

When she was sure I was comfortable Bear gave me what I wanted. She didn't jackhammer me like I expected though. She fucked me long and deep like I really liked it.

This was the first time we had been in a position where I could actually look at Bear's eyes while she thrust inside of me if I wanted to. My eyes had been shut tight since I came last but now I opened them. I looked up at Bear, who was already looking down at me. Sparks shot between us, and we both were

breathing raggedly as we stared at each other. The nagging want for a kiss crept into my mind again and I shooed it away the best I could, enjoying this intimate feeling between Bear and I instead.

Bear seemed focused on my face so much that she was having trouble keeping a rhythm up. I began to buck my hips up, meeting her at half stroke and soon we found a new rhythm together. Never once did our eyes leave each other. I crept my hand up Bear's thigh and worked my fingers underneath the strap-on. Bear sighed and closed her eyes when I touched the soft skin of her lips.

"Eyes on me babe," I murmured, disregarding the fact that I had just called her babe instead of Bear. I had no idea if she had heard my mistake or even cared at this point, because she showed no sign of anything being different when her eyes reopened.

I rubbed her clit up and down to the timing of our rhythm and hoped that she was as close as me. I could feel the orgasm bubbling right below my stomach. I knew if it got much bigger it would explode.

I wasn't sure if it was Bear's pussy soaking my hand that set me off or my loud moan at the arrival of my orgasm that set her off, because they both happened so fast. Bear nearly fell on top of me, holding herself up barely on her elbows. She was still

sunk into me all the way with my hand jammed underneath the harness. Her forehead rested against mine as the orgasm overtook her, and I was more focused on Bear than my own overwhelming pleasure.

The way that Bear squinted her eyes closed as hard she could, and tried not to make a sound other than rushed breaths and broken pants. I noticed the way that her bangs stuck to her face, and the single bead of sweat that dripped down her chin. I extended my tongue and licked the trail of that sweat back to her ear before I nipped the lobe.

Bear's elbows gave out and she did fall on me now. Her hands scrambled to prop herself back up but I wrapped my arms around her back and my legs around her waist. Bear stopped struggling and let me hold her. She laid her head on my shoulder and sighed.

My legs slipped off of her waist and came to rest on hers. I could have lain like that forever, but when Bear got her strength back, she started to move again.

"No!" I cried, reaching out for her.

Bear held a finger to my lips and grinned.

"Shhh."

She removed the strap on and tossed it on her chair and then went to the fireplace. In a minute there was a crackling blaze going. After getting a blanket

from the back of the couch, she lay down next to me and threw the blanket over both of us.

It didn't take me more than a millisecond to be all over Bear again. I rested my head on her shoulder, wove my legs in hers, and slid a hand between her breasts. I could feel her heartbeat underneath my palm still racing.

Bear let me do as I wished with her, making no move to fight me anymore. Once I was comfortable, I heard (and felt) her take a deep breath, before uttering a content sound and lulling off. I knew for sure because of the sound she made. It wasn't a snore exactly, but more like a purring sound.

Amna purred in her sleep too. I had to jam a fist in my mouth to stifle the giggles bubbling up. She was such a bear.

After I had gotten over that, I relished in the position I was really in. Bear had offered me, in not so many words, to sleep with her. In many ways that was a more intimate experience than actually sleeping with her.

The real question buzzing in my head was this: why was this so important to me? Why did I want to just hold her so bad? I looked over Bear's still, sleeping form. So rarely did I ever get the chance to really look

at her when I wasn't in a sex drunk stupor.

She had gorgeous tan skin that was unbelievably soft. It stretched taut over the hard muscles that ran throughout her body. Her mane of dark brown hair that was just as soft, I couldn't help but run my fingers through it at the thought. Bear stirred just enough to turn her head into my hand, leaving my fingers stuck in her hair.

I would have been more adverse to this situation but this put Bear's face inches from my own. Her face was achingly beautiful, I had thought it before but this was the closest I had ever seen it. There wasn't a single blemish on her skin and her lips looked smooth and glossy even in sleep.

The natural desire in me as a woman wanted to hate her for being so beautiful, but the feeling in my chest, the same one I had earlier, stopped the hate dead in its tracks. I stared at her face trying to place the feeling. My eyes kept going to her lips, so tempted to kiss them -- then like a brick it hit me.

I was in love. Head over heels in love with Bear.

I swallowed hard not sure how to feel about this revelation. I put my head back on her shoulder and closed my eyes. Maybe it was just how intimate everything was tonight. I couldn't actually be in love with her, could I?

My mind was running a million miles a minute considering all the possibilities. The exhaustion I had from my fun with Bear was catching up with me pretty quick though. Before I knew it my thoughts faded into nothingness. *** I didn't wake up on the floor and for a second I wondered if the whole thing was just a dream that happened. Then I realized that I had woken up on this particular surface naked before. I sat up and was accurate in my thought. I was on Bear's couch -- alone.

I wrapped the blanket around myself and looked around trying to find Bear. She was nowhere to be seen. What I did find was a note on the kitchen table addressed to me, and right next to that was the dress I had worn last night. I picked up the note and began to read.

Honey, I'm sorry to have left you alone this morning.

You were sleeping like the dead and I couldn't have woken you even if I wanted to. Are you always like that? I could almost hear Bear's chuckle -- it made me smile. Sadly, I'm not going to be back for a few days, which was why I met with my brothers last night in the

first place. Feel free to make yourself at home while you're here, I only ask that you not go into my room and that you lock the doors when you leave. I can't wait to see you again, and I'll call when I get back into town.

Sincerely, Bear I clutched the note to my chest and smiled. Then the thought of love crept into my mind and I pulled it away from me like it was on fire. That brought on a slew of other thoughts I wasn't ready to deal with yet.

I folded the note back up and placed it on the table again, before slipping the mini black dress from last night back on. I ran a hand through my hair and looked around. I couldn't believe she had left me here alone, she must really trust me or something. Might as well make the best of it, get some of the mystery out.

I poked around a little. There was a pantry attached to the kitchen/dining room, the den was attached to the living room and there were a few closets besides that. I had seen all of that. I did spend time in the den looking around at her selection of books seeing how I was incapacitated last time.

Bear collected a lot of classic literature and reference/text books. Besides that there was a darker

collection of poets and novelists mixed in with a bunch of philosophy and language arts tomes. Based on her reading material alone I had an idea how smart Bear really was. The variety of text she collected didn't really nail down anything about her particular career or of herself however.

There were three ways out of the living room.

The short hallway that led to the front door, the opening arch that lead to the kitchen and another long hallway that I had never gone down. That hallway was usually darkened when I was here. I was curious, but at the same time I had an idea of what was down there, and I was specifically told not to enter.

There was something about this place that was a little creepy without Bear here and it made me want to leave as soon as possible. However, the whole house smelt of her. Bear's aura was plastered everywhere and there was a certain comfort to that. With a heavy heart I knew I had to leave still. Duty did call like usual and I couldn't stop that.

After taking another sweeping look at Bear's house, I headed to my own home. After that I took a quick shower before I left for work. I really didn't want to be there after what happened between me and Rolan, but I knew there would be some awkwardness either way and it was best to just deal with it and move on.

It was of course my luck to run into him almost immediately as my shift started. Rolan caught sight of me and raised a hand to wave in half-hearted fashion.

I smiled back at him just as enthusiastically and with a sigh he walked over.

"Look, about last night," Rolan started but I held a hand up to him.

"Let's not talk about it. I don't think that you could say much to change anything. Besides, I'm not sure it was a good idea for me to be dating anyways," I said.

Rolan's shoulders dropped. "I just wanted to say that I was sorry. You were right. If you want me to give you space I understand."

"I think the whole thing was just a bad idea.

There's a lot of stress going on in my life and I would rather we just stayed friends."

Rolan nodded. "That's totally fine. I just don't want this weird vibe hanging over us. I like you Jules -- a lot. But I also look up to you, and I don't want to make our work relationship difficult."

"You're a lot more grown up than I give you credit for Rollie," I joked, trying to break the heavy

cloud lingering above.

"I have my moments," Rolan smiled.

"Yeah. Look I'll see you around." I said and turned to leave, he grabbed my arm however and irritation flashed through me. Why does everyone think they can just grab me whenever they want?

"That doesn't mean I'm giving up though," he said smiling like an idiot.

I pulled my arm out of his grasp and left without another word. As soon as I say anything nice about him he goes and proves me wrong again, it's so frustrating! I quashed my rage and tried to focus, I wouldn't allow him to irritate me.

After I got my head back on I decided I would pay a visit to Amna. It may be a little weird to other people, but it wasn't Sara I went to when I really wanted to blow off steam, it was Amna. Sometimes I think it might have been because she just didn't talk back, but perhaps that wasn't giving her enough credit.

I slammed the door to the bear den a little harder than I intended. Amna ambled out from behind a big rock and growled loudly, letting me know she didn't appreciate the disturbance.

"Sorry. Human emotions are a bitch," I apologized and sat on the rock she stood next to.

The season had finally turned to summer and we had been going through a scorcher lately, but today was particularly hot. The cubs were sprawled out in a patch of shade under a big oak tree, and I chuckled at the site of them. They looked dead.

I put a hand on Amna's head and scratched lightly at the fur between her ears. I just sat like that, and listened to the wind and chatter of people walking by.

I often wondered what people thought when they saw me and my animal friend together.

"I don't know what to do anymore," I muttered.

Folks probably would have thought I was talking to myself and acting crazy. However Amna lifted her nose towards me when I spoke and I knew she was listening.

"It's just gotten way too complicated. I don't know how to tell Rolan that it will never happen with me and I don't know how to get over these weird feelings for Bear. If I even can." I uttered a low groan.

Amna mimicked me and pushed her head into my side, she was trying to be comforting.

"I wish I could be like you. Everything must be easier. People feed you and bathe you and give you

love and attention. No responsibilities on your end," I sighed wistfully. Amna snorted in derision and glanced at the shady patch where Bruno and Royce were sleeping.

"You're cubs will grow up eventually and you'll be free again," I said, reading her mind. I was a total freak of nature.

When I didn't have an answer for something, like I felt even after my little chat with Amna, I suppressed it. After so long, I got very good at suppressing my feelings and thoughts. It was so natural for me to draw no explanation to a problem and then lock it up and throw away the key. I was sure that I had been successful in this action until something happened a couple of nights later.

The last bit of the heat wave was dragging on and I was lying in bed unable to sleep. I was completely covered in sweat, my blankets and all but one pillow discarded on the floor. I knew that I would still be up for another few hours. It wouldn't cool down at all until the early morning.

It was during this string of thoughts that I heard something peculiar. It was the sound of the phone Bear had given me. It had been awhile since I had carried it on my person and instead it had been lying mostly forgotten on my nightstand.

I scrambled to sit up and looked at the clock, it was almost midnight. What the hell was she doing calling so late? Even in my mild confusion I still groped for the phone and put it to my ear as quickly as I could.

"I know you probably just got in, but can't this wait until morning? I don't even know if I have the energy," I said and every worry, fear and anxiety about Bear slipped away in a moment.

"Most people say hello when they answer the phone," Bear shot back just as quick.

"Only most?"

"Well the English speaking ones. Otherwise it's pronto or moshi moshi or something else."

I rolled my eyes. "Seriously though, don't you have business hours?"

"I'm not in town. I just called to talk." Bear's line went dead for a second. "This is actually a little embarrassing, but maybe I just miss you." Bear laughed in a very unconvincing way that I wasn't buying at all.

"What do you miss about me?" I asked, wondering if maybe she had been feeling like I had.

"Well, I didn't actually say that I missed you necessarily. I meant that-" Bear sputtered, before I cut her off abruptly.

"Come off it Bear. Just answer the damn question."

Bear sighed on the other end, sounding defeated.

"There's a lot really. I miss the things we talk about and the way you keep me on my toes. Your eyes, the cute way you giggle...and I'm talking way too much."

"You notice how none of those things have anything to do with sex?" I queried.

"Well there are plenty of things in that realm that I'm missing too," Bear said with a chuckle.

"Enlighten me," I replied, a mischievous smile unfurling on my face.

"Well," she husked. "For starters there's your ass.

I miss spanking it -- and biting it."

I inhaled sharply and my nipples hardened from what she was saying. "Go on," I rasped.

"There's also your tits, I love the way they fill up both of my hands. I especially love the way you throw

your hair back and moan when I flick my tongue across your nipples."

Without thinking, I had begun to stroke the length of my inner thigh and imagined Bear doing exactly what she was saying to me. I was starting to wish she was calling for a late night booty call.

"You sound a little out of breath Honey. Are you okay?" Her voice held mock concern. She knew what my problem was because she was the one creating it.

"Fine. Just thinking about you," I answered trying my best to sound nonchalant.

"You're extremely convincing," Bear replied with a chuckle. "Perhaps I could help?"

This piqued my curiosity. "What did you have in mind?"

"Let's play a little game of follow the leader," Bear said and I could hear the smile in her voice now.

"I want you to get undressed and do everything I tell you to -- exactly to the letter."

"Yes ma'am," I teased and proceeded to slip my panties down my sweat soaked thighs.

"Good," she purred. "Now close your eyes.

Imagine that I'm there with you. Imagine me sitting next to you, running my fingertips along your skin, along your thighs and across your chest. I'm being very careful to not to touch your nipples."

My hand followed exactly as she said. I slid just my fingertips along my body, marveling at how easily they glided because of the sweat and more so, how amazing it felt.

"I slide my hands up your inner thighs, close enough for my fingertips to just barely graze your pussy before pulling them away and along your hips."

I did as she said and uttered a tiny groan of protest even as my own hands slipped away from my sex. I could have very easily defied Bear and touched myself, but as was established long ago, Bear was in charge. I couldn't even imagine going against what she told me.

"Are you being a good girl and doing what I say?" Bear asked as though she were reading my mind.

"Yes," I replied breathlessly. It must have been a good enough answer for Bear because she didn't press the issue, but rather jumped right back into her fantasy "I start to do slow circles around your breasts, starting from the very bottom and working my way

towards your nipples. When I get close to your nipples I start to do the same pattern in reverse, and when I get back down to the bottom I start again. I'm sure your squirming all over the place by now so I grab your erect nipples abruptly and pull them towards me."

I had been getting so lost into Bear's voice that my hands were just doing what they were told without my brain giving the orders. She was really good at this too. Go figure.

"What are you thinking about right now, in this very moment?" Bear husked.

Her voice brought shivers down my spine. With the phone lodged between my shoulder and my ear so I could have free use of both hands, her voice was practically inside of my head. I could almost feel her warm breath tickling my neck.

"I love the sound of your voice in my ear," I said on instinct, surprising myself.

"Mmm," Bear hummed. She sounded quite satisfied.

She eventually continued after a long moment's hesitation. "By this point I would be curious how wet you were, so I would take two fingers and dip them between the folds of your pussy."

I did as I was told and was a little surprised to feel that I was a sopping, sticky mess. The puddle dripping out from between my legs was creating as much of a mess on my bed as the sweat was.

"Tell me how wet you are," Bear demanded.

"My thighs are drenched," I replied simply, my voice even shakier now than it was before.

"Should be wet enough for you to stick a finger inside. Push it in to the knuckle and curl your finger."

I cried out when my fingertip hit that delicious button inside of myself. Instantly I wanted to do it again and again and again, but I waited for Bear's instruction instead. Impatiently.

"Good. You found your G-spot. Keep hitting it," her voice was very pleased.

I was thankful for that and inserted my digit up my tight channel again. Bear didn't give me any instructions for a minute while I fingered myself. I had begun to pant and moan, not able to contain the feelings building up in my gut. I had never really masturbated before because I wasn't able to get into it, but this was more amazing than most people had ever made me feel -- and it was something I was creating

myself. Well, mostly.

"Rub your clit with your other hand, do it slowly in a circle and don't use a lot of pressure." Bear had stopped telling me her fantasy per se and instead began teaching me. I was thankful for that though.

Again, I did exactly as she instructed and the feelings that began to bubble up with everything I was doing to myself were incredible and impossible to deny.

"Oh my God," I gasped.

"I told you, I'm only mortal," Bear said as a joke but her voice was sounding strained as well.

I disregarded her completely. "I'm gonna come soon," I rasped.

"Do it." she grunted. My hand started to move faster, trying to catch up with the feeling right in front of me, I wanted it so bad.

"Coming!" I squeaked and felt myself clamp down on my hand.

The muscles in my pussy were clenching my digits harder than anything I had ever felt, harder than how Bear's pussy had even. My other hand didn't slow

down for a second, chasing the feeling in my stomach until I was hit with another orgasm. That time my hand froze and my body shook like I was being electrocuted.

I rolled over on my side and pulled my fingers from my soaking hole. The phone had slipped away from me during the last orgasm and I scrambled to get it back to my ear.

"You still there?" I asked completely out of breath.

"Yeah I'm here," Bear assured me. "How was that?"

"That was much better than I could do on my own," I said. Half joking, half truthful.

"It's always better with me." Bear confirmed. I had to agree with her though, everything was better with her.

"That's true," I replied in a dream like state now.

The heat didn't matter anymore. I could roll over and go to bed happy now.

"You sound beat," Bear chuckled.

"Mmhmm," I was trying to stay awake actually.

My eyes wanted to keep shutting and I was forcing

myself to pay attention at this point.

"Would you tell me one thing before you slip off?" Bear asked.

"Anything," I muttered.

There was a pause, as if she was apprehensive to ask whatever she was going to ask. "What do you miss about me?"

So often with Bear, my heart spoke before I could process what I was putting out there. Unfortunately, the more sexed up she had me, the worse it was. "You touch me like no one else can, and your real smile -the one you have when your guard's down -- it's mesmerizing." I giggled, still not entirely realizing what I was saying to her. "I miss everything about you when you're not around."

"Thank you," Bear whispered. "Now you should go to bed."

"No, thank you," I was almost mumbling now.

"You're right though. Passing out."

"Goodnight amusement.

Honey,"

she

said

in

mild

"Goodnight sweetheart," I replied without a

thought and fell asleep moments later with the phone still in my hand.

Click here for more books: https://www.amazon.com/author/kitabook

Chapter Five: Breakdown "So when are you going to tell me about your date with Rolan?" Sara asked, impatience written clear as day on her face. She had been doing her best to wrangle information out of me for the last half an hour.

"Oh. That. Well that was actually a disaster, but I met up with Bear again," I said, trying to change the subject from Rolan.

"Wait, back the truck up. What happened to the whole moving on thing we talked about?" Sara asked, her face morphing from impatient to confused as hell in just a moment.

I slumped in my seat and sighed. "I don't know.

It's just easier with her."

"Sounds like a crutch," Sara stated cynically and I shrugged. Sara rolled her eyes. "Well since we're on this topic I have to ask, anything unusual happen lately?"

"With Bear?" I asked for clarification.

"Duh." I shrugged again. "I'm not sure what you would classify as unusual. I mean we had phone sex the other

night but-" Sara cut me off with a string of abrupt laughter. Apparently I hit her funny bone.

"Yes?" My voice did nothing to hide the irritation I was feeling now.

"Phone sex? You mean you paid her to let you play with yourself," Sara said with a chuckle and that brought a thought to mind.

Something I had thought of before as a passing thing, but for once I latched on to it. I hadn't paid Bear a dime. Not in this entire time. Not one single red cent.

"Yeah, something like that I guess," I replied weakly.

"Jules, honey, I love you. But you got it bad for this chick," Sara chuckled.

There was so much in that last sentence that had my skin standing up. The first was my name and the word honey in such close vicinity. Ever since mine and Bear's arrangement had begun, I saw the word honey very differently. Add the fact that she had tagged I love you on the end of it and I was left feeling very unsure on many levels. Then there was the fact that she had keenly observed what I hadn't yet come to grips with.

"What if I do?" I whispered.

Sara heaved a big sigh and reached across the table to touch my hand. "Well I'll love you no matter what. I'm not sure if I can say anything else, except, don't do anything stupid. Think about how you really feel -- if you actually feel anything. I don't want you getting hurt because you just like sleeping with her."

"I will. I'm just confused as hell right now," I told Sara honestly and looked up from the table to meet her eyes. They held a lot of sympathy but absolutely no answers for me.

When I went home later I searched for the pink hoodie I had been wearing the day I intended to pay Bear. With the heat lately I hadn't even looked at a jacket in weeks, so after digging through clothes for nearly twenty minutes, I finally found it shoved in the back of my closet. Sure enough the weathered old envelope with Bear's name on it was still there, stuffed with twenties.

"Holy shit," I said aloud.

How could I have not put two and two together?

And what the hell did this even mean? I had been having sex with Bear for months, simply because it had been fun? Well you did learn plenty in the whole scheme of things... My mind butted in, but I disregarded the thought and really began to work

through everything.

Some part of me had to have known that I wasn't paying her, wasn't even thinking about it. I hated nothing more than debt, so how was it possible that I had been amounting a debt for so long without it driving me crazy? Worse, the debtor didn't seem to even care.

Maybe feelings had been involved a lot longer than either of us was willing to admit. After all, Bear got jealous of me and I got angry at her for blowing me off. The more I thought about it, the more a pit opened up in my stomach as I realized in a twisted way it was like me and Bear were in a relationship already.

A weird and somewhat fucked up one, but a relationship nonetheless.

The more I thought about that though, it sort of irritated me. I didn't want to make myself seem so naĂŻve and ignorant, but could I really be faulted about the confusing feelings I had been having? If it was so obvious to Sara that I felt the way that I did, shouldn't Bear notice it too? She was the one with all the experience after all.

This brought on an entirely new and unexplored scenario. What if Bear wasn't any more aware of her feelings than I was? Sure it was a bit far fetched, but then I started really sifting through things. Bear had

admitted to getting jealous because I was the only girl in her life, she had told me that things were different with me. Was it possible that included not being aware of her feelings that may have been growing?

I felt like I was down to two options. I could go with the original plan I had, which was forgetting about her and moving on. That made an anxiety rise in my chest that I was uncomfortable with though. I didn't want to think of my life without Bear in it anymore.

Which lead me to the second option, tell her how I feel. We had been doing this dance for months now, and if it wasn't now -- or soon at least -- it would end up being never. That scared me even more than the thought of losing her.

It was like I was walking a tightrope with no experience. I had a general idea of what was going on and how to do it, but I had no idea how to execute it and knew that only one misguided step could spell out certain doom. Well that's a comforting analogy.

Looking at the envelope in my hand again, I started to formulate an idea. It wasn't the best or even the brightest idea, but it was straightforward and the direct approach was probably the way to handle this. I stuffed the envelope in my front pocket and left before I could chicken out.

I knew full well that she would be home before I even got there. I had no guarantee on this, I just knew somehow. Sure enough Bear's shiny black SUV was parked where it always was.

Still trying to retain the tunnel vision and courage to keep me on this warpath I got out of my car and marched right up to Bear's door. When I raised my hand to knock however, I stopped. DĂŠjĂ vu struck me and I remembered the first time I came to this house.

The emotion that washed over me suddenly was overwhelming and terrifying at the same time. Dozens of memories hit me all at once and I realized I was invested far beyond what I originally believed. This was now or never. With a renewed purpose and fire in my heart I raised my hand again to knock and rapped on the door three times; hard and fast.

Bear was surprised -- to say the least -- to see me when she threw open the door. Her eyes went a little wide as she asked me, "Honey! What are you doing here?"

I blew past her and into the house, not caring what consequences there were. "I need to tell you something. And you need to listen to me," I said briskly and went to the one common ground we had in this house -- the living room.

Bear's voice was a mix of apprehension and confusion as she asked, "Okay. What's going on?"

I folded my arms and watched Bear stand awkwardly in front of me. As awkward as someone so perfect as Bear could look at least. What did I say?

How was I supposed to start this?

"Honey?" she said slowly.

"My name is Julie," I replied automatically.

"What?" she said and stared at me in disbelief. I just broke rule number one.

Here goes nothing. I thought and dove right in.

"My name is Julie Boone. My friends call me Jules. I'm the Junior Director of the Suncoast Zoo. Some people think I'm obsessed with my work and I probably spend too much time there and when you don't find me there, I'm probably off crusading on some other just cause. Or reading," I thought for a moment and threw in, "or playing games," just for good measure.

"I'm kind of lazy sometimes and I can be very stubborn and selfish. I had a brother that passed away while I was still in college and a sister that doesn't talk

to me because I won't continue to give her handouts for the rest of her life -- so my parents live on the other side of the country to do it instead. Besides Sara and my boss the only real friend I have is a grizzly bear." I took a breath and kept going.

"I'm closed off to new experiences sometimes and I can get secretive and skeptical of people. I've never been good at relationships and I've been even worse at love. And if I'm being completely honest, the concept of sex has always been tired and boring to me.

What's the point when there's so much else to do?" I shrugged.

"Basically every one of those things changed when I met you. I'm still lazy and selfish and stubborn, but I never had a problem being real with you. You cracked me open in a way that no one has been able.

You've made me think and learn and find out a whole mess of things I never knew about myself before."

I was breathing hard. Between my emotion and the speech I delivered I was almost panting. Bear just stood there, wide eyed and confused with her mouth hanging slightly ajar.

I sighed. "What I'm trying to say is this: I'm Jules, and I want you to know everything about me, because I want to know everything about you. So who are you?"

Bear didn't speak. She didn't move, she didn't even blink. I should have known better than to get caught up in this. I should have listened to Sara.

"Fine. I figured as much from you." I dug the envelope out of my pocket and slapped it on a small table beside the couch. "Since this is all a job, you'll need this." I spat and turned on my heel, sweeping past Bear towards the door as quick as I could.

I could feel the tears burning behind my eyes, just begging to pour out. I refused to let them though. I refused to let her see me cry over her.

"Wait!" I heard behind me, my hand resting on the door handle. "Wait. Just one second."

My fingers slipped from the knob and I turned slowly. I didn't want to face her anymore. I just wanted it to all be over.

Regardless, I met Bear's eyes cautiously and saw that she had composed herself once more and retained her typical stoic faรงade. She took my hand and tugged me gently, her eyes silently pleading behind her stone mask. With another sigh I strode back down the hallway and into the living room before taking the place I had just a moment ago. I crossed my arms across my chest again defensively. Bear took a few

steps towards me and considered me for another moment. She lifted her hand to my face and brushed the hair out of my eyes.

"Jules," she said, not particularly to me, but just testing the sound out loud. "That's a very pretty name. It fits you."

"Thank you," I whispered trying to hold back a smile from her praise. Dammit why was it so hard to stay mad at her?

Bear opened her mouth before closing it just as quick. I noticed her jaw clench and realized that whatever was going on with her was just as hard to talk about as this had been for me. She took a deep breath and let go of whatever she held onto.

"My name is Zoe." "Zoe," I breathed. I liked her name on my lips.

She swallowed Kaganoff."

hard.

"Yeah,

Zoe.

Zoe

That got my attention. "Kaganoff? I know that from somewhere."

"Does Kaganoff Corporation ring a bell?" Bear said and shrugged her shoulders like it was nothing.

Zoe. Her name was Zoe. Why couldn't I think of her like that?

Because she's your Bear. Duh. And speaking of bears...

"Kaganoff Corp? Seriously? You helped sponsor the first Animal Alliance. Did you know that?" This was unbelievable, what were the chances?

"I signed off on that, so yes, I knew about it, but I didn't understand the significance of it or about you.

It wasn't until I was walking around the zoo that I had realized I had been there once before. I had met your friend Rusty once too. It was lucky he didn't remember me, but not unlikely, we spoke only for the briefest of moments," Bear explained and went silent again. I gave her some space to open up but after a minute I got irritated.

"Can you just start talking or do I have to keep asking questions? Right now I feel like you're being all, 'I'm Zoe Kaganoff, I'm broody and that makes me attractive and mysterious.'" I waved my hands in the air for extra effect.

Bear began to laugh. First just a small chuckle but quickly it grew to a string of loud, barreling laughs.

"Wow. Just, wow," Bear said once she had contained herself. "I don't think anyone has so accurately

described me before."

"You're welcome," I grumbled.

"Okay, okay. I'm not really sure where to start so I suppose I'll try to work from the beginning. My father started the company, and now that he's up in his years he has me and my brothers running it. I handle the clients and the books and shipping transcripts and board meetings -- basically I do everything for a title I don't have.

"See my brothers are good guys, but they're dumb as rocks. They're the face of Kaganoff, while I remain the heart and soul. My father did this on purpose. He would never let me run the show so he keeps me in a position I can't refuse. I'm not the CEO like I should be, but I basically get paid like one. I can't say it's not nice, but never getting recognized for your work also makes you feel...insignificant," Bear's brow drew together.

"What's his deal with you?" I asked after letting her stew for a couple seconds.

"What I am. He says it's bad for the image, that it might alienate people. I think he was just afraid of me making him look bad. I knew what I was when I was sixteen, and he wasn't afraid to show me how much he didn't approve.

"So while I was going through college I started my little business. At first it was just a 'fuck you, I don't need your money or your company or your love' but, after awhile it became a part of my life.

"Honestly, the real reason I don't like using names is because that's what he called me. For a very long time I hated the name Zoe. I mean the original reason I gave you is true but that was a lesson learned over time. Which was something else, with every new girl I had the chance to be someone new, and I would feel that significance for a minute," Bear frowned.

"Until you."

"Oh?" I replied, my curiosity peaking. So I had an effect?

"When you started calling me Bear, it was different. Most of these girls they would pick something sexual or bossy, but when you called me Bear -- and even more after you explained why you called me Bear -- I felt like someone got me.

"Before long I realized that what I was doing was no better than any person with an addiction. Only instead of taking another drink and convincing myself that it was helping, I would take another girl to bed and pretend it didn't matter," Bear chuckled darkly. "I didn't realize how much my insides hurt until you

started to make me feel them at all."

I couldn't stop the spreading grin on my face. I felt for her pain of course, but the fact that I was the cause of this internal thawing got me feeling good about myself.

"My whole life it's been work and sex and sex and work. Wash, rinse, repeat. I didn't have time for anything else so there was nothing else. And the more I had to suppress myself for both of my jobs I felt like I was becoming less human. But you've drawn something out of me I haven't ever felt before.

"It started with just desire. You may not believe me, but I had never really desired any woman before.

It's always been easy to get women to jump in my bed, so desire was never really a factor. Then all of a sudden I couldn't stop thinking about you. You remember when I told you I don't usually call within the first few days after meeting a client?"

I nodded. "Yeah, of course."

"Well the truth is I can't remember the last girl I called even a week after our first meeting. Too much work to push things around so I just went with how my schedule flowed. I cleared everything when I invited you over that day. I wanted you all day, in every way that you would let me. I had never felt that before."

"Wow. That does a lot for my ego. I've gone from being the most boring lay in my ex's line up to being the object of your desire," I mused.

Bear sighed like something heavy was being taken off her chest. "Oh, Honey, all the things you've become to me has become overwhelming. Thoughts off you get me through the day and keep me awake at night. You're everything I never knew I wanted and now you're everything I feel like I can't live without," Bear smiled. "And you know what else?"

"What?" I breathed feeling a definite effect from her words. Although my stomach was knotted and I could feel the want in my loins the part of my body that was going crazy was my heart. I could feel it thumping in my ears while I waited for Bear's response.

"You have that look again," she murmured and licked her lips, "Like you want to kiss me."

"Oh, I do. But you're the boss around here, remember? It's all on you." I inhaled a ragged breath.

"So, are you going to kiss me this time Bear? I've waited a long time for one and I think I would really enjoy it."

I could see that she was getting a real kick out of

this, she grinned a little bit, getting even closer. "Will you ask me nicely?" she husked, lightly placing her arms around my torso.

"Please? Pretty, please? With honey on top?" I asked batting my eyelashes.

Bear moved in for her classic move of rubbing her cheek against mine before whispering in my ear.

This was one of the most intimate things that we had done from the very beginning. I know Bear did that for purposes of teasing me, but over time I realized that it was also how she showed affection, even if she didn't realize it herself.

This time it was a little different however. It was the same action, only now there was unashamed warmth slithered in the embrace. She lingered with her face against mine, rubbing against it ever so slightly.

It was exactly how animals showed love to their mates.

Finally her lips met my ear. "I would rather have you on the bottom actually," she murmured and I got a little wetter.

After another agonizingly long minute, her face reappeared inches from mine. She was so stunning.

Regardless of what anyone had to say, I was head over heels for Bear. Maybe because she was a woman, maybe because she opened up my sexuality, maybe

because she turned on something inside of me that I didn't know existed before. For whatever reason, when I looked into her blue eyes, I knew I wanted to stay there.

Then finally, she kissed me.

It was everything I wanted in a kiss. Her lips were soft, but I could feel the desire behind them. I knew that she wanted to be a little rougher with me and I liked that she had the restraint not to. At least at first.

I could feel her grip tighten around my waist and I'm sure fireworks would have been exploding above us if I would have been looking.

When I parted from her, I couldn't breathe. I noticed that Bear's ocean blue eyes had gone a steely color and after so long around her, I knew that meant she was aroused. If only she knew how wet she had got me before we even kissed.

I could still feel her lingering on my lips. I refused to wait for her to get my second taste. I snaked both arms around Bear's neck and pulled her close. I barely slid my tongue along her lower lip before pressing my own lips against hers. Bear's content hum that rang through our kiss was all I needed to know that I was on the right track.

"I want you right now. More than I ever have,"

Bear admitted through heavy breathing.

I grinned up at her. "I'm yours for the taking."

Bear's hands traveled from my waist to my backside and squeezed. Her lip tugged up in a grin. A brash, confident and downright sexy grin.

"I'm going to take you to heaven and back tonight," Bear muttered and hoisted me off the floor, her hands still gripping my behind. I gasped in surprise, tightening my grip around Bear's neck and wrapped my legs around her waist.

Bear's lips went back to mine, her tongue racing along my lower lip until I invited her in my hungry mouth. I was never an amazing kisser I supposed, but the sheer enthusiasm I was displaying surely made up for it. My lover started walking slowly -- her lips never parting from mine -- down the hallway towards her room. A tiny piece of me was excited to see what was behind that mysterious door, but the other 99% didn't give a damn as long as Bear kept kissing me.

We bumped into the walls twice on our journey, both of us breaking into little giggles which lasted no longer than a second before they transformed into hungry groans and gasps again. Finally, Bear separated her lips from mine. She tucked one arm under me and used the other to open the door. I pouted

in disapproval, wanting her kiss again. It was like a sweet new drug I couldn't get enough of. At the same time however, without her mauling me, my mind had the clarity to take a look around without Bear's intoxicating haze over me.

The walls were white and bland, no pictures, posters or decorations anywhere to be seen. Not even a clock. There was a big bed under the only window in the room and the setting sun left yellow streaks against the white sheets. Opposite of the bed was a cherry wood writing desk, not as lavish as the one in her den but just as beautiful. Besides that there were two doors, my guess was bathroom and closet but they held no appeal for me.

"This is it?" I asked a little disappointed.

"What do you mean?" Bear frowned, both hands back on me now.

"I was just expecting something more shocking.

You made it seem like there was a secret you were hiding back here or something," I admitted, feeling a little silly now. What was I expecting anyways?

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but yes, this is it," Bear shrugged and my body lifted and fell with her shoulders. "I asked you not to come in here because this is the only place that's mine. I don't have to worry

about prying eyes or judgmental thoughts. This is my sanctuary." Bear confessed.

"I was still expecting...more."

"You're killing the mood here Honey," Bear reminded me patiently.

"Sorry," I said and nipped the side of her neck with a smile.

Bear inhaled in a hiss and griped me harder. She stomped the last few feet to the bed and projected my body onto it. Panic rose in my chest as my body went through the free fall, but then my back hit the soft down of the bed. It was like landing on clouds.

There wasn't much time to marvel at my new surroundings before Bear was crawling over me. She put her hands on either side of my head and just gazed down at me, her eyes soft and caring. She pushed the hair out of my face and grinned in amusement.

"You're so pretty Jules," she breathed.

"Y-You said my name," I stated, a little alarmed.

"It seemed appropriate," Bear muttered and nibbled along my collarbone dismissing my surprise completely.

Bear was wearing one of her usual tailor cut button ups, the ones that hugged her breasts and midsection perfectly and left just the slightest peek of skin over her jeans. My hands had been absent from the party for too long, and with Bear kissing along my shoulder already I felt the need to touch her rise.

My fingertips just barely grazed that exposed skin before I snuck my hand under her shirt completely. In a moment my second hand had occupied the other side of her shirt and my fingers were drawing aimless patterns across her smooth skin.

There was a problem however when my fingers couldn't get past the fabric to get to her bra. The cut of the shirt was too tight.

I met Bear's eyes with frustration and a pleading that said 'help me.' She chuckled and pushed my hands out of her shirt. I complied with a brief whine. Bear sat back and started undoing the buttons on her shirt slowly.

"I'll show you mine if you show me yours," Bear offered, with a devious grin.

I yanked the tank top I was wearing off quicker than Bear could her own shirt. My brunette was still trying to get her arms out of the sleeves when I wrapped my arms around her and began kissing all

across her heaving chest.

"You're not making this any easier," Bear giggled still squirming while I blissfully ran my tongue along the tops of her breasts. I made a noise to show her that I heard her, but I didn't care very much about her struggle.

I knew when she was successful in her endeavor finally because her hands were pushing me away from her body and back down to the bed. I resisted her attempts at first but even with all my might, I was still going backwards. You just couldn't fight Bear.

Both of Bear's hand slid underneath me, one up between my shoulder blades and the other to my lower back. The hand sitting lower was trying to coax my hips up and I complied. She shoved a pillow under my butt and kissed right below my belly button. I had been so focused on this I was actually a tad surprised to see my bra in Bear's other hand when I laid back again.

"You're smooth," I noted in appreciation.

Bear gave me a knowing look. "You're just getting this?" she asked with a wink.

I didn't justify her with an answer. I grabbed her bra straps instead and pulled her to me. I wanted her lips again, it had been far too long since the last kiss. I

simply couldn't get enough of it. Now that I understood it's affect over me I was glad I hadn't given into my instincts before. I would have been powerless long ago.

"Impatient and greedy aren't you?" Bear mumbled against my lips.

My hands traveled down her back to show her how impatient, but my fingers fumbled around without finding a clasp. Dammit, why couldn't I be smooth like her!

With a tiny giggle, Bear pulled back from me a bit. "Baby?" she cooed, instantly getting my attention.

"It's in the front."

She pointed to what I had been looking for right between the cleft of her breasts. Now I felt stupid and blind. In spite of myself I uttered a little laugh and without a moment's hesitation unhooked her.

"So impatient I couldn't see apparently," I said and reached up to meet Bear's lips again.

This got both of us back on task. I loved how I could be silly with Bear in one moment and sexy in the very next. It was just so easy with her.

"You have the sweetest kiss I've ever tasted,"

Bear murmured before biting my lip. I cried out and lifted my hips.

"See now you got me distracted and off course," she said with a sigh and finally removed her bra.

This made me want to sit right up and take a nipple in my mouth. I decided not to press my luck though. Let's see where she's going with this.

With a flick of her wrist, Bear had my shorts unbuttoned. She shimmied them down my legs and off, all the while staring at her work with great intent.

Bear stroked my legs up and down with one hand lazily. I closed my eyes and reveled in the sweet sensation of her skin on mine.

Not long after, I felt her hand lightly cup one of my breasts. Her other hand was still all over my skin, but this one simply held me. Eventually her thumb began to run circles around the nipple. I arched my back into her touch but it didn't alter Bear's ministrations at all. Her fingertips still lit up my skin with their feather light touches and her thumbs agonizing slow pace had me aching inside for more.

I whimpered and tried to catch Bear's eyes but she wouldn't look at me since she was too wrapped up in staring at my body with a pleasant smile on her face.

I reached out and pulled both of her nipples

simultaneously. That should get her attention.

Bear bit her lip and sighed. "Do that again."

I didn't have to think twice to follow Bears orders. I pulled on her nipples again, pinching harder this time. Bear's roaming hand went to my other breast and began the same treatment on my unoccupied nipple that she was administering to the other. I uttered a low groan, the wanting so deep in my loins that I felt like I was about to die. I pulled on Bear's nipples one more time, twisting them as I did and my lover cried out softly.

The simple little triumphs, like making her moan the way she was, were the reasons I loved fucking Bear. I strived to know her hot spots better, make her moan louder and come harder every single time. It was an achievement to satisfy her.

Bear's chin lowered until her eyes were level with mine and she stared at me with pure unabashed lust.

Those eyes penetrated right through me. Her full delicious lips were just slightly parted, her breathing slowed to just a steady panting like a bitch in heat.

One of Bear's hands slipped from my breast and slid down, I wanted to see if she was just going to tease me more but I couldn't break from her gaze. Those eyes were absolutely hypnotic. It didn't take long for

me to get my answer however, Bear's palm pressed right onto my pussy and I melted.

Between the slow burn she had put me through, her hand on me and those fucking eyes. I finally fell off the ledge for the first time tonight. I still couldn't look away from her for even a second. Even when my lids tried to force themselves closed, I managed to keep them open. I wanted to see her, and I wanted her to see what she was doing to me.

I rode the waves until they ceased, and when they did Bear began her work once more. She started inching my panties off until they were on the ground and then stepped off the bed herself. She simply stood there, the look on her face was that of sheer joy and admiration.

"I just love looking at you naked. You do crazy things to me," Bear sighed.

I had to admit, I was enjoying my view quite a bit as well. Bear's chest was on display for me to see, her amazing rack defying gravity somehow. The way the lights were throwing shadows, I could see the outline of every muscle on her body slightly shimmering with sweat. Oddly enough, the fact that she was still wearing those skin tight jeans made her even hotter to me. Granted, I couldn't wait to see her naked, but the way she looked now got me hot in its own special way.

"You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen," I uttered without a thought.

"You really think so?" Bear asked, actual curiosity written plain on her face.

"Have you seen yourself lately?" I asked with a roll of my eyes.

"You sound jealous."

"What woman wouldn't be? The redeeming factor is that you're the beautiful creature I get to sleep with," I replied with a wink.

"Yeah. About that," Bear smirked and came to join me on the bed once more. "I haven't even gotten a good look at my handiwork yet," she murmured and lay down on her belly in front of my glistening sex.

With two fingers, Bear spread my lips apart and peered at my most intimate folds. After a moment I felt her hot breath on me and then she took me by surprise and kissed right above my clit, soft as can be. I shivered uncontrollably and I felt Bear grin against my skin.

"I still can't get over how responsive you are to my touch," my gorgeous brunette muttered, "You react exactly how I want you to." With her peace spoken,

Bear nudged my folds open with her nose and drove her tongue deep inside my slit.

"What can I say?" I gasped. "You're really, really good at what you do."

Bear moaned her appreciation of my words and the vibrations through me had my eyes rolling in the back of my head. I noticed already that she was able to access so much more of me with my butt off the ground, but I had an idea for her tongue to get deeper.

I pulled my legs up to my chest, and then I slung them over her shoulders driving Bear's face into me more.

Again, Bear moaned and this time I did too.

There was a renewed vigor in the way that Bear was going at me. She was always amazing at her craft, but this was different in the best way. Bear was gripping at my skin for dear life with one hand, the other slung over my ankles pinning my legs to her back. All the while trying to push herself further in. It was as if she was literally trying to devour me.

My hands were restless and shaky. They didn't seem to belong anywhere. Migrating from the bed sheets to Bear's hair, my breasts to the headboard. I felt like my body was a live wire.

I cried out weakly and concentrated on the growing feeling. Focusing on that one spot just below

my navel where the waves rolled inside of me higher and higher. The heady rush of weightlessness hit me before my orgasm exploded and had me gasping for air.

Bear hummed around my clit as she lapped at my flowing juices greedily. I was so sensitive, the vibration was a shock to the system. Bear was still grabbing at me for dear life, wanting every bit of me, but I also noticed that her hips had begun helplessly grinding against the bed.

I pushed myself away from Bear's grip, much to her dismay, and scrambled down the bed. Before I could hear a word of protest I was working Bear's jeans down her legs. As usual they were so tight it was a struggle, and I'm sure someone would have found it comical to watch me standing by the bed tugging and Bear wiggling her hips trying to help me out. Both of us couldn't contain the giggles ourselves.

Of course as soon as her jeans were next to everything else that had been discarded, the giggles stopped and our passion flared back up. Without any warning I plopped my soaking pussy back on Bear's face and leaned forward to lap at her. I heard, and felt, her dark chuckle a moment later.

"Trained me pretty good, huh?" I asked, before diving to her lower lips.

Bear didn't answer me, instead she chose to ramp up her game by inserting one of her long digits inside of me and sucking up my clit. I did my best not to focus on the build this time, and instead tried to concentrate on the task in front of me -- but damn it was hard. Bear was, as always, fucking amazing. Ignoring the pressure, I gripped Bear's thighs with both hands and lapped at her voraciously.

Never in my life had I wanted to prove something so much to someone. I gave Bear everything I had, burying my face in her folds and licking every inch for what I was worth. The problem was, the more I poured into Bear, the more she poured right back into me, until the only sound that could be heard was the slurping, sucking noise coming from our mouths and the slight squeak of springs from the bed.

I got Bear to come first, and was damn thankful for that. I knew that if I gave her at least one mindblowing orgasm that she would be content. Bear was a little weird in that way. Most of the times that we had been together she would only allow me to get her off once before pushing me away or distracting me.

Bear's jaw locked up around my pussy through her orgasm, but her tongue never stopped. I finally had to break away from Bear's center to cry out to the room. As soon as my mouth broke away from Bear,

she took my hips and forced me into a sitting position on her face -- effectively breaking all ties to her southern region. This irritated me a bit, I wasn't necessarily done down there, but the annoyance didn't last very long before I was enamored in everything she was doing.

"Right there, right there, right there," I said in rushed breaths again and again.

Bear had found a spot I really liked on the right side of my clit. She flicked against it in a continuous, steady beat and that was all she wrote. I bucked aimlessly all over Bear's face, not quite caring about her anymore, but rather my orgasm. She didn't mind though, my lover blissfully held my hips and tried to glue her mouth to my pussy. Her attempts were admirable but overall unsuccessful.

Somehow I managed to push away from Bear, suddenly feeling drained and sensitive, I wrapped my arms around my knees and closed my eyes tight, the last of my climax left my body with a shiver and I sighed. Bear gave me a moment before putting a hand on my back. This turned into her lips on my shoulder, and then my neck, before coming around to lightly kiss my lips.

Bear kissed me again, as gentle as the last one she gave me, her soft lips lingered on mine and left me

buzzing with desire. I turned to her and reached under Bear's arms to grip her broad shoulders from behind.

With a tug, I drew her closer to me, forcing the kiss to deepen.

I licked her bottom lip before she sucked my tongue into her mouth. I swirled my tongue around hers and she responded in kind before moaning into our kiss. I felt my nipples harden and my stomach clench at the same time. Kissing her made me more aroused than anything else we did together. This was what I had been missing with Bear.

When I couldn't breathe I tried pulling back from the kiss but Bear wasn't really having it. She chased my tongue with hers and caught it. The tips of our tongues danced outside of either of our mouths and the cool air between our kiss was strangely even more erotic. Bear leaned back a bit and I whimpered. Her eyes were warm and affectionate, like they were that night I chased her home from the bar.

I had thought it a couple of times, but in this moment, my next words were never so true.

"I love you," I blurted out suddenly.

Bear's brows raised and she blinked in surprise twice. "I've...I've never said that to anybody."

"I'm sorry that was stupid," I mumbled, looking away from her.

"Not if you meant it," Bear said quietly.

"Of course I did," I said just as low as my last reply. I chanced a glance up and was quite unhappy to see Bear looking very pained. I didn't want this after the amazing time we had just shared together.

"I-" Bear started and stopped just as quickly, her face went from pained to downright tortured.

"You don't have to say anything if you don't want to," I said, wanting to free her from this awkward position. I wasn't sure what was going on in Bear's head, but it was enough of a conflict that she didn't need to be pushed on this.

"I just can't. I don't know," Bear muttered her face changing again and this one I hated the most out of the three -- self loathing.

I took Bear's face in mine and forced her to look at me, more sure about this than I had been in the previous minute. "Listen to me, I love you. Whether you can say it out loud or not is not the point. I just need you to know how I feel, and that it's not going to change anytime soon. Got it?"

Bear's face softened and she looked at me with such intent I started to feel a little vulnerable -- it was as if she was peering into my soul.

"Okay," she said softly.

"Okay," I replied.

That was all to be said for now. There was calm in the storm. As happy as I felt though, knowing that everything was finally out on the table I couldn't stop my stomach from churning at the thought of the future.

What could happen and what would happen.

Bear pulled me close again and squeezed me tight. The dread in me began to trickle out and I forced myself to forget all of the worry I felt. There was nothing more important than where I was in this moment. As long as I remembered that, it didn't matter what the future had in store.

Bring it on, I thought and snuggled deeper into Bear's arms.

Chapter Six: I Know While I expected a barrage of changes to happen with this transition in our relationship, none of them really did. The only exception was that Bear and I began to spend an exceeding amount of time together where we normally didn't and in ways we normally wouldn't. Both of us played hooky for the first time in years, and I for one was giving up overtime hours nonchalantly to spend more time with her.

By no means was it the sex either. She was just so much fun when you broke through the initial shell of her character. Under the icy exterior the world received, there was a warm, humorous and highly intelligent woman just waiting to pour herself out to anybody willing to listen.

Bear and I would stay up late into the night discussing anything from world issues or philosophies to pop culture and the latest trends. She never ceased to amaze me with her interesting points of view and subtle humor. Every time I saw her I felt like I was chipping away a little more of that hard shell that still clung, until I finally saw Bear for what she really was and not just what she was presented as.

There were some setbacks to the honeymoon bliss I was currently in however. Sara for one was not very pleased with me blowing her off, especially with

no explanation. It wasn't that I was embarrassed or anything, I just didn't know how to explain it. On top of that, Rusty was starting to ask me if I was okay constantly, and noting that I was never at the zoo anymore whenever he could.

I wished it were possible to steal Bear away for just a few weeks in a place we could call our own with no one breathing down our necks. After all, I didn't have to be a psychic to know that Bear was under some external stress too. The problem with that thinking was that we lived in the real world, not in the pages of some fantasy. So as much as I didn't want to, I started pulling a couple of double shifts every week. If nothing else but to remind Rusty of the dedication I had.

Unfortunately, I couldn't get my mind to actually focus on work. I wasn't deep into it like I used to be.

There was a piece of me that watched the clock like a kid in school, and as soon as the bell rang I was out of there and on my way back to Bear. There was more than one occasion that I thought about my comparison to Bear and drugs on the drive to her. Every time I mentally agreed with the assessment, knowing full well that I was addicted to her. My comfort was the knowledge that she had it as bad as me.

It was one of those days, and I couldn't stop checking my watch. The minutes seemed to drag along at a snail's pace, eliciting a low, frustrated groan from

me every time I looked at the time.

"Something important happening today?" Rusty asked. I wasn't sure how many times he had seen me glance at my wrist but it must have been enough to stir up some suspicion.

"Not really," I answered honestly.

"Well you're chomping at the bit to get out of here. What's been up with you lately? I remember when I couldn't get you to leave and now it's like pulling teeth just to get you here," I could see the irritation coming off of Rusty and this made me feel ashamed in an instant.

Rusty never got mad. To see the disappointment written clear on his face was like a punch in the gut. I was really fucking up.

"Eh..." I started weakly, not quite sure what to say about myself.

How could I tell the man that I respected more than anything that the last thing on my mind was the zoo? I loved working here and it still meant the world to me, but right now my mind could only focus on one thing. How did I put that into the right words?

"I'm not sure. I've just been off lately. I'll do

better, I promise." Truths mixed with some lies, but he seemed satisfied by my explanation nonetheless.

"If there's something going on you need to talk to me. Me and Barb will always do what we can to help you. You're not alone here." Rusty put a big hand on my shoulder and the irate look left his face, replaced by his normal smile.

I wanted to tell him everything right there. Tell him that I was in love, tell him that it had me distracted and overwhelmed, and tell him that I didn't want to disappoint him. In the end though I just couldn't.

"Of course," I replied and bit my tongue.

I was planning to make a quick escape from Rusty but then it got worse. Rolan strolled into the scene whistling a pleasant tune. It took him all of a millisecond to spot me and Rusty, and less time to get to us.

"Hey there Jules! Where have you been hiding lately?" he asked with all his usual enthusiasm.

"Up a tree," I mumbled.

I had been doing my best to avoid Rolan lately, on top of not being at work in the first place. Ever since our last conversation I had been having difficulties

even standing him. Rolan wasn't the same sweet, eager kid I had first met. He was someone I didn't really like at all anymore. It was disappointing.

He laughed and clapped my back. "Always the joker, aren't you Jules?"

I faked a laugh and rolled my eyes. This couldn't get any worse. I thought with some amount of exasperation.

How little I knew.

The next addition to our party was Sara. I had been lingering close to the entrance of the zoo when Rusty first spotted me so I saw her car pull up before she even got out. I was hoping it wasn't her but I knew the license plate by heart. I couldn't fool myself.

Sara got out of her car and looked around for only a moment before she saw the three of us standing around. She locked eyes with me and her pupils narrowed. Sara walked swiftly to me, her arms hanging stiffly at her sides. Oh boy. I pissed her off too. This is not a good day.

"You!" Sara shrieked pointing an accusing finger in my face.

"Me?" I asked with raised eyebrows.

"Yes, you! Where have you been? It's like you disappeared off the planet." Sara was throwing her arms around as she talked. It showed how upset she actually was. "I've been trying for weeks to get a hold of you and nothing. They don't even know where you are here half the time and you live here!" Sara's finger swung from me to Rusty and then Rolan.

I saw Rolan and Rusty exchange glances as if they were debating whether to leave or not. The consensus must have been stay because they remained glued to their spot.

"I-I-" I fumbled for an excuse to lay on Sara. I could diffuse the situation with Rusty, and distract it with Rolan, but Sara had known me for years. I couldn't just lie to her face.

My gaze went between Sara, Rusty and Rolan before going back around. All of them were wearing an intently inquisitive gaze, as if just waiting for me to spill my guts about my strange behavior of late. I couldn't help but feel it was a little unfair that I was under so much pressure. If I were a lazy slacker, none of them would care.

I went across all of their faces once more before something caught my attention in the parking lot again -- Bear's SUV. None of them mattered anymore. The

only thing I cared about was why she was here.

Bear caught sight of me as quick as Sara did, unlike Sara however I didn't wait for her. I walked right past my friends to meet Bear halfway, abandoning the thought of explaining myself to them at all. My dark haired lover gave me a winning smile upon my arrival and I knew that I was grinning like a fool as well.

I loved how we didn't need words to accurately communicate most of the time. The look in my eyes surely showed the admiration that I felt for her, because Bear's eyes softened. It was weird how she made the real world banish to another plane. I didn't care about what Sara might have been saying or what Rusty was thinking; the only thing that mattered to me in that exact moment was the woman in front of me.

Standing on my tippy toes I met Bear's lips in a soft embrace. I wanted the kiss to go deeper but Bear put a hand on my shoulder and pushed me back to my feet.

"Everyone is staring at us," Bear whispered, her voice tense and a little worried.

I bit my lip, suddenly remembering exactly what was going on and where I was. Well, the cat was out of the bag now. Nothing left to do but clean up the

mess. With a big breath I turned back to my comrades and prepared myself for some questions. There was nothing but silence from each of them however.

"I'm sure everyone is a little confused." I took the bull by the horns if no one else would. "Rolan, I'm sorry it came to this, but I've been trying to tell you that I was bad news for awhile."

I tried to put my hand on his arm but he waved his hands in front of his chest and backed off before just turning on his heel and leaving without a backwards glance. And that's why I don't date in the workplace, I thought cynically.

"Sara, I'm sure you've figured out why I haven't told you yet, but I hope you don't take it personally. I was just trying to find the right time," I met her eyes warily and they were sympathetic. One for two wasn't bad I guess.

"Rusty-" I began but he held a hand up.

"My office," Rusty said.

I hung my head and followed him, dreading whatever came after this. Probably would get fired, or worse, demoted. Probably so some punk like Rolan could take my spot. That would be hell for me.

"Look can I just say my side of things?" I blurted out after I had shut the door behind us. Rusty waved his hand for me to continue and I sat on the other side of his desk and began my explanation "I've wanted to talk to you for awhile about everything going on. Why I haven't been around and why I haven't been all here even when I was around.

The only reason I didn't tell you is because I look up to you so much. The last thing I wanted was for you to look at me like you did earlier, like you were disappointed in me. I just want you to be proud of me.

"I understand that you probably have to do something to discipline me now, but I want you to know how sorry I am for shirking my duties lately. For disrespecting the zoo and for disappointing you more than anything. I've been stupid and much too careless."

I hung my head like a scorned child, awaiting my punishment.

It never came though. After an agonizing couple of moments, Rusty put his big hand on my shoulder and squeezed.

"I'm not going to do anything to you. I just wanted to ask you a few things in private. I'm honored to hear how important I am though." I could almost hear the amusement in his voice.

That son of a bitch.

I refused to look upset now, even if I was. I looked off to the side at nothing and stuck out my chin as if I was unfazed by all of this. "What did you want to know?"

"Well I think you basically answered one of them, if the young missus out there was the reason you've been gone so much lately."

"Pretty much," I mumbled, feeling a little weird talking about this to Rusty.

"My other question is if you know what you're getting into," Rusty laced his fingers in front of his mouth and gazed intently at me.

"What do you mean?" I was confused by the context of the statement.

Did I know what getting into a relationship was like? A quote unquote 'lesbian' relationship? What?

"I won't say that I know what you like but I do know that you've shown more interest in the boys over the years. So, is this just a phase you're going through, where I may have to potentially pick up the pieces in the end? Or is this more?"

"If you're trying to ask me how serious I am about

all of this, I'm dead serious. I didn't expect Zoe to happen, but now that she has, don't expect her to be leaving any time soon. Some people may not like that or approve of it, but no one has ever made me happier," I replied.

"Don't ever expect the whole world to love you Jules. Just remember the people that really matter always will." He clapped my shoulder twice before removing his hand finally. "Now get out of here, your shifts over and I know you can't wait to leave."

I stood from the chair but lingered a moment longer. "Thanks Rusty. For everything," I said this as sincerely as I was capable of and he simply beamed at me.

"Anytime kid. Anytime."

After the moment between us had died, I did exactly as he said and got the hell out of dodge. When I got back to the parking lot, I was a little surprised to see Bear leaning against her SUV talking to Sara however.

"Hey," I said just loud enough to make my presence known.

Sara turned to me without a word and wrapped me in her arms. "I'm sorry about earlier, I wish I would

have known. I never would have yelled at you."

"Yes you would have," I retorted, knowing better. "It just would have been for a different reason."

Sara turned to Bear. "You put up with this?"

Bear shrugged and I rolled my eyes.

"I'll just wait in the car since I'm such a horrible person," I said sarcastically.

"Don't be a drama queen Jules," Sara quipped, a big grin on her face. I stuck my tongue out at her and got in the vehicle. Bear said a brief goodbye and followed me into her SUV "What happened?" Bear asked, looking slightly worried.

"Nothing really, he just wanted to talk," I told her simply, an authentic smile on my face to prove it.

It was infectious enough to get Bear grinning too.

"Okay. Whatever you say Honey. So how was your day?"

"Meh, boring mostly," I shrugged. I honestly couldn't remember most of my day. The world could have been on fire and I wouldn't have noticed. "How

about you?"

"Not too bad. My father is sponsoring an art gala tomorrow. We went over the rundown for that mostly.

Which reminds me, what are you doing tomorrow night?"

"Nothing," I answered truthfully, although I would have said nothing regardless if Bear was asking.

"Would you like to go with me? I'm allowed to have a plus one to any event like this and I never capitalize on that privilege." Bear tried to sound nonchalant but I sensed a level of panic in her voice. I had a feeling this was the first time she had officially asked someone to go out with her.

"My, my, my. Are you asking me to go on a date with you?" I fluttered my eyelashes, making things as difficult as possible for Bear. She turned a dark shade of red and I started feeling bad about tormenting her.

Only a little though.

"Of course I'll go," I replied seriously. "I just couldn't help myself. You don't get embarrassed often, and I have to take my moments when they come."

"Fair enough," Bear grunted.

"Aww, you're not gonna be moody now are you?" I asked, poking further fun at her expense.

Bear's face straightened up in a snap. "Nope.

Who's moody?"

I giggled, loving our interaction nowadays. A small detail kept nagging my mind though, not enabling me to really enjoy this back and forth. Better to get it out in the open than to let it fester.

"So, there is one thing about this date," I said a bit more cautious than our previous conversation.

"What's that?" she came back without a pause.

"I'm not sure if I have anything to wear. I'm guessing this is going to be a fancier event than my budget normally allows."

"Well that's no big deal. We'll get you a dress tonight. I can swing over someplace right now if you want." Bear had already turned around mid sentence though. Sometimes I wasn't sure if she didn't care about my input or if she cared so much about making me happy she was already three steps ahead of her mouth.

Fifteen minutes later we arrived in front of a discreet department store that I had never seen before,

let alone been to. Of course I was already aware that there was plenty in this city that I didn't know about, so it wasn't really a big deal.

"Those button ups you love so much? This is where I get them. Amongst other things," Bear said with a wink and opened the door to the building for me.

I had an idea of how much my pocketbook would be hurting after this trip just by Bear's comment, but after browsing a few racks and tables that fear was confirmed.

"Umm...I don't know any other way to say this so I'm just going to be direct. I don't make enough to shop here," I admitted rather abruptly.

Bear was midway through pulling something off a rack when I said this and she froze in mid action.

"Who said anything about you paying?" she asked with a raised brow.

"I can't just let you buy me something here! It costs more for a pack of socks than I get paid in a month!" I exclaimed, throwing my arms up dramatically.

"Do you like the blue or the red?" Bear asked completely disregarding my outburst.

She held up two equally beautiful dresses, and I would be damned if they didn't both have a fancy designer label on them. I chewed my lip, not really wanting to answer the question. On one end I didn't want to be indulged by anyone, I was hardworking and independent. On the other, however, I did want to let Bear spoil me just a little bit. It wasn't often I was spoiled by anyone.

"They're both pretty. It's hard to decide," I answered after a long moment.

"Well, you can try them on and then make a decision. Follow me," Bear said and began leading me to the back of the store. "By the way I hope you were joking about the sock thing," she added as an afterthought.

"It wasn't a joke. That's why I can't justify you spending that much on a dress I'll get to wear once," I sighed trying to make her understand.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure you wear it more than once," Bear assured me as if that would make everything all better. She either didn't grasp my point or didn't care.

As we approached the dressing rooms, a young blonde woman smiled in recognition of Bear. "Good

day Miss Kaganoff, will it just be those two items today?"

Bear nodded once.

"Very good then," the woman said and waved us behind her, presumably to the dressing rooms.

These weren't like any dressing room I had seen before though. The room that Bear ushered me into looked more like a high-class lounge than a dressing room by any means. There were multiple floor length mirrors, a couch and even a mini-bar -- which baffled me beyond words.

What the hell happened in this sort of place? my mind thought wildly.

"I understand your pride, but let me do this for you. Call it an 'I'm sorry' for all the paperwork I'll be doing tonight instead of spending time with you," Bear said, shutting the door.

She was trying her best to win me over. For a second I couldn't believe she was the same person I had met months ago. That woman who was carved from ice.

I finally caved. "Okay, fine."

"Good. Put this on," Bear commanded with a smile and held the red dress out.

"Bossy, bossy," I muttered and began to tug my shirt over my head.

I could see Bear getting comfy on the couch already. There would be no way I could tell her to leave at this point. I had gotten over undressing in front of her a long time ago though.

"I will never get sick of this view. Ever," Bear sighed just as I got my pants off.

"So glad I'm entertaining you," I scoffed standing only in my underwear.

"It's not that you're entertaining me. I'm just having a good time admiring you," Bear chuckled.

I rolled my eyes and pulled the red dress over my hips. I turned my back to Bear after I got the straps on my shoulders. "Zip me?" I asked and fluttered my eyelashes flirtatiously.

"You know, if I'm being bossy you're sure being a blatant tease," Bear said, trying to scold me. It was hard to take her seriously though when she was staring at my ass the entire time.

"Are you going to help me or not?" I asked.

"Fine, fine." Bear slapped the couch and stood up. She walked her fingertips up my bare spine before zipping up the back of the dress. It gave me chills.

After a single look in the mirror though I frowned and shook my head. "Nope," I said and reached for the zipper at my back. I could see Bear roll her eyes from the reflection in front of me before she helped me again with the zipper.

"I didn't expect you to be picky Honey." Bear muttered in my ear.

She slid the dress down my body and kissed behind my ear. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the sensation. Who was being a tease now?

"I might as well do this right if I'm going to do it in the first place," I sighed.

"Try the other one then," Bear replied, abruptly stepping away from me.

I took the blue one off its hangar and began shimmying it up my body, already liking the way it clung to my skin. Unlike the red dress, this one had straps that hooked around my neck so I needed no assistance from Bear. It also helped lift my boobs up,

a welcome perk in any situation.

I made the most out of the well placed mirrors looking at this dress from all angles. In an instant I loved it. The dark navy blue complimented my ivory skin and it hugged all the necessary curves, which made me feel incredibly sexy. A slight flush erupted on my chest at the very thought.

My focus was so deep on my criticism of this dress that Bear was able to sneak up without me hearing or seeing her. When she threw her arms around my waist, I actually jumped in surprise. For a second I had forgotten she was even in here with me.

"Now that is good," Bear muttered, putting her chin on my shoulder. "What do you think?"

"I love it," I said still trying to look at myself from every angle possible.

"You look amazing," Bear chuckled and squeezed me tighter.

I stared at her face in the mirror and she stared right back at me. We both smiled, mine a little coy and hers lusty. Bear's hands started to creep up my front until they were resting on my breasts. She hesitated for a moment before squeezing them gently. I let out a soft moan, but bit my lip hard halfway through the sound.

We were still in a public place after all and the last thing I wanted was to get caught being felt up in a dressing room.

"You don't mind some anticipation do you?"

Bear breathed against my neck, laying little kisses between her words. "I want to know you'll be thinking about me until I can get into those panties again."

"I'm always thinking about you," I admitted.

It was the honest truth. Very few days went by when Bear wasn't on my mind since we met. There wasn't a doubt that I thought about her more than anything else in my life. She easily monopolized my brain. Bear bit my neck, causing me to jump in surprise again and gripped my breasts harder through the material.

"Perhaps we should buy this before you tear it to shreds," I suggested, my breath coming in gasps now.

"Probably right," Bear growled, biting the other side of my neck. "This is becoming quite counter intuitive anyways."

I took the high road this time and stepped out of Bear's grasp. She groaned in obvious disappointment but didn't fight the move I had made. I slipped out of the dress and put on my clothes again before handing

it to Bear without looking at her. I was afraid if I did we just might start all over again.

"Come on," Bear said and held the door open.

An awkward silence settled between us then. We went through the motion of purchasing the dress and onwards to the car but Bear wouldn't look at me anymore. I wondered if she was going to act like this all night, and if there was anything I could do. I figured there wasn't, at least not until she was done with whatever it was that she did. Then I realized as she drove that Bear wasn't going back in the direction of her house.

"Where are you going?" I asked the confusion plain in my voice.

"Dropping you off," Bear replied.

My fingers came up to twist a lock of my hair like I always did when something troubled me. "I thought I was coming back with you though., I said quietly.

Bear sighed. It was a sound that was both disappointed and exhausted. "I have a million things going on before tomorrow and you, my dear, are the greatest enemy when it comes to being productive," she gave me a sideways glance and a toothy grin. "I never seem to focus when you're around me."

Knowing that I made Bear feel like that was wonderful but I still didn't want to be going home alone tonight. I would do almost anything to go with her but I knew there was no point in arguing. Once Bear set her mind to something there was no chance of changing it. Just like her namesake.

"Fine," I muttered.

"If I wasn't bogged down you know I would be dragging your butt back with me," Bear informed me, parking in front of my place. I could hear the smile in her voice even though my eyes were straight ahead.

"Not just for the sex hopefully," I said a bit flat, instantly hating the sound of my voice as soon as it escaped my lips.

Bear's hand cupped both of mine. "Of course not.

You're so much more than that to me now. The time you spend with me is just as important, you know that right?"

My face broke from its stoic facade. Those kinds of remarks were few and far between. It made me soar inside whenever Bear bore herself like that. I knew it was more than difficult for her to do.

"Of course today I can't seem to think of anything

besides sex," Bear joked and rubbed the back of her neck.

"Well, that is kind of your fault," I turned and winked at her. "But I won't complain."

Bear shook her head with a look of unbelief.

"What have I done to you? You've become the worst influence."

"That's your fault too," I replied to a roll of Bear's eyes. "What time should I expect you tomorrow?"

"My guess is six or seven. I'll let you know if I get busy," Bear said.

I leaned over to kiss Bear's cheek but she intercepted my lips with hers instead. There was no make out session or heavy petting, just one long intimate kiss. Sometimes I found that those were my favorite kind of all.

I just barely parted from her, enough to look into her deep blue eyes. Bear kissed my nose and pressed her forehead against mine for a brief moment before she sat up straight again. I knew how much she wanted me to come with her and that was almost as good as going.

"I'll see you tomorrow," I whispered, a tiny smile

tugging at my lips.

"Can't wait," she said.

I finally opened the door and stepped out. Then with a sigh I trudged off into the last place I wanted to be. My house felt more like a crypt most days. I spent as little time here as possible and you could tell. It just didn't feel like someone really lived here anymore, so when I did stay it didn't feel right at all. It would be so easy if I could just move in with Bear but I knew she wasn't quite ready for that step yet and perhaps I was just rushing into the thought because of my state of being love drunk.

I couldn't focus on anything as I meandered from one room to another, picking up something only to put it down moments later. Nothing was entertaining enough to get my mind going. It probably wouldn't have been so hard if Bear wouldn't have got me all worked up in that dressing room.

At the end of it all I decided to just sleep. I couldn't find any enjoyment and I had been missing a lot of sleep because of a certain someone anyways.

Maybe it was good to catch up on a little rest. When I woke up tomorrow, I would have work to concentrate on and after I went home and got ready for the date, I would have Bear all to myself.

The next day went off almost exactly how I expected it too. There was a random fight that broke out between a couple of gorillas for absolutely no reason, but besides that work went uneventfully. I did my utmost to actually concentrate on my job, running stats and data through my head all day when I wasn't doing anything else to keep my mind off of what I really wanted to think about. As soon as five hit though I was out of the gate in a flash, with only one thing on my mind.

There was a tiny hitch in my plan however. I found Rolan leaning against my car waiting for me. I caught sight of him before he noticed me and wondered what he was doing before I approached him.

Rolan had his head down, and his eyebrows furrowed as he rubbed the toe of his boot against the ground.

"Hey," I said softly.

Rolan looked up and faked a grin. "Hey." "What's up?" I asked, cutting to the chase right away.

He sighed and turned his eyes to the sky now. "I figured I should apologize for yesterday," he chuckled darkly. "Shit, for the past couple of months. I've been a dick."

"I'm not saying anything," I said a bit too cold. I evened out my tone quickly though. "Look its fine, I understand."

"No, it's not fine. I shouldn't be mad at you for making your own choices in life, and I can't be upset that we don't see eye to eye," Rolan sighed. "Look, can we just go back? To the way it was in the beginning, before I got stupid? I miss you Jules. Just hanging out around here you know?"

"I would love that actually," I admitted and Rolan didn't fake the smile he flashed me this time.

"I promise I get the message now," he said putting his hands up. "I won't try to hit on you or pick you up, and I'm sorry if I ever stare. You start mentoring me again. Sound like a deal?" Rolan held his hand out but I shook my head and embraced him instead. He clapped my back twice before pulling away.

"I'll see you around, boss," Rolan remarked with a mock salute and strolled off towards the zoo with his hands in his pocket.

"See you kid," I muttered with a shake of my head.

At least there was some normality returning to

my life. Perhaps there was still hope for my sanity after all. Then I remembered my date tonight and the mad rush was back on.

I had never been much of a primper, but tonight I stood in front of the mirror in the new dress Bear had bought me, going over every last detail. This was the first time Bear had ever asked me out and I wanted to knock her socks off. In fact, it may have been the first time Bear had technically asked any girl out given her history. I had no way of really knowing though.

"You in here Honey?" I heard my love call out and the door slammed shut a second later. My thoughts dissipated in an instant at the sound of her voice and for a moment I was reminded of one those old comic strips where the thought bubble burst to show the lack of further thinking.

"Just a second babe!" I yelled from the bathroom.

I had no idea where these pet names came from sometimes, but they always raised a slight blush in my face. It was one of those things that made me feel closer than just two people that had sex. Something deeper.

A few moments later I came out of the bathroom, still messing with my hair a bit.

"Wow, Honey. You look...amazing," Bear said, a little stunned.

I was too taken off guard by Bear to even register it though. She was in an almost floor length royal purple gown that hugged her every curve and slope like a second skin. Her hair was up in an elegant bun with just her bangs and a few loose hairs by her ears not pinned down. Just like the day we met, I remembered and sighed wistfully.

"Can you pick up your jaw and answer my question please?" Bear asked sounding more than a little amused.

"I'm sorry. You're just gorgeous," I admitted with absolutely no shame in my behavior. If I was acting this stupid though I didn't really want the rest of the world gawking too. Was it too late to cancel and just stay home?

"Thank you," Bear said sounding a little surprised.

I grinned. "Of course, now what did you say?"

"Just wondering if you were ready, but we can stand here and continue to appreciate each other for another hour until the party gets relevant. I wouldn't mind," Bear joked. I tugged on her arm in the direction

of the door and she got the message.

Bear wasn't lying when she said that things didn't get relevant until later. The location was near abandoned besides the artists, proprietors, and Bear's brothers. The older one was Trent, he was slightly taller than Bear with short unkempt jet black hair. The younger one was Jake, he stood a head shorter than his sister and unlike his siblings had light brown hair that was gelled back. Both brothers were younger than Bear, and it instantly made more sense why the whole thing with this company pissed her off even more. If we were talking business logic, she was the rightful heir as firstborn.

It wasn't until an hour and a half into the event that I finally got to see the man in charge, Bern Kaganoff, for the first time. Bear pointed him out to me with some disdain in her voice before walking off.

The first thing I noticed was that Bern was a big man.

You could easily tell where his children got their size and stature from. Thinking it over, I couldn't help but to guess again at the lineage of the name Kaganoff.

Russian? German? Swedish maybe?

"I can't wait to get out of here," a silky voice slid into my ear, halting my thought progress altogether. I didn't need a 'guess who' to know that it was Bear behind me.

"That makes two of us then," I said with a smile, trying to stay nonchalant for the crowd even though I could feel Bear's hot breath on my neck. It was making my nipples strain against the fabric of my dress.

Then all the fun got sapped out of the event when I tried to find Bear's dad in the crowd again to get another look at him. He wasn't hard to find. In fact he was glaring right at the two of us.

I could see the fury in the old man's eyes as he strode across the room, directly towards me and Bear before getting right in Bear's face and speaking in angry, rushed breaths.

"Zoe what the hell are you doing here with this... this woman? Did you think about how this would affect me before you came in like the cock of the walk?

Or do you only think about yourself?"

Bear didn't seem stunned or even hurt by the way he talked to her; she merely looked exhausted and bored. It wasn't hard to see that she had done this whole song and dance before. For a brief moment my mind flashed back to the night she had at the bar, how she had bombarded me in a similar way.

"Well, I'm a part of this company, I'm expected to keep face by attending. I'm here with this woman because she's my girlfriend," Zoe responded curtly not

looking quite at him, but through him. "If I came in like the cock of the walk it's because you taught me, and of course I think about what I do before I do it.

You've had me under an oppressive thumb my entire life. I can't make a single decision without wondering how you're going to freak out on me. I guess this time I just didn't care about gaining your approval."

She was burning with her own rage now and I could distinctly understand the direct relationship between Bear's father and her inability to express love.

Bern Kaganoff's mouth tightened at his daughter's harsh words. "You know what? This isn't worth it." He turned to his sons, both talking up different clients not even two feet from each other.

"Trent! Jake! Get over here."

It was like watching a mirror image. They both put their hands together and kind of bowed out of their conversation before turning towards their father, tightening their ties and giving each other a wary glance. They acted more like twins than just brothers.

Bern pointed a finger between the two of them.

"One of you two better figure out how to do the books really quick." He swung that finger to Bear and suddenly I was starting to get angry. "And you. You're fired." Bear and Bern both stared each other down for a fiery minute before he turned to walk away.

Trent, however, caught his father's arm just above the elbow. "Hold on a second. You can't just fire Zoe." Bern whipped his arm out of his sons grasp and turned his burning contempt on Trent now. "I can do whatever I damn well please Trent. You would be wise to not forget that."

"But its Kaganoff Corporation, we can't say we're a family business if we fire family, can we?" Jake said without much conviction.

Trent and Bern looked at him for a moment before disregarding him completely. "Zoe does more around here than anyone -- even you. It's not fair for you to treat her like you do," Trent said, his brows coming together to form a thick line.

"Why do you even care?" Bern said sounding exhausted.

"Just let it go Trent. I'm a big girl, I'll be fine," Bear muttered and walked off towards the door. Trent chased after her with Jake on his heels and Bern shook his head and stared at the ceiling. I didn't move from where I was though.

"Excuse me, Mr. Kaganoff?" I said and his gaze

whipped towards me so quick I was a bit taken off guard.

"I'm done with this conversation. I don't care what you have to say about Zoe, I don't want to hear it." He turned on his heel and began to walk away but I chased him down.

"Wait! That's not what I want to talk to you about," I called and grabbed for his jacket. Bern turned to me, his gaze still unyielding, and said nothing.

"I just wanted to thank you," I told him.

"Thank me?" He looked utterly confused. "For what?"

"I know that you've been funding the Animal Alliance at the Suncoast Zoo for the last couple of years. I wanted to thank you officially as the codirector of that program. It means a lot that you would support us." I offered my hand to him and after a long moment he reached out shook it. "So, thank you."

Now I turned on my heel to leave before he could say anything else. As much as I disliked this man instantly, I did appreciate his contribution that introduced me to my best friend. Still I wanted nothing more than to be as far away from him as I could and catch up with Bear and her brothers again.

I found the three of them outside passing a cigarette around. It was an odd and unexpected scene.

One would take a deep drag and pass it to the next while silently staring at the pavement. It was like some weird, modern day peace pipe ceremony.

"I didn't know you smoked," I said quietly.

"I don't really. It's just a bad stress habit," Bear said with a shrug and her brothers hummed their agreement.

Bear pitched the cigarette into the rain. "Let's get out of here. I promised the bone heads I would give them a ride home. They want to blow this place as much as I do."

I nodded and followed Bear to her SUV. The boys piled in the back without a word and we continued that silence while we drove. I had my hands in my lap and was staring at them intently. I really hoped that this wasn't the end between me and Bear. I knew I was important to her, but her job was her life.

I glanced at her sideways and saw one hand gripping the steering wheel with utter focus on the road. Her other hand was in a tight ball resting on her thigh. I laid my hands on top of hers and squeezed.

"Zoe..." I murmured, still looking sideways at her.

Bear hit a red light and looked over at me, her eyes were far away and her jaw was tight, but when she looked at me, her face softened. Her eyes became warmer and she couldn't help but smile at me. This of course made me want to smile too. I liked that I had this power over her -- the ability to make her let go of all the bullshit in the world.

I squeezed her hand again and nodded towards the road. I wanted to take her mind off of this for good.

I just wanted to get her home and show her the meaning of love all over again.

I held her hand all the way to her brother's destination, as soon as they were out of the car and out of sight however, my hand dipped down her thigh.

"What's on your mind?" Bear grunted.

"I think you know," I said slyly.

Bear grinned. "Entertain me."

My fingers dipped lower down her thigh and under the cut of her dress. Slowly my hand traveled upwards, until my fingertips were grazing Bear's lips.

"Mostly I was trying to find a way to distract you from everything," I purred. "I wanted you to only have one thing on your mind by the end of the night," "Pussy?" Bear asked with a raise of her brow.

"I was thinking the answer was me actually, but my pussy is an appropriate response I guess, I replied.

Bear gripped my thigh with her free hand, her pinky just barely grazing my skin. "I think your pussy is always an appropriate response."

"You would," I grinned and craned my head to nuzzle her neck with my nose.

"Keep that up and I'll crash," Bear chuckled.

"Think about parking then," I said, and kissed just behind Bear's ear. I knew it was one of her weak spots. She shivered, but otherwise held steady.

"Two more minutes," Bear muttered.

I wasn't sure if she was talking to me or herself.

Either way, I didn't relent. Payback was a bitch after all.

I waited until the car stopped before I unbuckled my seat belt and proceeded to climb on to Bear's lap. I

tore back her belt as well and she scrambled to put the seat back to accommodate me. I cupped her face in my hands and brought her lips to mine roughly, while my thighs clamped hard on either side of her own.

"We should probably take this party inside," Bear said between my ravenous kisses, I kept trying to catch her lips even while she spoke. "My neighbors will start to wonder."

"Fuck 'em," I said without a care and grabbed both of Bear's breasts.

At the same time I slipped a knee between her thighs, pressing inwards until I was rewarded with a small moan. Bear held the seat in one hand and the door handle in the other while I attacked her in the usual manner that she went after me. My hands groped her breasts generously and my knee pressed against her center again and again, forcing her to moan into my mouth louder with every cry.

It wasn't until my legs cramped up from the tiny space did I finally throw open Bear's door. I crawled over her as if nothing happened and waited patiently on the sidewalk for Bear to collect herself. She looked as if she were trying to just catch her breath.

Finally Bear stepped out of the vehicle as well.

Her hair was trashed and her skirt hiked up awkwardly

in the front but she seemed to not care. Bear threw me a sexy smile and blew past me. As Rusty would have put it, Bear had no fox given about the situation now.

With a silly grin planted firmly on my face I followed her into the house.

I was prepared to lead her to the bedroom but Bear seemed a little bit off now that we were home.

She was staring into the living room with her arms crossed and furrowed brows. Where the hell did this come from?

"What's wrong? I thought we were having fun."

"We were. I mean, we are. I just...argh." Bear flopped down in her chair, put her head in her hands and heaved a big sigh. I had a feeling this evening, or more specifically her father, was creeping up to bother her again.

I put my hands on Bear's shoulders and began to rub the tension out of her. "How can I help you relax?"

"Keep doing that," Bear grunted, leaning forward so I could access more. I ran my palms up and down her back and let her just stew for a few minutes.

Eventually though I had to ask.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, he just pisses me off. I hate groveling to him but I'll probably have to do it tomorrow," she replied glumly.

"You don't have to do anything to appease him.

Trent is right, you do more work than anyone, and you're smart enough to make it without him."

Bear looked up at me, halting my progress effectively, and smiled. "You're right."

"You know if you slip into something more comfortable I can give you a real massage," I suggested, hoping she would take the hint.

"How about nothing?" Bear asked with a sly grin.

"That's the most comfortable," I replied, mischief flickering in my tone.

Bear stood up abruptly and took my hand before running down the hall with me. Bear threw me against her bedroom wall and pinned my arms above my head.

She alternated between kissing and biting down my neck, her hips gyrating against mine shamelessly.

"That back rub?" I prompted clearly out of breathe.

"It can wait," she husked. Bear unhooked my

dress and yanked it to the ground without a concern for the fabric. This left me in nothing but a cute pair of lacy panties the same color as the dress.

I wasn't going to let her take over completely just because she changed her mind. I gripped Bear's dress by the front and began to tug it down, only needing a little assistance in the end. I was well rewarded though -- she wore even less than me. My hand went straight for her center and a digit slipped into her without any resistance at all.

"I think you want me," I said, and pushed against her shoulder with one hand until the back of her knees bumped against the side of the bed. I urged her down, beginning to actually work my finger in and out of her now.

"I know I do," she cried out.

"What do you want me to do?" I asked.

Bear didn't give me an immediate answer, but unlike like her I wasn't mean about it. I didn't stop what I was doing and wait. I freelanced instead. I would lean forward and lick the length of her pussy while my digit pumped into her. Then I would blow lightly on the same spot. Rinse, repeat.

I could feel there was something she wanted to

say. Something she wanted from me, but she wouldn't ask. Or couldn't. I wasn't sure how to best help her so I just did my best to please her. She came around before I could make her come however.

"Honey?" she called out without looking anywhere near me.

"Yeah."

"I need to ask you something."

"I'm all ears," I said with a smile, my hand finally stopping as she spoke.

Bear chewed on her lip instead of answering.

Something was going on up there, but I couldn't help until she spilled the beans.

"What's up, love? You can tell me," I coaxed, tapping up with my finger for a little extra incentive.

"What do you think about using the strap-on again?" The words came out so quick it took me a second to realize what she had even said.

"Uh, sure. If that's what you want."

I was taken off guard by this particular request.

After the struggle I had to go through in the first place

and then her being guarded about it afterwards, I figured that was Bear telling me it was her thing. But if she was offering, I did quite like the feeling it gave me last time.

"This isn't about what I want," Bear muttered under her breath.

"It is actually. I want to make you happy tonight.

You can ask me to do anything and you know I'll do it. So if you want me to fuck you senseless then go get that strap-on.."

I put my foot down on this. She was going to get used to someone wanting to give her more than just what was necessary. She needed to realize that I would give her the world.

Bear wiggled out of my embrace and did as she was told. Rummaging around for a bit in her closet before throwing the harness in my direction. After slipping my panties off, I nodded my okay and proceeded to put it on, remembering how the straps went a little better after my first time.

"I didn't think you liked it last time I did this," I said.

"I didn't at first. Then I started thinking about it," Bear chewed on her bottom lip. "I want to control

everything all the time. It's just my way. But that was one of the only moments where I didn't, because I couldn't. That feeling of not having to control a thing, it was like a huge weight off of me."

I had begun to stare at Bear intently through her explanation and in the process neglected what I was doing. Bear rolled her eyes and crawled across the bed to help me finish the job of adjusting the straps around my waist. When she finished she flicked her eyes up to me and looked up from under her long eyelashes. It got my attention in an instant.

"I want that again. I want the world to melt away so I can forget everything. Make me forget about it all Honey. Everything but you and me."

Bear whispered these words like they were only for me. I was starting to feel weak at the knees. It suddenly struck me as funny how we called each other our 'names' still. We didn't have to anymore of course, but I think it was just something that became a part of who we were.

Bear tightened the last strap and lay back on the bed. She bent her knees and spread her legs for me, even going so far as to pull her lips apart with a finger on each hand. I let out an audibly shaky breath and climbed onto the bed. It wasn't going to be easy, but I would try my hardest to fulfill Bear's wish.

"I'll be honest, I'm really not sure what I'm doing here..." I admitted.

Swallowing my pride for some pointers seemed like the best option if I was planning on really satisfying Bear this time.

"Everything is in the hips. Keep a rhythm in your head and don't forget to play with my nipples. Now get that thing inside of me," Bear growled.

"Yes ma'am," I said and gripped the base, before leading the head to Bear's canal. I ran the head up and down her slit a few times, even going across her clit lightly, before finally giving her what she actually wanted.

Bear uttered a guttural gasp as the head popped into her. "Shit. Shit. Shit," she babbled and gripped my thighs hard. I lurched backwards and then into her again, she elicited a deep, sexy moan this time.

"Just like that?"

"Just like that, just like that," Bear confirmed, nodding enthusiastically.

I pumped into her repeatedly, finding my rhythm slowly but surely. No rush or pressure this time

around, I had the chance to actually explore. I licked my hand and circled Bear's clit to the same rhythm of my thrusts and soon there was a steady stream of hushed pants and whispered moans to assure me that I was doing just dandy.

As per her request I made sure not to forget her tits, using my free hand to tweak the nipples. I went back and forth between the two on a whim, and after a few minutes of that I bent over and took one of them in my mouth.

That was apparently the straw that broke the camel's back. Bear tucked her head against my chest and threw her limbs around me, shuddering uncontrollably. I tried to continue to thrust, but Bear's clinging made that incredibly hard. Note to self, my mind ticked off sarcastically.

I had never realized that she was all legs until I was trapped in the Bear prison I was in now. They overlapped each other across my back at the knees, and her ankles hung loosely from there to rest on my butt.

I could barely cross my ankles when I clamped my legs around her back.

"Can I just stay like this?" Bear muttered.

"If you want," I responded, showing no real will to leave the position I was in.

"That seems unfair."

I shrugged, at least the best I could in this position. "Like I said, it's all about you tonight."

Bear raised her chin to set me with a no bullshit look. "You're allowed to be generous, but stop this martyr crap."

"Fair enough," I said with a chuckle. "What did you have in mind?"

Bear released me from her limbs finally and sighed. "I'm not sure. Still coming down."

I started moving my hips again. After all, I was still inside of her. "Uh-huh. Well let me know when you figure that out."

"Oh shit, you gotta be kidding me," Bear said in hitched breaths as my tempo increased. I was seeing why this was so much fun. I liked owning the situation, as a bit of a control freak myself.

"We could try a different position, perhaps that would make you think better?" I offered, hoping she would take the bait.

Bear gave me a wary look, like she wasn't sure

what the right decision was here. I pulled out of her in one motion and sat with my legs off the bed and patted my lap. "You can control the pace," I suggested.

This time Bear reacted. She climbed onto my lap, shooing off any assistance I gave her and sat down on the toy. She ground her hips into the harness in obvious delight and that was the first time I really felt something on my end of the experience.

The nub on the harness brushed against my clit in a rough and abrupt way, then it was gone. I hungered for the feeling instantly and sought it out again. The next time Bear came down on my cock I grabbed her hips and gyrated my own against hers hard. That was a little better but it left again before I could really get worked up, it was maddening. At the same time though, I could see why you would be able to do this for hours, constantly chasing that delicious feeling -- even if only for a moment.

Bear, of course, realized what I was doing right away and made an extra effort to really jam herself down on me with every stroke. Or she would just let me hold her hips and go at my own speed. It was definitely more mutual then the last position.

As hard as I tried to chase my orgasm, it was impossible. At least not before Bear could have another of her own. At this point I just wanted the same thing that she had been getting. I wanted Bear to fuck

me silly, but I was also trying to be considerate of my lover. She was the one that had a hard night, not me.

She was the one that deserved the royal treatment.

Bear came down on me hard one last time and then lifted herself off and flopped backwards on the bed. She let out a loud exhale and closed her eyes in what looked like utter bliss. I was not feeling the same.

If this is how Bear felt every time she used this thing with me I would need to start going the extra mile to reward her. All of a sudden the martyr comment made complete sense.

I tried tugging the harness into me over and over again to stimulate the feeling I got earlier, but it wasn't the same. Then I tried snaking my hand under, but Bear had tightened the harness snug, so that was impossible. I sighed in frustration and that's when Bear noticed me. She didn't say a word with her lips but when her eyes locked into mine and she blindly began to loosen the straps, they said everything: Let me help.

Instead of completely discarding the harness like I expected, she placed it next to me on the bed and got on the floor in front of me. The entire time her eyes never left mine, until her mouth made contact with my very slick pussy. That was when her lids closed and she uttered a low moan.

"I must have done a very good job," I commented

and fell backwards. I wanted to watch her so much, but at the same time I needed this. Ever since yesterday she had me worked up on a higher level than usual. I just wanted the release so I could think straight again.

"Do you want me to do you now?" Bear pulled herself away only long enough to ask. She didn't wait for my response before she went back to plunging her tongue in and out of me.

"Yes!" I answered much too quickly and nodded enthusiastically. "Just please don't stop yet."

Bear didn't seem to want to stop anymore than I wanted her too. In fact she got more comfortable, swinging both of my legs over her shoulders so she could run her hands up and down my thighs. I held on to the sheets for dear life as Bear did what she did better than anything else -- give me mind blowing pleasure.

"Coming, coming," I cried through gritted teeth.

The sheets were still in my iron grip and my knuckles had begun to go white from it. Bear removed my legs and stood up as soon as I said this. Even though my eyes were closed tight I could hear her rustling around with the strap-on next to me.

"Touch yourself for me," she commanded and I

didn't think twice. My hand shot right down to my clit and started to circle it as fast as I could, my other hand pinched a nipple between my thumb and forefinger.

Bear lifted the hand on my clit and held it in hers.

I was only confused until I felt the head of her cock against my pussy. After the head got past my lips, Bear put my hand back where it was and tapped it twice.

Carry on, the tap said. She didn't make me beg or plead or answer any silly questions. Bear just gave me what I needed. She started a deep and consistent rhythm for as long as I could handle.

When I couldn't take the pounding of the strap on I pushed Bear away. She came back with her tongue in the same fervor however. When I couldn't put up with that anymore I pushed her away and rolled in a ball to prevent any further ideas. Bear seemed perfectly content to just cuddle at that point.

"Good?" she asked against the skin of my back.

"Amazing," I corrected her dreamily and my lids closed out of sheer exhaustion. *** I felt like I had only closed my eyes for a second, before the sun was hitting my face. I turned into Bear's side with a groan and shut my eyes tighter. Bear's

warm hand came to rest on my back but a second later, it was gone.

I had no idea why, but Bear got out of bed abruptly. She must have heard something I didn't. I did know that as soon as I felt her leave my side and get of the bed I wanted to reach out and pull her back. I couldn't open my eyes at first though, I was still tired from last night. The thoughts of our escapades brought a little grin to my face and further motivated me to get up so I could hunt Bear down again.

I found a sheer robe in the bathroom and threw it over my shoulders before I wrapped the string around my waist. The dainty garment didn't even come to my knee, but it covered me up (mostly) and that's all I could really ask for. Besides, if I had it my way, Bear would be taking it off me again soon.

I stopped halfway down the hall just before I would have been revealed, upon hearing the voices coming from the living room. The voices of Bear and her father. I leaned against the wall and listened.

"Did you come over to tell me that you're repossessing all my shit or something? Because I did pay for everything fair and square, I have receipts."

That was the cold, dead voice of my girlfriend.

Her father sighed. It was a deep, remorseful

sound. "No, that's not it. I had no intention of fighting with you."

Bear laughed now. It was cynical and loud and I didn't like the sound of it one bit. She wasn't herself at all around him.

"Really? Ever since I was born you've been fighting with me. I've never been good enough of for you. Sometimes I feel like you just wished I was a boy." There was a pause before she spoke again and when she did her voice was much quieter. "Sometimes I wished I was too." She made a sound like she was disgusted with herself before the cold tone was back in her voice. "Never mind. You should leave before Jules wakes up and you have to witness the thing about me you detest so much."

"I actually came here to talk to her too," Bern admitted.

"What are you- why do you- you know what?

Never mind," I could imagine Bear's face of surprise while she sputtered her many assumptions. I tried to stifle a giggle -- and thought I was successful even -before I heard Bear.

"Would you come here Jules? Please?" She sounded exhausted.

I cautiously popped my head out from behind the wall. Bear met my eyes and nodded with her head at me to come on. I took a breath and walked out into the living room.

Bear's eyes popped when she saw what I was wearing and rushed over to the couch to grab the folded up blanket off the back of it. She threw it around my shoulders and wrapped it around my neck like a cloak. I raised an eyebrow but she disregarded me, looking at her father instead to check the damages done by my risquĂŠ outfit. Bern Kaganoff was staring at the ceiling and ignoring our little interaction altogether however.

"How long were you hiding there?" Bear asked with a hand on her hip.

"Just a few seconds," I answered truthfully. "I was heading back to bed actually." That part was not so honest.

Bear set me with a look that said she didn't believe me. "I think he has something to say to you," she muttered and turned away from both of us to stare out the window.

"What I said was that I came here to talk to her too. That means I wanted both of you," Bern replied matter-of-factly.

"Okay, what do you want old man? I'm fucking sick of the mystery already," Bear snapped and for a moment Bern looked truly hurt. He was as quick as his daughter about masking emotions though and it was glossed over in a moment.

Bern turned to me. "You thanked the wrong person last night. I had no idea we had even given out a donation to the Suncoast Zoo. Honestly at first I was pretty pissed, I thought this was all an angle crafted by Zoe." "Pssh, you would," Bear scoffed under her breath.

Bern looked at her briefly. "My money goes into your girlfriends pocket and I know nothing about it.

That's suspicious don't you think?" Bear shrugged before Bern continued. "Then I called Trent and had him meet me at the office to go over the transcripts from the past few years. I found a few curious things when I went through your PC, Zoe." Bear's eyes went wide.

"The first was when I trailed back the lead to our first donation to Suncoast. The money was signed to the trust of Rusty Porter the director, and that made complete sense. But there was no Julie Boone on the

employee roster at that time, which meant that you," Bern pointed to me, "had nothing to do with her investment."

I had known this of course, we had talked about it briefly, but I figured that she was just following through on orders. Why didn't Bear tell me that this was all her decision? Bear wasn't looking at us again and Bern walked around until he was standing in front of her.

"So then I started digging a little more, and found a lot more in the way of investments and deals you had made behind my back," Bern put his hand on Bear's shoulder and her head turned to his touch like she was on fire. "Our annual income is ridiculous and I thought that was because of me and my own business savvy, but it's not. You're the genius that's driving this company. I don't think we would be anything without you."

Bear actually met her father's eyes before she asked warily. "You really think so?"

"Yes. That's why I came here to offer you your job back," Bern confessed.

"Offer?" Bear asked with a raised brow.

"I don't want you to feel like you're under my

thumb anymore, I can't force you to take the job," he muttered.

"Yeah," Bear nodded. "Yeah, you can't. But as long as I get the respect I deserve I want to be a part of the business I helped mold." Bear walked over to me and slipped her arm over my shoulders. "A part of that is understanding who I am, and accepting it finally. I don't want to hide myself anymore for you. I want to be free."

Bern walked over to the big window Bear had been staring out of a moment before. He just looked outside, in an uncanny resemblance to his daughter.

Finally he opened his mouth and began to speak.

"I never wished you were a boy. I loved my little girl. I had a lot of big dreams about a man asking me for your hand and about walking you down the aisle.

When you told me about...that, I thought I was being punished for something and the harder I pushed against it, the more you rebelled against me." He exhaled like he was letting go of a huge weight. "I don't know, maybe I miss seeing you like that. As my little girl."

"Maybe I never stopped wishing you still would sometimes," Bear replied quietly.

"Maybe it was my fault I stopped in the first

place," Bern sighed and they were both silent for a minute.

"Maybe that doesn't have to be the end of it all," Bear shrugged. "Maybe we could...grab a cup of coffee sometime and really get to know each other again?"

I was glad Bear was being the bigger man -- so to speak -- even if I did feel awkward being in the middle of this discussion. Especially with neither of them actually looking at the other while they grasped for their feelings blindly. It made me want to creep away back to the bedroom.

"I think that maybe I would like that," Bern said.

I swear to God if someone says maybe one more time I'm gonna slap them both though! My mind screamed, as cynical as ever.

Bern checked his watch and grunted. "I'm sorry, but I have to get out of here. I'll see you on Monday then?" he asked Bear and she nodded.

He turned to me and held out his hand. I shook it and he grinned, the same grin his daughter had. I didn't notice last night from the permanent scowl he wore, but Bear had a lot of him in her features.

"Julie, it's been a pleasure. Thank you for everything," Bern said pleasantly. It was a gigantic turnaround from his attitude last night.

I returned his smile without a word and he turned towards the door. "Dad, wait!" Bear called and Bern turned very slowly towards her. I wondered when she had last called him dad.

Bear got close to him and awkwardly held her arms out. Bern wrapped her up in an embrace after only a second. I had to look away finally during this intimate moment, it just felt too intrusive. It was my turn to stare out the window now.

I felt Bear's hand on my shoulder a few moments after I heard the door shut. I met her gaze with a winning smile and as somber as she appeared at first, her face broke into rays of sunshine when she looked at me.

"Thank you Honey. I never thought I would want what just happened, but I'm glad it did," Bear admitted and then smiled her beautiful grin. "Now if I can just get him to give me that CEO position."

"Well I didn't expect all of this, but you're welcome," I kissed her quickly on the lips and then set her with a curious gaze. "Why didn't you tell me that donating to my zoo was your idea when we talked

about it before? I understand why you were hiding that stuff from your dad, but why me?"

"I wasn't hiding it. The way he put it was pretty accurate though. It seemed really suspicious, but it wasn't planned out at all. I just have a soft spot for good causes and it seemed like just as good as any. I didn't expect it to be the very event that got you your job though and I didn't know that I was really putting money into your pocket for the last four years." Bear rolled her eyes. "And here you couldn't even pay me for a couple months service."

"That was uncalled for," I pouted.

"You're right. Let me make it better," Bear muttered with a devilish grin and took my face in her hands before mashing her lips to mine. I melted into her kiss with a moan, definitely no hard feelings in my corner. She whipped the blanket off of me and tugged me towards her by the belt of my robe.

Bear nipped my lower lip and sighed in utter contentment. She pressed her forehead against mine, her hands still cupping my face gently, and stared deep into my eyes. My heart began to pound like crazy. It filled me with warmth that I had never known previous to Bear and spurred me to utter the words I had said only once before to her.

"I love you."

It was the easiest truth in the world. As plain to see as the sky and the sun. The purest feeling I had ever known.

Bear straightened up and took her hands from my face. I was afraid of the repercussions after last time I had opened my mouth about my feelings. To my surprise she put her hand between my breasts and laid it flat on my chest. After a moment Bear grinned, flicking her ocean blue eyes back at me.

Taking my hand now she placed it on her chest in the same place. I could feel her heart going a million miles a minute. It was running the same race as mine.

Bear's grin widened at the awe written on my face.

"You make my heart beat out of my chest," she murmured and placed her free hand on the small of my back, inching me even closer. "When I see you. When I hear you. When I smell you and taste you and touch you. Sometimes when you're near me I start to shake, my palms will get sweaty and my tongue feels tied.

I've never felt that way in my entire life."

I swallowed hard, feeling like I knew where this was going. "What are you trying to say?"

Bear gazed into my eyes with a very thoughtful

expression. "I'm trying to say that I'm in love with you."

I had no words. I didn't know how to accurately respond to how I felt in this moment. So instead I did the only thing I could think of. I pressed myself as close as I could to her and mashed our lips back together.

"Make love to me," I breathed, and nibbled on her bottom lip. Bear froze up in my grasp, but I wasn't having any of that. My nails ran roughly down her back.

"Don't you want to?" I asked, trying to sound innocent.

"I don't know how," she muttered after a second.

"Neither do I," I said with a giggle. "I was thinking it had to do more with feeling than experience."

"Maybe you should lead then, it's more of your expertise," Bear shrugged looking to the side coyly.

"How about you take me back to bed and we go from there?" I suggested and batted my eyelashes.

"That sounds like a good first step," she agreed,

already sounding a bit breathless and took hold of my belt again to drag me back to her room. I held onto her shirt giggling the whole time.

Bear closed the door behind us and took a deep breath. "Now what?"

She really was clueless. The childish giggles I had were gone, replaced with a cool, sexy smile. A smile of knowing exactly what to do in this moment.

Bear was wearing another button up today, but not one of her normal ones. This one was two sizes too big and hung loosely on her instead of accentuating any of her curves. I took advantage of our height difference and looked up at her from under my lashes while I deftly popped each button. I still hadn't even touched her skin but I could feel Bear shaking regardless.

It would have been easy to just get rid of her shirt but that was half of our problem in this department. I, for one, wanted to spend more time appreciating Bear.

Every delicious inch of her. I slid each of my hands under the shirt at Bear's shoulders and slid it off of her arms inch by inch, revealing tan naked skin underneath and the only other garment she had on; a pair of cut off shorts that never even got buttoned in the rush this morning.

When I heard the shirt thud to the floor my fingertips crawled their way back up Bear's arms and then down again. I lifted one of her hands to my mouth and kissed it all over before taking each finger in my mouth and sucking for a moment before releasing it to go to the next. Bear's face told me that she was completely entranced.

I kissed my way up her arm before taking her lips in mine. I swiped my tongue across her lower lip, asking for entrance, and was bombarded with hers instantly. My tongue ran across hers, greedily loving the feel and the flavor of her. Kissing Bear was like a game of cat and mouse, it was a constant power play, and to me that was fun. Of course, she made everything fun.

"I love you Bear," I said with no worry this time.

"Call me Zoe," she requested. This was unexpected. Welcome, but unexpected.

"I love you Zoe." I couldn't help the smile unfurling on my face.

I knew what that really meant. How she didn't like anyone calling her that. This was a huge step for Bear. She was finally letting me into her heart all of the way.

"I love you, Jules," she said, and it came out as easily as when I said it.

I grabbed her shoulder blades and gripped tightly, lowering my head to her chest. Extending my tongue just slightly I traced the line of her under breast.

I went over both sides at least twice while Bear tensed up and tried not to make a sound besides the tight lipped groans she was trying to hold back.

"Pretty sure one of the keys here is to relax and enjoy what your lover is doing to you," I remarked with a raised brow.

"I'm trying," she said, exhaling the breath she had been holding. "But in the back of my mind I just want to tell you to put a finger in me or to grab you and do so much more. Taking things slow is difficult."

"Close your eyes," I ordered her and after a moment of staring me down with some speculation she did as I told her. "Trust me, it will help you focus. The only thing I want you to pay attention to is my voice and what I'm making you feel. Every other sound and smell and thought, just push away."

Bear exhaled out of her nose and closed her eyes.

She stood with her arms loosely to her sides like a mannequin. Now it was my job to bring her to life.

I ran my hands up her arms again and squeezed

the tops of her shoulders. She was so tense it was unbelievable. Every time I felt like I made a breakthrough, there was always another hurdle just waiting. Still, the crease forming between her eyebrows was just too cute and whether she knew it or not she was pouting like a child who wasn't getting their way. Even when she didn't want to be, she was just too damn appealing to me.

"Do you know how unbelievably sexy I find you?" I asked and she shook her head twice. This blew me away, how could she not know? "Would you like me to tell you?" This time Bear nodded once, it was slower than the shake though, almost as if she was unsure.

"Where do I even start? There's so much to say about you Zoe." I did a one over of her body. "Your form just screams powerful. The commanding presence about you turns me on so much. I know you can take charge of me with just your voice or a look, but I also know that if you wanted to you would have no problem manhandling me either." The slightest twitch of a grin appeared on Bear's lips, so I illustrated what I meant.

I squeezed the muscles up her arms first and Bear sucked in sharply. "These are nice," I muttered and dropped down to lick the length of Bear's hard abs.

"But this is my favorite," I said and Bear let out the breath raggedly.

"Not to mention I can go from those to these," I said and stood up, sliding my hands up until both of my palms were filled with her breasts. I grasped them firmly, eliciting a tiny moan from Bear before I moved downwards, traveling over every inch and commenting along the way.

"These hips. Those thighs. That ass," I took both of her cheeks in my hands and squeezed a little rougher than I did with her breasts.

"You're killing me Jules," Bear groaned.

"That's kind of the point," I said with a laugh.

"But if you want I can just skip to the part that I like most."

Bear peeked out of one eye. "And what's that?"

I traced her jaw line with one finger and smiled.

"Your face. Your beautiful, stunning, gorgeous face."

"That's going bit overboard," Bear said, but the smile creeping along her face yelled 'go on.'

"No, it's not. You have an amazing body, and I know you know it or you wouldn't wear what you do,

but it's your face that has always turned me on more than anything. You have the fullest, softest lips I've ever touched," I told her and ran a fingertip along those lips.

"You have the most amazing bone structure. Like a goddess." My finger continued on from one side of her lips to graze the outline of her cheekbone and down the slop of her jaw.

"And your eyes," I uttered a low sound of wanting. "Your eyes are incredible. They can be piercing and commanding or soft and comforting. You have the most expressive, gorgeous eyes I've ever had the pleasure of gazing into. They've captured me since the first day we met and made me slowly fall in love with you."

I was admitting things I had mostly only thought to myself before. About how crazy I really was for Bear. Saying them out loud now made me realize how obsessed I really was with her.

Bear didn't care though. In fact she had the distinct look that she loved what I was telling her. "Do you believe all of that?" she asked me.

"Of course," I shot back. "Don't you?"

Bear shrugged. "I try not to look in the mirror as

much as possible."

"You know, despite all the time I've spent with you, I still don't get you," I replied with a shake of my head.

Bear grinned. "It's the mystery that keeps you coming back."

"Could be," I murmured, getting closer to her, "or it could be this." I slid my hand under her shorts and traced her lips with my fingertips.

Bear exhaled roughly. It wasn't always easy to get Bear to show how excited she was, and even that simple breath meant I was on the right track. I was aware how loud I could be sometimes, but with Bear it was the half swallowed moans and subtle grunts that meant more than anything.

"You're still overdressed you know..." I said suggestively and let her take the hint.

Bear shimmied out of the shorts she wore in a flash. So quick actually I had to pull my hand back, lest she tear it off in the rush to get naked. It was a bit uncharacteristic of Bear actually. She was letting her own self-control slip a little. This brought a smile to my face.

I put a palm between Bear's breasts and began to push her back until she was up against the wall. Sliding my hand between her thighs again, I grinned and said, "Now where were we?"

"Just about here I think," Bear quipped with a chuckle.

Her merriment was cut short though as my fingers began to work slowly on her clit. Bear's breathing became hitched and her hips wiggled, trying to make me move faster. I refused to go along with what she was trying to make me do though. I kept the same consistent tempo and watched her with an intense gaze.

"Please, just a little faster. Or put a finger in me.

Something," Bear pleaded. It was so unlike her to beg that I found the act a bit intriguing.

I smiled deviously and shook my head. "No." "Don't be difficult. I can't-" Bear growled in her throat out of frustration. "I can't get there like this."

"Yes, you can. Trust me," I kissed her nose.

"Remember, you asked me to do that once. It's your turn now."

After a long gaze between us, the whole while I

kept up my relentless assault, Bear finally swallowed hard and placed her palms down on the wall behind her. This was as vulnerable as she was going to get.

"Atta girl," I muttered.

My palm slid up her chest to the back of her neck, I made sure she watched my eyes as I played with her pussy. As long as Bear didn't think, and she stayed here with me, she would be just fine. Her brain may have been her greatest ally, but it was easily her biggest enemy as well. When it put up a block and told her she couldn't, she believed it so much it became true. Regardless of what she was thinking, Bear bit her lip and kept her beautiful blue eyes locked on mine just as I wanted her too.

It was funny how much our roles had switched over time. I still wanted her to dominate me, but I also liked it when she let me test her limits like now. Bear would never be able to be completely whole until she let down all of these barriers. Over time I was convinced I could smash them down, but I would have to start with breaking down the dam of this orgasm first.

"C'mon, babe. Just let go, I know you can," I cooed, increasing the tempo just a little bit.

Bear bit her lip, her eyes boring into mine, and

then she made a sound like I had never heard before, almost a low moan or a whimper but not quite either.

She completely seized up and I felt Bear's release not long after she cried out. I refused to stop looking at her until her eyes slammed shut. The muscles in her legs quivered around my hand and her knees began to buckle. Bear threw her arms around my neck and laid her head on my shoulder as she rode through the pleasure I delivered.

My free hand traveled from her neck to the back of her head. I stroked her hair and whispered encouragements as my other hand began to slow down its assault finally. "There you go. I knew you could do it Zoe. That's my girl."

Bear lifted her head from my shoulder and pressed it against my forehead. It was amazing what a couple fingers, some verbal pressing and an intense gaze could do, I thought to myself. I lifted my chin a fraction to meet her lips and Bear came back alive suddenly.

She grabbed my face with both hands and kissed me hard, the need apparent in her force. Since we had begun doing it, kissing had become one of Bear's new favorite past times. Whether she was perfecting something she hadn't had the time to work on before, making up for lost time or she really liked it that much was undetermined. What I did know is that when she

kissed me it made my knees go weak.

Bear's tongue ran a trail back and forth along my lower lip until I opened my mouth and let her in. She licked along the roof of my mouth, causing an odd tingle to run up my back. I moaned and plunged my own tongue into her mouth, if I wasn't participating before I sure was now.

Bear pulled on the belt of the robe until the knot came undone and began to push against me, willing me back now. "On the bed," she growled, not letting our lips part.

The robe fell off of my shoulders and I held onto her and tried to match her long strides back. All the while I hoped to God that I wouldn't fall during the process -- that's about as unsexy as it gets after all.

When I felt the back of my legs hit the edge of the bed, I allowed myself to just fall backwards.

"Can I tell you a secret?" Bear panted climbing onto the mattress with me now.

"You're not going to tell me that you've hidden a camera in here are you?"

"No," she rolled her eyes. "Not my style."

I pulled her towards me and nibbled along her

jaw. "What then?"

"I wish you would have kissed me when you stopped yourself. You know, back then." My eyes must have shown my confusion because she carried on. "The second time you had ever come over?"

"Oh! Why?" Bear shrugged, looking a little shy. She always did when she told me something that she deemed personal. It was kind of cute and endearing in its own way.

"I figured it would have been a more reasonable explanation of why I couldn't get you off my mind."

"Might have saved us both a lot of time," I said softly.

"Yeah, maybe," Bear grinned. "Now give me your tongue."

I opened my mouth, stuck out my tongue and stared at her, trying to be funny. I know that's not what she had in mind but Bear rolled with it regardless. She flicked her tongue against the tip of mine until I started moving my own against hers.

Bear abruptly pulled back and wagged a finger at

me. 'No, no' it said. I had no clue what she was looking for now. Bear dived back towards my mouth again and bit my lower lip.

"I said give me your tongue," she growled.

I didn't even hesitate before I stuck it out again.

Bear sucked my tongue into her mouth this time while she continued to play with the tip in that same devastating manner as before. I moaned, helpless to her will, and felt myself get a little stickier down south.

"Still want to try and be funny?" Bear asked.

I shook my head quickly. Nope, I would be serious if that's what she wanted. Bear grinned, she didn't seem to want me serious at all, she just wanted my attention.

Bear dipped between the curves of my thighs and placed her elbows on either one. She bridged the gap between my legs with her forearms and rested her chin on her folded hands. She looked up at me and caressed my face with her gaze.

It didn't matter how many times I was naked and alone with Bear, I still felt my heartbeat double its pace in my chest. She excited me so much. I hoped I would always be excited for her.

"I remember the first time I tasted you," Bear rasped, still looking at nothing but my face. "I had sampled you before that, but the first time I set my tongue on you." Bear closed her eyes for a moment and smiled wider, remembering fondly. "It was magic."

"Oh yeah?" I asked, clearly mystified by everything. Her soft touch on my thighs, her voice, the words she was saying.

"Yeah. You probably didn't notice, but I was so excited I was shaking with pure want. Like so many things since you came along, I had never felt that before," Bear kissed the inside of one thigh before turning her eyes back to me. "Have you ever felt like that? I mean, about me?"

I smiled like I was observing something truly precious and pure. "Every time I'm with you I feel like that," I said.

Bear kissed the inside of my other thigh and laid her cheek on my smooth skin. She looked back up at me and I felt no rush to get her moving towards my pussy or even to be sexy again. This intimacy was worth so much more. This was perfect.

"I love you," Bear said. "So much more than any three words could explain."

I stroked Bear's face with the back of my hand.

"Those ones fit just fine for now," I assured her in no more than a whisper.

"Well let me try to show you more accurately," Bear husked and lowered her head between my thighs.

My breath caught in my throat as her soft tongue touched the tip of my clit. Bear hummed her approval I closed my eyes and laid my head back, knowing that she wasn't going to race to the finish now that I had slowed her pace. I closed my eyes and reveled in every sensation she delivered. Her touch was soft, but deliberate in every way, knowing where to go and prod to get the best results. Bear knew just how to make me utter any sound she may want to hear.

When I finally came, it was so different than most every orgasm she had given me. It didn't shake me to the core or have me screaming, it was more like the waves of a tide. Ebbing out from the center of my body until it reached the top of my head and the tips of my toes. My body felt warm, limp and, most surprising of all, serene. Nowhere near the most powerful come that Bear had given me, but it was easily my favorite.

"C'mere you," I said with what was surely a dopey smile from the amused grin I got from her.

Bear crawled up and pulled me close to her. She kissed the top of my head and sighed. This was the best damn feeling in the world and I was content to lay here in Bear's arms forever. However, just a few minutes later Bear broke my peaceful silence.

"So what now?" Bear asked I hummed and replied dreamily. "Do you want the realistic answer or the cliché one?"

"Let's go cliché, I don't get that enough."

"The rest of our lives," I said with pure whimsy in my voice.

"That was too cliché," Bear chuckled. "So what's the realistic answer then?"

I opened one eye to look up at her and grinned.

"Now you get up and make me breakfast."

"Why do I have to get up?" Bear argued.

I pouted my lip out and batted my lashes. There was no need for words when you were this cute. Bear rolled her eyes -- she knew when she was defeated.

With a sigh Bear got up and said, "I suppose it's only fair." She turned to look at me, her smile

widening. "Seeing how I already ate."

I held that smile with my own and it told me everything I could have ever needed to know about Bear. It wouldn't always be easy. Things would get emotional, stressed and strung out. It would all be worth it though, because the way that she made me feel was unlike anything else this world could offer me.

"The rest of our lives?" I asked her softly Her smile changed to that perfect grin that made me melt. "The rest of our lives," Bear agreed.

---The end----

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