Sum of the Whole Page 3

  Sarah sat back and looked into Jaya’s eyes. “Why do you want to help me?”

  “Why not?”

  “Because people don’t come to Rowan House to help the staff.”

  “Maybe I have a thing for college girls.” Jaya held Sarah’s gaze. “Maybe I want to give you something no one else can.”

  “And what is that?” Sarah’s mouth was a hard line, her brow furrowed.

  “A chance.”

  Sarah looked down at her hands. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “You don’t have to say anything.”

  Chapter Three

  JAYA STOOD IN the courtyard in front of the stable. The soft sounds of birds interrupted the morning quiet. Perfect, so utterly perfect. She had been up most of the night thinking about the ride she had planned. A woman led a large bay, fully tacked out for Jaya. What was her name? Jaya had considered her before settling on Sarah. The faded jeans fit her like a second skin, showing off her curves. She had the sleeves rolled back on her loose chambray shirt to reveal the exquisite vine tattoos accentuating the defined muscles in her arms.

  “I didn’t get your name.” Jaya tugged her black kidskin riding gloves on.

  “Octavia.” The woman met Jaya’s appraising gaze with one of her own. “Mistress.” A switch or a bold submissive. Enticed by the woman’s boldness, Jaya considered altering her plan for the morning.

  Octavia held the reins and ran a hand down the horse’s neck. “He’s a real gentleman, Mistress, all seventeen hands of him. A real goer but he won’t leave you if you don’t make a fence.” She did nothing to hide the amusement in her eyes. Jaya supposed many people who came to Rowan House imagined themselves as better riders than they were. It had been years since Jaya had taken the time to ride.

  “I’m not planning on riding a steeplechase.” She climbed the mounting block and settled into the saddle. She checked the fit of her stirrups and adjusted the length.

  “He’s a good fit for you.” The woman frowned as she caught sight of the crop Jaya had in her hand. She raised her chin and pointed to it. “You’ll not be needing that, Ma’am.” Her voice was loud.

  Jaya rubbed the bay’s neck. “Rest easy. I would never use a crop on…” She raised the crop and traced the edge of Octavia’s cheek with it, looking in the woman’s eyes. “Any horse. This is a pleasure ride this morning.”

  “Do you fancy company, Mistress?” Octavia rested her hand on Jaya’s boot, her eyes full of hope. “I could show you some sights.” Her generous mouth spread wide in a smile. Jaya wanted to dismount and kiss the cheeky grin right off her face. She cupped the woman’s cheek and traced her thumb over her full lower lip.

  “Maybe tomorrow.” A purposeful scuff of boots on gravel made her look up. Sarah stood in the courtyard in tan jodhpurs and a white shirt. Her brow was furrowed and her mouth set in a thin line. She stood with her hands on her hips. After releasing the stable woman Jaya waved for Sarah to come over.

  “Good morning.” She patted the saddle in front of her. “Climb up.”

  Sarah hesitated. Octavia grinned. She took Sarah’s hand and led her to the mounting block. Jaya slid back on the saddle and Sarah sat in front of her. The horse sidestepped and tossed his head. Sarah clutched the pommel.

  “Lucky you.” Octavia patted Sarah’s leg and gave Jaya a wink before she headed back to the stable.

  “You’ll have to use your thighs to hold your seat.” Jaya urged the horse on at an easy walk.

  “We all start here in the stables, Mistress. It’s not my first time on a horse.” Sarah leaned back into her.

  “How long have you worked here?”

  “I started the summer after I graduated college, Mistress.”

  “And how long is that?”

  “Three years, Mistress.” Sarah’s voice was flat and her clipped delivery made Jaya leave off asking any more questions. She focused on the feel of Sarah’s body caught within her arms and the press of her hips against her thighs. Her ass pressed against Jaya with every step the horse took. Her nipples were hard from the contact with Sarah and the thought of what was to come.

  The lush grass surrounding the house was wet with dew and the air was cool. The sensation of the controlled power between Jaya’s thighs, the bunch and flex of the horse’s muscles as she increased his pace, increased her excitement. She held him back, letting him warm up. The horse snorted and tossed his head, working out his muscles. His energy filled Jaya, his desire to run as great as her own. They crested a low hill and a flat plain spread out before them. A small copse of trees marked the end of the field.

  “Hold on,” she whispered to Sarah. Jaya gathered herself and urged the horse forward. She held him to a canter until they reached the flat, and then she gave him his head and they charged on at a full gallop. The wind rushed past them and Sarah clung tightly to the pommel, leaning down as Jaya did. They stretched out as one over the horse’s neck. They rushed on across the field until the edge of the woods came into view, and Jaya slowed him, easing his pace until he was walking when they entered the trail through the woods.

  The woods were dark and chill after the bright morning sun. Sarah shivered and squirmed against Jaya. She inhaled the warm scent of Sarah’s skin, a delicious combination of sandalwood and citrus intertwined with the smell of her excitement. They traveled deeper into the quiet woods, letting the horse cool down until they reached a clearing. Thick stumps circled a stone fire ring. A small fenced area with a turnout shed stood off to the side.

  Jaya dismounted and helped Sarah down from the saddle. Her nipples stiffened with the drag of Sarah’s body against her own. When her feet touched the ground, Jaya kissed her, taking time to explore the soft regions of Sarah’s mouth. She had been too impatient the night before, but now she went at a slower pace. The horse shifted, tugging the reins, and Jaya broke their kiss.

  “Give me a minute.” She walked the horse to the fenced area and closed the gate. She loosened the bridle and slipped it over his head. The shed was equipped with racks and pegs to hold the tack. She unbuckled the girth and pulled the saddle and the pad off him. Jaya placed the equipment on the saddle rack. The horse pushed his nose into her hand. I didn’t even ask your name. Jaya rubbed his neck, her thoughts going back to the horse she had owned as a girl. A persnickety red mare she had loved. Her father had sold her as soon as Jaya left for college.

  She leaned her head against the horse’s neck.

  “He likes you.” Sarah’s quiet voice brought her back from the melancholy thoughts threatening to derail her plans for this morning.

  “He’s wonderful.” Jaya turned. Sarah stood naked, her clothes piled neatly beside her boots. “And so are you.” No fear. In the middle of a forest, far from any rescue. No fear of me or of my desires.

  Jaya left the horse to his hay and water, locking the gate behind her. She eased her shirt off. Her nipples hardened in the cool air. Jaya allowed her dark side to surface with Sarah; the part of her that thrilled in giving and receiving pain, the beast within she kept on a short leash.

  She made a show of pulling her riding gloves off before tucking them into her pocket. Jaya walked around Sarah. She stopped behind her and scraped her nails over the marks she had made last night. A shiver shook Sarah’s small frame. Reaching around her, she pressed her breasts into Sarah’s back, trapping her arms at her side. She tugged her nipples into thick, hard points, wrenching a small gasp from her. She dug her fingers into the soft flesh of Sarah’s breasts and pinched harder, to be rewarded with a deep groan.

  The scent of Sarah’s arousal and her gasps of pain filled Jaya with desire. She wrapped her hand in Sarah’s hair and slid the other over her stomach, down through the soft curls, to dip her fingers into the wetness between her legs. She pushed in deep, fucking her fingers in and out roughly. Sarah’s moans filled the air and she leaned back and shifted her legs, spreading them, offering herself to Jaya.

  “Oh, yes, Mistress, please.” Sarah squirmed against Jaya
as she begged for release. Jaya pulled her hand away and turned Sarah to face her. Perfect. So ready. She removed her gloves from her pocket. Fingers wet with Sarah’s juices, she slapped the gloves against her palm, the soft pop of leather against skin loud in the quiet of the woods. She snapped them out quickly, striking Sarah’s breasts hard. Sarah’s eyes went wide and her mouth opened in a perfect O. She closed her eyes and swayed on her feet. Jaya placed her hand on her shoulder to steady her.

  “Open your eyes and spread your legs.” Sarah did not move. Jaya caught her chin in her hand and lifted her face. “Look at me. Use your word if you need to.” Sarah shook her head a silent no and lowered her eyes.

  “Legs wider. Stand for me.” Sarah raised her eyes and held Jaya’s gaze. She planted her feet wide and tilted her chin in challenge. A shiver of need passed through Jaya. She struck Sarah with the gloves, falling into a rhythm. The soft leather brought a rosy color to her breasts, and her nipples darkened to a deep ruby red under the assault of Jaya’s gloves.

  Striking harder, Jaya whipped the gloves over the rest of Sarah’s body. Soft leather slapped the skin over her hips and thighs. A soft intake of breath and a moan escaped her lips with each blow and Sarah’s thighs gleamed with wetness. Jaya’s clit was hard and each moan, each gasp from Sarah made her harder. She stepped close and pushed her fingers between the submissive’s legs. So wet. So willing. So honest. Any woman could moan and groan and pretend to enjoy pain, but the silky evidence of Sarah’s excitement pushed every one of Jaya’s buttons and wetness soaked through her pants.

  Eager to test Sarah’s limits and her own, Jaya tossed the gloves aside and picked up the crop from where it lay across her shirt. Sarah’s breathing deepened as she stared at the crop in Jaya’s hand. She trembled. Squaring her shoulders, she looked into Jaya’s eyes and raised her chin. There it is. Challenge. Fear. Hunger. She drew the keeper up Sarah’s thigh, stopping to tease her clit. She pushed the crop between her legs then drew it back. The soft, braided leather was wet with Sarah’s excitement. A deep groan shuddered through Sarah, sending a rolling wave of desire through Jaya. I need. I want. She slid the crop along Sarah’s folds again as she tugged Sarah’s nipples. Sarah stood her ground as soft moans and whimpers escaped her.

  Jaya paced herself, keeping Sarah on the edge of pleasure, giving her enough and yet not enough friction, wanting her to beg for release. She watched her face as she drove the crop back and forth. Sarah’s eyes were heavy-lidded, her face blissful. Keeping the pressure light, Jaya slid the short whip forward and back. Sarah’s wetness made the crop glide between her legs. The slow push drove the braided leather against Sarah’s hard clit and the even slower drag of the pull stroke caused her to whimper.

  “Please, Mistress.” Her legs shook as she struggled to stay upright. “Please. Let me. I don’t know if I can hold back.” Her eyes welled with tears and her voice trembled.

  Beg. Plead. Let me hear your desire. Let me hear your misery. Jaya remained silent, waiting for Sarah to beg, wanting to hear her come, unable to stop herself. She kept stroking, pushing harder on the forward thrust and slowing the pull back. She drew out Sarah’s pleasure, but was careful to not push her over the edge. Beg me. Beg for release. Sarah’s thighs were wet and the crop was covered in her slickness.

  “Aah. Please. Mercy.” Real tears now. Jaya reached up and wiped Sarah’s cheeks with her fingertips. The despair on Sarah’s face fed her soul, and she brought her fingers to her lips to taste the bitter salt of Sarah’s tears. I need. I want. Sarah shook with her effort to stand still, and her hips rocked as a keening sound rose from deep in her chest. Jaya moved closer until their bodies touched. Surrender to me. I need. I want. Sarah’s flesh was hot and delicious as she let her hand butt against her mound on the push stroke, thrusting harder now. She scattered small nips and bites over Sarah’s body.

  The feel of Sarah’s flesh in her mouth made Jaya want to devour her. She rolled the soft skin in her teeth, marking Sarah. She wanted to break her skin and feed on the salty copper taste that would well up and flavor their kisses. Her own snarls and groans matched Sarah’s loud cries and moans of pleasure. Deeper groans filled the clearing as Sarah melted under Jaya’s bites.

  “Please, Mistress, mercy. Let me come for you, please, Mistress, please.” Sarah’s voice was ragged as she begged, her hips bucking in her struggle to stand under the assault of Jaya’s mouth and hands.

  Jaya was aching and wet. I need. I want. She consumed Sarah’s desire and her willing flesh. Her harsh breathing and rumbling growls mixed with Sarah’s sharp cries of pain and pleasure. I need. I want. Give it to me. Each moment she grew more desperate, desperate for Sarah’s pleasure, desperate for her own pleasure, desperate for the sound and sensation of Sarah’s surrender.

  Sucking Sarah’s breast into her mouth driven on by Sarah’s moans of pleasure, she bit hard. She dropped the crop and, replaced it with her hand, unable to resist the desire to bury herself inside Sarah. Soft velvet heat encased her. She drove her fingers in, stroking hard as she pushed in deep. Thrusting harder, she wrapped her hand in Sarah’s hair, crushing her against her body. She lowered her mouth to her nipple and sucked fiercely as she buried her fingers in Sarah.

  The lush sounds of Sarah’s wetness filled Jaya’s ears. Four fingers wide, she thrust deep, the heel of her hand grinding into Sarah. I need. I want. Pure. Animal. Raw. I need. She fucked her remorselessly, burying her sadness, her loneliness, and her pain in Sarah’s willing body. She drank in her pleasure and her pain. Jaya’s arm ached. Her pants were soaked and sweat poured from her. Their bodies were slick with sweat and liquid excitement.

  A ragged “please” from Sarah and Jaya increased her speed. Her mouth close to Sarah’s mouth, she gorged herself on her pain and pleasure.

  “Come for me. Now.” Jaya bit down, clamping her teeth into the soft skin of Sarah’s neck. Sarah screamed as she came, her whole body shaking, the sounds of her pleasure loud in Jaya’s ears. With incoherent sounds and tears, Sarah broke. She rolled her hips, holding on to Jaya’s shoulders and grinding herself on Jaya’s hand. Wrapping her leg around Jaya’s hip so she could pull her closer, she came, shaking and groaning.

  Sarah went slack and Jaya swept her up and gathered her in an embrace. She held her close. Hot tears wet her chest and she pulled her closer. She sat on her shirt with Sarah in her arms, her body warm against her, cherishing the feel of her surrender. She kissed the marks her teeth had made on Sarah’s shoulder. Her heart cracked open as she held Sarah. Everything. Sarah’s tears melted the ice that had filled Jaya’s heart after Deidre. Everything. She gives everything. She smoothed Sarah’s hair, twining her fingers through the soft curls. She took it. All of the pain, held it, and gave it back to me. A gift.

  Deidre had taken the pain, but it came at a price Jaya had become unwilling to pay. Deidre. She shook her head to clear her gloomy thoughts, wanting to hold on to the moment.

  Sarah nuzzled Jaya’s neck. “Let me please you, Mistress.” She rested her fingers on the fly of Jaya’s trousers. Without waiting for an answer, she unzipped Jaya’s pants and slipped her small hand inside. Yes, please now. Silent, Jaya shifted her position and lay back. She closed her eyes as Sarah rubbed her clit with one finger. Sharp pleasure shot through her. One, two, three touches and a slow orgasm crashed over her in heavy, pulsing waves of pleasure. A rumbling groan rattled her chest and she held on to Sarah as she shook, riding the sensation that rippled through her body.

  Sarah stopped stroking and pressed her hand against Jaya. “More, Mistress?” She teased her fingers along Jaya’s folds and pushed two slick fingers inside, stroking softly.

  “Greedy girl.” Jaya groaned and shifted her hips, giving Sarah access. She gripped Sarah’s wrist. “Slow.”

  She filled her hand with Sarah’s breast, kneading and pinching her thick nipple. Sarah rose up on her knees and Jaya lifted her hips, letting Sarah ease her pants down. Sarah’s steady thrusts filled her as she worked her finge
rs over Jaya’s sweet spot. Soft moans from Sarah blended with her own as she thrust her fingers in and out, making Jaya squirm. She pinched and pulled Sarah’s nipples, and was rewarded with small gasps as Sarah pushed her clit against Jaya’s leg. She lifted her hips, meeting Sarah’s hand and taking her deeper. I need. I want. The sweet pain of Sarah’s fingers thrusting deep burned through her as pleasure and pain became one and she came again, savoring Sarah’s pain and her own.

  Chapter Four

  JAYA SET HER pencil aside and watched as Sarah closed her book and stretched. She took off the glasses she wore when she studied and set them on top of the book. It had become an unspoken signal between them. Jaya liked the anticipation, the waiting, the masquerade of the chase even if it did not exist.

  Slow. Slow and sweet tonight. Torture her with pleasure. She rested her head in her hand as she contemplated Sarah’s body. Where to start? Jaya let her gaze drift over Sarah, appraising her. Relaxed now. Off guard. Jaya slipped her hand behind Sarah’s neck and cupped it, pulling her into a kiss while she worked the buttons of her uniform open. Sarah leaned into the kiss. Jaya finished with the small buttons and eased her hand inside. The soft white camisole Sarah wore beneath her uniform did nothing to hide the way her nipples hardened with Jaya’s kiss. She thumbed Sarah’s nipple through the fabric and Sarah moaned, shifting in her seat. Jaya turned and pulled Sarah into her lap, continuing their kiss and her attention to Sarah’s breasts. She tweaked each nipple in turn.

  She stopped her assault on Sarah’s mouth. “Stand for me.” Sarah eased off her lap, picking up her role perfectly. “Take off your blouse.”

  Sarah slid the shirt off and stood with her shoulders back in her camisole and short black skirt.

  “Lift your skirt. Show yourself to me.” Jaya’s fingers twitched with her desire to touch Sarah.

  Sarah pulled the hem of her skirt higher while Jaya watched her face. Her eyes were heavy-lidded, her pupils wide. No embarrassment. No shyness. Jaya smiled at the submissive’s boldness as she lifted the skirt higher, showing off her lack of underwear.