Knotted Legacy Read online

  “Thank you.” Martha’s stomach had gone from pleasantly full to uncomfortably anxious after her argument with Lucia. “After such a marvelous lunch I don’t know if I could eat anything else today.” She picked up the key.

  “Our last seating is at nine, if you change your mind. You’re across the parking lot, room six.”

  They crossed the wet parking lot, picking their way over the slick stones carefully. Even in her anger Martha held her arm out to assist Lucia, her boots giving her better traction than Lucia’s pumps. With every step Martha was more convinced staying the night was the right thing to do, even if the idea of staying in one room with Lucia overnight made her stomach churn.

  They entered the room, and Martha tossed the key on to the side table. “Oh hell.”

  The king-size bed filled the room, looming like an iceberg. I didn’t even think of asking for two beds. Fuck. I’ll sleep on the couch. It will be fine. Fuck her. She can sleep on the couch. I’m not risking a backache for her. Seduce me, not by a long shot. Amateur. She pulled her suit coat off and hung it up in the closet with her overcoat and hat before she removed her boots. Between the wine she’d drunk with lunch and the adrenaline crash from her argument with Lucia, she wanted nothing more than to lie down and nap. Sleet slapped against the window. The cloud cover made the room dim. She pressed the switch and turned on the bedside lamp.

  Lucia hadn’t spoken since their exchange in the restaurant. Martha looked up at the ceiling and considered her options. Lie down on the bed and ignore her until tomorrow? Wait for her to speak? Wait for a full apology? Fuck, I’m tired. Tired of this. Tired of trying to figure out why Madame made this request. Her heart ached when she thought of Madame. My refuge. The last person I could drop all my responsibilities and be myself with. And she leaves me with a conundrum. A woman I want but can’t have. A woman who thinks I don’t care who is in my bed. A woman who wants nothing to do with me.

  Martha sat on the edge of the bed. She propped her elbows on her knees and rested her chin in her hands and closed her eyes. The whisper of bare feet on carpet made her glance up. Lucia was standing before her in a red sheer bra and matching underwear. She held Martha’s gaze as she came and kneeled at her feet. She took Martha’s hands in her own and pressed kisses to their palms. Heat like fire raced inside Martha’s belly.

  Lucia looked up and met her eyes. “This is real. Not a game. It’s not because of Madame. Or lunch. Or anything else but how I feel about you.”

  Martha inhaled sharply. “And you expect me to believe you? After what you accused me of?”

  Lucia held her gaze as she stood up. “Maybe you don’t believe my words, but you can believe this.” She took Martha’s hand and shoved it beneath the waistband of her panties and into the wet heat between her legs.

  Martha stood up and thrust her fingers deep. All of the want she had been stifling since Lucia’s arrival filled her, and she clasped her arm around Lucia’s waist, crushing her body against herself, holding her close. With hard lips she savaged her mouth, taking everything she wanted from her. Yes. This. Her. Now. Want her. She withdrew her hand as she turned them and used her body to tumble Lucia onto the bed. Her need burned away every thought, and all she wanted was Lucia. She looked into Lucia’s eyes. “Do you have permission from Madame? If you don’t want this, say it now.”

  “Do you see a collar?” Lucia raised her hands and cupped Martha’s face, her voice fierce. “This my decision to make. I want this. I want you.”

  “Why the hell did you get so mad at the restaurant when I suggested we stay?”

  “Jealous. Worried I was a rebound choice. Afraid.”

  “Afraid of me?” Martha whispered. She traced her thumb over Lucia’s lip.

  “Afraid of what I want from you. Afraid of my desires. Afraid you’re only honoring Madame’s wishes.”

  Martha met her gaze. “No one directs my desires.” She kissed her soft and slow, taking her time before she broke their kiss to look into her eyes. “Not even Madame.”

  She lowered her head and kissed Lucia’s throat, scattering nips between the kisses. Lucia groaned and shifted her hips under her. Moving her hands lower, she stripped off Lucia’s underwear, the thin fabric tearing under the assault of her fingers. She pushed inside, and with steady strokes she fucked her, buried herself in her lush body. She bit and sucked her nipples through the sheer fabric of the bra. Lucia wrapped her arms around Martha and pulled her close, digging her nails into her back. The sharp bite of pain drove Martha on, and she added a finger and thrust hard and deep. Lucia moaned and brought her legs up, wrapping them around Martha’s hips and arching to meet her thrusts. She broke beneath Martha, and a surge of wetness poured over her hand. Feeding on Lucia’s deep groans and sounds of pleasure, Martha moved up and kissed her way up to Lucia’s neck, then the soft spot behind her ear.

  Lucia trembled beneath her as she gripped her hard, her legs locked tight around Martha’s back, rocking her body under her.

  Martha’s clit ached, and she slipped her fingers from Lucia’s body. She reached under Lucia and unfastened her bra and pulled it off, freeing Lucia’s heavy breasts. Gathering them in her hands, she pressed them together and licked the channel between them. She swept her mouth over her skin, nipped at her curves and the tender underside of her breasts, before she moved up to enjoy the sensation of her fat nipples hardening under her tongue. Lucia squirmed under her. She shifted her hips and rolled them so she was on top of Martha. She captured Martha’s wrists in one hand and squeezed them hard, forcing them over her head. Lucia held her still as she raised her head and studied Martha’s face. She moved her hand down and unbuttoned her fly. Martha gasped and closed her eyes against her need. Lucia eased the zipper down one notch at a time before she worked her hand past the waistband of Martha’s briefs and pushed into her. With slow, deep strokes, she fucked her. “Open your eyes.”

  Martha’s eyes fluttered open. Lust. Want. Need. She needs this. Wants this. I want this.

  “Keep them open. Know it’s me fucking you. Me that’s making you come.” Lucia’s eyes were wide, and her breathing shifted as she ground herself against Martha’s thigh. Martha sensed she was close to coming again.

  Lucia slowed her thrusts and kept her gaze fixed on Martha’s eyes. “Give me what I want.”

  With sure strokes Lucia brought her off, holding her gaze as Martha came, eyes wide open, giving Lucia what she wanted, what Martha had craved since she had met her. She closed her eyes and relaxed as Lucia slid her fingers from her. Rolling to the side, she kissed Lucia’s shoulder. Her body was on fire, and all she wanted to do was strip her clothes off and feast on Lucia until dawn.

  Lucia mirrored her position and nuzzled Martha’s neck along the line of her collar, kissing and licking her way to her ear as she smoothed her hand over her breasts. Her breath tickled Martha’s skin and her touch sent a new surge of wetness between her legs and her nipples hardened under Lucia’s palm. Lucia plucked at the small white buttons of Martha’s shirt. “May I?”

  “God yes.” Martha lay back.

  Lucia unfastened the buttons of Martha’s shirt. Martha sat up, and she pulled her shirt off. In one motion she grabbed the hem of her silk tank top and yanked it over her head before tossing it to the floor. Lucia lowered her head and sucked Martha’s nipple into her mouth. Martha groaned and rested her hand on top of Lucia’s head. She straddled her and continued to suck on Martha’s nipple as she tugged at her trousers. Martha lifted her hips, and Lucia drew her pants over them before she kneeled between Martha’s legs and lowered her head. She kissed the taut skin over her belly then caught the waistband of her briefs with her thumbs and pulled them down. Martha raised her hips again and then she was naked, Lucia’s mouth was on her clit. She groaned as Lucia’s tongue caressed her. Now. Yes. More. Like that. There. Lucia sucked hard on her clit. Martha pulled the combs from Lucia’s hair, freeing it. Soft curls covered her thighs, and she held Lucia in place as she rocked against her
. Her body trembled as she curled up, arching off the bed as she came hard with a low groan of satisfaction. Lucia slid two fingers in deep and kept her attention on Martha’s clit, driving her up again, finding the spot that made her shake and moan as she came again in a slow rolling wave of pleasure.

  Lucia licked gently, waiting for Martha to come down. She kissed her way up her stomach before she curled into Martha’s body. Lucia shivered, and Martha reached over and grabbed the edge of the duvet and flipped it over them. The warmth of their bodies and the rhythm of the rain and sleet on the window soothed Martha, and she fell asleep with Lucia tucked beside her.

  MARTHA STARTLED AWAKE. Lucia’s leg was draped over her, her naked flesh pressed against her. The bedside lamp cast a soft pool of light over the bed. A distinct buzzing sound was coming from her coat pocket. Phone. My phone.

  Lucia squeezed her tight before she moved her leg. “I’m awake. I know you need to answer it.”

  Martha scooted off the bed. Her nipples tightened in the chill air. She found her phone and thumbed the button to answer the call.

  “You could have called me.” Elaine’s annoyed tone made Martha wince.

  “Sorry. I thought Millie would’ve called you.”

  “She did. After the tow truck arrived. Where are you? Do you want me to send someone?”

  Martha looked over at the bed. Lucia had propped herself up on the pillows. Her hair was loose, the curls wild over her shoulders. She smiled at Martha and her stomach tightened. More. I want more with her.

  “No. Ahh. They had a room.”

  Elaine snorted. “The anniversary suite you reserved last year? For you and Octavia? Well at least it didn’t go to waste. How was she?”

  “No, we’re fine. Send Millie tomorrow. Checkout is noon.”

  “Can’t talk? Got it. You can tell me all about it later. I’ll send Millie to pick you up. Enjoy.”

  Martha ended the call. She turned her phone off and placed it back in her coat pocket.

  Lucia stretched, and the comforter pulled away from her body, exposing her breasts. She crooked her finger at Martha. “I’m hungry.”

  Martha walked back to the bed and stopped next to it. “Are you? After such a spectacular lunch?”

  Lucia caught her wrist. Locking her long fingers tight, she tugged hard and Martha tumbled into bed on top of her. “I told you I was greedy.” She kissed Martha, her mouth soft and inviting. Martha moved over her and lifted her head, giving her access. Lucia kissed the hollow of her throat.

  Her clit was thick and aching, and her desire made her thighs slick.

  “I want you.” Lucia slipped down to kiss the inside of her thighs, urging Martha into place. She moved over Lucia and lowered her hips. Lucia devoured her, sending waves of pleasure through her. She clasped the headboard to steady herself and gave over to the demands of Lucia’s mouth. She groaned as she came, her pleasure spilling over Lucia’s face. The soft sound of her licking and sucking was loud in the quiet of the room. She was incredible, hitting all the right spots, building Martha up, making her come again. Unrelenting waves of pleasure filled her. After the third time, Martha lifted her body off Lucia’s face. “Enough.” She moved to the side, and slid down to capture Lucia’s mouth, savoring the honey-salt flavor on her lips.

  Lucia wrapped her arms around Martha’s neck. “You taste divine. I can’t get enough of you.” Her sure voice cut through Martha’s doubts about Lucia’s desires.

  She traced a finger over Lucia’s cheek. “Your mouth is exquisite.”

  She rubbed her hand over Lucia’s belly, and moved lower, through the tight curls to the slickness between her legs. Lucia’s clit was thick and hard. She rolled her fingers over it before jacking it while she kissed her way down her stomach, licking a trail to the apex of her body. With long slow passes of her tongue she licked Lucia’s clit. Lucia arched up, trying to push into her mouth. Martha pressed her arms over her thighs, holding her still while she took her time, filling herself with Lucia’s essence. She slipped her thumb into her body, stroking her. She pursed her lips and took her clit into her mouth. She sucked hard, goaded on by Lucia’s deep groans. “Yes. Just there. So good.”

  Martha licked on, reveling in Lucia’s struggling, the taste of her on her tongue, and the power from controlling her, making her wait.

  “Ah. Oh. More.”

  Martha kept her rhythm, not giving over to her demands. Lucia grew wetter as she struggled to obtain what she needed.

  “Yes. Like that. More.”

  Martha’s own clit was hard. She moved from between her legs and lay over Lucia, bracing herself on her arms. “Open yourself.”

  Lucia held her gaze as she spread her legs and held herself open, exposing her clit. Martha lowered herself and made contact. The slick slide of clit against clit caused her to close her eyes against the pleasure.

  “Look at me. Now. Look at me. Let me see you.” Lucia’s voice was a soft command. She clasped Martha’s hips, pulling her tight against her, taking control. “With me. Come with me.”

  Martha opened her eyes and ground against Lucia with purpose. Rolling her hips, she drove them both toward the peak. Lucia rolled with her, meeting her strokes.

  “Now. Together. Now.” Martha came as Lucia arched into her and rocked under her. Their groans and sighs filled the room and Martha’s heart.

  They stayed like that, their gazes fixed on each other, holding on to the moment. She sees me. Sees all of me. Martha lowered herself into Lucia’s arms. Safe. Relaxed. I haven’t been this way outside of the Onyx. She is perfection. Martha shifted to her side, and Lucia rolled to face her. “That was exquisite.” She brushed her knuckles over Lucia’s cheek.

  Lucia caught her hand and held it. She pressed kisses to the tops of her knuckles. “You are exquisite.” She met Martha’ s gaze. “I’ve wanted you since you touched me your last day at Madame’s house.

  “Then why so coy?”

  “Why were you so I don’t expect anything? I wasn’t sure of you.”

  Martha cupped the back of her neck. “What changed your mind?”

  “When you put my desires before yours, when you asked me to stay instead of telling me we were going to stay, when you told me off.”

  “So all I needed to do was tell you off?”

  Lucia laughed and scooted closer on the bed. “No. Yes. It was the passion in your voice. I knew you were telling me the truth.” Her face became serious. “I’ve not been able to trust many people in my life. I was serious about not wanting to wear anyone’s collar after Madame. I want to be equal in my relationships.” She clasped the back of Martha’s neck and leaned her forehead against hers. “I don’t mind giving over in bed every so often, but I don’t want anyone to run my life. I was young when I asked Madame for this.” She drew Martha’s hand to her hip and touched her fingers to a raised mark on her skin. She traced it, realizing it was a script “G”.

  “You wear her brand.” Jealousy ripped through Martha. What would it be like to love someone enough you wanted to wear their mark forever? To know in your heart you wanted to be owned? To be marked permanently? Madame never asked, and I never offered.

  “I don’t regret it. I love Madame deeply. She has always taken care of me.” Her eyes became guarded, and she looked down, avoiding Martha’s gaze.

  The hairs on Martha’s neck stood up. This is where she tells me it was great but it didn’t mean anything. This is the ‘I’m not looking for anything long-term or to commit’ speech. Fuck me, I’m a fool.

  “But when she’s gone, I want to make my own decisions. I want to be in control. I don’t want—”

  “To be owned or involved. You’ve made it clear.” Martha pulled away from Lucia’s grip and rolled to her back. She pillowed her hands under her head to stop them from shaking. “I understand.” What is wrong with me? Of course. Why would she want to jump into another commitment? Just a one-off. Fine. Nothing more. Don’t press. Take it for what it was—a delightful experience,
unscripted, unexpected, and unrepeatable. Get it together.

  Lucia lay next to her and rested her head on her arm. She placed her palm on Martha’s chest. The silence between them was thick. Say something, Lucia. Tell me you want more. Or don’t, but say something, please. Martha waited for Lucia to speak, and the longer the silence stretched out, the more she was sure she had made a huge mistake. Her bladder nagged her, and she left the bed.

  Chapter Eight

  SHE CLOSED THE bathroom door for privacy, and to give herself some space to think. The lure of Lucia’s body made her want to crawl back to the bed and take whatever she would give for the rest of the evening until tomorrow, no matter if it would lead anywhere. Can’t stay in here forever. Bath. Long soak and maybe figure something out. The large tub with its gold taps appealed, and she turned the water on full before she sorted through the small basket of toiletries and found some bath gel. She opened it and sniffed the soothing lavender scent before adding it to the tub. Martha tested the water and adjusted the taps until it was the perfect temperature, and stepped in. She leaned back and slid deeper into the water and closed her eyes.

  Wish I had more wine. What to do? At least she made it clear. Get it together. She doesn’t owe you or Madame a damn thing. Madame’s brand. Would anyone ever ask me for a permanent mark? Octavia would have agreed. In the beginning. Damn. She should be here. Kneeling beside the tub, her strong hands rubbing my shoulders, begging me to mark her. Instead I’ve got Miss “I don’t want to belong to anyone” in my bed. I’m an idiot. Fuck me.

  A knock on the door echoed in the bathroom. “Yes?”

  “May I come in?”

  “Suit yourself.” Martha didn’t bother to lift her head when Lucia walked in and closed the door behind her.

  “Can we talk?” Lucia leaned a hip against the counter.

  “About?”

  “About why you stonewalled and then bolted from the bed.”