Willow Read online

  “Don’t worry. You’re with me…No one will doubt you belong there. I thought we could go dancing afterwards. Something comfortable is fine.”

  Amused, Kat thought that they probably didn’t have the same definition of comfortable. She could wear a skirt for the occasion, but she’d draw the line at heels as high as Willow’s were. A sleeveless top and simple back pumps. She was aware of Willow’s surprised look.

  “What? Just because I like working outside, it doesn’t mean I never wear skirts. Those are your preconceived notions,” she scolded gently.

  “Well, some have been confirmed.” Willow shrugged. “Come on over here.”

  Kat had the faint hope that she might have changed her mind, but all Willow did was running her hands up her leg, just slightly underneath the hem of the skirt.

  “Later.”

  “I can’t wait.”

  It was crazy to think that this could last. The thought sprang to her mind when they arrived at the high rise that housed the restaurant, thirty-seven floors up from the ground, with an amazing view over the city. They took their cocktail admiring a spectacular sunset. This wasn’t a life she was accustomed to, nor did Kat think she’d ever get there, but she’d enjoy the moment as long as she could.

  Willow was regarding her with a content smile. “I was right, wasn’t I? You don’t regret following along with me and my crazy ideas?”

  “Well, so far, I have no reason to. First impressions can be deceiving. I have to remember that.”

  Once the truth came out, which side would Willow take? Maybe there was nothing to reveal. Judy could be wrong, and everything during the mission happened exactly as she’d been told, the ambush she couldn’t have survived without his last minute intervention. In that case…maybe he didn’t even mind her dating Willow. He’d basically written it into the job description to become her friend. Sure, that wasn’t the same, but maybe, for once, she could be lucky?

  “What are you thinking?” Willow asked softly. “You look very serious. You’re not concerned about Simon’s visit, right? I want nothing to do with him anymore.”

  Truth be told, that was another subject Kat was concerned about, but not the way Willow thought. So Willow had had a man in her life, one that turned out to be a jerk. She couldn’t twist that into another Crystal story. The sex was beyond measure. Their individual roles in this relationship—they’d have to work that out over time. Everything now hinged on the successful ending of her assignment, and what she’d find out about Franklin.

  “I know. It’s nothing, really. Thanks for taking me here. It’s amazing.”

  Willow gave her a happy smile in return. “Wait till we get to the food. It’s almost orgasmic.”

  How could she not become infatuated with this woman?

  * * * *

  Willow hadn’t promised too much about the food, and after an otherworldly dessert with cream, red wine and berries, the driver brought them to the club. Kat thought that they could have just as well walked the couple of blocks, but she wasn’t going to argue, not this early on.

  They didn’t have to wait in line with the rest of the people. Instead, the bouncer waved them right through, making Kat more aware of how many people knew Franklin, and, obviously, his daughter. She had been in this kind of establishment only twice, each time for a mission. There had been no time to enjoy the music or the cozy booths, or the expensive drinks. The dancefloor was packed even on a week night.

  “So…there’s one thing I didn’t tell you,” she confessed. “I don’t really dance.”

  “Oh, come on, it will be fun. Look at those folks, it’s not like you have a contest to win.”

  “That’s encouraging. I’d much rather watch you.”

  Willow considered that for a moment, then agreed. “Get us a glass of champagne? It’s all going on my card, no worries.”

  “I’m not worried. As long as you let me return the favor sometime.”

  “Not a problem. I’ll let you reciprocate in any way you want to,” Willow said, making her laugh. “I really need to move now.”

  “I’ll get you your drink, but don’t overdo it. You know there’s still some exercise to come tonight.”

  Laughing, Willow disappeared into the crowd while Kat went to the bar. She returned with two glasses, retreating to a round booth from where she had a good view of the dancefloor. Willow was enjoying herself from the looks of it, and Kat sipped her champagne, enjoying the sight, and the anticipation. It was much too early to tell…but maybe, against all odds, this could work in the long run. She felt the vibration of her cell phone, but didn’t feel much inclined to answer.

  The longer she watched her, the easier it was for Kat to come to some conclusions. At this point, she didn’t owe Franklin any more, and neither did Willow. They were adults, free to make their own decisions away from the job that had once been Kat’s whole world—because she’d been young and naïve and thought she could make a huge difference. The results had been rather sobering, because the world didn’t progress that quickly. She amended that she might have been a little naïve in her first reaction to Willow, too, letting her experience with Crystal seep into the present. If Willow didn’t want any labels, but she wanted Kat, who was she to argue with that?

  Willow drew people to her easily. She interacted with men and women, almost enough to justify that small pang of jealousy, even though Kat knew she was going to take her home tonight. Usually, they went away when realizing Willow wasn’t interested in anything but a few minutes of small talk, but this guy seemed to hang around longer. Kat couldn’t hear what they were saying from her vantage point, but she could tell Willow’s friendly smile turned to polite and then rather cool. He wasn’t getting the message. Considering all the promises she’d made recently, Kat thought she should take a closer look at least. In this moment, she regretted having all dolled up for the night—for her, anyway. There were men, who hardly ever found it necessary to listen to a woman, and sadly, the outfit wouldn’t help, but Kat had learned to make herself heard. When the man leaned in to kiss Willow who shrank back with an exasperated expression, she made her way through the crowd quickly.

  “I said I’m not interested,” she heard.

  “You don’t have to be a bitch about it,” he said as if that was an acceptable conversation between two people who had just randomly met. “What, you think you’re too good—”

  “She said she’s not interested. Now get lost.”

  The man gave Kat an incredulous look. “And who are you? Fuck off, you don’t get to tell me—” A moment later, he uttered a string of expletives as his arm was pinned to his back, and tried unsuccessfully to wriggle out of her grip.

  “Say that again?”

  “Is there a problem?” Security had arrived swiftly, and Kat handed him over to the uniformed guard. “He’s going to tell you. He was harassing a woman.”

  “Lying bitch,” he spat. “She was coming on to me!”

  Willow stood, arms crossed over her chest, looking self-conscious and embarrassed with the situation.

  “That’s not true,” she finally said. “I just wanted to dance, he was starting to crowd me, wouldn’t take no for an answer. That’s all.” She turned on her heel and walked away. Kat, baffled by her reaction, needed a moment to realize what was happening before she followed her.

  “Willow! Wait!”

  “What was that for?” Willow asked, turning to her at the exit.

  “Excuse me? It looked like you could use some support. You’re welcome.”

  “I could have taken care of that myself. He was annoying. Not dangerous.”

  “How would you know?” Impatience was creeping into her tone. Kat didn’t understand. In situations like this, she was used to reacting, not waiting to find out if it could get worse.

  “Common sense, ability to read people, I don’t know? Clearly, there’s enough benevolent sexism among lesbians, too. What makes you think I can’t handle myself? Because I wear heels and dres
ses?”

  “I never said that.”

  “You didn’t have to. Look, I want to go home now if you don’t mind.”

  Kat reached for Willow’s hand, and to her relief, Willow didn’t retract it.

  “What?”

  “Look, I’m sorry. This has been a great evening so far. Don’t let this asshole ruin it.”

  “I’m trying not to.”

  Willow let herself be pulled close, relaxing into Kat’s embrace.

  “You still don’t want to dance?”

  “No, but I think we could both use a drink.”

  They found another, quieter booth away from the dancefloor on the third floor. Next to a huge window with a panoramic view of the city, they finally had their champagne.

  “You still think I’m sexist?” Kat asked for good measure. She wasn’t even offended by the accusation. She had never even considered it, and now confronted with the question, she had to admit there might be some truth to it. Willow was a businesswoman in her own right, hardly a damsel in distress.

  “Well, not all the time,” Willow said. “I just think that just because we’re women, it doesn’t mean we can’t fall for those ideas. You’re obviously hot, and gorgeous, and everything flattering I can think of—”

  “Um, thanks.”

  “I understand that you see a situation like this through the lenses of your former job too, but you have to realize I’m not looking for someone to protect me. I’m doing okay. I want us to have a relationship, and I want us to be able to explore it without fixed roles. I don’t like boxes. They never fit me anyway.”

  “Okay. I’m listening. What do you think it should look like?”

  Willow leaned back in the leather booth, the small smile telling Kat she knew exactly what effect she had on her. Her cheeks were burning, and not just from the flattery.

  “Bringing in Judy, and what we did…I had to test a theory. I know you like to take control, and I appreciate that, but it has to go both ways. I could feel that you can let yourself go—and I can trust you to. It’s not easy to find someone who’s that psychologically flexible…” She chuckled. “And of course, in other ways, too. Look, what I’m saying is, I’m more than okay with you tying me up and having your way with me, as long as it’s not a fixed contract.”

  Kat took another sip from her glass, the alcohol only enhancing the heat that had taken hold of her body, desire pulsing deeply at the images Willow was evoking.

  “Speaking of which,” she said, aware of the warm, lusty tone of her voice. “What about spanking?”

  Willow laughed. “Don’t push your luck. If you agree we can move forward like this…well, maybe I’ll show you my toy collection later.”

  “There are more? Oh, wow…Yes, that would be nice.” It was the most inappropriate moment for her cell phone to start vibrating again, so she reached into her pocket and turned it off. “I’m actually glad we’re talking about this. All of it, not just…toys. I swear I’m not trying to misunderstand you on purpose, but in the past, I have dated women who had certain expectations, and I guess I just went with it.”

  “Yeah, me too,” Willow said. “But if the past year has shown me anything, it’s that I’ll never again settle for just going with it. I want to be with someone I can lean on, and who’s not too proud to lean on me when they need to. I love a romantic surprise, but they shouldn’t be the only one to make it. Sex—it has to be a two-way street. I respect those who want to live differently, but that’s not me.”

  “So far, it all sounds good to me. Are you ready to take this home now? I’m kind of curious about this collection.”

  Willow smiled. “I thought you’d never ask.”

  Chapter Eight

  Kat had imagined variations of this moment, but this was still different. This wasn’t about expectations or preconceived notions—it was about a shared fantasy evolving out of Willow’s introduction to her quite colourful bedroom drawer. There was a reason this particular drawer came with a lock. Kat thought about all she’d learned about her, surprises at every turn, with the truth remaining the same: She was falling hard for Willow. The closer she got to her, the more she found out, the more attracted she felt to her, and not just that. She could be herself around her, with everything that entailed. She wasn’t undercover any longer, trying to keep a low profile.

  Returning from the bathroom, she leaned back against the door, aware of her nipples tightening under the soft thin fabric of her shirt. That might have something to do with Willow’s heated gaze in the mirror, or the fact that Kat was wearing the harness with the dildo Willow had chosen for her, black and pink.

  Willow sat on the chair at the vanity, stunningly beautiful in the black and white lingerie. She stood up and moved the chair aside.

  “That’s a good look on you,” she said, the desire in her tone unmistakable.

  Kat wondered if she felt the same, liquid heat between her thighs, impossible to ignore.

  “You too,” she breathed, finally pushing herself off from the door. She took the few steps to stand behind Willow, one hand across her ribs, one on her stomach, just above the waistband of her panties. The picture presenting itself to them was incredibly sensual, a hint of pleasures to come. Willow’s lips were set in a pout, but they parted when Kat’s fingers slipped inside her panties. “You feel good, too,” she said, casually exploring. Willow moaned, prompting Kat to apply more pressure. “You’re sure you want it like this, not go somewhere more comfortable?”

  “I’m very comfortable. I want you exactly like this,” Willow confirmed.

  “I’m good with that.”

  “We’ll see.” Their shared laughter was rich with insinuation and promise.

  Kat slowly pulled down the lace and satin slip, and Willow stepped out of it, widening her stance slightly, leaning forward to grasp the edge of the vanity. This gave Kat plenty of access to pleasure her with her fingers, and she focused on the task at hand. She could barely look into the mirror reflecting their every action, because she’d be too distracted by her own arousal—but every once in a while she stole a glance, reveling in the pure bliss on Willow’s beautiful face. She loved being inside her like this, her body remembering how this felt. It wouldn’t be hard to make her climax within the next few moments, but of course, they had other plans.

  “You’ve done this before,” Willow remarked when Kat gave the toy a generous coat of lubricant. Her hands were steady. She might be shaking with lust on the inside, but this was Willow’s turn.

  “Yes. Don’t worry.”

  “I’m not worried.” Willow remained still, almost quiet save for a small gasp as Kat eased the toy into her, pausing every so often, waiting for her to adjust, a gentle hand on the small of her back. A drop of sweat was sneaking down her spine.

  “Kat.”

  It was a plea impossible to ignore. She started to move, slowly, out and back in, caressing every part of Willow’s body she could reach. It didn’t take long for Willow to start pushing back against her, the mirror image painting a picture of unrestrained lust. Kat didn’t think she ever had experienced anything this erotic, close to the edge without being touched. Willow was close too, her hands gripping the edges of the vanity tighter, writhing against Kat’s fingers.

  “I imagined you had experience, but if I’d known you were this good, I would have made you do this on the night you moved in. Oh God.”

  “Relax. I’m here.”

  Willow was so right, it was incredibly rewarding to understand both sides. Kat could easily imagine the sensations holding her body captive right now, a pounding heartbeat, muscles tensing sharply, the feeling of fullness, all of it adding up to lead her to an explosive orgasm. Willow cried out, and she pushed deep into her, holding her trembling body as she came, heat rising again and again.

  Kat removed the toy carefully and undid the harness, disposing everything on a towel she had laid out earlier. She would take care of it later.

  She wrapped her arms around Wil
low again and then surprised her by picking her up, eliciting a yelp. “You can’t…”

  It turned out she could. At least Kat made the few steps to the bed where she deposited Willow who was giggling at being dumped on the soft surface rather unceremoniously. “I’ll try not to take that personally,” Kat commented.

  “By all means, take the credit. I don’t think I’ve ever been this relaxed in my life…at least not in a long time. Let me do something for you?”

  Kat climbed onto the bed with her and lay down by her side. “I look forward to it, but why don’t you enjoy that relaxed state a little longer?”

  “Oh, I plan to.” Willow leaned back against the pillow, hands behind her head. “Why don’t you come up here? I’ll be very relaxed that way.”

  Kat didn’t need to be told twice. She was almost sure that the first touch of Willow’s tongue would send her spiraling into her climax. After the first blissful shock to her body, she managed to relax into the intimate caress though, delay the inevitable for unreal, intense moments. She was trembling, fingers gripping the headboard tightly, Willow’s tongue gliding against the sensitive skin. She whimpered helplessly, bracing herself for the wave to come. When she was already teetering on the edge, Willow slid two fingers into her, the change in pace and sensation breaking her control, taking her on an incredible high.

  When she lay on the stomach, still shaking with the intensity of the experience, Willow placed a soft kiss on her shoulder and drew the sheets over both of them.

  “This is what I meant,” she said.

  That moment, Kat understood it too.

  * * * *

  She had fallen into a light sleep, content and relaxed in a way she hadn’t been since before the Agency. She should have known. Peace could only be temporary. Both Kat and Willow were jolted awake by the loud bang coming from outside.