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I invite you to experience the beautiful world and people of Alegria with me, and to hear Catherine’s story, her song. If this story becomes ‘our’ adventure, if you feel a little ‘warm’ at times, or you’re inspired to seek new experiences, my highest goal in writing this book has been achieved.

Reading a book should offer you the chance to escape from the everyday and mundane world. Personally, I dislike pages filled with approval-seeking technical drivel, and will not infect our story with needless detail and trivia. So that we can get on with our adventure, let us now distinguish fact from fantasy.

All locations, the plot, the characters and their histories are entirely fictitious; however, the social issues that are [lightly] touched upon are quite real. The volcanic geology of Alegria is quite plausible, with several precedents in existence around the world. The specific scientific and engineering references, training, personal abilities, psychological profiles, methodology and the described experiences of the characters generally conform to real-world parameters and/or accepted consensus within their relevant fields or experiences.

The only un-real technical aspect of the story is the new invention, although its principles are already in use in real-world, low-technology applications.

Given the characters and references in our adventure, and out of respect for those in uniform, I [author] feel the need to state for the record that I have not served in any military service.

Alegria is a place of beauty. At no time in our adventure will you find scenes of gratuitous violence, suffering, gore, or animal cruelty. I include swearing and violence only where it is appropriate. I contextualise ‘appropriate’ as something that would seem out of place or character if not included.

A special note for those unfamiliar with the Spanish language, the word, ‘Amiga’ may cause some confusion when it appears in our story. Amiga is the feminine word for friend, and amigo is the masculine expression. (Plurals – amigas is an all-female group of friends, but amigos may describe either an all-male, or a mixed gender group of friends.)

A special note also for American readers,consider a metre as roughly equivalent to a yard (10m:11y), and there are roughly 4 litres to a gallon. A US English and US Imperial measure edition will be forthcoming soon.

Some passages in Catherine’s Story are necessarily ‘earthy’, but I choose to minimise metaphorical or literal narrative as much as is reasonable, not because of sensitivities, but because there are only so many ways to describe a few physical specifics. For example, when it comes to sex, none of us want to read thirty different metaphors and similes for a ‘breast’ or a ‘cock’. If I am doing my job as a writer, you will know, “her sweat formed beads upon her heaving chest as she gasped his name…” without needing me to say it. [Yes, that was painful to write.]

The sexual experiences of the characters in our adventure represent genuine experiences and real-world intent, technique and responses. Any caring couple possessing imagination, patience, common sense and good communication should be able to replicate the described experiences. I hope that you may even be inspired to explore your own desires and pleasures after sharing our adventure.

I invite you to share in the magic of Alegria and enjoy Catherine’s Story, her song.

C.G.Berry – 2014

>>> Chapter One: Part One

Part One

The city’s endless traffic reluctantly yielded to the authority of the red light before a green silhouette illuminated, declaring the crossing safe for the waiting pedestrians. City life taught its survivors to temper such automated assurances of safety with a healthy measure of scepticism as a taxi roared past, a dark cloud of acrid exhaust left in its wake.

Kate stepped from the curb with her eyes fixed on the other side of the road… >> MORE <<

Part Two

A coat fell over her shoulders and she shuddered deeply, registering just how cold she was. Kate blinked in confusion when she realised that the city was in deep twilight, unable to recall when that had happened. Wrapping her in a huge pirouetting hug, Dee kissed Kate playfully on the cheek.

‘Come on love. Let’s get you warm, fed and pissed,’ she said… >> MORE <<

Part Three

Kate had been the first person Dee had come out to. It was during their last year of high school. After several hours of uncharacteristically nervous and tentative behaviour, she had nervously stammered it out. When Kate had finally decoded her confused speech and realised what it was that Dee was trying to say, she laughingly explained to Dee that she had known forever, gave her a hug, and that was that.

Dee and Carrie fell in love at first sight during their second year of tertiary study. Dee and Kate had met Carrie during… >> MORE <<

Part One

Waking the next morning, Kate once again told herself to go easier on the alcohol around Dee. Though sober most of the time, Danielle was capable of casually drinking most sailors under the table. Worse, she would inevitably wake up bright and smiling after just a few hours of rest, and without the common decency to be even slightly hung-over. Kate could not remember Dee ever having had a cold or being more than slightly under-the-weather for more than a day. Kate felt tight, grabbing feelings in her forehead and sinuses, uncomfortable reminders that letting Dee’s unstoppable constitution set the pace…   >> MORE <<

Part Two

Almost too soon, Dominique and Edison joined them to discuss the upcoming event. Chatting easily, they made their way into a beautiful pool house, complete with its own bar and an extensive dance floor. Dominique said, ‘We’ll start in here with canapés for about ninety minutes, then into the courtyard for sunset cocktails and to enjoy a wonderful jazz quintet, then back in here for dinner and dancing in the evening. Two of our people will be at your disposal for all lifting and grunt work. We have clear roll down screens on the patio edges to…   >> MORE <<

Part Three

Kate jerked awake to Dee’s knocking on her bedroom door and mumbled a response. Dee knocked once more and called out, ‘Katie? Everything’s fine, but you need to wake up.’

The fortieth birthday party they’d catered the night before had gone long past midnight and today was a designated sleep-in day. Kate sighed, swung her feet to the floor and called out groggily, ‘I’m up.’ She rubbed her eyes, found her robe and stumbled out to find out why she needed to wake up.

Dee never slept in. In her whole life…   >> MORE <<

Part One

Boarding the waiting water taxi, a uniformed man met them and made sure they were comfortable before motoring away from the dock. The small boat rocked slightly in the wake of a barge pushing heavily against the current in the main channel. Watching Dominique slip the paper bag into a cloth satchel that Edison had included in the bag, Kate asked, ‘What if I told you I’m afraid of the water?’

‘I would be very disappointed in Ms Danielle’s powers of recall, Catherine.’

‘Dominique, you have obviously corrupted her totally.’

‘Please, call me Dom.’…   >> MORE <<

Part Two

After struggling his mouthful away, he said, ‘I would like you ladies to run a function for me every three weeks, starting on Saturday, a week from tomorrow.  Most will be on about the same scale as the last, but with a slight amendment. Ms Danielle has already affirmed that the upcoming dates are available.’…   >> MORE <<

Part Three

Only Edison remained in her memories between the moment she left Dom at the dock and arriving home. Their return down the ladder, the water taxi back to shore, and the drive home all went by in a blur. Edison had maintained a respectful silence throughout their journey, just looking at her in the rear-view mirror now and then with a friendly smile. In private, with her, he was warm and compassionate; but Kate saw another face when he looked at the outside world, one that was far more ancient than his more jovial persona.

She remembered her father’s description of what he called ‘thousand yard’ and ‘thousand year’ stares that his war veteran buddies often wore. She had occasionally seen the same look on her father’s face. A thought occurred to her. Edison and Dad would have been friends.

When Edison helped her from the car and said goodbye, Kate hugged him on impulse…   >> MORE <<

Part One

The amigas and their staff had subconsciously started to mark time’s passing by Dominique’s gigs and another three weeks had flown by. The girls shared breakfast, discussing how much they were looking forward to tomorrow’s day of indulgence, starting with a sleep-in and followed-up by a Sunday at the spa and dinner with Alberto and his family. The city’s election cycle was reaching fever pitch and the amigas were ready for a break after working the last sixteen days straight.

Over their regular after breakfast talk-through, the girls reviewed their plans…   >> MORE <<

Part Two

Kate called the couturier in the morning. ‘Hi my name is Kate Sh… sorry, Catherine Jones.’

A friendly voice said, ‘Ms Jones, Mr Savagewood said you would call. May we set a time today for your final fitting?’

Kate protested. ‘Excuse me, a final fitting? I haven’t even had a first fitting-’

‘Are you free later this morning? Harold is your driver and is at your disposal at any time convenient to you. Would 11:30 be suitable?’

Kate felt herself slightly overwhelmed. Just let go, her mind urged. She allowed herself to be swept into the current and said, ‘Eleven-thirty is great…   >> MORE <<

Part One

In a luxuriously appointed room of her spa, Ms Killaine leaned back whilst tapping her foot for effect. She gave Kate a determined smile and said, ‘Catherine, I need you to understand something. Right here, right now, you are the most important person we know. Tonight, you are attending a much-anticipated red-carpet premiere on the arm of Dominique Savagewood. In all of the social circles that count, that makes you a princess. Our job is to make you feel and look like that princess. So how about you relax, stop trying to help, and just accept it like a princess, okay?’

Laughing, Kate held her hands up in surrender…   >> MORE <<

Part Two

Still six long blocks away, the theatre came into view in the distance. Kate’s eyes went wide, seeing its entrance already awash with lights, reporters and camera flashes. With a vulnerability that nearly broke Dom’s heart, she said to herself but aloud, ‘I so don’t want to make a fool of myself.’

‘Kate, I will not put you in a position of ridicule, just be yourself. When we are inside, keep your hand on my arm and just follow my lead.’ Seeing the look of hope in Kate’s eyes, he added, ‘It will be a fun and memorable evening. You’ll be fine and we’ll all make sure of it, okay?’

Controlling her breathing, she nodded…   >> MORE <<

Part Three

The long intermission commenced with another whirlwind of introductions and compliments from strangers, all automatically catalogued by the part of Kate’s brain that did that. Dom’s smile and pressure through his elbow guided Kate through the experience as if she’d been born to it. He regarded her with pride as she began to take the initiative, confidently greeting by name those she’d met only once before.

The show concluded with an enthusiastic standing ovation, and after a third curtain call, the house lights came up and stayed bright. A lot of the men were taking deep breaths and many of the ladies were dabbing carefully at their eyes. A few moments later, they were heading towards the excitement of the after-performance gala…   >> MORE <<

Part One

For nearly fifteen kilometres, Carrie and Dee had followed Edison’s sedan along a series of well-maintained but unsealed tracks. Their sedate pace gave them a chance to appreciate the scenery as their route took them around wooded peaks and through unspoiled valleys. Edison pulled to one side and waved them by when they broke out of the trees and onto a picturesque shoreline bathed in the early morning sun. Kate and Dominique’s faces beamed at them from the rear seat of the car as they motored slowly around, and Edison pointed to the area where Carrie could best turn around. Needing to drive straight off the vessel’s ramp at their destination, vehicles had to reverse aboard.

Carrie backed the van towards the waiting flat-bottom barge with the same confidence and precision that she did everything else. The tyres growled and pinged…   >> MORE <<

Part Two

As they walked across a cleared lawn towards the tree line, thirty metres away, Rick asked, ‘May I give you the rundown on our beautiful piece of paradise?’

‘Please,’ Kate said, enjoying the sound of his deep, clear voice.

‘Alegria is a peanut – or dumbbell – shaped island, running east-west. Overall, it’s just under two-and-a-half kilometres long and about three hundred metres narrow at its waist, that’s the Pinch. The northern side of the Pinch, where the barge lands, has deep water. Our beach is on the southern side of the Pinch, and it has beautiful shallow waters we call the Shelf. Those shallows are why the barge takes such a long course around. The eastern end, this end, is the Big End. There’s a ring road a bit less than two kilometres long that circles around the Big End; it follows the edge of the steeper slopes of the central dome, roughly a hundred-and-fifty to two-hundred metres back from the shoreline the whole way around.

‘The maloca is in the centre of that ring, and there are four paths running roughly north-south and east-west from the maloca to the ring road. Think spokes in a wheel, the western path is the one you would have come up on from the Pinch. We are on the eastern spoke, which is the longest path because it takes a bit of a detour around the high ground of the granite spire.’ Rick paused, checking that Kate was keeping up with his fast introduction…   >> MORE <<

Part Three

Refreshed, clean, and smartly dressed in comfortable clothes straight out of her suitcase, Kate heard the staccato clangs of a bell in the distance announcing lunch. Walking into the sunlight on the ring road, she met Dominique strolling towards the head of the path that led to the maloca. ‘Katie! Walk with me.’

Kate took his arm and they walked in a comfortable silence, turning onto the eastern path. A few metres into the trees, he pointed to a colourful lizard up on a high branch. An intricately marked tree snake was stalking it. ‘You’ll only see those snakes high up except in the hottest weather. Any moment now…’

Just as the snake started sliding into position, the lizard stopped advertising for a mate just long enough to notice it and stay in the gene pool. It leapt clear of the snake and the tree, gliding on wide membranes between its legs into the thicker scrub below…   >> MORE <<

Part One

As Dom led Kate into the maloca, they entered a space filled with colour, movement, and three overlapping groups of joyous people. The tables were covered in bright fabrics and topped with baskets of ripe fruit.

Carrie was with the group closest to the cooking area, and talking animatedly with the three women who had been tending the food earlier, as well as a number of new faces. Kate watched as each of them took turns to smell and taste the different bundles of herbs passing between them. She smiled fondly, knowing that Carrie had obviously found some kindred culinary spirits.

Dee was naturally in the centre of the largest and noisiest group, along with Edison, Juanita and Juan-Carlos. Edison was singing a fast chanting song as everyone clapped in time whilst doing their best to make him lose track. Dee looked up at Kate and they shared a moment of deep bliss. Their reverie was broken when, with a start, Dee realised a decorated stick had been pushed into her hands…   >> MORE <<

Part Two

As her consciousness returned, Kate felt profoundly rested, relaxed and calm. Revelling in the feeling, she propped herself up with pillows to gaze out at the water in the distance as she snuggled under the warm covers for another half-hour. Finally, the insistent call of nature became too much and forced her to get up. This is pure heaven! she thought, donning a luxurious robe that was draped over the back of a chair near her bed.

Exploring the kitchenette, she found a fully automatic coffee machine with a generous mug already placed under its spout. Powering the machine on, multiple options lit up on its control panel. Kate selected a double-shot flat white and waited for her request to be completed.

She strolled the 200 metres from her back door to the water’s edge with her steaming mug. The water lapped gently around the boulders and stones of the rocky shore…   >> MORE <<

Part Three

They spent their afternoon immersed in engineering bliss in Kate’s bright living room. Kate was impressed with the ingenuity of the modifications that Rick had made to the design of the solar distillery. At one point, he summarised his intent. ‘With these working, people who have no power and no supply of clean water can have access to safe water. It should be able to process saltwater or even polluted fresh water. It’s close, but the energy budget is paradoxical past this point. If I can get it to work though…’

‘I love it,’ was Kate’s only possible response.

For the rest of the afternoon, Kate found herself distracted, almost willing Rick to make a move…   >> MORE <<

Part One

Deciding to experiment a little, Kate made a cup of the reviving herbal tea that Rick had previously made for her. Whilst enjoying a banana as an early-morning snack, she followed his instructions and drank a mixture that tasted just as odd as the one he had served her. During her shower, she felt her mind clearing, throwing off the last vestiges of sleep. Her body felt wonderfully relaxed and energetic as she dressed. Spying Dom’s camouflage-patterned jacket on a chair, she decided to return it.

Feeling adventurous, Kate walked out of her back door, wanting to do some exploring and see if she could follow the shoreline…   >> MORE <<

Part Two

The intensity of Kate’s own surging arousal surprised her as she watched Dom repeat the pattern and began to understand. Every time the woman was about to orgasm, his soft slap seemed to push it away, but not far away. The woman’s breathing was deep and hard, coming out in growls and groans that were no longer human. As he denied her release yet again, her protesting growls of savage and primal desire found a target deep in Kate’s own body. Stretched by the rope and held fast, his captive’s muscles worked against each other, trying to find release. Her whole body moved in serpentine rhythms, working her groin into Dom’s hand as he continued his measured, deliberate building and denial of her release.

The sun had moved, forcing Kate to work herself deeper under the bush to stay in its deep shadow. Still relentlessly massaging her towards pleasure and denying her with one hand, she watched Dom turn the woman again. He gave her now glowing buttocks more attention with his free hand whilst alternating between pinching her nipples and running his nails over her body from…   >> MORE <<

Part One

Taking the more orthodox route of the ring road, Kate walked to Rick’s cabin. She had to double back after missing its discreet and somewhat overgrown entrance on her first pass, and marvelled again at how subtly the buildings of this island melded into the natural landscape. Unless you knew what you were looking for, it would be easy to walk past all of the cabins and never even suspect they were there.

Being distracted by thoughts of ropes and pleasure, and seeing overhanging branches everywhere, Kate walked squarely into the single wooden step of Rick’s cabin. The sound of the impact, together with her muttered expletives, brought Rick out just in time to see her exposing a small bleeding wound on her already swelling shin. Wordlessly, he assessed her and made a teasing, tutting sound before he picked her up. Cradling her in his arms, he carried her inside and set her down neatly on a kitchen stool. He disappeared for a moment…   >> MORE <<

Part Two

Whoa, this is getting interesting! she thought before answering. ‘Sure.’ After a moment longer, she added, ‘Thank you for asking, Rick.’

His responding smile caused her stomach to clench. ‘Inside will be better. Shall we?’ He walked over to her, took her hand and led her into the living area of his cabin. At his gentle direction, Kate kicked off her shoes and lay along the length of a long sofa. He stretched her arms above her head, with wrists overlapped, resting on the arm of the comfortable lounge. With his hand, he gently closed her eyes. She heard him sit in a nearby chair. Keeping her eyes closed, she took a deep breath. At that moment, his modulated voice filled her being.

‘We are inside a cabin much like this one. You are tied with a rope, your arms secured over your head…   >> MORE <<

Part Three

She opened her eyes and started laughing. Feeling a small cushion beneath her legs, she grabbed it and threw it at Rick before falling back to the couch, saying, ‘Oh my God! Rick!’

With a broad smile, he said, ‘Kate, pain, when it’s like that, is only a more intense sensation. When built properly, what would be painful at the start can be intensely pleasurable when worked up to. For Dominants, a big part of the kick is controlling a sub’s experience, guiding them into sub-space, and holding them in that state to explore and expand their limits of desire and thought. In a scenario, the sub’s experience becomes the Dominant’s work of art, and the subject of his creative flow. The depth and authenticity of your experience is a real dominant’s masterpiece…   >> MORE <<

Part Four

Now Kate’s powers of speech deserted her. A man who already felt to her like a lifelong crush just set everything out in the open, and offered her simple acceptance. Her mouth opened and closed like that of a landed fish.

Rick held his silence, waiting to let her finish her thoughts. Why the hell are you all so bloody perfect, and what the hell do I do now? Kate heard Carrie’s question again. First response, Katie. What do you want in your bones?

She grabbed his shoulders firmly, squaring him to her, stood on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around him, feeling the wide, muscular hardness of his back and shoulders. After a moment, she felt Rick hug back, hunching slightly to tuck her head under his chin. They started giggling again, still locked in their embrace…   >> MORE <<

Part One

Nearing the end of the path, Kate could see the beach and the waters of the Shelf through the last of the trees. She stopped to look for a moment, examining the entirety of the Shelf’s unusual geology for the first time. The light, clean and slightly coarse sand of the wide beach led down into the protected waters of the Shelf, which was, in essence, a gigantic natural swimming pool over 900 metres across. Its boundary was encircled by a continuous wall of jagged volcanic rock that protruded from the water the whole way around. Dotted by resting water birds, the ridge physically separated the warm shallow waters of the Shelf from the deep, cooler, and sometimes choppy waters of the main lagoon.

When Rick and Kate came into view, smiles shot around the beach as everyone immediately noticed they were holding hands. The rest of the Big End’s population, along with Maria and Paz from the Village, were already there and scattered about the beach. Kate felt like she was approaching the set of a Hollywood ‘Hunk’ film. The men were all topless, their muscles glistening in the sun from recent exertion

…   >> MORE <<

Part Two

As soon as they were out of the sight and hearing of the others, Natalie said, ‘There is something you’re not telling me that you think I should know, or something else about me that you’re uncomfortable with. I know it can’t be my sexuality, since you share your life with two lesbians. May I ask what it is, Catherine?’

Kate rarely blurted her words out, but after a small tornado of emotions, thoughts and fears, she found herself confessing her voyeurism and the circumstances around it to this remarkable, blonde woman. This remarkable, blonde, beautiful, smiling, laughing woman.

‘Catherine, there was an emerald finch in that bush; probably the same one you were following. That’s what I was looking at this morning. Grandmother says it’s my totem animal. I often see one when something wonderful is happening.’

She grabbed Kate’s shoulders warmly, saying, ‘See, it’s true, here you are. I am so glad you told me. I thought all sorts of things

…   >> MORE <<

Part One

After a quick shower and donning some warmer clothes, Kate walked outside to find her world awash in a fantastic light. Already in shadow, and bathed in reflected hues of gold and red, everything around her looked magical and slightly surreal. Feeling like a stroll, Kate turned right on the ring road and was entranced by the constant colour changes of the surrounding landscape and the wispy high clouds.

Entering the clearing of the maloca after wandering up the steeper and thickly wooded slopes of the northern path, she was surprised to see only Maria, Paz and Dee in the cooking area, especially given the number of boats she’d seen headed for the island. Kate returned the waves from the villagers as Dee, looking relaxed and happy, met her half way across the short grass surrounding the maloca. In a joyous, wordless, pirouetting hug, Dee squeezed the air from Kate’s lungs as she whirled her around.

‘What’s going on with you?’

‘It’s this place and these people. Oh Katie!…   >> MORE <<

Part Two

‘The people of Alegria are originally from South America. Their village held ninety-two people and was a regular, thriving little jungle village, with a few added amenities. Dominique senior, Dom’s father, had been sponsoring the village for nearly four years at Edison’s behest. Edison had met Juanita, married her, and sired JC all within a year of arriving there, quite literally by accident. Juanita’s father, Carlos, found him still in his Jeep, hanging upside down in a tree and happily drunk, singing his lungs out, but that’s another story. Things were going along fine until an illegal gold mining interest started spilling mercury and cyanide into the river upstream. Without warning, the village’s river was barren and toxic. Eight people in total died from that contamination.

‘When the local drug cartel’s goons came a week later, it was pure coincidence that Dominique was there with Edison, working on…   >> MORE <<

Part Three

Pointing to Mason, she continued in a teasing tone, ‘Mason is a somewhat reformed version of indolent rich. After he got sick of jumping out of perfectly good aircraft, he became a praiseworthy entrepreneurial philanthropist, and he likes to play engineer at times. His official title is ‘Earl of Cool’, or something like that, and he’s possibly sixteenth in line for some throne or another.’

She flashed a cheeky and challenging grin at Mason. He answered with his pained-but-good-natured-suffering look, showing her that she’d have to do a lot better than that if she wanted a rise out of him tonight. Everyone laughed when it was clear that her bait wouldn’t be taken.

With her cheeky grin still in place, she continued. ‘Madison is the brains, and the looks, of the outfit. She won’t tell you, but she is responsible for the lives of many, many people around the world. Pandemic Epidemiologist is the official title. You already know Ricky’s story.’

‘Nat, what the hell is it that Dom does?’ Kate asked in a rush of frustration…   >> MORE <<

Part Four

Pointing to Mason, she continued in a teasing tone, ‘Mason is a somewhat reformed version of indolent rich. After he got sick of jumping out of perfectly good aircraft, he became a praiseworthy entrepreneurial philanthropist, and he likes to play engineer at times. His official title is ‘Earl of Cool’, or something like that, and he’s possibly sixteenth in line for some throne or another.’

She flashed a cheeky and challenging grin at Mason. He answered with his pained-but-good-natured-suffering look, showing her that she’d have to do a lot better than that if she wanted a rise out of him tonight. Everyone laughed when it was clear that her bait wouldn’t be taken.

With her cheeky grin still in place, she continued. ‘Madison is the brains, and the looks, of the outfit. She won’t tell you, but she is responsible for the lives of many, many people around the world. Pandemic Epidemiologist is the official title. You already know Ricky’s story.’

‘Nat, what the hell is it that Dom does?’ Kate asked in a rush of frustration…   >> MORE <<

Part One

The sun was well up by the time Kate opened her curtains. Looking out at the shimmering water beyond the trees, Kate realised just how much she needed some quality thinking time. She headed for the waterline and the swinging lounge with a steaming cup of coffee in her hand. Immersed in the natural beauty of Alegria, she sat in the dappled sunlight, letting the sounds of the lapping water massage her mind into a relaxed state where it functioned at its best. A balmy breeze washed around her, banishing the last cool air of the morning as she gazed out at the water, sipping her coffee and thinking.

Starting with her arrival on Alegria, Kate recalled and reflected on every conversation and interaction, examining her own actions, thoughts and feelings as objectively as she could. She considered the very direct and logical advice offered to her by Natalie and Dom. She thought…   >> MORE <<

Part Two

Waking in a comfortable and warm fuzz, she met the early pre-dawn twilight with a giggle. Kate rarely went back to sleep once she’d woken up. Stretching and sighing indulgently under the covers, she celebrated how blissfully comfortable she felt. The sky was soon painted in garish colours as the eastern horizon grew brighter; a display that seemed to be celebrating her new life with her. Small patches of mist clung to the surface waters of the lagoon, flaring gold and pink against the still dark water as dawn broke.

Rising, she had a hot shower that complemented her mood perfectly. The morning was still a little cool, but held the promise of another warm day. Kate wore her swimming costume under her clothes and almost skipped along the ring road to Natalie’s cabin. There was a note on Nat’s open front door…   >> MORE <<

Part Three

She giggled, looking like a cheeky teenager for a moment. ‘They’ve told me that the three of us are going away for my birthday this year.’ Natalie sighed, looking into the distance for a moment before looking back to Kate with a far-away smile.

‘How will I know?’ Kate asked, her voice small.

Natalie’s voice was strong and clear. ‘Kate, do something for me. Stand up.’

Curious, Kate stood.

‘Close your eyes… thank you. Automatically and freely, raise your right hand to your chest… with your thumb and index finger; firmly pinch behind your right nipple and hold your grasp constant.’

In the face of her curiosity, and Natalie’s compelling instruction, Kate found herself doing as Natalie asked…   >> MORE <<

Part Four

The runners stormed in only a few minutes later. Rick and JC came in neck and neck. They stopped under the bar and bent over double, fighting for air. Dom and Juanita raced in next, followed by Edison; Mason brought up the rear and he raised his hands in surrender, gasping, ‘Go.’

As one, the competitors jumped to hang from the overhead bar. JC called a cruel cadence as they all pumped up and down, dropping to continue the same cadence for their push-ups. The only concession to Juanita was one less chin-up and two less push-ups per set. The women watched in fascination as muscles rippled and sweat poured.

Edison and Juanita both dropped during the fourth set, and Dom dropped two sets later when his last chin-up simply wouldn’t happen. Now it was just Rick and JC, working like machines…   >> MORE <<

Part One

Everyone met at the maloca to share a modest breakfast of fruit, coffee and fresh toast before leaving their island paradise. The goodbyes at the ferry ramp on the island were simple and warm. Mason, Madison and Rick were first in line for the trip back to shore on the barge. Kate and Rick kissed again, but in a far more chaste way, despite everyone looking in different directions, and all with smiles on their faces. His finger brushed the side of her breast as they broke from their embrace. ‘Thursday, next week. No expectations or pressure of any kind.’ It was the only thing he said to her after their kiss.

***

His words were still echoing in her mind as the amigas walked into their apartment. Sitting at their table, Carrie said, ‘Wow!’ It was the first word any of them had said since parking the van below their building. The three began to giggle.

‘Holy crap!’ added Dee, increasing their mirth.

‘Oh My GOD!’ Kate said, loudly and joyously. The friends laughed, looking at each other and shaking their heads…   >> MORE <<

Part Two

‘Excellent. The balcony circles the whole apartment and the glass balustrades go the whole way around to preserve the view. The floor plan is essentially a long rectangle. The elevator and a large media room form a small central rectangle, and all the other spaces are set out around that central structure.  This is the lounge-living area; it occupies one end of the floor plan, and the master bedroom occupies the other. I am getting ahead of myself. The living space continues around the elevator foyer to the left a bit as well.’

Rick started panning his outstretched arm to his right, intending to give Kate an overview. ‘The dining area is here…’ He started laughing at himself. ‘That’s in case you couldn’t tell by the table and chairs… Moving on…’

Kate loved the bashful look on his face and appreciated how he could so easily make fun of himself.

‘Down this side, past the dining area,’ he winked…   >> MORE <<

Part Three

Following him into the kitchen, she watched him take the small joint of meat from the oven and expertly carve it. He started a wok burner and quickly assembled a crisp Asian style stir-fry. Kate smiled when she realised how much he reminded her of Carrie as he cooked. He sniffed everything, thinking carefully before throwing in the perfect amount of each ingredient.

The aromas leapt out; from the top-notes of chilli, ginger and lime to the deeper aroma of the sizzling vegetables and XO paste. Kate watched as the small amount of meat went in; vegetables and noodles made up the bulk of the dish. With a flourish, he filled two bowls with steaming food from the wok. Adding a squeeze of lime, some chopped chillies, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and then a sprinkle of crisp fried noodles, he said, ‘Dinner is ready, my lady.’

Rick showed her to the dining table. The far horizon was still flashing as the distant thunderstorms slowly rolled towards the water…   >> MORE <<

Part Four

‘You have to understand, Dom and Edison aren’t just Dad’s family, they were his men. He and two of the regiment’s three senior NCOs – non-commissioned officers – went on leave to bring them back. They literally followed their damage trail to track them. Dad was settling all sorts of diplomatic and civil storms the dynamic duo were leaving in their wake. He was their commanding officer and he ordered them to Alegria, keeping them roaring drunk, singing songs and marching them all the way to Uncle’s place. They loved him too much to disobey. They had all jumped into the same fires together.’

Kate smiled, unable to form the mental picture of Dom or Edison drunk, or even slightly out of control.

‘You have the picture, Kate. Dad and Uncle talked the pair of them into doing a sweat. All of the men of Alegria joined them, supporting them both in their recovery. Auntie was alive then, and she made some terrifyingly powerful herbal concoctions…   >> MORE <<

(R18+ Sex)

Part One

Kate had no idea how he’d lifted her so quickly, but in a single easy movement, she was over his shoulder and being carried down the hallway. Revelling in his strength, she felt herself melting into him. Her awareness was only of his clean masculine scent, and the effortless way he was carrying her. As he carried her into the bedroom, Rick flicked a switch and the cityscape vanished as the dark windows instantly became opaque to assure their privacy.

They were standing near his bed and kissing; Kate couldn’t even remember him setting her down, but he must have. He stood up straight and looked deep into her eyes, cradling her face in his hands before slowly drawing her up onto her toes, lifting her lips to his as they kissed again. Her mind and body responded instantly. She found within herself a place of pure lust and desire, and a new freedom as she felt herself cede control to this magnificent man. Immersed deep underwater in a sea of Rick, she felt weightless, but able to breathe without drowning, and swim without effort.

Rick’s eyes shone…   >> MORE <<

Part Two

Holding her feet between his knees, he kneaded and relaxed her calves. Straddling her shins, he stroked and squeezed her thighs. He reached underneath her and massaged her buttocks. With each new touch, she fell into the centre of a new vortex of sensation.

Rick moved again and straddled her upper legs, his hands caressing and stroking her stomach, the bottom of her chest, and lifting into the small of her back, always moving. Kate could feel his balls resting hot against her skin, and the muscular movements of his thighs as they pinned her to the bed, sending waves of delight through her. She felt her pelvis buckle and strain for his attention, but was unable to divert him from his chosen path. She could not remember ever feeling more alight, or more completely turned on.

His hands occasionally touched her breasts or brushed across…   >> MORE <<

Part Three

He resisted her, holding himself controlled against her desire until her struggle slowed. Her legs and stomach trembled as she still tried to draw him in. Kate celebrated the power of his body as he easily resisted her best efforts. He yielded, slowly entering her, every increment of his penetration filling her with new sensations as time became meaningless again. His rigid control kept his progress excruciatingly slow and Kate heard herself howl like a wild animal when he started withdrawing at the same slow speed, not even having entered her body half way.

After withdrawing fully and pausing, he re-entered her at the same excruciatingly slow and controlled pace. Kate felt his hands wrap around her wrists and hold her arms above her head. Her body slipped away from her control again, willingly becoming his once more. She felt his slow movements igniting new fires…   >> MORE <<

Part One

The aroma of freshly ground coffee penetrated her bliss, waking her just in time to see Rick walk in wearing only his jeans. When he saw her eyes open, he smiled. ‘Good morning, my beautiful lady. Coffee and a light breakfast will be ready in ten minutes.’

Kate walked into the bright sunlit kitchen, her hair wrapped in a towel and deliberately wearing only her bra and panties. Seeing Rick leaning on the counter and gazing out of the window, she felt her breath catch.

With as much innuendo as she could, Kate said, ‘I see the view is just as spectacular during the day.’ She was gratified when he immediately caught on to her compliment.

Openly drinking her in with his eyes from her toes up, he said, ‘It’s a view that’s very easy to get used to.’ Kate felt her legs weakening and her body warming in response to the intent behind his gaze…  >> MORE <<

Part Two

Harold drove them into the sunlight and traffic as Kate asked Rick, ‘So where are we going?’

‘My lab. I set up a temporary digital and physical lab just north of town. We had started the digital prototype mapping and the team was working backwards through the data packs Ashinkata and Rissi were trying to sell us when you caught wind of their scam. I feel like an old-time prospector when I hear myself say that there is something there, I just can’t see it yet.’

Rick picked a small satchel up from beside his seat and passed it to Kate. Opening it, she found a computer tablet and a spiral bound notebook, along with some pens and pencils. She also found an identity tag with her name on it tucked in an inside pocket, her ID photo lifted from the amiga’s business website.

‘The tablet is unlocked by your tag. We have some great programmers and physical modellers ready to test anything that looks like it might work. Our intent, if we can get it to work, is to license region-based production and installation on a charity and sponsorship model, and in such a way that third world and developing communities can afford them and have access to them…   >> MORE <<

Part Three

Looking like he wished it was a large red button; a young man had his finger hovering over his keyboard. The assembled men and women were silent and waiting with wide smiles. Many were officially off duty, but not one of them was prepared to leave. There were some things you just had to be there for, and this was one of them. Kate took Rick’s and Tyson’s hands in hers. Rick looked to her and squeezed her hand before nodding to the technician. On the large screens, everyone watched as the numbers started rolling, barely breathing. When the wide border of the main results window switched its display from red to white, excited whispers of ‘Break-even’ shot around the room. The computer simulation had passed failure already, and was only just past the two-thirds point of the run.

A restrained murmur revealed the tension in the room when the final numbers started rolling in and the display switched colours again, this time to…   >> MORE <<

Part One

After saying goodbye to Harold and closing the door, Kate took a moment to work out that it was Saturday evening.  She spotted a note on the table that Dee and Carrie had left, reminding her that they were at a gig. She had a shower before warming a cup of clear vegetable broth, always a faithful standby in the refrigerator of any professional chef. It was fast, light and offered better nutrition than most other sixty-second options. As soon as she had snuggled in under her covers, Kate fell into a deep dreamless sleep, barely moving until sunshine filled her room in the morning.

Awake, relaxed and comfortable in her bed, Kate let her mind sort through her thoughts. She found that her marriage and divorce felt more like a movie she’d seen too many times, rather than…   >> MORE <<

Part Two

Their business was now fully booked out many months ahead. The spaces in their calendar that had been available when she’d gone to Rick’s place on Thursday were filled. As she re-examined the numbers, Kate noted that all of the new bookings were for very solid events. She looked forward and back through the months, not seeing a small job anywhere. Randomly opening the notes on different bookings, Kate recognised many of the city’s genuine power players as either the booking party, or high on the lists of attending VIPs. The girls just sat there, grinning, watching Kate catch up with what they already knew.

Dee said, ‘They started coming in on Saturday from mid-morning. I went through two phone charges just taking the bookings. When I called Juanita to ask if it was them…   >> MORE <<

Part Three

After the tables were cleared, Carrie asked Alberto to bring Luka and Melissa out. She announced their chefs for the evening to cheers of their highly impressed party. The looks on Dee’s and Kate’s faces showed their agreement the moment they caught on. Dee smiled and Katie nodded subtly before Carrie said, ‘They are also working with us from now on.’

After the cheers and introductions, Alberto brought bottles of grappa out and poured an overly generous number of marginally dangerous measures into everyone’s glasses, offering many toasts and gushing happily. Recognising the skills that the pair had demonstrated, their staff readily accepted Luka and Melissa. Carrie sent Melissa back into the kitchen a few times to make different sauces requiring experienced timing and a deft touch to get right. Carrie smiled to herself when she saw Melissa’s delight every time she threw a new challenge to her.

While Melissa was tidying up in the kitchen, Carrie joined her…   >> MORE <<

Part One

Carrie noticed that Kate had stalled whilst buttering her toast, completely lost in her thoughts and gazing blankly into middle distance. Watching Kate with an impish grin, Carrie gently took the butter knife from her hand, saying, ‘Hey Dee? Aren’t the Myers back in town tonight?’

‘Is that today? I thought it was next weekend, or the one after.’

Kate poked her tongue out at them, laughing, and thanking Carrie for her now buttered piece of toast. At Dominique’s request, Kate was on the VIP list for tonight’s gig.

Dee’s phone made a noise and she glanced at it, typed out an answer and sent her response, never missing a beat in the conversation. ‘So what do we know about who is attending tonight?’

Kate answered, ‘Not a thing, other than it’s wall-to-wall with serious VIPs…   >> MORE <<

Part Two (R18+ Sex)

Kate burst through the heavy doors of the library to find the room vacant. On the first table in that octagonal room was a small makeup case sitting on a piece of paper with the single line, ‘Catherine’ on it. Opening the case, she saw makeup in all the same tones she was wearing, right down to the name of her spa on their own branded products. With a smile, she thought Thanks, Nita.

Only a few moments later, arms snaked around her waist from behind. She had sensed him approaching but had refused to turn around. His lips kissed the side of her neck as he pulled her against him. Her legs failed and she let herself swoon into his body, leaning back into her lover, feeling him engulf her.

‘I am expecting someone so we’ll have to be quick. What’s your name? No, never mind, there’s no time for introductions,’ she teased breathlessly. He spanked her bottom loudly in response. ‘Hmmm, I think I remember…’ she said, wiggling her bum towards him. His next playful spank ended in a deep massage that made the room suddenly very hot. She spun and kissed him…   >> MORE <<

Part Three

Looking like the epitome of elegance, they took a moment in the hallway to prepare themselves before joining the gathering. Natalie squeezed Dom’s elbow, noticing the way they brushed against each other at hip and shoulder as they floated in, arm in arm.

Natalie saw that others of their extended family had registered some of the same signs. Dom smiled back to her before turning to place a hand on the arm of a man in a group. ‘Ladies and gentleman, may I steal David away? David, can I introduce you to Senator McMahan? Laurel, you wanted to meet Natalie…’

Dee watched Giselle carefully timing her visits to each group just as Kate had taught her. Edison winked to her across the floor, recognising the efficiency with which Giselle had picked up Kate’s role…   >> MORE <<

Part One (R18+ Sex)

In the car, Rick looked at Kate and said, ‘I can’t describe how much I have missed you, Kate.’ No further words were needed or said. He drew her to him and wrapped his arms around her, holding her, feeling her and being with her as she melted into him.

Harold delivered them to Rick’s building, understanding the brevity of the farewell they offered him. Driving off, he dialled Mason’s number and after exchanging greetings, they talked. Answering Mason, he said, ‘Yes sir, I’ve never seen him like it either…There’s a hard-wired connection there. They didn’t even kiss on the drive… No, that’s exactly what I mean, They just held each other… I do too, sir… No doubt in my mind… Perfect. Goodnight, sir.’

The lovers stood arm in arm for their ascent to Rick’s apartment. An older resident shared their elevator car and left them only two floors before theirs. Rick bade her goodnight with warmth after asking about her recently ill spaniel on the way up, and Kate watched the woman blush at Rick’s attention. Feeling a pang of empathy for her, a line from a popular science fiction series came to her mind. ‘Resistance is futile...   >> MORE <<

Part Two

The lovers savoured the balmy air and fragrant scents of the summer night as he led her to a table on the balcony. Fussing to ensure Kate was warm in her bathrobe, his hand cupped a breast for a moment before his fingertips slid up her chest and throat to muss her hair in slow, luxuriant movements, kissing her neck when her eyes fell closed. He went inside and returned a few moments later carrying two linen wrapped glasses of hot tea. Kate could smell the chamomile and peppermint, but other scents defied her identification. It was different and delicious.

A siren’s wail in the city below broke both of them out of their silent stupor. They had stalled, lost in each other’s eyes. Neither had the slightest clue how long they had been like that, and they laughed happily at the cliché of the moment…   >> MORE <<

Part Three

At another market stall, Rick ordered them both a pot of green tea and some vegetarian dumplings. As soon as they’d finished, a young boy invited them through the kitchen and into a wide semi-enclosed space behind the stall. A group of men were playing dominoes on a wooden table, and they grunted in recognition when they saw Rick. When Kate came into view, they sat up straight, sucked in their stomachs, and suddenly became knights of the old world.

Kate found dominoes less than captivating but having Rick there made up for it. After half an hour of play, one of the boys started strumming a guitar. She picked up a large upturned plastic bucket, sat next to the young guitarist, and started drumming, surprising everyone there with her skill. Someone quickly produced an African djembe drum and passed it to Kate. Rick watched her hands and listened to her play, entranced. One of the older youths disappeared for a few minutes before returning with his own guitar…   >> MORE <<

Part One

Walking into the apartment, Kate found Dee and Carrie with their seven permanent staff crowded around the dining table for a Monday morning briefing. Dee read her smile as she entered. ‘Good for you, my love. Good for you.’

Giselle piped up. ‘Did you finally realise you love him, Kate?’ Seeing Kate’s smile widening, she added, ‘You guys said it? Wow! And?’

Kate just giggled where she stood for a moment, grinning like the Cheshire Cat. Excited questions flew at her in rapid-fire; mostly revolving around who said what, who said it first, how it was said, and many other variations of the same theme. Her mood was contagious, and their tight group shared in her joy. Carrie pressed a hot cup of tea into her hands once the initial flurry had settled, and everyone insisted on Kate giving them an abridged recap of her weekend before…   >> MORE <<

Part Two

Kate pointed – for Rick’s benefit – to Giselle first, and then the rest of those unknown to him, saying each person’s name in turn. She smiled when she heard Rick mnemonically repeating each name three times at a low mumble, just as she did. She also noticed that Harold had already shaken hands with JC in a very familiar manner before Edison and Dom both stood to greet him warmly. Kate logged that observation away for further exploration at another time.

Madison and Mason walked over and hugged them both, their eyes sparkling brightly. Madison said, ‘Kate, I can’t tell you how happy I am tonight. We have a special surprise for you.’ The room was suddenly silent; not just their table, but the whole restaurant, all with their eyes on Kate. With his family and staff, Alberto was standing in front of his servery and grinning at her.

‘Gentlemen?’ Madison called out. Alberto leaned across and opened the kitchen door…   >> MORE <<

Part Three

She was unable to answer, staring at the box and completely off balance again. Rick looked down. Realising what the scene might have meant, he started laughing. ‘Oh shit, sorry Kate. Relax, it’s not that.’ With a mischievous wink, he opened the box and lifted up a set of two keys on a keychain. ‘This one is for the lab, and this one is for my place.’

‘Rick?’ Kate looked at him, overwhelmed. He pointed to the key fob before passing it to her. The front showed a logo that read ‘Ironwood Engineering Solutions’, and on its reverse side was engraved, ‘Catherine Jones: Director & C.O.O.’

Her face changed and she pounded his chest, ‘You knew about this and didn’t tell me! That’s so cruel…   >> MORE <<

Part One

Squinting in the morning sunshine, Kate made out Rick’s name on the caller ID. ‘Hello handsome, we were just talking about you.’

‘Good morning Kate, I am downstairs. I assume none of you have been outside this morning?’

‘No. Why? What’s wrong?’

‘Nothing dire, Kate. I will come up. Please stay in the apartment and keep the door locked until I get there? Would you wake the girls too, please?’

‘We’re all at the table. What’s wrong?’

‘Ten minutes, Kate. Please keep the door locked until I’m there.’ Kate looked at her friends and told them the content of the brief conversation before checking that their door was as locked as it could be. They could see nothing obvious from their windows.

They jumped a little when he knocked on the door. ‘It’s Rick,’…   >> MORE <<

Part Two

The demeanour of the three men who entered made it abundantly clear that they were not regular cleaners. Rick gave them a fast briefing and the three started moving after a rapid murmured discussion between themselves. One started carefully disassembling the doorjamb after laying down a drop sheet. The second placed a few tiny boxes in the apartment, pointing towards the doors and windows. Seeing the questioning looks, Rick said to the girls, ‘Directional movement sensors, not cameras.’

The third man set down drop sheets outside their door and started scrubbing at the graffiti. He also emplaced two motion sensors and a camera covering their door and hallway; as well as setting a pressure mat under a carpet in front of the elevator doors and positioning another motion-sensing camera to cover the fire stairs. He came back in briefly to say…   >> MORE <<

Part Three

There was no sign of trouble when they arrived at the mayor’s apartment and they went about their normal routine, setting up in the now-familiar space for his afternoon and evening gig.

Natalie and Dom sat next to the mayor and chatted merrily with him and his wife like the old friends that Kate suspected they actually were. The evening passed without a drama, except for the experience of an unfortunate and very intoxicated reveller who was about to urinate on a convenient bush in front the mayor’s building as he stumbled his way home.

After looking around to check the coast was clear, the drunk was about to lower his zipper when the bushy shrub in front of him rose up to become some kind of monster. Standing frozen to the spot in wide-eyed horror and making high-pitched squeaking sounds, his bladder problem quickly became a laundry challenge…   >> MORE <<

Part One

Juan-Carlos let Dee and Carrie know by text message that he was on his way up. A few minutes later, Dee opened the door to find a hunched, drunken vagrant slumped against their doorframe, obviously crippled and on his last leg. Ignoring her, he was scratching industriously at something in his groin when his radiating stench penetrated her consciousness; a nauseating and acrid mixture of stale wine, rancid body odours and God knows what else. He looked up at her just as she grasped the door to push it closed, grinning with a rotting set of yellow and black teeth at the horror on her face before straightening up and saying, ‘Give us a kiss then gorgeous!’…   >> MORE <<

Part Two

Colour and movement filled the interior of the lab, contrasting sharply with its intentionally bland and box-like exterior. The spaces were open, bright and positive. Large screens hung on every wall, displaying images that changed every thirty seconds.

After exchanging excited greetings, Kate assured Dee that their staff had the gig well under control. Rick and Kate gave the girls a tour, explaining that the changing images shown on each screen were intended to stimulate engineering minds towards creativity and offer new directions of inspiration. Spider webs, fish scales, mangrove swamps, clouds and even psychedelic art; each image showed subjects with patterns and interest. Rick pointed out other pieces of art, explaining that none of the pieces were chosen just for their aesthetic value…   >> MORE <<

Part Three

JC rejoined the party after stripping off his camouflage overalls. Dom caught his eye and JC shrugged, folding his hands in a gesture of prayer. Dom nodded and watched Juan-Carlos walk over to his mother. She grinned at him. ‘I think I nearly broke my foot on his nuts.’

He had to give his mother a joyful hug, saying, ‘I am so glad you got to sink it in, Mama Bear. Perfect timing. We’ve done our best. Nat says it’s a six in ten chance that he has the self-preservation to walk.’

The rest of the party was oblivious to the excitement and enjoyed the function, celebrating their new firm and their first large-scale outside contract…   >> MORE <<

Part One

Silvio eased his quiet hybrid electric car along the dark and deserted alley without headlights. Earlier in the day, he had pulled the bulbs from the interior light fittings to avoid attracting attention when the doors opened. He selected a spot where the shadow was deepest, parking with his passenger’s side right up against a solid brick wall so it wouldn’t inadvertently block another vehicle and be noticed if one happened to come through. Silvio grimaced as he stood, taking a moment to let the pain from his groin settle before awkwardly picking his way…   >> MORE <<

Part Two

In Alberto’s, the music and laughter completely masked the deep ‘thump-whump’ of Silvio’s demise; the car, the buildings and the distance muffled the sound. In an ironic twist of fate, Silvio’s passing happened, uncared about and unobserved by anyone but Juan-Carlos. The restaurant was kicking up a storm and even the sirens responding to the already dying flames were unnoticed. Everyone in the restaurant was having too much fun.

*

A few alleys over from the fire, a figure in ragged clothes slipped behind a building…   >> MORE <<

Part Three

The burnt-out car made Page 2 headlines and generated many theories. The complete destruction of the car and the fire department’s enthusiastic efforts to extinguish the remaining flames severely hampered the efforts of the police. The inferno’s intensity, and the Fire Department’s response, had reduced both the car and its contents to bare twisted metal and a few dirty puddles of watery ash…   >> MORE <<

Part One

Those bound for Alegria awoke early, too excited by the thoughts of returning to the island and the New Day celebrations to sleep. Rick woke Kate in the pre-dawn twilight, kissing her all the way down her back and lightly biting her bottom. When she rolled over, still half asleep, he couldn’t help himself, and Kate started her day in the best way possible. They staggered to their shower some time later, still awash in the afterglow of their lovemaking. With their bags already packed and by the door, the couple shared coffee and croissants, chatting brightly, but with their feet jiggling until their anticipation overwhelmed them…   >> MORE <<

Part Two

When their discussion turned to New Day, Madison said to the girls, ‘You are going to see a true spectacle this weekend. The Race, where the sea and lagoon meet, is a long, deep channel in a granite canyon, and the force of the racing water has to be seen to be believed. Even on the smallest neap tides, there is still a huge current between the lagoon and sea. In these early autumn evenings, we have blooms of bioluminescent plankton. They glow when agitated and they all light up in the Race’s flow. It is like a giant river of sparks. Even here around the rocks, you will see…   >> MORE <<

Part Three

Rick had to ‘endure’ another tight embrace from Kate after she saw that their cabin had been renamed. The dark teak shingle had been replaced, and ‘Ironwood’ was deeply engraved into the new shingle. Rick said, ‘That’s Australian Grey Ironbark. I am sure it’s more metal than wood. You know, we went through three router bits to do those eight letters? And two drill bits to make those holes! It’s so hard it throws sparks. Real sparks!’

‘I love it Ricky, thank you,’ Kate said, touching the deep lettering for a moment before they went inside…   >> MORE <<

Part One

Kate landed on Rick’s shoulder, feeling a firm slap on her bum that accented his intentions. ‘As you wish, my lady. I happen to be in the right mood for some fun.’

Kate sighed loudly and said, ‘Take me away, Ricky.’

She felt his breath catch. Already wrapped in his arms, he set her down and kissed her deeply. The next moment, she was back over his shoulder and headed towards the cabin again. Her hand rested on his arse, feeling his muscles working. Every muscular ripple and twitch as he walked caused her to quiver deep inside.

Rick set Kate down in front of the en suite door before disappearing into the guest bathroom himself. As soon as she opened the door, he walked in. Grinning, he wordlessly stripped…   >> MORE <<

Part Two

Kate needed to challenge herself, she used the sensations to push deeper into herself. Part of her mind recognised how Rick was timing each of his actions with the very start of her in-breath. He was massaging her now blushed skin, and then repeated the series on the other side. Kate fought every urge to wiggle or even acknowledge his presence in a game known to submissives everywhere. Floating outside herself, she wanted more sensation, wanting him to take her deeper. She needed him to take her deeper…   >> MORE <<

Part Three

He returned his mouth and its melting ice cube to her pleasure and Kate lost herself to his actions. She felt everything that was extra to her washing away. Too many sensations coming from too many places carried every extraneous part of her mind away until all that remained was her body, her soul and her desire. She had found her keys into the deeper sub-space she had been craving, feeling as if the whole universe was within her yet somehow she was still floating above it, outside it all. Swimming in her bliss, feeling herself still sinking deeper whilst floating higher at the same time, Kate became profoundly aware of the sheer focus, love and energy it took for him to hold her in that space.

He bit and kissed her shoulders and throat, flicking…   >> MORE <<

Part One

When Rick and Kate joined the rest of the Big End’s population for lunch in the maloca, Dom and Natalie were still unaccounted for. All of Alegria’s permanent inhabitants were at the Race today, helping with preparations for New Day and catching up with friends and family before the festivities. In the maloca, everyone was in a calm and relaxed mood except JC. He was buzzing with an air of satisfaction about him that eventually prompted Rick to ask him what he’d been up to…   >> MORE <<

Part Two

The people met the first rays of dawn with an explosion of noise, making the amigas jump, despite expecting it. Every Alegrian was whooping and calling over the water, filling the air with sounds like animal calls. From the smallest child to Grandmother, they were all yelling, calling and rejoicing. Kate’s ear started to pick out words. She heard words of thanks, of gratitude, and of remembrance. She heard names coming through as each person there shouted their gratitude and thanks for…   >> MORE <<

Part One

Grandmother stood and began telling a far more detailed account of their home, long before the trouble. She told stories she’d learned from her elders and teachers, and stories from her time as a girl, and later, as a woman. She shared her memories and the histories of her people through the songs of Alegria. The amigas listened to her in rapt attention, feeling as though they were experiencing the memories first hand through Grandmother’s words. When she finished, a light meal of cooked fruit and plain rice came out.

Uncle stood next and told of the times when he was young, taking up where Grandmother’s story had left off. He told many of his stories with humour, using clever imagery and metaphors to bring his songs to life. Everyone could see in their minds the characters and events as he described…   >> MORE <<

Part Two

When every person there had received some more of Grandmother’s potion, Maria stood and described the first moment that the people saw Alegria, their new home, twenty-one years ago today. Grandmother joined her, and together they told Alegria’s stories of loves and marriages, life and rejoicing. Kate felt tears running freely down her face as they all wept, sharing their profound elation. Uncle stood with them and they told stories of beauty, wonder and acceptance.

The listeners grew ecstatic with the energy of these positive songs, and the atmosphere became palpably vibrant. Suddenly the log drum resonated in a long series of deep irregular notes. The bass notes changing tempo as more drummers joined in, creating a rapid rhythm that was a sound of pure joy. Kate felt the music lift her body…   >> MORE <<

Butterflies swarmed everywhere in the bright morning sunshine, and the early summer’s day was clear and perfect. All the people of Alegria filled the Village clearing, along with a few chosen friends and family. Uncle and Grandmother stood below the Village’s ceremonial tree, heavy with blooms and scenting the air with its delicious and subtle fragrance. They were both smiling, resplendent in their robes of royal blue and golden yellow, and waiting patiently. The women were still fussing…   >> MORE <<