Chapter Five: An Evening of Escalating Pleasures

The early evening sun was beginning to slant through the windows when Rachel and Andy finally returned to the house. They'd spent hours wandering through London, the Tate Modern, a walk along the South Bank, coffee in Covent Garden, and an early dinner in Maiden Lane. Along with that they had visited some lovely shops, and Rachel’s wardrobe was slowly expanding. Rachel's feet ached pleasantly from the miles they'd covered, and her buttocks still throbbed with a delicious soreness from the morning's caning. The train journey back to Kent had left her feeling relaxed and wondering what the evening had in store.

She kicked off her shoes the moment they were through the door and made her way to the lounge, flopping onto the sofa with a satisfied sigh. Andy followed, carrying shopping bags from their afternoon excursion.

"Have I worn you out?" he asked, setting the bags down.

"Pleasantly exhausted," Rachel said, stretching her arms above her head. "That was just what I needed. Thank you for spoiling me."

Andy smiled and reached into one of the bags. "I have a little something extra for you."

He pulled out a small black box tied with a silver ribbon. Rachel sat up, curious, and took it from him. Inside, nestled in tissue paper, was a set of black lingerie, a lace bra with delicate straps and matching knickers that were more of a suggestion than coverage.

"Andy," Rachel breathed, running her fingers over the soft fabric. "It's beautiful."

"Try it on," he said. "I want to see you in them."

Rachel stood, suddenly aware of his gaze on her. She began to undress slowly, unbuttoning her blouse and letting it fall. Her skirt followed, joining the blouse at her feet. She stood in her simple white underwear, then reached back to unhook her bra. Andy watched from the doorway, his eyes dark with appreciation. Rachel slipped out of her knickers and stood naked before him for a moment, letting him look. Then she picked up the black lingerie and began to put it on. The bra fitted perfectly, lifting her breasts and framing them in delicate lace. Her nipples peeked through the delicate lace, a preview of what was beneath. The knickers were barely there, a scrap of lace that sat low on her hips and left little to the imagination, the thong strap nestling nicely between her cheeks, and leaving her buttocks on display to Andy. Rachel turned slowly around, letting Andy see her from all angles in all her glory.

"Perfect," he said, his voice deep and sensual. "Absolutely perfect."

Rachel felt a flush of pleasure at his approval. She walked toward him, swaying her hips slightly, enjoying the way his eyes tracked her movement.

"You like it?" she asked.

"Very much, both the lingerie and the contents. An exquisite combination." Andy said. He reached out and ran his hand up her thigh, his fingers tracing the edge of the lace. "Though I think it would look even better in the bedroom."

"Oh?" Rachel said, her pulse quickening.

"And what is more, there's something up there I think you'll like." His hand moved higher, cupping her ass, careful around the tender welts. "Something I had put in place while we were out."

Rachel's breath caught. "What kind of something?"

Andy smiled and stood, taking her hand. "Only one way to find out. Come and see."

They climbed the stairs together, Rachel in front with Andy marvelling in the joy of watching her posterior as she ascended the stairs. Rachel's heart was beating hard against her ribs with anticipation. What could Andy have arranged? Another toy? More restraints? She'd already experienced so much in the past twenty-four hours, the spanking, the restaurant, the mystery man, the cane. What else could there possibly be?

Andy opened the bedroom door and stepped aside, letting Rachel enter first.

She stopped dead in the doorway, her mouth falling open.

The bedroom had been transformed. Standing in the centre of the room, imposing and unmistakable, was a St. Andrews cross, a large X-shaped frame made of dark wood with red leather cuffs attached at each corner point. And beside it, moved from the office, was the red leather spanking bench she'd been strapped to that morning.

"Andy," Rachel whispered. "How did you arrange that.”

"I have useful friends who are happy to help me achieve my dreams," Andy said, coming to stand behind her. His hands rested on her hips, his body warm against her back. "They brought it out of the cellar and set it up for me while we were out. What do you think?"

Rachel couldn't speak. She walked forward slowly, running her hand over the smooth wood of the cross. It was solid and well-made, the leather cuffs soft but strong. She could imagine herself bound to it, spread and vulnerable, completely at Andy's mercy.

"It's incredible," she finally managed.

"Want to try it?" Andy asked.

Rachel turned to face him, her eyes bright. "Would be a shame not to, So it’s a yes from me.”

Andy smiled and kissed her deeply. " Seems a shame as they have not been on long, but I guess the first thing is to get you out of those sexy new knickers."

Rachel stood facing the cross, her heart pounding. Andy slowly removed her knickers and let them fall down her legs, and she stepped out of them. For now, he left the bra on, and positioned her carefully close to the cross, arms spread wide, legs apart. He fastened the leather cuffs around her wrists first, then her ankles, adjusting them until she was held firmly but comfortably, totally at his mercy. Rachel tested the restraints, pulling slightly. They didn't budge. She was completely immobilized, her body stretched in an X, her pretty rear presented and vulnerable.

"How does that feel?" Andy asked, running his hand down her spine.

"Good," Rachel breathed. "Really good."

"We'll start slow," Andy said. "Warm you up first." With that, Rachel then felt Andy’s breath on her lower back, as he next ran his tongue up her spine, making her shiver in anticipation and helplessness. His hands ran slowly down her sides, and cupped her buttocks, so she was in no doubt as to what was going to get attention next.

Andy stepped to the side, and then his hand came down on her right cheek, a firm, measured slap that made Rachel gasp. He followed with another on her left, then allowed himself to build up a steady rhythm, making each cheek quiver as it received the next blows. The spanking was just as a warm-up should be, each strike landing with purpose, but not with malice, and Rachel welcomed each loving blow of his hand. Her arse was still tender from the morning's caning, and the fresh loving spanks layered over the old, creating a complex symphony of sensation for her to bathe in.

Andy worked her methodically, his hand covering every inch of her buttocks and upper thighs. Rachel pulled against the restraints, not trying to escape but needing something to push against, some way to ground herself in the overwhelming sensation.

"That's it," Andy murmured. "Relax into the feeling, don’t fight the feelings. You're doing so well."

Then Andy paused, and she felt his fingers hook into the waistband of her bra.  He unclasped it, helping it off her breasts with his hands cupping her breasts, lifting it to leave her breasts exposed. She was completely naked now, though her bra was trapped on her bound arms, bound and exposed. Andy’s hands moved in unison down her back, and then one hand moved between her legs, checking that the attention had delivered a fresh wetness to that hole.

"Now," Andy said, "we're going to add something harder. Ten strokes of the cane as it seems to be a favourite with you after this morning. You remember how to count for me?"

"Yes," Rachel said, her voice firm, though her head certainly did not feel that way.

"Good girl."

Andy stepped back. She heard a practice swish, and then the first stroke landed across the centre of her arse, and Rachel cried out. The pain was sharp and immediate, cutting through the warm ache from the spanking.

"One," she gasped.

The second stroke landed parallel to the first, and Rachel's whole body tensed and felt the sensation flood through her to the tips of her toes and fingers.

"Two."

By the fifth stroke, Rachel was breathing heavily, tears starting to form. But underneath the pain, she could feel her arousal building, a deep, insistent throb between her legs that grew stronger with each strike.

"Six," she counted, as Andy’s arm rose and fell again.

"Seven."

"Eight."

The ninth stroke landed low, just above her thighs in the crease below her buttocks, and Rachel screamed. "Nine!"

"Last one," Andy said. "You're doing beautifully."

The tenth stroke was the hardest and seemed to set fire to her arse as it landed in the middle of all the other strokes she had received. Rachel's eyes closed with a shot of pain with pain, and she heard herself let out a scream of relief.

"Ten!" she shouted at the top of her voice.

Andy's hand was immediately on her, soothing the burning skin. "Perfect," he murmured. "You took that perfectly. It’s a good job the house is detached or the nosy neighbours would be banging on the door to see who I had murdered!"

Rachel hung in the restraints, trembling and crying with relief, her buttocks on fire. But she felt triumphant. She'd done it. She'd taken ten strokes of the cane for the second time today, this time while bound to the cross, and had counted every single stroke.

And she was so wet she could feel it on her thighs.

Andy unfastened the restraints carefully, supporting Rachel as her legs wobbled slightly beneath her as she was freed. Her bra finally dropped to the floor as her arms were released. Andy led her to the bed and sat her down gently, then knelt in front of her, wiping the tears from her cheeks.

"You were amazing," he said. "How do you feel?"

"Good," Rachel said honestly. "Sore, but good. Really good. I want more."

Andy smiled and kissed her forehead. "Rest for a moment. I'll be right back. But I think you will soon be getting your wish granted." He stood and walked to the bedroom door. Rachel watched, confused, as he opened it and stepped into the hallway.

"You can come in now," Andy said.

Rachel's breathing stopped momentarily, and then a woman stepped through the doorway, and Rachel's eyes widened.

She was tall and strikingly beautiful, with dark hair pulled back in a severe ponytail and a suntan that accentuated her features. She wore a leather studded bra that barely contained her full breasts, and a matching thong that showed off her long legs. In one hand, she carried a leather paddle.

"Rachel," Andy said, "this is Lady Pasha. She's been waiting downstairs in my office. Pasha, this is Rachel, my friend I have been telling you all about." Lady Pasha's eyes swept over Rachel, taking in her naked body, her tear-stained face, the red welts creeping around the corners of her arse. A slow smile spread across her face.

"Lovely to meet you, Rachel," Pasha said. Her voice was low and commanding, with a slight accent Rachel couldn't quite place. "Andy's told me so much about you and how he is helping you discover new sensations. He has asked me to help you with your journey of discovery. I hope you are ready."

Rachel couldn't speak. She could only stare at this beautiful woman who radiated dominance and control.

"Pasha is a friend of mine," Andy said. "A very skilled friend. I thought you might enjoy experiencing her particular talents tonight."

“Stand up for me Rachel, let’s see what I have to work with! Pasha ordered, and Rachel found herself obeying without question as she stood and moved away from the bed. Pasha walked further into the room, her heels clicking on the hardwood floor. She circled Rachel slowly, appraising her like a piece of art.

"She's beautiful," Pasha said to Andy. "And those marks. I see you have not lost your skills. You've been thorough as you always are."

"I was inspired. She takes the cane well," Andy said.

"I can see that." Pasha stopped in front of Rachel and reached out, tilting her chin up with one finger. "Tell me, Rachel. Have you ever been with a woman?"

Rachel's mouth was dry. "No," she whispered.

Pasha's smile widened. "Then this will be an evening of firsts for you. How exciting. I do love taking a girl’s virginity."

She turned to Andy. "The bench?"

"Yes," Andy said. "I think she's ready. Let’s get those new experiences ticked off her to do list."

Pasha took Rachel by the hand and led her to the red leather spanking bench, her hand warm and reassuring in Rachel’s own hand. Rachel's legs were moving without her conscious control, her mind reeling, yet her body moving as if it had been hypnotised. Andy had brought a woman to dominate her. The thought would have shocked the Rachel that existed before she met Andy, but instead, she felt a surge of arousal so intense it made her dizzy and powerless to resist.

"On the bench," Pasha commanded. "Face down."

Rachel positioned herself as she had that morning, knees on the lower pads, torso on the upper pad. Pasha moved around her, fastening the leather straps with practiced efficiency. Wrists, ankles, and thighs. When she was done, Rachel was completely immobilized, her red striped pert rear raised and presented to Pasha.

"Perfect," Pasha said. She ran her hand over Rachel's marked skin, and Rachel hissed at the contact. "Andy's done good work here. But I think we can add to it."

Rachel heard Pasha move, heard the whisper of leather. Then the paddle landed on her right cheek with a sharp crack that made Rachel cry out.

Pasha didn't pause. She paddled Rachel with steady, powerful strokes, alternating between cheeks, covering every inch of her already tender skin. The paddle was broader than the cane, the feeling more diffuse but no less intense. Rachel pulled against the restraints, her whole body trembling. But Pasha was skilled. She knew exactly how hard to strike, exactly when to pause, exactly how to keep Rachel right on the edge between pain and pleasure. And underneath the burning sensation, Rachel could feel her arousal building again, could feel herself getting wetter with each strike.

"That's it," Pasha murmured. "Take it. You’re all mine now. You’re making me so proud of you."

The praise sent a shiver through Rachel. There was something different about being dominated by a woman, something that touched a part of her she hadn't known existed. Pasha's voice, her touch, her commanding presence, it all combined to create a heady mix of submission and desire.

When Pasha finally stopped, Rachel was crying again, her rear quarters throbbing with renewed fire. She felt Pasha's hand stroke her hair, surprisingly gentle. Andy left his seat on the bed, kneeled in front of her face and gently kissed her, before returning to his seat. It was such a mix of sensations and feelings that she could almost have cum there and then.

"Good girl," Pasha said from behind her. "You took that so well."

Rachel heard movement, heard the rustle of fabric and the click of buckles. She turned her head as much as she could and saw Pasha by her side, stepping into a harness, adjusting a strap-on dildo that she clearly intended using on Rachel next.

Rachel's breath caught. Oh God.

Pasha caught her looking and smiled. "Have you ever been fucked by a woman, Rachel?"

"No," Rachel whispered.

"Another first, then." Pasha finished adjusting the harness and walked around behind Rachel. "I'm going to fuck you now. Deep and hard. And believe me I know how to do it. And you're going to take it like the good girl I know you want to show me you are."

Rachel felt the head of the dildo press against her entrance. She was so wet it slid in easily, filling her in one smooth thrust. Rachel gasped, her inner muscles clenching around the rubber invader that was violating her. Pasha began to move, her hips driving the dildo deep with each thrust. She fucked Rachel with powerful, controlled strokes, one hand gripping Rachel's hip, the other reaching around to play with her clit.

Rachel moaned, overwhelmed by sensation. The dildo was thick and hard, hitting spots inside her that made her see stars. And Pasha's fingers on her clit were skilled and relentless, circling and pressing with perfect pressure. She certainly knew when and how and which buttons to press.

"That's it," Pasha said, her voice rough with exertion. "Take my girl cock. Feel how deep I'm going."

Rachel could only moan in response, her body trembling, her orgasm building with terrifying speed. Being fucked by a woman while bound and helpless was more intense than anything she'd imagined. Pasha's dominance, her control, the way she used Rachel's body for both their pleasure, it was overwhelming and perfect and exactly what Rachel needed.

"Come for me," Pasha commanded. "Come on my cock."

Her fingers pressed hard on Rachel's clit, and Rachel felt herself go over the edge of a cliff. Her orgasm crashed over her in waves, her inner muscles clenching rhythmically around the dildo, her whole body convulsing. Through it she fixed her eyes with Andy sitting on the bed, watching her intently, pride showing in his face at what she was achieving. She screamed, pulling against the restraints, almost overwhelmed by the intensity of her orgasm. Pasha kept fucking her through it, prolonging the pleasure until Rachel was sobbing with overstimulation. Only then did she slow, then stop, withdrawing carefully.

"Beautiful," Pasha murmured, stepping back and re-tightening the straps of her harness. "Absolutely beautiful."

Rachel's legs wouldn't support her when Andy and Pasha released her from the bench. They both helped her to the bed, laying her down gently. Rachel lay there totally overwhelmed by her sensations that were coursing though every nerve ending, her mind still reeling from the intensity of what had just happened, the new heights that Pasha had taken her to. Pasha climbed onto the bed beside her, and Andy joined them on the other side. For a moment, they just lay there together, Rachel sandwiched between them, feeling their warmth and presence.

Then Pasha's hand found Rachel's breast, cupping it gently. "You did so well," she said. "I'm very impressed."

Rachel turned her head to look at Pasha and found the other woman's face close to hers. Pasha leaned in and kissed her, a slow, deep kiss that tasted of lipstick and desire. Rachel kissed back, her hand coming up to tangle in Pasha's hair. When they broke apart, Andy was watching them with obvious arousal.  

Pasha smiled and turned to him. "Want to join us?"

"Absolutely."

What followed was a blur of sensation and pleasure. Andy positioned Rachel on her hands and knees, then moved in front of her, his cock hard and ready. Pasha moved behind her, the strap-on still in place.

"Open your mouth," Andy said, and Rachel obeyed. He pushed into her mouth as Pasha pushed into her pussy, and Rachel was filled from both ends. They found a rhythm quickly, Andy's cock sliding over her tongue as Pasha's dildo drove deep inside her. Rachel moaned around Andy's cock, the vibration making him groan.

They fucked her like that in unison, using her body, giving her pleasure. Rachel felt like she was floating, overwhelmed by the dual sensations, by the knowledge that she was being taken by both a man and a woman simultaneously. She seemed to be in a constant state of orgasm. Thank God Andy had not asked her to count those like he had the stroked of the cane. She had lost count some time ago.

"Let’s switch places," Andy said eventually, and they changed positions.

Now Pasha was in front of Rachel, the dildo glistening with Rachel's juices. "Suck it," Pasha commanded. "Taste yourself."

Rachel took the dildo in her mouth, tasting the juices of her own arousal, while Andy entered her from behind. His cock felt different from the dildo, warmer, more alive, and Rachel moaned at the sensation. The strap on had been a welcome new experience but did not match the pleasure of having a real live cock in her pussy. They fucked her in this new configuration, Andy's hands gripping her hips, Pasha's hand tangled in her hair. Rachel felt yet another orgasm building, felt herself climbing toward that peak again, planting a flag firmly on the summit, and then descending the other side in the afterglow of yet another climax.

"I want to try something," Andy said, pulling out. "Rachel, time to lie down and get on your back."

Rachel rolled over, her body now quick at responding to every word of command. Andy moved between her legs and lowered his mouth to her pussy, his tongue finding her clit with unerring accuracy. Rachel gasped, her hips lifting. Then Pasha was moving, straddling Rachel's face. She'd quickly removed the strap-on and her thong, and now her shaved wet pussy hovered just above Rachel's mouth.

"Lick me my little one," Pasha commanded, lowering herself.

Rachel had never tasted a woman before, but she didn't hesitate. She extended her tongue and licked along Pasha's slit, tasting salt and musk and something uniquely feminine. Pasha moaned and ground down onto Rachel’s face, and Rachel licked harder, exploring with her tongue, finding Pasha's clit, nibbling on it and circling it with her tongue. Pasha had been right – it was an evening full of firsts for Rachel.

Andy's mouth worked her own pussy with his usual expert skill, his tongue alternating between her clit and her entrance, driving her higher and higher. Rachel was drowning in sensation, the taste of Pasha on her tongue, the feel of Andy's mouth on her, the weight of Pasha's body on her face. She came again, her body arching, her moan muffled against Pasha's pussy. Pasha ground down harder, chasing her own pleasure, and Rachel kept licking, kept working her clit until Pasha cried out and came, her thighs trembling on either side of Rachel's head, and her juices flowing int Rachel’s mouth, making her swallow hard.

Pasha slowly regained composure and climbed off, and Rachel lay there gasping, her face wet with Pasha's juices. Andy moved up her body and kissed her deeply, tasting Pasha on her tongue.

"One more first," Pasha said, her voice husky with lust. "I want us to make love to each other Rachel, taste each other together, and then I want to share Rachel one more time as she gets fucked by her lover again."

She lay down on the bed, and Andy helped Rachel move on top of her. They kissed again, deeper this time, their hands exploring each other's bodies. Rachel had never touched another woman like this, had never felt soft curves and smooth skin under her hands. It was different from touching a man, gentler somehow, more intuitive. She knew the fingers that she found pleasure in and was keen to use them on Pasha.

Pasha's hands found Rachel's breasts, squeezing and playing with her nipples. Rachel moaned into the kiss and let her own hands wander, cupping Pasha's full breasts, feeling their weight, thumbing her nipples until they were hard. They kept this up for some time, and then they shifted, moving into a sixty-nine position with Pasha on the bottom. Rachel lowered her mouth to Pasha's pussy, licking and sucking, while Pasha's tongue found Rachel's clit. They worked each other with increasing urgency, their moans muffled, their bodies moving together.

Rachel felt the bed shift as Andy moved behind her. Then his cock was pressing against her entrance, and he pushed inside in one smooth thrust.

Rachel cried out against Pasha's pussy, the sensation of being filled while eating another woman was almost too much to bear. Andy began to fuck her with deep, powerful strokes, each thrust pushing Rachel's pussy harder against Pasha's mouth, and her own mouth against Pasha’s pussy.

Pasha's tongue worked Rachel's clit relentlessly, and Rachel tried to return the favour, licking and sucking even as Andy pounded into her from behind. The three of them moved together, a tangle of limbs and pleasure, giving and taking in equal measure. Rachel felt her orgasm building again, impossibly, her body somehow finding more to give. Andy's thrusts grew harder, more urgent, and she knew he was close too.

"I'm going to come," Andy groaned. "Inside you."

"Yes," Rachel gasped against Pasha's pussy. "Fill me with your cum."

Andy thrust deep and came with a shout, filling Rachel with his release. The sensation pushed Rachel over the edge, and she came again, her whole body shaking, her cry muffled against Pasha's clit, and Pasha too came at the same time, Rachel’s tongue had worked a new magic on her clitoris, and now everyone had climaxed.

Andy pulled out carefully, and Rachel felt his cum begin to leak from her. Then Andy was moving, and she felt his cock press against Pasha's lips.

"Clean me," Andy said, and Pasha opened her mouth obediently.

Rachel watched, fascinated, as Pasha sucked Andy's cock, licking away the mixture of his cum and Rachel's juices. It was incredibly erotic, watching another woman service the man who'd just fucked her. When Pasha was done, Andy leaned down and kissed her deeply, then turned and kissed Rachel with equal passion. Then Pasha pulled Rachel down for another kiss, and Rachel could taste all three of them, Andy's cum, her own arousal, Pasha's unique flavour. She was in heaven.

They collapsed together on the bed, a tangle of sweaty, satisfied bodies. Rachel lay between them, feeling utterly spent and completely satisfied. If she died now, she would die at the happiest she had ever been.

After a long moment, Pasha stirred. She sat up and stretched, then climbed off the bed. Rachel watched as she gathered her leather bra and thong, pulling them on with practiced efficiency.

"That was wonderful," Pasha said, smiling at them both. "Thank you for inviting me."

She leaned down and kissed Andy deeply, her hand cupping his face. Then she turned to Rachel and kissed her too, a softer kiss, almost tender.

"You're a natural, darling," Pasha said. "I hope we can play again sometime."

"I'd like that," Rachel said, surprised to find she meant it.

Pasha smiled, picked up her paddle, and walked to the door. She paused in the doorway and looked back.

"Take care of her, Andy," she said. "She's special."

"I know," Andy said.

Pasha nodded and left, her heels clicking down the stairs. She must have quickly dressed, slipping into some normal streetwear in Andy’s office, as just a minute later, they heard the front door open and close, and they were alone in the house once again. Rachel and Andy lay in silence for a moment, processing what had just happened. Then Andy pulled Rachel close, wrapping his arms around her.

"Well, I promised you some new experiences. How do you feel?" he asked.

"Incredible," Rachel said honestly. "Overwhelmed. Amazing. I can't believe all the things we just did. All the things that I just did for the first time."

"You were unbelievable," Andy said, kissing her forehead. "Watching you with Pasha... that was one of the hottest things I've ever seen."

Rachel smiled against his chest. "I never thought I'd be with a woman. But it was like nothing I had ever felt before, it was intense."

"Did you enjoy it?"

"Yes," Rachel said. "Very much. She's one hell of a woman, in fact one hell of a lover."

"She is," Andy agreed. "I've known her for years. She's one of my oldest friends in London."

Rachel pulled back to look at him. "Thank you for arranging all this, The cross, the bench, and Lady Pasha, especially Pasha."

"I've been planning it for a while," Andy admitted. "Since you confirmed you were coming to visit. I wanted to give you something special. Something you'd never forget."

"Mission accomplished," Rachel said, laughing softly. "I don't think I'll ever forget this evening as long as I live."

They lay together for a while longer, just holding each other. Then Andy stirred.

"Come on," he said. "Let's get cleaned up."

The shower was large enough for both of them, and they stood under the hot spray together, letting the water wash away the sweat and fluids. Andy's hands were gentle as he soaped Rachel's body, careful around her marked ass.

"Does it hurt?" he asked, his fingers tracing the welts.

"Yes," Rachel said. "But in a good way. I like having the marks. They remind me of what we did."

Andy smiled and kissed her shoulder. "They'll fade in a few days. But we can make new ones."

Rachel shivered at the promise in his words. "I’ll hold you to that. Don’t you dare forget me or run off with Pasha!"

“Not a chance of that, on either score. I know what I want and she’s here in this room. And you can’t run off with Pasha either!”

“Not a chance either,” said Rachel. “But maybe we need to share her again soon!”

They washed each other slowly, intimately, their touches tender rather than sexual. Rachel washed Andy's hair, her fingers massaging his scalp, and he closed his eyes with a contented sigh.

"This has been the most incredible two days of my life," Rachel said quietly. "Thank you. For all of it."

"You don't have to thank me," Andy said, opening his eyes to look at her. "This is what I want too. Seeing you like this, watching you discover yourself. it's more than any man could wish for, and yet here you are."

Rachel felt tears prick at her eyes, not from pain this time, but from emotion. She pulled Andy close and kissed him, pouring everything she felt into it.

When they finally turned off the water and stepped out, they dried each other with soft towels. Rachel caught sight of herself in the mirror, her hair damp and tousled, her skin flushed, the marks on her bum visible even from the front. She looked thoroughly used and completely satisfied.

"You are so beautiful," Andy said, coming to stand behind her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder, meeting her eyes in the mirror. "Absolutely fucking beautiful."

Rachel leaned back against him, feeling safe and cherished and more herself than she'd ever been.

They made their way back to the bedroom and climbed into bed, pulling the covers over themselves. Rachel curled into Andy's side, her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat.

"What time is it?" she asked sleepily.

"Late," Andy said. "Nearly midnight."

"Mmmm. I should sleep. We have another day tomorrow."

"We do," Andy agreed. "One more day before you return home."

Rachel smiled. She closed her eyes, feeling sleep pulling at her. But before she drifted off, she had one more thought.

"Andy?"

"Yes?"

"I love this. Us. What we have together."

Andy's arms tightened around her. "So do I, Rachel. So do I."

Rachel let herself sink into sleep, feeling content and satisfied and eager for whatever tomorrow would bring. Because with Andy, there was always something next.

And Rachel couldn't wait to find out what it was.