Love and Possibilities

Exploring Possibilities

The front office is so familiar it almost feels like coming home. "I'm here to see Grant  Simpson." He says to an unfamiliar blond woman at the front desk.

"He'll be out to get you shortly."

"Thanks." 

Moments later, Grant Simpson opens the door leading into the front office.

“Alexei Mishkin, It’s been a long time.”

Alexei shakes his hand and follows him back through the door of his office, then sits on the couch. Grant’s office looks like it had a makeover sometime in the last three years. It now has a large, overstuffed, dark brown, leather sofa and a matching chair and ottoman off to the side and a bigger desk across from it on the far wall.

"So, Alexei, how've you been?"

“Things have been great until recently. I met someone and all my issues have been popping up again.”

“Well, that’s actually quite normal when someone new comes into our lives. Change usually shakes up our routines and can pull at triggers. Tell me about her and how you’ve been feeling.”

Alexei shared everything, not keeping anything back. He had seen Grant for over ten years before it had ended three years ago. He was very comfortable with him and felt like it had been just yesterday when he saw him last.

“That is a lot, Alexei. Do you think her lifestyle could be something you could adjust to or is it a deal breaker?”

“I don’t know, that’s why I’m here.”

When you think of her, what is your first feeling?”

“My belly feels like stones are knocking around within it.”

“When you think of her touch on your hand, what do you feel?”

He thinks of her fingers stroking his palm and he feels a twitch between his legs as he did that night. “Um, excited.”

“And how do you feel at the thought of kneeling at her feet?”

Alexei’s breath catches and he feels dizzy.

“Breathe, Alexei. Okay, I can see this is overwhelming for you. I’d rather not prescribe medication but I am willing to give you a minor anti-anxiety med that you can take before bed that will help you relax and sleep. I suggest you continue painting your process like you did before but I also want you to make a list this week of the things you like and dislike about what you know of her. I also want you to start keeping a journal of what you are thinking about when you have a panic attack and when you have them. Are you willing to do these things?”

“Yeah, I can do them. So I shouldn’t see her then, for now?”

“That is entirely up to you. Obviously you still have issues around your aunt’s death and having this person trigger them gives you an opportunity to clear them. Alexei, you have the tools you need to work through them. Also something to think about, you’ve never allowed yourself to have a relationship with a woman. Do you think it is possible it has something to do with losing your aunt so violently that is holding you back? Don’t answer now. Think about it this week and we’ll talk about it…” He looked at his calendar. “Next Tuesday at three in the afternoon work for you?”

“Yeah, that works for me.”

On his way home Alexei keeps thinking about Grant’s last question. Was that the real reason he’d never allowed himself to get close to a woman? Was he stopping this before it had a chance because of fear? Did it have anything to do with Luna’s lifestyle at all? Yes, he had been surprised by Luna’s relationship to Bella Lucia, but he hadn’t been appalled or even all that uncomfortable. He had so much to think about.

The week went by quickly. He had a lot of orders to fill because of the article, at least he assumed it was from the article because business had more than doubled since it came out and he was finding it hard to keep up. When Friday came he debated calling off his Friday with Friends so he could try and catch up on the orders, but he knew that wouldn’t be good. It was one of his favorite things and he didn’t want to disappoint his friends.

The appetizers were making a big hit. Alexei had chosen to experiment with a recipe he found, Sweet Potato Crostini with Prosciutto and Honey Roasted Figs.

Alexei had just finished drizzling the honey-balsamic sauce over the last batch when he hears his name in a very thick Italian accent. He puts down the pouch he is using for the sauce and slowly turns around.

Bella Lucia is standing in his kitchen with a tentative smile and then she beams. “Oh, Alexei, I love your kitchen. It is large enough to have the space to easily move around, plenty of counters, which are gorgeous by the way, but not so big you are running yourself ragged as you cook. And that stove, beautiful!” Her hand is caressing the deep red gas stove as if it were a lover.

“What are you doing here, Bella Lucia?”

“Are you not happy to see me, angelo?” She picks up one of the appetizers, takes a bite and moans. “Oh my, Alexei, these are squisito!”

“Did she send you?” He was watching her mouth and remembering when she kissed him.

“No, you have broken my darling woman, Alexei. She has not left her penthouse since Sunday. I was hoping I could convince you to at least give us a try. You do not have to commit to anything permanent, but would you be willing to explore what this could be? Are you so closed to anything new you cannot even explore it?” She took the last bite and closed her eyes. “Mio Dio…” She murmured. She straightens up and walks toward him as he backs up until he is against the kitchen island. “Alexei…” Her hand went to his chest, holding it over his heart. 

“Can you honestly say you do not have feelings for us?” She quickly glances down and sees the slight bulge and then back into his eyes. “I know your body responds to both of us but if you can tell me you have no feelings for us, at all, I will walk away and convince her to forget about you. But, if you have feelings for us, please allow yourself to explore what this is; do not torture my darling woman anymore. She can’t handle it. Poor thing has never heard the word no before for something, someone, who means so much to her and it is breaking her.” She leans in a little closer and he sees something in her eyes that makes him shiver. “And I guarantee if you let this go on much longer I will make you suffer.” She finally steps back letting her hand drop to her side. “So…what do you say?”

“I…” What could he say? The thought that he was hurting Luna made his heart ache even more than it already did. He definitely has feelings for both of them, or at least his body reacts in all sorts of ways anytime either of them are near. Not just between his legs. He had been surprised at the emotions that had rushed through him when he saw her here, in his house. It was all he could do not to take her mouth in that moment.

“If I say yes, will you both take things slow, give me a chance to adjust to things. I don’t do well with change, I wish I did but I don’t. All of this has me feeling so overwhelmed most of the time.”

“Angelo, darling, there is no need for you to feel so badly. Luna knows what is best for you, she will help take your worries away,” her voice grew softer, lower. “She will help you let go of all of your…anxieties…you just need to trust her.”

“And you, if she is going to do all of that, which seems impossible to me, what will you do?” He asks quietly.

“I, my darling, will show you how wonderful it can be to have two women who adore you.”

“You don’t even know me, you’ve only met me once for a brief moment before now, how can you know you want me to be with both of you?”

She steps close to him again until her body is pressed against him. “Because what you feel, when we touch, I feel it too. And I really want to explore it, don’t you?” She says quietly into his chest. She steps back again and looks up into his eyes. “And Luna read to me your article, about your love of creativity, art, food and more and I know you and I have many things in common.”

Alexei can’t resist her anymore, he grabs her and pulls her against him, her arms wrap around him and she tilts her head back. He leans down and captures her mouth, exploring, tongues dancing until neither of them can breathe. He pulls back gasping for air. “Yes, I will explore with you both, I will keep an open mind and see where this will lead.”

Her hand strokes his face. “Thank you, Alexei. When would you like to come with me to see her?”

“I can’t leave now, my friends…”

“How about you let me finish cooking for your friends and you go see Luna. My car is out front and her place is in my GPS as the last place I have been. I will call the concierge and they will be waiting for you and they will let you up.”

“I, are you sure?”

“Angelo, it is what I do.” She winked at him.

“Okay, let me introduce you to Charlie at least and then he can let the others know. Thanks, Bella Lucia.” He kisses the top of her head.

She wraps her arms around him. “No thanks is necessary, darling.” She pulls his head down and kisses him, hard. “You and I, we will cook together next time, what do you think?”

“Yeah, we can do that.”

“Here, take the key fob.”

Alexei took the fob and looked at the symbol. “Um, I can take my own car, it isn’t a problem.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, take my car. I’ll have a driver bring me back and you won’t have to worry about what you’ll do with your car because I’m sure Luna will bring you back herself.

“Okay.”

Charlie came into the room. “Hey, how is it every week you suddenly have a different girl,” Alexei shot him a frown. “woman that you’re getting all close to in the kitchen?”

“Hey Charlie, this is Bella Lucia.” Alexei turns toward her. “Charlie has been my best friend since grade school.”

“Wait, Luna’s Bella Lucia?” Charlie asks.

Alexei had told Charlie about going to Bella Lucia’s and some of the rest of it, but not all. “Yes, this is her and she is going to be finish cooking dinner tonight because I have to go.”

“Hello, Charlie, so nice to meet you.” She held out her hand and he took it and brought it to his lips.

“The pleasure is definitely mine.” He grins at her.

Alexei bumps him hard. “Hey, cut it out, she isn’t for you!” He says angrily.

“Oh lighten up, Alex. Don’t mind him, he’s never known how to handle women.” He winks at her and she laughs.

“I have a feeling he knows how to handle women much better than you do, Charlie.” Bella Lucia puts her arm through Charlie’s. “But you are his best friend so we will be friends, yes?”

Charlie laughs. “I like her already, Alex.”

Alexei shook his head. “Just try to be good, Charlie.”

The car that beeps when he presses the button, is at the end of the circular drive and he hesitates for a second. It is only a car. At least that is what he tells himself when he climbs into the Miami blue, 2020 Porsche 911, or at least tries to but has to put the seat back first as Bella Lucia is much, much shorter than Alexei is.

He had to pull up a ‘how to’ video on his phone to figure out how to pull up the GPS and how to start it, but after that he was good to go. He had plenty of time to think on his way there with the two hour drive. He was suddenly feeling unsure about his decision. What if she isn’t happy with him just showing up? He didn’t think Bella Lucia would steer him wrong, but that doubt poked at him all the way there.

It took two and a half hours for Alexei to reach the LN Tower as traffic had worsened the closer he had gotten to the city. The valet was there immediately, opening his door and waiting for him to get out. Well, he’s here now he might as well go on up. The doorman opens the door and says, “You must be Alexei Mishkin, the concierge will see you to the elevator, sir.”

“How do you know who I am?”

“The car, sir, it’s Madam Bella Lucia’s.”

“Oh, of course. Thank you.”

The concierge walked up to him. “Hi, I’m Alexei…” He didn’t get a chance to finish talking when the concierge said. “Yes, sir, Madam Bella Lucia let us know you’d be coming. Follow me please.”

The lobby was super modern, black and silver with modern art on the walls and a giant sculpture in the middle. The concierge led him to an elevator and once the doors opened he pressed a fob to the sensor on the panel and then pressed the 64th floor.

“Have a good evening, sir.” He said as the doors closed. Alexei didn’t have a chance to respond.

When the doors of the elevator open, he steps out into a huge foyer with a crystal chandelier. A woman wearing a black and white maid’s outfit steps in front of him and he immediately looks up and into the woman’s eyes. He kept his face neutral as the brief glimpse showed her breasts pushed up, framed by black lace but completely exposed and the hem of the dress barely covered her. “Can I help you?”

“I’m here to see Luna. Bella Lucia sent me.” She had said all he had to do was use her name and everything would be fine.

“Oh, of course. Come in and make yourself comfortable, I’ll get Ms. Navarro. Can I tell her your name?”

“Alexei Mishkin.” The woman behaved as though her breasts weren’t sticking out for him to see.

“One moment, sir.” She steps through a door on the left and a few minutes later she is back. Follow me sir.”

When she turns around he notices her bottom cheeks are actually poking out from her outfit. He immediately pulls his eyes upward to the back of her head. She stops at a large wooden door and pushes it open.

“Ms. Navarro, Mr. Mishkin to see you.” She motions for him to come into the room and then she backs out, closing the door behind her.

Alexei feels like he can breathe a little easier with the woman out of his site. He looks around the huge room, what must be the library. There are shelves from floor to ceiling on every wall of the room. He spots her watching him from a chair about twenty feet away from him with a book in her hand.

“Hi…” He takes a few steps toward her. She looks different smaller, more vulnerable than he’d ever seen her. She was wearing shorts and a t-shirt and her hair was pulled back in a pony tail.

She is still sitting in the chair. “What are you doing here, Alexei? How did you even find me?”

“Bella Lucia came to see me this evening.”

Her eyebrows rise. “At your, Friday with Friends?”

“Yes, and she was quite adamant that I come to see you.” He was slowly moving closer, step by step.  “She convinced me that I need to give this, give the three of us a chance. She called it exploring, that we need to explore together to see what this could be between us.”

“And you said, yes? Aren’t you still feeling like all of this is too much, that this isn’t the lifestyle you chose for yourself?”

She was using some of the words he had used. He was now standing in front of her chair about a foot away. “I have been miserable this week, Luna. I know we barely met but it was like a piece of me was missing all week. Honestly if she hadn’t shown up I probably would have called you tomorrow. I don’t want to stay away any longer even though I still have some misgivings about how all of this is going to work. But, I am willing to explore, to do my best to stay in the moment and figure out what this is between us, if you still want that.”

She stood up and wrapped her arms around his middle and leaned her head against his chest. “I very much want that, Alexei, very much.”

“Even though I’m not willing to make a commitment, or… um, I may not be ready for all of that stuff you showed me at Bella Lucia’s?” Luna is still tall for a woman but she is considerably shorter in her bare feet.

“I am fine with that, we can take things slow. I’m just glad you are willing to explore with us.”

She is smelling him, at least that’s what it seems like to Alexei as she inhales deeply with her nose in his chest.

“You smell good, you were cooking before you left.”

“Yes, Bella Lucia took over for me so I could come see you.”

“You left your friends to come see me?”

“Yeah, it seemed kind of important at the time.”

“And now?”

“Still important.” He kissed the top of her head. “I am digging your library, Luna.”

“It is one of my favorite rooms in my home. Do you like to read?”

“I do, I just haven’t had much time for it lately, my business has taken off since that article came out.”

“Remind me later to share with you some ideas I have about that.”

“Later?”

She steps back, takes his hand, and leads him to the door.

“Mmmmhmmm. Later.” She pulls him through the door and around to some stairs and up to her room. “So tell me, Alexei, exploring also means sexually, yes?” Her accent has suddenly gotten stronger.

“Y-yes, just don’t ask me to kneel.” He chokes out.

“Alright, anything else I should know?”

“Not that I can think of.”

“Good.” She pulls his t-shirt off of him and stares at his chest, her fingers spreading across it and through the hair. She leans in and rubs her face over it. “I like this, Alexei.” She inhales deeply again. “You smell delicious.” Her teeth graze his skin and he moans.

She is quickly stirring a fire within him. “It’s my body wash. It has lemongrass and rosemary in it.” He whispers.

Her face is lightly brushing over the hair covering his chest. “Yes, but also distinctly you. Take my shirt off.”

He reaches down and pulls her shirt up and over her head. She is wearing a teal colored lacy bra. He looks away, up at her face.

“You can look, Alexei.”

He looks down again. Her full breasts push against the lace. He watches as she reaches between them and unhooks the bra and pulls it off and they spill out. His hand reaches up and his thumb strokes over her swollen brown n****e. Her hands move to his waist, unbutton his jeans and unzip his pants. He kicks off his shoes as she pulls them down with his underwear and he steps out of them.

She steps back and looks at him, her eyes growing darker as she stares at what’s between his legs. He feels his blood rushing and making him grow larger. He steps up to her and tugs her shorts down over her hips and she steps out of them.

“You are beautiful, Luna.”

“Thank you, but I wasn’t done looking.” And she surprises him when she drops to her knees and continues to stare and then her fingers are exploring and he sucks air between his teeth. His hand shoots out and grabs the bed post. It has been a long while since a woman has touched him there.

Luna brushes her body against him as she stands up. “You have a beautiful c**k, Alexei.” She murmurs.

He chokes. He’s never had a woman say such a thing.

She chuckles and her hand reaches between them and strokes it. “Breathe, Alexei, I only speak the truth.”

“I’m not used to women being so bold.”

“You know I am a strong woman, Alexei, and I usually take what I want. But… I can pull back and allow you to explore me, if that will make you feel better.” She whispers as she lets go of it and a small sound escapes his lips.

“I want you, Alexei, I have since the first time I saw your photo I wanted you here, to be able to touch you, please you. Tell me what you want, Alexei.”

“I…God I want you, Luna, so much it hurts.”

“Yes, my sensitive man and I want to ease that pain. Will you let me show you how I can ease it for you?”

Fear flashes in his eyes and she strokes his face. “There is no need for fear, my sweet man. I only want to give you pleasure. Will you let me give you pleasure?”

He takes a long slow breath in and then out. “Yes…please.”

She presses a button on the wall and something falls down from the ceiling in the middle of the room. It looks like some kind of swing made of black straps. She takes his hand. “Do you trust me, Alexei?”

Did he? His heart is beating so fast. He thinks of what Bella Lucia said about what Luna could do for him and he had agreed to explore.

“Yes.”

She smiles and kisses him lightly on the lips. “Good.” She helps him lean forward into the swing and begins wrapping the straps around his arms, pulling his legs up, bending his knees and wrapping the straps around his shins and thighs. His head is supported by a strap under his forehead and straps support the length of his body. His legs are pulled apart by the straps and he is fully exposed to her. She has him completely trussed up, he can’t move.

“How do you feel, Alexei.”

He feels surprisingly calm. He’s never been tied up before, never thought he would like it, but there is something…liberating about it, feeling the straps holding him. His breathing is steady. “Calm, ma’am,”

“Good.” She knows he’s never played this way, she knew it from the beginning but she also knew without a doubt that it would help him. Her hand strokes up his back and then moves under him and lightly tweaks his n*****s. He groans.

“Choose a safe word, Alexei.”

He says the first thing that comes to mind. “Spatula.”

She chuckles. “Perfect. If I do anything that you don’t like, or if you are in pain at any time that doesn’t give you pleasure… say your word and I will stop immediately.”

He remembers what Timothy had said about the submissive having all the power, is this what he meant? “Yes, ma’am.” He hears her moving around behind him and he only has a moment of worry and then he breathes, trusting her. He feels her roll the condom onto his still fully erect shaft beneath him. He feels something wet drip down over his crack and feels her fingers exploring somewhere he’s never been explored. He continues breathing deeply, letting go of shoulds and shouldn’ts, allowing himself to open to what she wants to give him.

He groans as her finger pushes into him and it feels uncomfortable at first and she stills, her other hand moving below him and slowly stroking him.

“Oh…God…”

“Yes, Alexei…feel everything I have to give you.”

It isn’t long before he feels her finger moving within him and he moans at the unexpected good feeling it produces within him. He had no idea. And then there are two fingers within him, stroking inside of him as she strokes his shaft and he feels something building. He feels her fingers curl and press up and back and he grunts.

“Feel everything, Alexei. Open to all of it.”

He breathes long and slow and feels a tightening in his abdomen, feels electrical rushes moving through him, feels his blood pushing harder, filling his shaft so full he thinks it is going to explode. Her hand begins stroking his shaft faster as she taps and presses within him and he feels it increasing until he yells.

“f**k!”

“Yes, Alexei, c*m for me.”

Her words zing through him and his whole body locks down and it feels almost painful as he climax rips through him, lasting longer than he even thought possible. He can’t think anymore, only feel.

He doesn’t know how much time passes until he feels reason slowly coming back to his brain and he feels her carefully sliding out of him. He hears her cleaning herself off and then she is using what feels like a wet wipe as she cleans him up. She then slowly takes the condom off of him, wipes him clean and then quickly takes the straps off of him and pulls him down to the floor with her, holding him tightly to her. He feels limp and sweaty.

“My sweet, darling man.” She is showering him with kisses as she holds him, rocks him. His arms wrap around her middle and he buries his face in her neck. They sit there like that for a long time until she coaxes him up onto the bed. She pulls the covers back and they climb up and he pulls her into his arms and wraps his legs over hers and then kisses the top of her head.

“Thank you.”

“You see, my sweet man, this and so much more is what I want to give to you.”

They drift into sleep.