Protecting Her Heart Read online

  “I will have you know that they are a professional, licensed establishment!” he said.

  “That just happens to be open 24 hours?” she quipped back.

  “Yes, well....” he paused, “yeah, I got nothing. Just meet me there and stop asking so many questions.”

  Emma laughed, nervous and excited by what he had planned for her.

  “Okay, okay. I will be there with bells on,” she finally agreed. “Thank you Luke, I mean that.”

  “It’s my pleasure. To be honest, I’m looking forward to it,” he admitted.

  “Me too!” she replied, “See you soon!”

  “Wait, Mimi, I have to ask you something...” he interrupted.

  “Yes?”

  “Does the carpet match the drapes?” he asked indelicately, in typical Luke fashion.

  “I guess now you’ll never know,” she laughed, hanging up the phone.

  Emma looked at the time, wondering if it was too late to make an appointment at the spa. She didn’t like the idea of using a sharp instrument so close to her delicates, especially since she had no idea how to do it. Also, it had been months since she had been to yoga, so flexible she wasn’t.

  Thankfully they had a cancellation, and when she called, they said they could fit her in for six. They asked her if she ever had a Brazilian before and she admitted she hadn’t. They warned her that it might be painful, but really, how bad could it be?

  Chapter 5

  Bad. Like pruning with napalm, only worse. Much, much worse.

  The good news was that she was clean as a whistle. She felt like a bad-ass warrior, having survived the torture, no need to discuss the screaming.

  And she only had to do it again in a month.

  All humor aside, once she got past the shock of the assault she loved the way it made her feel. It was a tantalizing sensation, her cotton panties brushing against her sensitive lady parts, like feathers on flesh. She had been wet ever since. It almost made it worth it...almost.

  She just had enough time to go home and quickly change before she had to meet Luke. Maybe it was the adrenalin still rushing through her veins but she felt fearless, opting to go commando under her sundress. She hoped she would feel sensual with nothing between her and the cool night air. She wasn’t disappointed.

  She parked her car beside Luke’s and walked toward the building. They certainly weren’t discreet. Their neon sign flashed like a lighthouse beacon, illuminating the way like an airport runway. Open 24 hours, no appointment required. Yup, seemed legit.

  She took a deep breath and stepped inside. She expected it to be run down, maybe even a little seedy but it was quite nice, even rivaling the spa she just left a few hours earlier. The lobby was light and airy, decorated with modern chrome and leather furniture. Luke was sitting on the sofa and stood up when he saw her. Thankfully, he was the only patron in the place. Emma let out a sigh of relief.

  “Hello,” he chirped, offering her a reassuring hug, “how was the rest of your afternoon?”

  “Well I turned my peach into a nectarine,” she quipped, rolling her eyes at him, “a Brazilian.”

  Luke couldn’t stifle his laughter, drawing a swift punch to his shoulder.

  “Ouch, that hurt,” he grinned, massaging the injury dramatically.

  “Oh, you poor baby. My snatch will never be the same but by all means, we wouldn’t want to bruise you,” she mocked, poking him in the ribs. He laughed and pulled himself out of her reach. He always was ticklish.

  “How do you feel?” he flirted, raising his brows.

  She felt the cool air against her nude flesh and grinned, delighting in her boldness.

  “I feel...sexy,” she confided softly, a gentle smile forming on her lips, “and a little chilly.” Luke placed his arm around her shoulder and gave her a gentle squeeze.

  “That’s my girl. Let’s get you checked in,” he praised, leading her to the reception desk.

  “This must be Mimi. Welcome,” the pretty receptionist greeted her. She was an adorable Asian girl, with the greenest eyes Emma had ever seen. Contacts, she assumed. She smiled nervously, wondering what Luke had arranged for her, and grateful he didn’t use her real name.

  “The one and only,” Luke chimed in. “Is Lorenzo ready for her, Lucy?”

  “He’s just preparing his room. You are a lucky lady, Lorenzo is one of our best. Highly skilled,” Lucy offered with a wink.

  “Oh...,” was all Emma could muster. She looked at Luke and was met with a cheeky grin.

  “Relax,” he said, gently, “he’s a nice guy. He will be extremely thorough. Magic hands, I’m told.”

  “Uh-huh...” she replied nervously. Luke offered a good-natured laugh and kissed her on the forehead.

  “Consider this your initiation,” he whispered in her ear, causing a blush to rise on her pretty face.

  “What about you, Luke? You want to book in with Jolene while you are waiting for your friend?” Lucy coaxed, most likely trying to meet the night’s quota.

  “Not tonight. This is all about Mimi. I’ll just wait out here for her, but I’ll take a cup of coffee if you are offering,” he said, with his hard to resist charm.

  “Of course! I’ll be back in a minute,” she blurted, scurrying out of the room.

  Luke turned to Emma, regarding her thoughtfully.

  “You look nervous,” he observed, chuckling softly.

  “You could say that. This is just a massage right?” she asked hopefully.

  “Of course...” he trailed off, just as a man entered through the same door that Lucy had disappeared through.

  Lorenzo was attractive and very tall. His long dark hair and beautiful olive skin popped against his white uniform, making him look exotic.

  “Mimi? Are you ready?” he asked, his accent deliciously thick and Mediterranean. Emma felt herself swoon and glanced at Luke with a suggestive grin. He nodded back mischievously at her, knowing exactly the effect that swarthy accent would have on her.

  “I guess I am,” she agreed, following him through the door.

  Emma accompanied Lorenzo into his treatment room. It was prettier than she anticipated, with soft light from at least half a dozen candles glowing around the room.

  “Do you have a preference for music?” he asked, making his way to the sound system.

  Emma shifted nervously from one foot to the other, uncertain of what was expected of her.

  “Um...not particularly. Anything really,” she said quietly, setting her purse on a chair.

  “Is smooth jazz ok?” he proposed, looking at her hopefully.

  “Works for me,” she replied, hugging herself protectively.

  He turned on the rhythmic music, ensuring that it wasn’t too loud. She had to admit, it added the perfect amount of ambiance to the scene.

  “So I will step out for a moment. Please disrobe and make yourself comfortable on the table. There is a sheet you can use to cover yourself,” he said, the words dancing on his tongue.

  She smiled coquettishly and took a deep breath hoping to soothe her nervous energy. He nodded at her gently and closed the door behind him.

  Ready or not, she asked for this and she wasn’t going to back out. Luke was testing her by easing her in slowly and if she chickened out now, she would be sending him a clear message that she wasn’t ready for the new adventures she hoped he had planned for her.

  “Come on Emma, you’re not nervous, you’re just excited,” she whispered to herself, “just go with the flow...you got this.”

  She slipped her sundress over her head and laid it carefully over the chair, then unhooked and removed her bra. She held on to it for a second, wondering what to do with it. She anxiously stuffed it into her purse, then quickly made her way to the table. She lifted herself up and then hesitated, wondering if she should be lying face up or face down. What was the protocol in a situation like this? Her adrenalin was surging but she was strangely turned on by it, intrigued by what was coming.

  She chose t
o lay on her stomach and awkwardly adjusted the sheet to cover herself. Seconds later, Lorenzo walked back in, just as she covered her naked bottom. She sighed deeply and closed her eyes.

  “How are you feeling, Mimi. Are you relaxed?” he asked, his delightful Italian accent stimulating her senses.

  “Yes,” she lied. She was definitely not relaxed, noting that her flushed skin was uncomfortably tingling in anticipation.

  He approached the table and readjusted her covers modestly. She felt herself settle in, grateful for his consideration.

  “I am going to start with your shoulders and back, ease the tension out of your muscles. Luke has told me you have had much stress in your life. I will take care of you,” he promised, pressing his hands against her shoulders.

  He took his time, his hands working across her shoulders and down her back, applying just the right amount of pressure. Emma felt at ease almost instantly as he massaged her body with care. The music was soulful, sexy and hypnotizing, and she felt herself swooning as his hands and the hot oil tantalized her flesh. She could feel her body flushing under his touch, his experienced hands awakening her arousal.

  “Mmmm,” she moaned lightly, expressing her approval.

  Lorenzo chuckled lightly, as though pleased she was enjoying herself. She felt the cover slip down a little lower, exposing the small of her back as he continued to work the muscles down her spine. His hands slipped lower and lower, teasing the top of her buttocks.

  It had been a long time since a man touched her, and never with such care. His caresses were intoxicating, like a slow-burning scotch, easing away her tension and slowly lowering her inhibition. She could feel her body tingling, warming her center.

  “Very good. I am going to turn you over now, Bella. Do not worry, I will look away,” he assured, gently lifting the sheet.

  Emma shifted and turned her body, noting that as promised, he discreetly turned his head. As she settled her frame into the table he lightly covered her again, the sheet dangerously close to exposing her pretty pink nipples.

  He reapplied the oil and quickly went back to work. His hands gently stroked her neck and shoulders, his touch light and sensual. Emma closed her eyes and focused on the pleasure his experience offered. She trembled under his caresses and her need gradually began to rise. A whimper escaped her lips as he cautiously pulled the sheet down to her waist, exposing her breasts. She sucked in her breath, anticipating his touch.

  Lorenzo sighed quietly and placed his hands gently on her face. She opened her eyes and saw that he was regarding her kindly, his warm eyes the color of caramels, mesmerizing and inviting.

  “Bella, I am at your service, here to bring you comfort and pleasure, but only if you say so. Do you understand what I am meaning?” he probed, his beautiful tone soft, sensual, and deliberate.

  She knew exactly what he was implying. He was asking for consent.

  Emma inhaled slowly, contemplating her reply. She ached to be touched, to have her passion awakened, but all of this was completely out of her comfort zone. Allowing a strange man to pleasure her was something she had always fantasized about but had never done, and this beautiful man expected nothing in return.

  She wanted to know, more than anything, that she wasn’t frigid like Andrew accused, but that she was capable of responding to a man’s touch.

  “Yes, I understand,” Emma replied, her voice cracking with passion.

  “And this would make you happy?” he cooed, caressing her gently between her breast with a feather-light touch.

  “Yes, I think it would,” she purred, her body tensing with anticipation.

  “Gracias, Bella. It is my honor to bring pleasure to such a beautiful woman,” he complimented, the quaver in his voice displaying his excitement.

  Emma closed her eyes, allowing all of her senses to participate in the experience. She was already damp between her thighs, her arousal twisting and pulsating in her womb. Her breath quickened as Lorenzo ran his fingertips over the swell of her breasts, gently pinching both nipples before pulling them into his mouth. The tenderness of his mouth and tongue sent a shiver down her spine. She released a deep sigh as her back arched underneath her, inviting him to fully enjoy the sweetness of her buds. He gently nipped and sucked each one, taking his time so that she could fully appreciate the stimulation.

  He moaned softly, encouraging Emma to open her eyes. He looked up at her and grinned before kissing down her torso. His hands trailed down her sides, gently caressing her until they landed on her hips. He placed his mouth on the fleshy mound of her belly and kissed her seductively, his tongue tracing the divot around her belly button. She found that strangely erotic and was surprised by how stimulating it was.

  “May I, bella donna?” he asked sweetly, lifting the sheet just a little, his eyes exploring her own.

  “Please,” she mewed, not recognizing the sound of her voice. She knew she was feeling vulnerable but it only served to heighten the experience and fuel her desire further.

  Lorenzo, let the sheet slip to the floor, exposing all her nakedness. The cool air against her freshly waxed puss was both shocking and highly erotic. She felt like an anxious virgin again, anticipating that very first touch. He ran his palm down her belly and let it slip ever so carefully over the hot flesh of her sensitive mound, gently parting her folds, exposing her clitoris.

  “Guardate questa bella figa...” he murmured in Italian, his words trailing off as though he was rendered speechless.

  Emma giggled nervously, wondering what he meant. He turned around and grinned at her, his eyes twinkling in the candlelight.

  “What does that mean?” she purred, her body squirming under his touch.

  “It means...look at this beautiful pussy,” he offered bashfully.

  Emma blushed, the compliment making her feel sexy and desired, feelings she had been missing in her life for a very long time. She smiled warmly at him, certain he would never know how deeply his words moved her. And they sounded pretty fucking hot rolling off his Italian tongue.

  He continued to massage her pussy, applying exquisite pressure in all the right places. Emma set aside the many inhibitions she had developed over time and inhaled deeply, choosing instead to savor the moment.

  Lorenzo curled his fingers into her and fucked her expertly, his thumb stroking and teasing her clitoris, petting her strategically but adoringly. She was dripping with excitement, her body humming and twitching, answering his stimulation with responsive purrs and deep throaty breaths. Her erotic feedback encouraged him to intensify pressure and increase his arousing rhythm. She felt a delicious heat rising from her center, radiating from her womb. She was close, but something was missing. She found herself reaching and stretching for her orgasm, at least until Lorenzo spoke to her again.

  “No, non tenere indietro, bella. Sentire le mie mani su di te, in te. Tu sei così bagnato, e caldo e dolce. Lasciarlo andare. Cum for me, Mimi,” he growled, his sexy words pushing her right over the edge.

  She gripped the table as her stubborn orgasm surged through her, dancing up and down her spine, curling her toes. She surrendered herself completely to the pleasure and was rewarded with one of the longest, most intense climaxes she had ever experienced, her wetness erupting from deep inside, soaking the sheet beneath her.

  She lay still for a moment, allowing the surge to release her.

  “Mio Dio, sei Bella,” Lorenzo finally whispered.

  He helped her to sit up and placed a warm sheet around her shoulders, then lightly stroked her back. Emma took a moment to get her bearings.

  “If you are feeling good, I am going to leave the room so you can dress. Come out to the front when you are ready, ok Bella?” he brushed her bangs from her eyes and kissed her softly on the forehead.

  She nodded at him, still in a daze. He nodded back and then showed himself out of the room.

  Emma got dressed slowly, her satisfied body reflecting the emotions she felt, fulfilled and maybe a little confused, unaccusto
med to such deliberate tenderness.

  Although Lorenzo was nowhere to be found, Luke was waiting for her in the lobby just as she anticipated. Her inclination was to look at the floor, avoiding his questioning gaze, but she needed him to know that she was not the timid flower he thought she was. Now, more than ever, she was anxious to explore her sexuality, test her resolve.

  She inhaled deeply, summoning her inner goddess, and smiled at her friend.

  Luke grinned back and stood up, reaching for her hand. “Well, how was your massage, Mimi?” he asked, knowing full well what her answer would be.

  “It was most relaxing, Luke, thank you for asking,” she answered modestly, her grin betraying her.

  “Uh-huh,” Luke prodded, pulling her in for a hug, “and?”

  “Lorenzo was very thorough, now let’s go,” she said, her courage dissipating. She turned her head back toward Lucy, “I need to pay for my, uh, treatment,” she said.

  “No, no, Luke has already paid,” Lucy clucked, waving her off.

  Emma looked at him thoughtfully and nodded, “I hope you tipped him well,” she stammered, a blush rising up her throat and pinking her cheeks.

  “You better believe it, girlfriend,” he assured, waving at Lucy. “Let’s go get a drink, I promise to get you home before midnight, Cinderella.”

  “I have to work tomorrow,” she insisted, knowing that Luke wouldn’t consider that a good excuse, “make it eleven.”

  Chapter 6

  Emma never worked outside the home when she was married to Andrew, although she did spend half her days cleaning and cooking. Andrew didn’t believe in hiring help to do chores that Emma could easily do herself. He also didn’t like the idea of outsiders rummaging through his space. He was very possessive of his things. Emma didn’t mind keeping the house nice, but it was very uninspiring, and not how she had imagined her life playing out. She always wanted to be a school teacher and was well on her way to making that happen before she got married. She had pictured herself in a career surrounded by children, and she had the right personality for it too. Children were drawn to her, probably because she treated them with kindness, a whole lot of humor, and plenty of understanding, drawing out the very best in them.