Chapter 7

Pete unfastened the handcuffs one at a time, rubbing her exhausted limbs as he released each one. When the last one sprang loose, he picked her up in his arms and placed her on the bed, lying down next to her.

"Easy, princess." His voice was soothing, his hands gentle as they caressed her body. He leaned over and kissed her cheek, a tender and caring gesture. "Let your body come down."

"Oh, god, Pete." She could hardly form words.

"I told you it would be good, didn't I? The best yet?"

"Yes." She drew in a breath and let it out slowly. "The best."

"Good girl."

She could hear the smile in his voice.

"Pete?"

"Mm hmm."

"I don't think we can top this."

He hugged her close to him, one hand fingering the collar around her neck. "Oh, princess, we haven't even started yet." When she didn't comment, he brushed the hair away from her face and nudged her slightly. "Sugar?"

But she was fast asleep.

Pete climbed off the bed and picked up the covers from the floor, covering the sleeping form. As he picked up their toys and put them away, he smiled to himself.

"Sleep, princess. I meant what I said. We're just beginning."

****

Saturday was always a lazy day for them. This time it was even lazier. When Tracie finally pulled herself out of bed, the clock read just after noon. Every muscle in her body ached, although it was a pleasant soreness.

"Welcome back, sleeping beauty."

She looked up at Pete standing in the doorway, holding a steaming mug of coffee.

"Oooh." She reached out her hand. "Gimme."

"I thought you could use this. I know how you like your morning jolt of caffeine." He handed her the coffee.

"Thank you." She blew on the hot surface and sipped at it greedily.

"Come on." He held out his hand.

"Where are we going?"

"When I peeked in and saw you waking up, I ran a hot bath for you. Figured you needed it."

"You take good care of me."

He pulled her into his arms. "Always. I hope you know that." He kissed her, a deep kiss but not passionate. Caring. Like many other things he'd done lately, this gesture of Pete's made her heart turn over.

Cool it, Tracie. Live for today. Don't wish for the impossible. A man like Pete will be off looking for greener pastures before you know it.

But the ride would be great while it lasted. And she always secretly hoped.

The water in the huge marble tub was steaming and the scent of roses drifted in the room. Pete lifted Tracie and lowered her carefully into the water. When she leaned back, he put a foam bath pillow behind her head.

"Okay, sugar. Time to work the kinks out or you won't enjoy the rest of the weekend."

She closed her eyes and let her fingertips drift on the top of the water. "Rest of the weekend?" she said lazily.

"Yes, babe. I have some special surprises for you. But first, some therapy for those poor muscles."

He bathed her, with a gentleness that always surprised her. Pouring scented liquid soap on his hands, he rubbed them to make a lather and began massaging her body. Although he bathed her breasts, her pussy, every inch of her, the touch was not sexual. And when he finished, she felt totally boneless.

Pete had the entire top floor of their condo building, and part of it he'd turned into a large stone deck with an oversized hot tub. They lazed in lounge chairs for most of the day, taking advantage of the sunny afternoon. At one point Pete left her for a few minutes, to as he said, "get things ready for tonight." Late in the day he grilled steaks for them while Tracie fixed a salad and baked potatoes. They split a bottle of wine, taking their time over their meal, indulging in comfortable conversation. By the time they'd finished cleaning up, the sun had set and the first hint of darkness drifted across the sky. Pete took the collar off the little table where it had been sitting all afternoon and fastened it around Tracie's neck.

"Time to get ready for tonight." He kissed her, his tongue brushing her lips, then thrusting inside, meeting hers and dancing with it. He threaded his fingers through her hair, capturing her head, ravaging her mouth until her legs began to weaken. "I never can decide which feels better in your mouth, my tongue or my cock. I wish there was a way I could get both in there at the same time."

He leaned down and turned on the hot tub. It had become part of their weekend routine, and Tracie continued to marvel at the inventive things Pete could conjure up for them to do in its roiling waters. But tonight, she was energized, antsy, waiting for Pete to tell her about the things in the third bedroom.

"Ask me nicely," he teased.

"Tell me and I'll suck your cock in the hot tub," she grinned."

"You win. But something else first. Get up on the lounge on your hands and knees." He held up a plastic baggie with one of her butt plugs and the tube of gel. "I need the sweet little ass nice and relaxed tonight, sugar."

She felt him spread the soothing gel over her anus, then inside her ass until she was sure he'd spread the whole tube in there.

"Why so much?"

"I want to make sure that hot tunnel says well-greased. Here we go."

He pressed the tip of the plug against her anus and slid it in with one smooth stroke. The first time they'd used the plugs it had taken forever for even the smallest one. Now her body accepted all of them without resistance.

"Okay." He slapped the cheeks of her ass. "Into the tub, sugar."

They sat on one of the seats in the hot tub, Tracie on Pete's lap with her legs splayed on either side of his. She pinched his thigh playfully. "Please tell me about the things you bought." She couldn't believe she was so eager to experience things that six months ago she would have run from.

How life changes, she mused.

"Very soon, princess." His hands came together in her lap and he began stroking the lips of her pussy.