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  Dana blushed heavily and looked downward. “I think that sounds like something I would enjoy very much.”

  5.

  The pair separated and went back to their individual apartments. Dana didn't know what type of place they were going to, but since Alex mentioned they had a wine list, she was assuming it was nicer than a casual dining restaurant and wanted to be on the safe side with her wardrobe selection. She flipped through her closet once more and found a nice black dress in the back. It had spaghetti straps and was cut lower in the front. It accentuated her cleavage, and part of her hoped Alex would notice. She had never had these feelings for another woman before. She couldn't be a lesbian. She didn't even know the meaning of that word until she went to college and found there was a sorority in which the sisters were more than sisters. She wasn't appalled at the idea. It didn't make her physically ill, but she just never considered it a possibility until now. She thought all lesbians had short hair, drove pick-up trucks, and wore flannel. Alex was different though.

  There was a light in Alex's eyes that just made her feel warm inside. She knew that she was probably just lonely since her break up with Steve, but she was confused. The thought of kissing Alex made her, for lack of a better work, happy. The thought of it also excited her quite a bit. All her life, she was told to date men, and she grew up doing that. She had planned her dream wedding when she was a little girl, and her Prince Charming was indeed a prince, and not a princess. She spritzed perfume on both sides of her neck and took her time pulling her hair up and making sure it was in a smooth bun. She then applied her makeup. She was at an age where she wasn't old, per se, but she did find it necessary to use foundation every day, and also concealer to hide some of the lines that had formed under her eyes and around the corners of her lips. She applied her mascara, which brought out her eyes even more, and also used a shade of eye shadow called gun metal, to give the lid a smoky look. With a light blush then applied, Dana looked at herself in the mirror and smiled. For the first time in over a decade she felt that she looked good.

  ****

  Alex waited at the restaurant and sipped some water from the water glass. She had told the host to make sure that when Dana arrived she was seated with her. She was hoping that Dana still decided to show up for dinner. She had gone home and immediately showered and changed. She put on a cream-colored sweater that hugged her curves in the right places and a pair of black slacks with black flats. She took the time to take down her long hair and make sure it was in place before she left. Alex even put on some perfume. It had been a long time since she had dated, and she wanted to make sure that Dana knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that this was a date. She even left a bit earlier and bought some flowers for Dana. Not knowing which were her favorites, she settled for a bouquet of multicolored roses.

  When the host brought Dana to the table where Alex was seated, her mouth dropped. She looked absolutely stunning with her hair perfectly in place and in a dress that made Alex salivate. Alex stood up to greet her and pulled out her chair, helping her get seated. Alex walked back around to her side of the table as the waiter came up and Dana extended her hand, deferring to her for ordering the wine. Once the waiter left, Alex pushed the flower arrangement towards Dana and smiled. “These are for you. I thought they would give the table and the restaurant a bit more class and beauty. Then I saw you. There's definitely no comparison there.”

  Dana blushed deeply and accepted the roses. She was genuinely flattered by Alex's remarks and responded with a soft “Thank you.” Dana could feel the fire rising up in her cheeks once more, and had the same familiar feeling of butterflies in her stomach. She couldn't believe she was having these feelings. Surely this was just her response to the flattery. The compliments, the touches, she admittedly enjoyed the attention, but didn't quite to know how to process it. Alex sensed Dana's confusion and cleared her throat. Her voice shook a bit as she asked, “Just so we're clear about this...you do realize I'm a lesbian and this is a date, right?”

  Dana crossed her legs and squirmed a bit in her chair. Internally, she knew that's what it was going to be all along, but hearing the words said out loud made her question her rationality. She'd never been involved with a woman before and, while not unappealing, the concept was foreign to her. Gazing into Alex's eyes, she felt her breath quicken as she was compelled to respond. “I do and would like to say that I'm not disappointed.”

  Alex breathed a slight sigh of relief. She stretched her arms across the table and took Dana's hand in hers. Dana didn't pull back or move away. She smiled in appreciation at Alex and they remained like that for a few moments before the waiter arrived with their entrees. Dana liked the softness of Alex’s fingertips brushing her own. She liked the feeling of warmth in Alex's smile and couldn't help but notice her breath hitch when she saw Alex lick her lips, slowly sucking the bottom one in her mouth and chewing it gently. She didn't know where the night would lead, but she was hoping that there would be at least a second date made, even if she didn’t entirely understand why.

  6.

  As the evening went on, the pair chatted over wine and dinner. They each got salads, but agreed to get a dessert only to share. The waiter nodded his approval and happily brought them their cheesecake with two dessert forks and gave Alex a hopeful smile and a slight wink that only she noticed. When they finished their meal, the pair fussed over who was going to pay the bill. Alex finally convinced that she would be covering the check, as it was simple good etiquette. The person who issued the invitation was responsible for the check. Dana sighed and finally relented to Alex, who was adamant they weren't leaving the table until Dana agreed. Dana just laughed and pushed the folder with the bill her way, wondering if that was the first of many things she would gladly give in to with Alex.

  They went back to Alex's place following dinner, and Alex invited Dana in for a nightcap. Dana didn't have any pressing concerns for the following day so she gladly accepted. Looking around Alex's apartment, she was impressed with how well-decorated and organized it was. Alex had hardwood floors with an area rug covered in beige and red concentric circles. She had framed art on the walls and a flat-screen TV positioned in front of a black, leather sofa, which appeared plush and comfortable. Alex pointed toward the sofa and said, “Go ahead and make yourself at home. I'll be back with our drinks.”

  Dana took off her jacket and hung it on one of Dana's jacket racks by the door. She then sat down on the sofa and crossed her legs, waiting on Alex to return. Dana looked toward the kitchen when she heard ice cubes clink in their glasses. She didn't know what to expect next, but there was an inner force still compelling her to be with this stunning women. She wondered if Alex would kiss her. She certainly hoped she would. Alex came back into the living room and handed Dana the drink. Condensation had already begun to form on the glass. After taking a few sips, Dana set the glass on a table beside the couch and relaxed. Alex joined her and turned toward her. “So, I hope you had a good time tonight. How would you feel about doing it again?”

  “I think I'd like that.”

  “Yeah? You know what I think I'd like?”

  “What's that?”

  Taking Dana's face between her hands, she moved in and tilted her head. Dana couldn't believe she was going to kiss her. She trembled slightly before Alex's lips made contact with hers. Alex could tell that Dana was conflicted about the kiss, but she decided to continue pressing forward, and before long they made contact. Alex loved how soft and plump the older woman's lips felt upon her own. That same chemistry passed between them once more, and Dana didn't pull back or move away. Alex deepened the kiss, running her fingers through Dana's hair. She closed the distance between their two bodies on the sofa and wrapped her arms around Dana, pulling her closer. She rubbed her shoulders and their kisses got more heated. Pausing for breath, Alex whispered to Dana, “Are you okay? Is this okay?”

  Without hesitation Dana whispered back, “Yes. Oh, it's more than okay.”

  Alex then
took the lead once more, laying Dana back on the sofa. She put the length of her body against Dana's, then began kissing the sides of her neck, and running her hands down her torso. She couldn't help but notice that Dana was fit as she trailed her hands along her midsection, then slipped her hands up Dana's dress. Dana gasped when Alex's hands made contact with her bare skin. She shivered when Alex softly caressed her sides and traced her fingers along her rib cage, never lessening their contact or breaking their kiss. Seeing or hearing no complaints from Dana, Alex then cautiously moved her hand up to Dana's breasts. She unclasped her bra and softly caressed Dana's voluptuous bosom. She paused at Dana's nipples and ran her thumbs delicately over them, which made the older woman of the pair moan in pleasure. While nipping the sides of Dana's neck, Alex put her mouth up to her ear and hotly whispered, “More?”

  “Oh, yes. Don't stop.”

  Sensing Dana's arousal, Alex continued her exploration of her body. She lifted Dana's hips up and pulled the black dress up over Dana's head, leaving her exposed. She then hooked her thumbs around the waistline of Dana's silk thong. Pulling the garment down and over Dana's thighs and feet, she left the woman completely exposed. Alex then planted quick kisses over her lips and cheeks, whispering, “You are so beautiful. Let me show you how beautiful you are.”

  Alex lowered her mouth again to Dana's body and trailed light kisses down her torso until she reached her inner thigh. She looked at Dana once more and placed a soft kiss on her kneecap. Dana gave Alex a slight nod and bit her lip, urging her to proceed. Once Alex got permission, she gently parted Dana's legs and found her center with her mouth. She teased her opening with her tongue and parted her folds. She was pleased to find that Dana was very aroused. She gently sucked her juices and licked her repeatedly, tasting her passion in every movement. Alex thought to herself that if it were her last night on Earth, even the finest wine couldn't compare to the taste of making love to Dana. She continued until Dana bucked and moaned pulling her hair and pushing her deeper and deeper inside her, until she finally lay back, relaxed and satisfied. Alex then changed position and moved herself back up to lie beside Dana and hold her as they both caught their breath.

  7.

  The following morning when Alex awoke, Dana was already gone. There was a note that read, “I had a great time last night. I need some space though, and some time to clear my head. Love, Dana.”

  Alex felt a pang pierce her soul when she realized that Dana probably wouldn't be back. She let out a small sob. She wondered what it was she had done to push her away or make her feel unwanted. She showered and got dressed. She certainly hoped that Dana would return. She was looking forward to them spending the day together and just being happy in one another's arms. Looking at the clock on the wall, she noticed that it was already close to noon. She didn't know what time Dana had dislodged herself from their embrace and snuck out. The only remains of her being were the discarded thong from the previous night, and the scent of her perfume, which still seemed to linger in the air.

  ****

  Dana opened the door to her apartment the following morning and greeted Spark with tearful eyes. She didn't know what she was thinking. Alex had done absolutely nothing wrong. The fact was, she was kind and considerate. She was possibly the most attentive and caring lover she’d ever had. The only problem was Dana had never considered herself to be a lesbian. She never thought she would be on a date with another woman, let alone in bed with one. She decided to take a shower and try to refocus her thoughts. She was so compelled by Alex's beauty. She adored her smile and the light behind her eyes. She loved the way that, when she laughed, it always sounded more like a song, going from loud to soft. In the shower, she stood with her head under the spray for a few minutes, letting the water wash over her tired body and she rolled her neck back trying to relax and get a grip on herself. Thinking back and remembering past relationships, she had always felt that something was off about them, like she was lost and didn't have a map. With Alex, everything suddenly just made sense, and she felt like she had a partner to read the map for her while she drove.

  Poor Alex. How would she feel? Would she think that Dana just used her to satisfy her own curiosity and leave? Dana realized Alex was probably worried about her whereabouts, and if she had made it home okay. After exiting the shower and drying off, she put on some sweatpants and a hoodie. Feeling slightly renewed, she decided to take Spark for a walk. The dog needed some exercise and socialization. Dana also needed to get some fresh air and try to deal with her feelings. Grabbing the dog's leash, she led her out to her car and they drove to the park. Dana got out of the car and Spark was excitedly swishing her tail, ready to go exploring. She led Dana down the path and paused periodically to sniff the air. She seemed to be trailing something. Dana thought she probably scented a squirrel or bird. Spark woofed and took off around a bend, almost pulling Dana behind her.

  To her shock, she saw what Spark was smelling. It was Bubbles, also excitedly wagging her tail, happy to see both her new friends. Alex was sitting on a bench eating an apple and staring off into the clouds, absentmindedly. She didn't hear Dana approach the bench, and she jumped a bit when Bubbles woofed in a greeting. She looked up at Dana and smiled weakly. Dana stood a little closer to her and then asked, “Hi. Do you mind if I sit down for a moment? My dog really seems to want to get to know yours.”

  “Dana. I didn't expect to see you again. Of course you can sit down.”

  Dana saw the look of mixed emotions on Alex's face. She was still licking her wounds from being left alone like a one-night stand, and partially hopeful as well. “So, can we talk?” Dana asked.

  “Of course we can. I think we need to talk.”

  Dana sat down beside Alex and looked at her lovingly. She studied her face and her body. She wanted to trace all of her form and commit it to memory in case Alex just told her to go away. “Listen, Alex. I'm sorry about leaving you this morning. I just couldn't come to terms with…this, with us. I've never had someone so understanding and comfortable in my life. I've also never had this kind of an experience with a woman. So I'm sorry that I left you. It was a very cruel thing to do.”

  Reaching over, Alex took Dana's hand and interlaced her fingers with her own. She rubbed her thumb along the outside of Dana's hand, hoping to calm her as well. “Dana, I understand you're afraid. I understand that you're still reeling and probably a bit confused as well. I know I was my first time. I thought that I was evil or disgusting, some type of mutant that must be destroyed. I learned, though, that was a part of me I was never getting rid of, nor did I want it to go away. It was me, plain and simple. So, honey, I've been in your situation. I understand if you want to take some time apart and see if this was just a passing phase for you, or if you were only feeling a bit nostalgic for Steve and wanted a warm body for comfort.”

  “No. That's not it at all, Alex. Don't you think that for one moment. What I realized, Alex, is that we both equally need each other. I need you to remind me of all the beautiful things there are in life, and I need you, well, because I'm selfish. No other woman in the world is going to snatch a catch like you up, because I had a momentary lapse in judgment by leaving you. So, can we try again, Alex?”

  Alex pulled Dana to her in that moment and didn't say a word. She just kissed her passionately while Bubbles and Spark played together beside the park bench. “Of course we can try again. We can try every single day for the rest of our lives as far as I'm concerned. Dana, ever since that day in the vet's office, you have changed my life and given me hope. So yes, I'm claiming you.” Alex took Dana's hand and brought it up to her lips, kissing it tenderly while their fingers were still linked. They sat that way, holding hands on the park bench, until they saw the coming sunset threatening the horizon. When the dusk was illuminated by shades of brilliant reds and oranges, Dana rested her head on Alex's shoulder, softly saying, “I'm never going anywhere again. This is home.”

  The Slave and the Prince

  Chapter O
ne

  The sun was setting on the Belezian horizon, but Lenox hadn't finished plowing his quota yet, so he continued to toil out in the fields. Though the temperature was well over ninety degrees, and he had run out of water to drink an hour ago, he wasn't allowed to go back to the manor until he finished. He knew that as well as anything, though something more than just the miserable heat was weighing on his mind.

  About twenty minutes prior, he had seen a cargo ship land near the manor. Typically, these ships came with slavers to buy children and breeders. Seeing as Lenox was just a field hand, and a young one at that, he was usually not even called back for these inspections. He was turning nineteen soon, though, so he would be in the same age range as the rest of the breeding stock in a month or two. He didn't remember exactly, because time had been an impermanent and meaningless thing to him, until now. Now he was afraid of when his birthday would come. He had no experience with sex or love, and feared what the future might hold if he was sold as a breeder.

  Lost in his thoughts, he didn't hear one of the supervisors yelling his name until he was in the tractor he had been piloting, holding up his whip. When Lenox turned towards the man with fear in his eyes, the supervisor realized that Lenox hadn't been purposefully ignoring him. Typically a slave would still be punished for being negligent, but no slaver would buy someone who looked like a rebel, so putting a bruise on him would be a bad idea.

  "Master wants you at the house. The Arjan Tribe is here," the supervisor said. He was a big, ugly, toad-like creature. His skin was a disgusting, yellowy brown, with warts everywhere, even near the little slits of his eyes. His mouth was huge, with a protruding lower jaw, but what was more intimidating were the massive muscles he sported. Though he was short and stocky, he had more power in one of his stubby fingers than most men had in a whole arm, so Lenox feared him and any of his kind. They were they Bluger race, and they were the apex creatures on Belezian, which was the planet Lenox was born and raised on.