Page 108 of Nocere

"Sixteenth. She's almost at the top."

"Like you."

"We both have superiority complexes." Sam laughed as she pressed the button for the appropriate floor.

When the doors shut, I looked around for signs of any cameras. "No cameras?"

"I'm sure there is." She pointed toward something above the button panel. "Probably there."

I let go of her to stand behind her while I slipped out of my panties. Boyshorts weren't as easy to hide as frilly pairs when I tucked them into her jacket pocket.

"Look at my brave sweet." She grinned and wrapped her arm around my shoulders. "Were they damp?"

"A little," I squeaked and hid my face against her chest. "Anticipation."

"Isn't it delicious?" She kissed my cheek just before the doors opened.

Similar to the floors below, black carpet lined the halls and white walls led the way. We headed all the way to the end and the final door marked 16T. Samirah knocked and we waited, my hand held tightly in hers.

It took Caroline a few seconds to answer, and when she pulled the door open, her appearance surprised me. Black jeans, with the top button undone, and a tight-fitting camisole that emphasized her narrow figure. I hadn't ever seen her without her gear belt before. Couple that with her usually tight curls down looser and damp, she appeared more relaxed than ever, save for her black boots.

"Hey," she said, a smirk tugging the corner of her mouth. "Come in."

"Brought you cookies and sleepy tea." Samirah lifted the tote and Caroline accepted it with lifted brows.

"Perfect. Nora made brownies and cheesecake. We're sweets ready," she said, ushering us inside.

We ditched our coats in the hall, and Sam carried her gym bag in with us. Caroline's apartment, nothing like the contrast of the halls, carried a stark black-on-gray theme. All of her living room furniture wore black leather upholstery, and the black carpet matched the laminate floors of the rest of the house. It's elegant, yet dark design offered both comfort and mystery. Artwork hung on the walls—some photographs, some drawings—most of which held the naked figures of women. It made me grin and I glanced to Sam who offered me a wink.

We found Nora in the kitchen, wearing only a white blouse with nothing else under it, as evidenced by the way she only fastened one button over her lower stomach. Her fine, feathery blonde hair hung to her shoulders and she stood there, a brownie pinched between her fingers like we hadn't just entered. She smiled at us, then offered us both warm hugs.

"Glad you both decided to join us," she said, and Caroline moved behind her, snaking her arm around her waist.

"I've been making her wait three days with no release," offered Caroline, her gaze on Sam. "She's pissed at me."

"Am not." Nora huffed and her scowl proved her words not quite truthful.

Sam chuckled and brushed her lips over my temple. "Rosie, too, except she doesn't know it."

"Hey. What don't I know?" I poked her side.

"That I've withheld my affections for a few days to keep you ripe and hungry." She chuckled and wrapped her arms around me from behind. I settled against her and swatted her hip.

"I'm aware, honey," I said in silly sing-song that made everyone chuckle.

"Rosie, want a brownie?" Nora offered me one and I accepted it without complaint.

"Thanks." I indulged in the extremely fudgy confection and offered Sam a bite.

Nora and Caroline watched us with amused smiles, and Nora leaned into Caroline's arms. Her shirt lifted slightly, revealing all of her bits for the world to see. I lifted a brow at Sam and she grinned.

"Let's start with rules and consent, okay?" she said, her gaze on mine despite addressing everyone.

"Yes, indeed. Let's head down to the playroom." Caroline swatted Nora's rear and she lifted one of the brownie trays to take with her.

Sam and I followed them down the hall where four doors met. Two of the open doors led to a bedroom and bathroom. Caroline led us into the third, and instead of a standard bedroom, we entered a room with a four-post bed topped with down blankets and fluffy pillows. We all ditched our shoes before heading in. No other bedroom furniture joined it, however. Two footlockers sat against one of the walls and on the other side of the bed, a thick floor mat that belonged in a gym covered the floor. Towels, sheets, and blankets piled up on a small shelf beside a minifridge. Only one chair sat against the wall in the corner, and a few black leather bean bag chairs tucked into another. They led us to the bean bag chairs and we all sat together. The dim lighting in the room, coupled with the lack of windows and maroon walls, gave the illusion of deep night.

Sam pulled me into her lap, her lips against my neck. Nora sat between Caroline's knees, and Caroline urged her shirt from her shoulders.

---