Page 109 of Rage

“I think you just haven’t found the right guy yet.”

“Or maybe I just like women?” I’m more than shocked. I’m utterly reviled as I step away and turn on my heel without another glance at him.

Men are so gross.

I can feel his beady eyes on me still as I sweep back into Lara’s orbit. She pulls me to the side, out of full view, wrapping me in an embrace. Her hand comes up to rest on the dip of my back, effectively erasing the memory of his touch with a searing one of her own.

“This dress looks so good on you, Kath.”

I blush, knowing she’s right, but finding it hard to accept the praise. It’s a far cry from my usual outfits, much more exposed. But I wanted to look my very best for this night.

She leans in closer, bringing her ear next to mine; a whisper to her lover that’s for no-one else to overhear. “I love it when you wear my clothes, beautiful. Knowing you’re wrapped up like this, your body being caressed by a little piece of me… It’s all I ever want.”

“I love that you get so possessive.” It’s one of the things I adore about her, how she gets so determined to claim every inch of me when we make love. And she loves to tease me like this too.

Not that I would ever complain, because I love it too.

“Are you still drenched from earlier, my love? You get so wet, dripping all over my hand when I have my fingers holding your cunt, my thumb on your clit as you gasp my name. Only mine, always… I can still feel your muscles clamping against me, the look on your face as you ride your climax out on my palm?—”

My breath is coming in short pants, my nipples pebbling as my skin breaks out in goosebumps, the feel of her lips on my neck stirring and stoking a fire in my lower belly again. “No fair, Lara, we’re in public!”

Her tongue trails a seductive line back up the edge of my jawline, lingering at the very corner of my lips before she kisses me, long and deep, her tongue claiming my mouth like it claimed my pussy only a few hours before.

She breaks off, pressing her forehead to mine, impassioned words further sparking the heat of my desire. “And you know I don’t care, my darling. This love we have—nothing can break us, you hear me?” Her hand grips my chin, forcing me to look her in the eyes—making me hear the words to the very depth of my core.

And I do. “I hear you, and I love you. I do. You have my whole soul.”

Lara hums against my lips, savoring my words. “I love you too. Listen, I need to go soon, but you stay and enjoy your moment, won’t you? This is your moment, my darling, and I’m so glad to have been able to share even a tiny piece of it with you.”

“Thank you. I-it’s a lot, but…”

“Shhh, silly goose. You deserve it. Now, promise me you’ll get a taxi home, okay?”

“I will.” And I do fully intend to. Although the walk isn’t a long one, it’s cold out this time of year.

The schmoozing continues into the night, the city’s wondrously wealthy inhabitants inspecting, critiquing, commenting on my work… But more importantly, they’re purchasing.

By closing time, I’ve not only sold a few large pieces, but I have some commission inquiries too. This has truly been the best opportunity I’ve had in a long time; and it’s all because of Lara pushing me.

She doesn’t understand how much she both drives and fulfills the creative passion in me; my muse, my mentor, my astounding partner—her will and determination to forge a career through this male dominated life is what feeds my artistic expressions.

It’s all about her, this exhibition; the juxtaposition of her inherent femininity. High flying business woman by day, ever-giving lover, kick-ass gamer and martial arts enthusiast the rest of the time. Strong and fierce in all her guises, she truly embodies the meaning of the words to me.

You’d never tell from the abstraction of the printing process, of course, but… I know the whole package behind the colorful chaos.

It’s later than I hoped by the time everyone has filed out of the gallery; darker and colder too, but the downtown vibe of Seattle is still abuzz with energy. I look at the queue for taxis, warring internally.

I promised, both myself and her, but… it’s already a little later than I really wanted to be.

It’s not that far.

I look at the route through the park which leads under the freeway. It’s well lit, for the most part, and I’ll just make sure to hurry through the bits where the shadows get a little darker.

It’ll be fine.

I will be fine.

But I wasn’t fine.

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