Amber

They didn't drive back to the hotel. Marie only noticed this when the streets became narrower and the gleaming skyscraper facades were replaced by avenue trees. The street lighting became sparser. She could see individual stars through the panoramic roof of the limousine, which purred quietly through the night.

The house was hidden behind tall hedges and a gate that opened and closed automatically. Inside, everything felt soft. Muted colors, thick carpets, floor-length curtains, comfortable armchairs. There was an open fireplace that lit itself as they entered the room. People didn't come here to show off, but to retreat.

“Make yourself at home,” Soraya invited her to sit down.

As Marie sank into the soft cushions, she realized how tired she was. She exhaled deeply and closed her eyes. Suddenly, the tension that had held her all day fell away.

The long flight, the nerve-wracking anticipation of difficult negotiations with the Americans, the unfamiliar surroundings after her arrival, and the bizarre meeting with Jenkins—all of it had taken its toll. She sighed, kicked off her shoes from her aching feet, and pulled her legs up onto the sofa.

Soraya poured two glasses.

The liquid was amber-colored. Marie smelled honey, notes of sherry, and a faint hint of smoke. The whiskey was strong but smooth on the palate. As she swallowed, it left a warmth in her throat that spread to her stomach.

When Soraya sat down next to her, the seat cushions gave way ever so slightly and Marie felt herself tilting gently in her direction.

“Is this part of the visitor program?” she asked. Her eyelids were heavy.

“No. No one knows we’re here.”

“Then what are we doing here?”

“I don’t think you want to be alone tonight.”

Although they weren’t touching, Marie could physically feel how close Soraya was. Soraya’s perfume enveloped her, distinct and feminine. Underneath was another scent that Marie couldn't quite place.

“I don't know. Maybe this is a mistake.”

“You could leave anytime.” Soraya's voice was dark and quiet. “I wouldn't stop you.”

Marie looked into her eyes. They were large and deep black. Every now and then, a spark of light flashed in them, like a star in the night sky. They moved closer. Marie sank into them. Soft, warm breath caressed her cheek. When their lips met, she simply let herself fall.

One hand stroked her temple, buried itself in her blonde curls, held her tight, while a cheeky tongue began to tease hers. It tasted of **** and desire.

Soraya's other hand slid under Marie's blouse and explored the body she had hidden all day under formal clothing. Marie moaned into the kiss and arched her back. Her mind became hazy. Awkwardly, she peeled herself out of her jacket.

When Soraya broke away and stood up, Marie was left breathless. She looked up at the taller woman. The racy beauty slid the strap of her dress over her shoulder with one finger. First right, then left. Painfully slowly, she pulled it down, revealing at first her full breasts with large, coffee-brown areolas, then her flat stomach. She swayed her hips seductively.

The sensual striptease continued until the dress, obeying gravity, slid down Soraya's long legs. Marie's eyes widened. Soraya was wearing nothing underneath. She was shaved except for a narrow strip of dark hair above her mons pubis. She strode towards the younger woman with swaying steps.

“Wait.” Marie's voice sounded strangely hoarse. She swallowed and looked around self-consciously. “Where's Steve?”

“He's taking care of our safety. Don't be afraid.”

Soraya came closer. Very close. She pressed Marie's face against her belly.

Marie didn't resist. The unidentified scent returned, stronger now, almost overwhelming. And she remembered. It was the tart, mystical aroma she could smell when she lay alone in bed, caressing herself, sliding her hands between her thighs to fondle the delicate folds and the sensitive bud hidden beneath. It was the scent of her own arousal that she rediscovered in Soraya.

Her body reacted instinctively. A tingly chill ran down her spine, while at the same time a searing heat exploded in her belly. She felt her panties suddenly stick damp to her skin as she slid off the sofa and fell to her knees in front of Soraya.