Counterpoint (Hystoria #3)

5. Chapter Five

Chapter Five

“Good morning, starshine!” I greet Simon with a smile and raise my reusable coffee cup in greeting. Even though I slept like shit, yet again, I’m trying to not let it get to me. While I fell asleep almost immediately after I washed off my makeup and got into bed, I woke up with a cold sweat twice.

I really hoped the nightmares would stop once I’m not in the building where it happened anymore. But, if anything, they’re getting even worse. I try to bury the memory of them deep and lock them away. They’re becoming scarier and more graphic, and every time I wake up, I need to force myself to think of nice things. Daisy fields. Baby alpacas. Puppies. If that doesn’t help, I need to play music so my brain can focus on something besides the memories of my nightmares.

It’s exhausting. Morning couldn’t come early enough; at the same time, I kept hoping for some proper sleep.

Unsurprisingly, Simon doesn’t seem all that motivated either this morning. Who would have thought? He only gives me a curt nod in greeting, but at least he acknowledges me today. Maybe tomorrow he’ll manage to answer.

He looks like he hasn’t slept much better than me. The bags under his eyes have grown darker, and he looks even more disheveled than yesterday. He’s still hot, even with the homeless person-flair. Meanwhile, I still look like a mess, even with a full face of makeup. Life really is unfair sometimes.

I unlock my car as we exit the hotel, and he loses no time scrambling onto the passenger seat.

“Are you ready for another day of our adventure?” I ask him, overly energized, curious if I’ll get a response from him. I admit, it’s fun to wind him up early in the morning.

He glances at me briefly, raising his eyebrow, before directing his gaze out the window, clearly not sharing my enthusiasm. “Sure, whatever,” he mumbles and slides his sunglasses down.

Undeterred, I buckle myself in and pull out of the parking lot. We reach the freeway after a ten-minute drive, which Simon spends clutching the handle again, but when we get onto the freeway, he slowly relaxes. At least my plan was successful, and there was barely any traffic at this time.

The sun is nowhere in sight yet, but a glimmer on the horizon lets me see the outlines of our surroundings outside of Lola’s headlights. We’re driving through the countryside now, surrounded by wide-open fields and cute little farms with flimsy wooden fences .

As the sun rises higher and there’s more light, I can see cows and sheep happily chomping on the lush, dew-kissed grass. It’s serene and idyllic, picture-perfect almost, if not even prettier than what a camera could capture. Nature has a way of making me feel at peace, and despite the early hours, I feel a warm, happy feeling spread in my chest, looking even more forward to going home.

As the sun rises, it colors the sky a beautiful orange and pink. It looks like one of Layla’s commission paintings, as though she took her painting brushes and showed off her skills, splashing vibrant shades of pink and orange all over a canvas. They blend together beautifully, coloring the clouds in a cotton-candy pink, giving them a fluffy, dreamy glow. It’s seriously breathtaking, like the world is waking up right in front of my eyes.

I do most of my sketching digitally, and I could never create something as jaw-dropping as this. I doubt even Layla could. Mother Nature really is the best artist out there.

“Look at how beautiful the sunrise is,” I say in awe. From the corner of my eyes, I see Simon glance up, then direct his eyes right back to his phone in his lap.

He grunts, “Sure.”

“It’s going to be such a beautiful day!”

“Whatever.”

I sigh and roll my eyes. I’ve been doing that a lot since we started our drive. Looks like I wasted my breath yesterday when I asked him for a minimum of a decent conversation. Well, fuck him. I’m going to have a good time anyway. And maybe Taylor will manage to improve his mood as well .

I take out my phone and have it continue with my playlist via voice command. I have my five favorite songs, and if it were up to me, we would be listening to those on repeat. But I’m aware that would be annoying for anyone who isn’t me. Really, he should be thankful that I’m this considerate despite his attitude.

His head whips up as soon as the first chords play on my stereo.

“Seriously. Taylor Swift again? Can’t we listen to something good? ” he asks, looking up from his phone to shoot me an exasperated glance. My grip on the steering wheel tightens, and I take a deep breath to calm my nerves before I answer.

“What do you consider ‘good?’ Your own music?” That makes him roll his eyes, and I can’t help but tease him a bit. “Oh, sorry, maybe I should clarify, ‘music that your band has recorded?’” After all, it’s not a secret anymore that their most famous song isn’t their own, and they stole it from Cole’s girlfriend, Eve. Of course, I followed the drama in the media when the news broke. They can really be damn thankful that Eve was open to cutting a deal with them.

“Honestly, I would consider anything but Taylor Swift ‘good,’” he mumbles and directs his eyes back at his phone. Oh, so he’s one of those haters. I see.

“Okay, then Nickelback it is,” I say with a shrug and reach for my phone, knowing fully well that’s not his cup of tea either. Before I can touch my phone, he swats my hand away. If I remember correctly, he’s more of a Slipknot and Metallica kind of guy.

“No way.”

“You’re awfully picky for a passenger, princess.” I tighten my lips in annoyance and slap his arm in retribution. “And don’t ever slap my hand again while I’m driving. You’re the one who’s all panicky here, and that was really damn dangerous. Seriously, what is wrong with you?”

“Okay,” he says, not sounding sorry at all and not even lifting his eyes from his phone. Seriously, I can’t with this guy.

Not that I’m complaining that he’s finally made his peace with my driving, but if it’s even possible, he’s even more subdued and rude than yesterday. Like something crawled up his ass and made him even more insufferable.

Thinking of ass… I have an idea. A slow grin spreads on my face, and I tap my fingers against the steering wheel gleefully. Oh, he’s not going to like that.

“Okay. Since you’re vetoing all of my music choices, I’m going to listen to my audiobook. If you don’t like it, put on headphones,” I let him know, anticipation bubbling in my stomach and fighting the urge to let out a gleeful giggle.

From the corner of my eyes, I see him glance at me. “I didn’t bring any.” A satisfying calmness washes over me. Of course, he didn’t bring any. Oh, my plan is going to work out wonderfully.

“Sounds like a ‘you’ problem, I guess.” I shrug and reach for my phone. It takes me a bit to find my audiobook app, keeping my eye on the road and all that, but finally, I pull it up. My eyes jump between the slowly picking up traffic on the road and my phone screen with the audiobooks I’ve downloaded before I knew I’d have company on this trip.

I know there is one that I was just in the middle of. And from posts in various Facebook groups and reviews I’ve read before I bought it, I know exactly what’s coming up next in the story—some good old smut .

Feeling like a little raccoon rubbing its cute tiny hands in glee, I press play, biting the inside of my cheek to contain my grin.

A clear female voice comes from the speakers.

“ Chapter seven. Sara.

With excitement bubbling in my stomach, I knock on Nick’s door. Hesitantly, he opens it, the bet we made lingering heavily in the air between us.

“Whoever wins gets a free pass for anal play,” he’d whispered in my ear during our friends’ party at a bowling hall on the weekend, smiling at me confidently as he got up for his first turn. At first, I was apprehensive - I don’t think sexual favors are something to bet on - but after thinking about it more, I gave in. Then I won the game by two points.

Now I’m standing before him, a confident smile playing on my lips. I spent the following day online and found a lot of toys to play with. The anticipation of claiming my prize makes my stomach flutter, and I can hardly contain my excitement.

I approach him with deliberate steps, the dildo I bought weighing heavy in my handbag. I feel empowered. This giant mountain of a man is going to submit to me. I am going to see him writhe under me as he surrenders to me, trusting me to make him feel like he’s soaring above the clouds.

“What the fuck are you making me listen to?” Simon exclaims with shock in his wide eyes, and I can’t contain a grin anymore.

“I’m not making you do anything.” I shrug, biting my lip to stop the smile on my face from splitting it in half. “Not my fault you didn’t think to bring any headphones. ”

“Well, stop at the next gas station so I can buy some,” he demands, but I shake my head. If he’d said ‘please,’ I might have even considered it. Okay, that’s a lie. I wouldn’t have.

“Yeah, no.” Internally, I’m beaming with glee. To him, I show a concerned face. “I don’t want to get caught in commuter traffic again, and we’re about to pass through a bigger city. You’ll have to tough it out until lunch. And don’t you dare touch my phone.” I see him eye it with murderous intent in his eyes. “Or I swear to God, you can walk home. Don’t try me today, Simon.”

He huffs and leans back in his seat, crossing his arms in front of his chest. “Alright, then I’ll just sleep through it.”

“Sweet dreams,” I say delightfully, chuckling at the murderous glance he shoots me before stuffing his jacket between his head and the window.

“Locking eyes with Nick, I watch as desire and apprehension fight in his gaze. It’s intoxicating to see him nervous, almost vulnerable, and it’s making my heart race as I think of all the ways I will bring him pleasure.

“Are you ready, Nick?” I ask him, my voice dripping with seduction.

“As ready as I will ever be,” he admits and steps aside to let me in. “You won fair and square, after all.” His voice shakes with anticipation and nervousness. “I’m a man of my word.”

“And don’t forget, it was your idea.” I wink at him. He takes my hand and leads me to his bedroom, shedding his shirt and pants on the way. The tension between us intensifies as the door to his bedroom shuts with a soft ‘click’ behind us. Suddenly, there is no more noise from traffic, no more light from the streetlights. It’s as if the world outside ceases to exist; all that prevails in this universe is him, me, the toys in my handbag, and his bed.

“Turn around,” he murmurs, his voice a low, seductive whisper that sends a delicious shiver down my spine. Obeying his command, I face away from him, feeling his strong hands gently sweep my hair to one side and over my shoulder, exposing the nape of my neck.

His lips press against my sensitive skin, trailing soft kisses along my neck, creating a trail of electrifying sensations. The heat between us intensifies as his skilled fingers find the zipper of my dress, gradually pulling it down.”

Simon bustles in the passenger seat. No matter how tired he is, I knew he wouldn’t be able to fall asleep that quickly. I bite my lip to contain the chuckle that is threatening to escape me.

Usually, my face would turn a bright red if this kind of audiobook, and especially sex scenes, started playing with other people around. Okay, that’s an understatement, I would fucking die of embarrassment. But I am enjoying myself, and Simon’s squirming, way too much for that. So, only for today, I will swallow down the embarrassment and fucking own it.

“With each inch of exposed skin, my anticipation builds. My breath quickens as the fabric slips down my body, pooling at my feet and leaving me standing before him, wearing only the lacy lingerie I bought just for today. His eyes wander over my body appreciatively, taking in each piece of lace, hiding only the barest amount of skin. I relish in his attention; it sends a shiver down my spine and makes my nipples strain against the flimsy fabric of my lingerie—the air hums with almost unbearable tension, thick with both of our arousal.

Nick’s hands roam over my exposed flesh, his touch both tender and possessive. His fingers trace the delicate curve of my spine, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake. The anticipation becomes almost unbearable as he caresses my hips, inching closer to the tantalizing core of my desire.

He takes a step back to admire me in full, and a hungry fire burns in his eyes. I can see the raw desire he has for me, and it only adds to my current confidence and powerful feeling. Our sex has always been amazing. Both of us attuned to each other, but tonight, I’m going to show him a side of pleasure he’s never experienced before.

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmurs, his voice filled with admiration.

“As are you,” I whisper and take a step closer. My fingers find the hem of his shirt, lifting it slowly, my eyes wandering over each new inch of exposed skin.

Once his shirt is off, I lead him to the bed, motioning for him to climb onto it. He obliges and finds a comfortable position lying down, his beautiful body tense with anticipation and his eyes on me. I crawl over him, straddling him, feeling the heat of his body against mine. Our lips meet in a passionate kiss, teeth clinking and tongues fighting, and I feel his hands roaming over my body, exploring every inch of me he can reach.

My hands trail down his chest, feeling his heart racing beneath my touch. I slowly peel down his boxers, licking my lips when I expose his arousal. He’s ready for me.

I reach into my handbag, retrieving the bright pink dildo I bought for this very purpose. It gleams in the dim light of his bedroom. Nick’s eyes widen with a mix of anticipation and excitement as he realises what’s in store for him tonight.

“Are you ready for me, Nick?” I ask again, my voice low and husky .

He nods, his eyes locking on mine. “Yes, babe,” he breathes, the insecurity in his eyes quickly turning into arousal. “I’m ready. Show me what you got.”

My fingers gently trace a path over Nick’s body, teasing him and coaxing him into a state of arousal. I guide Nick to lie on his stomach, licking my lips as my eyes wander over his body, exposed before me.

I lean down, pressing soft kisses along the nape of his neck, smiling as his back arches in response to my touch. His skin feels so warm beneath my lips, and I can sense the excitement building within him.

I bring my face next to his ear and whisper, “Relax, my love. I’m going to make you feel so good. So amazing. But we’re going to take it slow.” My fingers trail down his spine, over his buttocks, and I tease the sensitive area around his hole.

Nick gasps at the sensation, his body tensing slightly. I lean back to watch his reaction, ensuring that he’s still comfortable with what I’m doing. He turns his head, and his eyes meet mine, and all I see in them is a mix of desire and trust, giving me the reassurance I need to continue.

“What’s your safe word, love?” I ask as I reach for the lube, pouring a generous amount onto my fingers. I know it, but I want to bring it back to his memory.

“Cucumber,” he mumbles into the pillow. With a gentle touch, I begin to massage the lube around his tight ring of muscles, eliciting a deep moan from him, even though his ass is still tense. My other hand doesn’t stay idle; it continues to caress the rest of his body, driving him wild with arousal.

“Tonight you are mine,” I remind him, as I feel him relax under my touch. “You won’t touch yourself unless I tell you to. Understood?” I apply more lube and gently insert one finger, slowly exploring and preparing him.

“Yes,” Nick moans in response, a mix of pleasure and surprise washing over his features at the sensation.

“Feels good?” I ask, my voice filled with tenderness. He nods, unable to find the words to express himself as my finger glides inside him and out gently.

I take my time, adding another finger as he becomes more comfortable. With each movement, I make sure to watch his reactions, ensuring that I’m aware of his needs and desires.

Feeling his body relax and respond to my touch, I add a third finger, stretching him carefully, making sure he’s comfortable. His hips rock against my hand, seeking more, and I oblige, driving him wild with pleasure.

I watch him intently, seeing the pleasure written across his face as my fingers find that sweet spot within him. His body writhes beneath me, surrendering to the sensations that wash over him like waves of pleasure.

“You like that spot?” I tease, my voice laced with desire as I bite his ear gently, knowing full well that it is one of his most sensitive spots. His response is a moan of affirmation, a clear sign that I’ve found the key to unlocking his deepest desires.

I continue to tease and stroke that sensitive area, alternating between gentle and firm touches, pushing him closer and closer to the edge of pleasure. Nick’s hips move in sync with my hand, seeking more pleasure.

I can sense his body growing more and more sensitive, on the brink of release. But I’m not ready to let him succumb just yet. I withdraw my fingers, leaving him craving more, his hips involuntarily searching my touch for my fingers to fill his hole.

“How does that even work logistically? Wouldn’t she have shit on her fingers?” Si’s voice, filled with horror, surprises me.

I need to blink a few times to focus on what he said instead of the story. Before I answer, I hit the pause button. This is getting way too good to let him talk over it. I want him to squirm.

“It’s a romance book. Bodily fluids besides semen and vagina juice don’t exist.” I grin at the confused expression on his face. “Maybe sweat and saliva, but that’s it. Oh, well, sometimes blood, but those kinds of books aren’t really my cup of tea.”

“Ehwww.” I can’t help but glance sideways to watch Simon grimace.

I shake my head. “Plus, it can’t bother guys too much, so why would she care? I’ve been asked for anal proactively way more times than I have asked a partner for it.” I wink at him, then focus my eyes back on the road.

“And how often have you asked for it?” I raise my eyebrow at him. So when the conversation shifts to sex, he’s suddenly talkative? That’s interesting. Not surprising, though; he’s a guy, after all.

“Only when I’ve been asked for it,” I reply with a grin. It’s one of my more genius moves, I dare say. Tom, for example, kept asking me for anal sex over and over again, seemingly unable to grasp the meaning of the word ‘no.’

He only stopped bothering me with it when I answered him that I’d be open to anal after I’d be allowed to shove a dildo up his ass. Suddenly, ‘it’s just anal’, and ‘it’s not that bad’, and ‘it doesn’t even hurt that much’ weren’t good arguments when I made them. But it got the point across, I think. If it didn’t, at least he stopped asking, so I see that as a win.

Simon seems to brew on my reply, so I hit the play button again.

“I reach for the dildo and the lube, coating it with a generous amount, before I position the head at his entrance. With a steady hand, I push it in, and he takes it, inch by inch, moaning at the sensation of the toy inside him and his hole stretched by its girth.

He gasps when the toy is finally completely in him.

“How are you feeling, babe?” I ask him, and he looks at me through glassy eyes.

“Better than expected,” he presses out, and I lean down to press a kiss on his lips. He moans into my mouth when I pull the toy out the slightest bit before pushing it back inside him. Arousal clouds his face, and his hands are roaming the sheets for something to hold onto. Finally, he finds the covers, gripping the fabric tightly as I maintain a slow and steady rhythm with the toy. The sensation of power and control coursing through me as I guide him toward the edge of bliss is exhilarating, and I feel myself getting wet at the sight.

I find a steady rhythm, my movements calculated to bring him to the brink of release, only to pull back and tease him further. He moans in frustration and desire, his body yearning for release.

“Babe,” he begs, the word a desperate plea for more. And I oblige, increasing the intensity of my movements, driving him closer and closer to the edge.

“Please, let me-” He reaches for his cock, but I pull his hand away. He doesn’t need it. And only moments later, I can feel Nick reaching his climax, his body tensing with anticipation. I ride the wave of his pleasure, my own desire matching his, until he finally reaches his peak.

With a powerful scream, he comes all over himself and me, his moans of ecstasy filling the room. I continue to move the dildo gently, riding out his orgasm until he collapses in a state of blissful satisfaction.”

“Well, I guess it’s time for lunch,” I declare and merge to get off at the next servicing station.

“Thank God,” he mutters, pointedly looking out of the window. I smile. Mission accomplished. I don’t think there will be another complaint about the music I want to listen to while I drive. If not, I have five more books downloaded. If anal play doesn’t dissuade him, maybe alien tentacle porn will. Or a werewolf gangbang.

But I think I’ve made my point. Over the description of the aftercare, I hear Simon breathing heavily, squirming in his seat and subtly covering his crotch with his jacket.

“I think we should take the drive-through,” he mumbles as I activate the indicator and bring the car to a halt next to a parking spot.

“No, I think I would like to stretch my legs. Bring your jacket.” I grin at him and reverse into the spot expertly.