Shanghai Series

Chapter 1

Roy stretches in the saddle, feeling the muscles in his back cry out. He had been riding all day and was tired. With town in sight, Roy gained a new sense of relief. Mentally, he prepares a list of things to do. A hot bath and a hotter woman are at the very top.

The shades are drawn at the Pacific Express Office. The occasional person passes on their way to the general store or the saloon, but no one takes notice of the happenings inside. They are used to the company's odd hours, so a dark office during the day isn't unusual.

But today isn't business as usual for Luke Baker, the payroll clerk. He sits tied to a thick wooden chair, mouth bound by a sweet smelling handkerchief, hands and feet secured with a rope. Beads of sweat roll down his face. His eyes are wide with fear. Near him, two woman feverishly load stacks of paper money into large gunny sacks. One stands watch at the door while another holds a rifle inches from his head.

"Come on. Let's move it", snaps the leader. She was tall and thin with cascading red hair. She was also very impatient with the shapely brunette helping her with the sacks.

"You think you can do a better job?" snaps the brunette, "then do it yourself". She is extremely annoyed with her partner.

"Come on", hisses another partner in crime, "let's get out of here".

With the sacks loaded, the women prepare their getaway. So far, everything was going as planned. Devilwoman liked a well executed plan.

Roy guided his horse to Goldie's Place. He was tying off the reins when he spotted a petite blond in a lacy blue dress heading his way.

"Oh my God!" he exclaimed. Spinning around he pulls his hat down over his eyes. She didn't see me. She didn't see me, he tells himself.

Taking a quick glance over his shoulder, he sees her catch his eye and wave. "Roy", she calls out. Indeed she has spotted him and is coming fast. He has to get away. With head down Roy starts down the main street, away from the blond. She shouts again. "Roy." He comes to a halt.

"What do I do", he thinks, mind racing, mouth dry. A thought comes to mind. He snaps his fingers. "Got it!" he nearly shouts. With that Roy veers to the right and runs.

Bam! Roy slams hard into someone and hits the ground. "Hey, watch where you're...". His voice trails off. He was staring straight into the barrel of a gun. Raising his head, his baby blues squint against the glare of the sun. He can make out the outlines of two females.

"Well look what we have here", the redhead muses. "A little clumsy but easy on the eyes".

Roy hears female voices laughing. "Look ladies", he begins, "I'm really sorry. I was in a hurry. I apologize". He stands, brushing dirt from his clothes. "Now if you don't mind..." Roy takes a step to leave but a figure blocks his way.

"Mind what, sweetheart?". The owner of the voice has dark hair tucked up under a hat. He admires her deep brown eyes and porcelain skin. For a moment he imagines what her skin must feel like. The redhead rudely interrupts the pleasant vision.

"Seems like you showed up at the wrong time Mr. O'Bannon". He was surprised to hear his name mentioned. "That's right", she explains. "I know who you are. I recognized you from those old wanted posters".

Roy takes a little pride in that but it doesn't alleviate his confusion. "I'm afraid you've got me at a disadvantage cause I have no clue who you are".

She laughs. "I'd introduce myself properly, but I'm kind of pressed for time". She gives a little wave of her gun. "If you don't mind, we're all gonna talk a ride".

Roy looks at the gun pointed his way. "Doesn't look like I have a choice".

Devilwoman motions to the brunette. "Get his guns". He stands still while the woman removes his gun belt from his hips. Without his prized pearl handles, Roy feels naked. "Where's your horse?" she asks him.

He nods towards the street. "In front of Goldies".

A mousy blonde speaks up. "I'll fetch it".

He waits quietly for the girl to return with his horse. With the redhead in the lead and a gun at his back, the groups rides out of town. He doesn't know what will happen next, but he is willing to bet that it won't be boring.

Chapter 2

Roy wiggles in the saddle. Many long hours in the saddle and little rest, have his body aching. The heat of the day has long since faded, the sky changing to darker shades of purple and pink as the sun slips behind the mountains. A cool breeze drifts in from the north. It was time to rest for the night.

The redhead, Devilwoman, rides up front with the mousey blond called Bob. She looks like a kid, way too young to be riding with a group of outlaws. Behind him was a Mexican named Zara. He found her beautiful, but crude. The way she looked at him made him uncomfortable. He had been undressed by a woman's eyes before, but this one looked like she wanted to devour him.

Thinking of the women had distracted him; so much so that he didn't notice the others had stopped and rode his horse straight into Devilwoman's. She glares at him.

"Sorry" he says weakly. He notices her eyes are blue.

She wastes no time. "Let's get camp set up", she says jumping down from her horse. The other women quickly fall into step. Bedrolls are tossed. Pots and pans are brought out. A campfire is roaring in no time. With nothing to do, Roy stands quietly by. When the camp is set up, the brunette walks towards him. Roy heard her called Luscious. "

What do we do with him for the night?" she asks, eyeing him curiously.

Devilwoman looks around. "Let's tie him up over there", she says, nodding towards a cottonwood tree. Taking some rope from her saddlebag, she hands it to Luscious. "Sorry for the inconvenience Mr. O'Bannon", she tells Roy, "but I don't want you running off in the middle of the night".

Roy shrugs. "You've got my guns. How far could I get?"

She eyes her saddlebags. Roy's pearl handles had been placed there for safe keeping, a fact Roy had been lamenting since Carson City. "What good's a cowboy without his guns?" he asks before realizing he had already answered his own question.

 "About as much use as a three legged horse I'd imagine", the redhead replies.

Roy allowed himself to be led to the tree. Luscious wraps the rope around his body twice before tying it behind him. She leaves his hands free.

 "How's that?" she asks.

Roy tests her handiwork. "Not too bad".

Luscious gives Roy a smile before joining her friends around the fire. The ladies talk as they prepare the meal. Roy hears most of what is said, but occasionally they speak in a hushed tone as if they don't want him to hear. He wants to ask his captors a million questions but he doesn't want to push; not before finding out more about their plans for him.

Devilwoman spoons some of the stew into a cup and brings it to him with a chunk of bread. She kneels down before him.

"It's not much but it'll get the job done".

He takes the cup and savors the aroma a bit before taking the first bite. To him it smells wonderful. He chews slowly. Devilwoman patiently awaits the verdict.

"This is great" he says excitedly. "Really great".

 Devilwoman looks embarrassed. She knows he is exaggerating but it still gives her a tiny thrill. It'd be a long time since a man had enjoyed her cooking. "Oh, come on", she says. "It's only stew".

"No. I'm serious. This is the best stew I've ever had". Little did she know that Roy wasn't joking. He was a lousy cook, which accounted for his slender frame.

"Well, I'll let you eat in peace then". Devilwoman stands. "Let me know if you want more. There's plenty". Roy watches her walk away before returning to his meal. It gratefully gobbles every bite before asking for seconds. With a full stomach, things don't look so bad to Roy.

The women enjoy the pleasant evening. Their plan had been carried out to perfection. They had the money and a clean getaway. They laughed and drank, passing around a whiskey bottle. Roy even got a few sips. When they are all tired, the women stretch out on their bedrolls and sleep. Roy watches them, mesmerized by the firelight's glow on their sleeping faces. Roy O'Bannon, out in the wilderness with four beautiful outlaws. He thinks about it for a while. Am I a lucky man or what? For now the answer isn't clear, so Roy pulls his hat down over his eyes and drifts off to sleep.

Chapter 3

Roy opens his eyes. Looking around he sees three of the women asleep on their bedrolls. It is still dark. Wait, he wonders, where's Devilwoman? Just then she comes into view. Her hair falls in loose waves around her face and shoulders. Her low cut white dress barely contains her heaving breasts. Roy feels the excitement building within. "Oh my God", he whispers, "you're so beautiful".

Devilwoman smiles coyly. Roy watches with excitement as she moves closer. Their eyes meet, displaying mutual intense longing. Roy wants her more than anything.

"Come here Devilwoman", he purrs.

Creeping along on hands and knees, her eyes remain locked on his. She reminds him of a sleak, sexy cat. He feels the heat from her body. He watches her chest rise and fall. Then her lips are on his, soft and warm. Her tongue slips in between his parting lips. Roy's body tingles. The taste and smell of her drives him crazy.

Suddenly Devilwoman pulls free. She gazes at Roy curiously, head tilted to one side. Roy returns a puzzled gaze.

 "What?" Why had she stopped?

Devilwoman tosses her head back and howls. Roy cocks his head to one side, unsure of what is happening. "Huh?" he says before she howls again. Then he hears a gunshot and his whole body jerks. Suddenly he is wide awake and staring straight into the face of a wolf.

 "Ahhhhhhhhh", he screams, trying to wriggle away. The ropes hold him against the tree.

A shot rings out again and the wolf runs off. Roy looks up to see Devilwoman holding a rifle and shaking her head.

"Good thing you don't smell good to him", she teases.

He is relieved but also a little insulted. "Well", he says with a pause, "thanks for that. I owe you one".

 "We better get moving". The ladies had packed up camp and were ready to go. She unties him and heads for the horses.

"Hey", he calls out. She turns to see him motioning towards the trees. "Do you mind?"

She followed his gaze to the woods with a wrinkled brow. It's obvious she doesn't understand Roy's gesture.

"I gotta...", Roy cock's his head again. "You know..."

"Ohhhhh", she says slowly, finally realizing what he is in need of. "Don't go far. I'm watching".

 Roy ambles over to a small group of trees about fifty feet from Devilwoman. He glances back at the woman before unfastening his trousers. Although he needed to pee badly, the thought of the women watching him made him nervous, and when Roy was nervous, things didn't work the way they should. After a few minutes, the Mexican is clearly ready to go.

"Vamos", Zara yells from her horse. "What's taking so long? Can't you find it?"

Devilwoman shoots her a nasty look. Roy hums nervously to himself. "Come on little Roy. Don't make me look bad here", he tells himself. After a few minutes of humming, his nervousness fades and relief comes. He returns to his horse where Zara holds the reins.

"Feel better?" she snipes.

Roy gives her a boyish smirk. "Fine. Thanks".

Before anything else can be said, Devilwoman breaks in. "Ok. Let's go". With Devilwoman in the lead, the group is off again.

Chapter 4

They rode all day, the pace steady but relaxed. In the afternoon they stopped to give the horses water from a crystal clear stream. It gave Roy a chance to stretch his legs. By dusk the women were becoming more animated and somewhat anxious. He noticed the change, but was far too tired to dwell on it.

 He was dozing off in the saddle when the horses suddenly picked up pace. He nearly fell off before looking up to a small farm. Devilwoman galloped ahead leaving the rest of them in her dust. The farmhouse was white with a sprawling front porch. Beside it sat a large barn and several outbuildings scattered around. Chickens milled about. After such a long trip it looked very inviting to Roy.

He followed the women thought the front gate, stopping in front of the house itself. Devilwoman was already busy removing the saddle and harness from her stallion. Roy slid down from his mount and took a look around. It had been a long time since he'd been on a farm such as this.

"Come on mister", a little voice said. "Get your horse over there so he can eat".

Roy was startled to see the mousy blond standing next to him. "Oh. "Sorry". he offered. Immediately he began removing the saddle, seeing that the other horses were already in the corral. The redhead glanced his way as she strode past.

"Bring him in when he gets that horse corralled".

Roy looked up long enough to see her disappear through the front door with Luscious in tow. Only Bob and Zara remained outside. Zara leaned against the corral fence watching as Roy picked up the saddle and hoisted it over the top fence rail. Bob had taken the lead and was moving his horse through the corral gate. Roy leaned back against the rail.

"So who's place is this?" he asked the Mexican.

Zara looked at him a moment before pushing away from the fence and towards Roy. She leaned into his face.

"Maybe it's mine, maybe not", she answered in a thick accent. "What does it matter to you?"

Roy shrugged. "No matter", he said. "Just curious".

Zara put a hand to his chest, feeling the material of his shirt in her fingers. "I like a curious man", voice low and coaxing. "I like very much".

Roy was flustered, but before he could respond, Bob grabbed his arm and yanked him towards the house.

"Owwwww! Easy." he cried.

"Don't be a baby", she countered.

He was offended by that. His lips curled to form a tiny pout. Zara thought it was one of the sexiest things she had ever seen. She followed behind as Bob led him into the house.

 "Mmmm, Mmmmm", she purred. "Delicioso".

It took a moment for Roy's eyes to adjust to the light inside the house. Oil lamps cast shadows on the walls. The flames danced and flickered. Devilwoman and Luscious sat at a small wooden table, counting out money. They had been arguing but fell silent when they saw Roy. Zara edged past him and took a seat. Bob took off her hat and tossed onto a chair.

"Where do we put him?" she asked the group.

The three of them turned to look at Roy. He felt butterflies in his stomach.

"He could sleep in my room" Luscious offered with a giggle.

"Forget it, whore" Zara spat. She eyed Roy like a pastry. "He don't want you. He wants a real woman".

Luscious jumped up, pushing back her seat. "Who you callin' a whore?" she demanded.

Both women were on their feet. Any moment fists would fly. Devilwoman steeped in.

"He can sleep in my room".

The women turned in unison. Bob eyed the redhead with contempt.

"And where are you going to sleep?"

"I'll sleep down here".

The answer appeared to satisfy the others. Roy, who had been watching, was surprised by the confrontation. He did have to admit to himself that it was exciting having women fight over him. "That Roy O'Bannon charm" he thought to himself. "It never fails".

"Go on Bob. Tie him to the bed". The redhead was tired. She just wanted to get some sleep for herself. "But make sure he's comfortable".

 Bob rolled her eyes, gesturing for Roy to follow. They went up the creaky steps and came to a long hall. He followed her into a door on the right. It opened to reveal a beautifully decorated roon with a giant bed. A dresser stood on one side of the room, a washstand and rocking chair on the other. The linens were very feminine.

"This is Devilwoman's room?" he asked.

Bob looked at him strangely. "Yeah. Why?"

Roy quickly shook his head, lips pursed. "No reason". Then he thought he should add, "It's nice".

"I guess it's a little frilly for a man, but the bed's comfortable".

Roy surveyed his surroundings. Till Bob swatted his arm. "So hit it". She was pointing at the bed.

He started at the touch. "Ohhh. Ok".

Roy went to the bed and sat down. Bob came around with some rope.

"You'd probably be more comfortable if you took off your coat" she suggested.

He nodded as he began to remove the heavy object from his shoulders.

"Your boots too".

After tossing his coat onto the nearby rocker, he quickly removed his boots, setting them neatly by the bed. Then with back against the iron headboard, he allowed Bob to tie each of his hands to the intricate iron scrolling. When she was finished she stood up.

"Hope that's not too tight".

Roy wiggled his hands around a little and smiled. "No. It's not bad at all. You women sure are good at tying a man up".

The minute he said it Bob's eyes grew wide. He flinched, wishing he could take it back.

"That's not, I mean I'm not...I didn't mean it that way". He was trying his best to explain.

Bob recovered quickly. "It's ok", she assured him. "Don't worry about it". She wouldn't admit it to him, but she thought he was cute.

She was heading for the door when Roy spoke. "Bob?"

She turned. "Is that really your name?"

Her hesitation made Roy think she wasn't going to answer. Then she simply said, "Roberta". Then thinking about it a minute, she quickly added, "But don't you ever call me that or I'll kick your ass".

When she left, Roy tried to listen to the voices of the women downstairs. He could make out a word here and there but nothing that made sense. At times the voices would get louder; he believed they were arguing. Was it about him or the money, he wondered. Before he knew it, he had drifted off to sleep.

The creak of the door woke Roy. He felt groggy. Seeing it was still dark outside, he wondered how long he had been asleep. There were footsteps approaching; he could make out a small shape creeping towards him.

 "Hello querida". Zara sat on the bed next to him. Her hand landed gently on his thigh. He could feel the heat from her hand burning through the fabric of his trousers.

"What are you doing here?"

Zara put a finger to his lips. "Ssshhhhhhh", she whispered. "We don't want to make the others jealous". Her hand climbed slowly up his leg till it rested on his crotch.

"Stop", Roy told her.

She stopped long enough to study his face. He looked so serious. She laughed and began to stroke him.

"Stop". This time he was more insistent. He looked straight into her eyes letting her see that he did not want her.

Zara became angry. "No man tells me no". Her hands grabbed the fabric of his trousers. She worked the buttons one by one as she spoke. "You think you're too good for me? Ha!" she spat. "You are lucky to have me". Her hands reach in to grasp his shaft. He winces as she pulls hard.

"See. You can't lie. Your body says yes".

Roy turned his head, embarrassed by his body's reaction to her touch. She was stroking him, hands firmly grasping his growing erection. He closed his eyes, trying not to look at her.

The sense of power over this man excited Zara. She pulled up her skirt and threw a leg across him, rising to straddle him. Holding him in her hand she pushed him in. She began to move up and down slowly. Her eyes searched for his, but he refused to acknowledge her. Instead he closed his eyes trying to force himself not to feel.

Zara pumped harder now, grinding against him with each move. Her breath was hot against his neck. It came in short gasps. Her head began to rock back and forth . Roy bit his lip as hard as he could. "Please God, let this end" he thought, holding his breath.

Then his body provided the final betrayal; he spilled into her. She latched onto him tightly, feeling her own climax erupt. In a final shudder she collapsed against him.

Roy held still, waiting for her to move. Finally she got up and walked to the washstand. Looking in the mirror, she smoother her hair and straightened her clothers. Pleased with the results she turned to Roy and smiled.

"How did you like it, querida?" she asked. He didn't speak, eyes averted. "It doesn't matter" she shrugged. "I enjoyed it enough for both of us".

She turned and skipped from the room leaving room ashamed and exposed. He could not cover himself and he dared not call out for help. So he lay quietly, staring at the walls, trying to block the images of Zara from his mind.

Chapter 5

The sound of loud voices woke Roy, who had fallen asleep after all. Clearly it was two of the women, but he couldn't tell which. This was followed by the sound of stomping feet and slamming doors. After a while, Bob appeared in a flannel nightgown, shawl draped across her shoulders.

"Thought I'd make sure you were alright", she said moving quietly. "I knew you couldn't be asleep after that racket". Remembering his predicament, he quickly rolled to his side, away from her.

 "Don't come any closer" he told her.

Bob froze, staring at his back. "What's wrong?" she asked, alarmed. "Are you sick?"

Roy found it hard to speak. "I'm not decent".

The girl was confused. What did he mean? "What are you talking about?"

There was no way Roy could explain his encounter with Zara to this child. It was too humiliating. "Could you please untie one of my hands? Please?".

The last word hung in Bob's mind. He sounded desperate. "Of course Roy". She started towards him.

"But don't look at me", he begged.

Bob came forward and reached for his nearest hand. Deftly her fingers worked at the knots. Roy kept his back to her, legs slightly tucked into his chest. She wanted to touch him, comfort him, but she was afraid he would be angry.

 "All done", she said, pulling the rope free.

 "Thanks", he said. She watched as he fidgeted with his clothes. When he appeared to be settled, she remembered what she had come here for.

"Do you need to go to the bathroom. I can take you".

Roy was glad she had asked. "Yes. Thank you". He desperately needed some fresh air.

Bob waited for him to untie his other hand then led him out behind the house. She patiently waited, allowing him all the time he needed, before they returned to Devilwoman's bedroom. Roy sat on the bed. Bob reached across his body, taking his arm. Holding it against the headboard, she began wrapping the rope around his wrist. He hair brushed across his face. He smiled. She couldn't help but notice how full and round his lips were. Warmth flooded her cheeks. She hurried to tie the other hand, hoping he hadn't noticed the blush on her cheeks or the pounding of her heart. She certainly didn't want to make a full of herself in front of him.

With the ropes secure once more, Bob got up quickly to leave.

"Bob" he called out.

She turned, trying to avoid his gaze.

 "Is something wrong?" he asked.

She gave him a half smile. "No. Everything's fine". Fleeing down the hall to her room, she wondered who she was really trying to convince - Roy or herself.

 Devilwoman opened the door slowly trying not to wake Roy. She saw him lying flat on the bed, head tilted, arm across his face. She tiptoed closer. Hair fell across his forehead. His lips were curled up at the corners, forming a dreamy smile. Seeing him reminded her of someone else, someone she had loved.

Shaking the thoughts from her head, she tiptoed to her chest and began gathering clothes from inside. There was no time for sentimental thoughts now. She was wearing nothing but a flimsy cotton nightgown. Roy began to stir.

 It took him a while to realize that someone else was in the room with him. He raised up on his elbows, watching her.

"Good morning".

Startled, she spun around. "Morning. I'm sorry if I woke you. I was just getting some clean clothes."

Roy chuckled. "No bother", he said. "It is your room".

She smiled now too. With clothes in hand she made her way to the door when she thought of a question.

"Are you a good outlaw?"

 "I guess it depends who you ask" he confessed. It seemed an odd question to be asked, under the circumstances.

 The redhead opened her mouth, as if to say something else, but the sound of the slamming front door interrupted. "I'll have to speak to you later", she said, rushing out of the room.

Roy was disappointed by the hasty exit. Finally it seemed some of his questions would be answered. "Damn the interruption" he thought. Patience was something Roy had little of.

Bob arrived a little later with his breakfast. To his surprise, she pulled up a chair and watched as he ate. He was grateful for the company but didn't want her to feel obligated.

"Wouldn't you rather go eat breakfast with your friends?"

"Why?" she asked. "You want me to go?" She started to rise.

Roy shook his head. "No. God no. I just don't want to bore you to death".

Bob laughed. "You're not boring at all. Besides, all they do is fight".

Roy noticed how her eyes danced when she laughed. A woman was emerging from her tomboy shell.

"What do they fight about?" he queried.

"Right now it's money. But it changes everyday".

Roy smiled. Breakfast was nearly finished when a head popped in the door.

"Bob, come on. We got work to do". Luscious glanced at Roy.

Bob rolled her eyes. "Sorry", she told Roy. "Gotta go".

 "It's ok", he replied.

She stopped at the door. "Hey, you wanna talk later, after my chores?"

Luscious was the one rolling her eyes now. She couldn't believe Bob was behaving like this. "Come on Bob", she urged.

Roy didn't want her to get in trouble. He really liked her. "It's ok. Come back anytime".

He heard her singing as she danced down the hall.

After breakfast the women left the house. At least he thought they all had. The house became eerily silent. Once again he was alone with nothing to do. He had counted every object in the room a dozen times and hummed every tune he could think of twice. He was in the middle of his 'Clementine' chorus when he heard footsteps on the stairs. They were soft and light. He was wondering who it could possibly be when the door opened to reveal Devilwoman standing there. Here eyes were red. He thought she might have been crying.

"I thought everyone was gone".

She was still wearing the flimsy gown. "I sent the others to town. I needed some time to myself".

Roy thought she looked like a woman at the end of her rope. She had her arms folded tightly across her chest as if hugging herself. "I don't even know why I bothered you. I have no right to ask you for help. But I'm desperate. I don't know what else to do".

Roy was speechless. He didn't understand what she was talking about.

"We grabbed you in Carson City because we needed you. Someone's life depends on it".

 His mind was racing. "What?" She wasn't making sense at all. "Who's life".

Devilwoman sat down next to him. She explained how they had robbed the payroll office to get enough money to rescue a friend who had been kidnapped by a gang of outlaws. They were taking women and selling them in Mexico. The robbery had given them $10,000 but it still wasn't enough. The gang was notorious for their greed. It would take a lot more money to make a deal with him.

"That's why we need you. You must know of a way we can get more".

 Roy was familiar with stories of renegade Comancheros who used their influence with the Mexican government to trade women. Once in Mexico the woman were often sold into prostitution. Some became the property of wealthy landowners. They were often abused or killed. He sympathized with her situation but wondered if she had considered another possibility.

"What if your friend is already gone. You could be wasting your time".

She bit her lip, trying not to think about it. "I have to try".

 His heart was breaking for her. "Is this girl that important to you?" He needed to be certain.

Her eyes filled with tears. "More than anything in this world". The power of the words began to sink in.

"I hope you have a plan".

Her face lit up. "You'll help".

Roy's lips formed a little smirk. "How can I say no?" he replied.

She threw herself on top of him, arms thrown around his chest. "Thank you. Thank you." she cried.

Roy felt a rush of excitement. Her heart was pounding against his chest. Her hair smelled of chamomile. His lips brushed her forehead.

 She felt something begin to stir. She sat up, a bit embarrassed by herself. "Sorry", she said.

"It's ok", he said softly. He waited for her to say something else but there were a few moments of awkward silence. "So, what do we do now", he asked.

She was startled by the question, then realized what he had meant. "Oh. I guess I'd better untie you first, don't you think?"

"That'd be good". He flashed that cocky smile that made he melt. She untied him quickly and moved away.

 His first act of freedom was to walk to the window and look out. A few chickens pecked the ground and a dog was barking somewhere out back. He stretched his back and legs. When he turned to speak to Devilwoman, she was gone. He went to the door and looked out. The hall was empty. Where did she go, he wondered. Starting down the hall, he glanced in each room he passed. They collided as she came out of a small washroom. A large tub stood front and center in the room.

 "I'm so sorry", he said, flustered. "Are you all right?"

"Yes. I'm fine. I ran you some water. I thought you might like to clean up".

He saw that she had even lay a towel out next to the tub. "That is so sweet", he replied. A bath sounded wonderful to him right now.

She looked at him, fighting the butterflies in her stomach. "Well then, let me know if you need anything else".

She closed the door, leaving Roy to undress. He stuck his hand in the water feeling it's temperature. "Just the way I like it" he decided. He was about to step into the tub when a knock came at the door. Reaching for a towel, he called "come in", as he slipped it around his waist.

 Devilwoman started in but became flustered when she saw that he had already undressed. "I'm sorry", she said. "It can wait".

He stopped her before she could get out. "It's alright. Really".

She tried not to stare as she spoke. "Oh, I was going to see if you wanted me to find you some clean clothes? I know you don't have a change".

"That'd be great". He was admiring the contour of her body through the thin nightgown. The light allowed him to see the firmness of her breast, the curve of her hip. He became a little self-conscious. "I'll get them", she said, remembering the clothes on the floor.

Holding them in a bundle, he walked over to her. She reached out to take them when something fell to the floor.

"I'll get it" he said, bending over.

As he stood, the towel around him fell. Devilwoman froze. There he stood in all his glory. "My God", she thought staring at him. It had been a long time since she'd seen a naked man. She couldn't take her eyes off him.

At first Roy felt embarrassed. But as he reached to pick up the towel, Devilwoman took his hand. Her eyes searched his. She wondered if he felt the same as her.

Roy could see her nipples erect against her gown. He had begun to grow hard himself; a fact he couldn't very well hide. He took hold of her arms.

She felt her body tense. "No", she told herself. "This is wrong". But she wanted him. His touch burned a hole through her skin. She felt a fire inside that she couldn't hide. She couldn't deny herself this moment.

He drew her close and kissed her; a long, slow, passionate kiss. She tasted his tongue as it slipped into her mouth, probing, teasing. She pressed against him, hard and warm. Her hands caressed his back. Her fingertips followed the curve of his spine, trailing down his back. His tongue pressed harder into her mouth. Her hands found his buttocks, soft and firm. She squeezed. It urged him on. He was kissing her neck. She felt him hard against her stomach. "Oh God", she began, head thrown back.

Roy took the hem of her gown, pulling it up and over her head. Her breasts were his now, firm and longing. His mouth went from one nipple to the other, tongue circling each nipple, fingers massaging her hot flesh. She arched her back. Her knees were getting weak. She clung to him, afraid her knees would buckle. He understood her need.

Grabbing underneath her buttocks, Roy lifted her to him. Her legs slipped around his waist. He took a few steps and then climbed into the tub, bringing her with him. Bracing himself with one hand, he lowered them into the water. It rushed over them.

Suddenly she felt him enter her. She let out a cry. He filled every inch of her, erasing the ache, wiping away the doubts. There was nothing but Roy. His hands on her hips guided every move. His moans filled her ears, feeding the rush. There bodies shuddered together as the water splashed from the tub. In the end they lay spent, Roy still inside her, both feeling content.

Devilwoman sat on the bed. She had finally climbed out of the tub, leaving Roy to bath. She was supposed to be getting dressed, but Roy entered to find her sitting naked, staring out the window. His hair was damp. Curls stuck out around his neck. He was wearing only a towel. Seeing him aroused those feelings in her once again.

 Roy was thinking about her too when he came to stand in front of her. She reached up and pulled off his towel.

"You naughty girl", he said playfully.

 She smiled as she slipped to her knees and took him in her hand. Roy drew a sharp breath. He put his fingers in her hair as he entered her mouth. Her hands cupped and massaged him, mouth slowly licking the length of his shaft. The sounds of pleasure escaped his lips. His knees too were becoming weak. He could it building inside. He was nearly ready to spill; but he didn't want just yet.

Pushing her gently onto the bed, he took her legs and spread them apart. With a single, hard thrust, he was inside her. She cried out, her body trembling. Roy thrusted harder, stronger, eyes closed tight. She wrapped her legs around him, hips pressing harder and higher, meeting each of his thrusts. She couldn't focus on anything but the sensation welling up inside.

Then Roy was coming too. His head was back, eyes closed. He bit his lip as he filled her, sticky and sweet. They continued until there was nothing left to give. Then they collapsed together on the bed, arms and legs intertwined, until they drifted off to sleep.