Revenge

Kate didn’t bother waiting for Rick; she walked into her building and pressed the elevator button, nervously rocking on her feet. She could feel his warmth behind her, his scent invaded her senses, something warm and spicy. Kate was sure she could feel his breath on her neck, hear his heartbeat. Kate closed her eyes and took a deep breath, she knew she was being ridiculous but she was so aware of Rick standing close behind her. Kate jumped startled as the elevator dinged as it arrived. Wordlessly she punched the button for her floor and watched the number climb. Kate knew if she touched Rick, they wouldn’t make it to her apartment. Nervously she glanced up at the slowly blinking red light in the corner. Irrationally she resented the security cameras intrusion.

 

With shaking hands, Kate fumbled with the key, eventually managing to get the door open. She unwrapped the scarf from around her neck and drew a shuddering breath when Rick slipped her coat from her shoulders, his hands brushing her neck. To be honest, Kate wasn’t sure if she’d survive tonight if her reaction to Rick was any indication. He’d hardly touched her but Kate was far too aware of him. Shakily, taking a deep breath, she turned to look at Rick. He’d removed his scarf and jacket and was wearing one of Kate’s favourite shirts and a v necked jumper.

 

“I like you in blue,” she said stroking the cashmere of Rick’s jumper, his chest warm and solid underneath. “It suits you.” Rick wrapped his hand around hers, without breaking eye contact, brought it to his lips, and pressed a kiss to her palm. ‘Oh God,’ Kate couldn’t help thinking ‘I'm in trouble!’ Kate had always known Rick could turn on the charm when it suited him, she just never quite realised how devastating it was to be on the receiving end of it. She’d seen him effortlessly turn grandmothers into giggling schoolgirls on more than one occasion.

 

Rick was fascinated watching Kate’s reaction to him. When he kissed her palm, her breathing caught. Her pupils were dilated and Rick could clearly see her nipples pebbling against her shirt. Rick snaked one arm around Kate’s waist and tugged her closer until his reaction to her was more than obvious. Her eyes widened startled and Rick chuckled. Cradling her face in his hands Rick slowly kissed her. He didn’t try to deepen the kiss; his lips were warm and solid under hers. Kate splayed her hands on Rick’s chest to keep her balance, ‘that is all it is’, Kate tried to reason with herself but she knew she was lying. She needed to feel him and Kate was honest enough with herself to admit she was a little apprehensive about tonight.

 

Belatedly, she realised Rick had stopped kissing her and her eyes fluttered open to his knowing grin. Rick still had her face cradled in his hands, his thumbs gently stroking her jawbone but his eyes held a seriousness Kate didn’t see often.

“Are you sure?” he asked quietly, his eyes never leaving hers. Taking a deep breath, Kate nodded.

“What’s your safe word?” he asked and Kate couldn’t contain her chuckle.

“My what?” she asked laughing.

“Safe word,” Rick whispered in her ear, “You’re going to need it.”

“What’s yours again?” Kate asked, all rational thought deserting her when Rick nipped her ear.

“Apples,” he replied unable to contain his grin as she knew very well what his safe word was.

“Oranges,” Kate replied grasping the first word that she thought of as she simply couldn’t think when he was nibbling on her ear.