Liars and Tigers Read online

  "For what? I'm conquering my fears and wanted someone I could get airsick on." Misha shrugged, starting to walk toward the balloon area where the table of cheese, fruit and champagne was set.

  "I'm thanking you for remembering something so incidental and making it happen. No one has ever taken the initiative to do that for me before. I also feel honored that you trust me enough to see you through something that you are so afraid of."

  "Don't fool yourself. I'm scared shitless, even with you here. Oh, yeah," she lifted a flute of mimosa to her lips, "by the time we are done, I'm gonna be shitfaced. You get to drive home. Just pour me into the back seat."

  "Don't drink too much. People below the balloon won't appreciate you puking over the side."

  They joined six other people in the large gondola, and all grew quiet except for the sound of the torch heating the air within the large, hot-pink and yellow striped balloon. Misha held Alex's hand in a death grip as they slowly rose from the ground.

  "Hold me," she whispered fearfully.

  Alex gladly complied, and wrapped his arms around her from behind. He pulled her snugly to his body. "Better? Nothing is going to happen, baby. Try to relax."

  "Don't let go," she begged.

  Alex could feel her heart pounding. "Look at how beautiful it is. There is a layer of clouds over that valley that makes it look like a giant lake."

  "I can't open my eyes."

  "Yes, you can." His voice was soothing, matching the gentle swaying of the gondola. "What do you feel?"

  "Your arms. They feel good," Misha whispered. "If I don't think about it, I can almost imagine that this is what it is to ride on a pair of angel's wings."

  "You're a little intoxicated, baby," Alex observed.

  A few minutes later, Misha opened her eyes and gripped Alex's forearm, which was wrapped across her collarbones. "Look at that view. Wow…"

  "Things seem so insignificant when you look at things from up here, don't they?" Alex whispered into her hair, his desire to kiss her growing by the moment. "How are you holding up?"

  "I'm good." Misha tightened her hold on his hand. "I'm glad you're here. I couldn't have done this without you."

  Alex felt a surge of protectiveness at her admission. It was rare that Misha allowed herself to be vulnerable, and it thrilled him to no end that she had called upon him to help her. He took the chance and rested his lips on her temple. She did not pull away.

  "Easy on the nails. You're gonna take off my skin, baby," Alex said, patting the back of her arm. She loosened her hold. "Mmm, you smell like jasmine. It's one of my favorite scents."

  "I know. I noticed you had the bushes surrounding your office. Jack said you planted them there to hide the smell of the elephant pen," Misha giggled. "I figured I would take the chance and get some essential oil to try. I hoped you would like it."

  "You got this for me?" Alex said with surprise. Her openness also confirmed her degree of intoxication. A sober Misha would not have been so honest.

  "It's subtle, though, right? Not too much?" Misha asked worriedly. "I've never worn a fragrance before."

  "I'm, well, stunned. You are full of surprises today, Miss Miller," Alex said. "It smells lovely on you. Especially right here," he buried his nose in her neck and inhaled deeply.

  Misha giggled quietly. "That tickles."

  "No, this tickles," Alex teased, digging his fingers lightly into her ribs.

  Misha laughed, bending her knees slightly to escape his fingers. "Stop it! Don't make this thing fall!"

  One day, Alex thought, I am going to make you fall—in love with me!

  ***

  "Thanks for taking me. We should do more stuff like this together. Did you enjoy it?" Alex asked, as they sat down for brunch after the balloon had landed and Misha had tumbled from the basket and onto the ground.

  Her eyes were bright. "It was incredible! I feel so energetic and alive. I wasn't sure you would go for it, but Jack said that you did parasailing when you were in the Army. I took a gamble."

  "He's right. The old coot knows me the best. I've known him since I was a teen," Alex explained, sipping his coffee. "He and Dad served together in the navy. Dad went into politics and Jack did his own thing, but they stayed in touch. He took me on my very first camping trip when I was fifteen. Sure enough, I got myself bitten by a rattler. Jack pulled that venom right out of me and carried me through the woods to get me to a hospital. He hasn't let me forget it since," Alex laughed.

  "Jack has a way of saving teenagers from themselves, doesn't he? He was the first person to really believe in me. He helped me find direction. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be here today. In a way," she finished her drink and beckoned for another, "he saved my life too. I guess we both owe him. To Jack," she raised her glass.

  "To Jack," Alex agreed, lifting his coffee mug to her champagne glass. "Ready to go?"

  "Yeah, we gotta get home to the fuzzy children. Whoa," Misha stumbled, "too much champagne and excitement. Gimme a sec."

  "Hand over the keys," Alex said, steadying her, "I'm driving home, remember?"

  He rolled his eyes as Misha turned up the volume of her stereo after they turned onto the highway. "Turn it down, I can't hear myself think."

  "Sing along with me, it's fun!" Misha giggled, flinging her bare feet onto the dashboard.

  "Put your feet down and buckle that seat belt," Alex ordered. "How many glasses did you have?"

  "Three."

  "Total, not just after the flight."

  "I dunno, maybe six? I like champagne."

  "I can tell. Misha, turn it off, please." Alex winced as a hip-hop tune blared through the truck's cabin.

  "I'll find something more your speed," she said, flipping to an oldies station. "How about that?"

  "How about we turn it off so I can hear the traffic around me. It's dangerous to drive and not be able to hear horns or a siren. Please tell me you don't play your music this loudly when you drive."

  "Why not? I can see the flashing lights behind me."

  "If you are paying attention. It's not safe, plus it's illegal."

  "The cops only enforce that stupid noise abatement thing in parking lots or around neighborhoods, not while driving. Don't be an old fuddy-duddy."

  "I can't believe you just called me 'old' and a 'fuddy-duddy'. I'm serious, Mish. Turn the volume down so you can hear a horn honk, okay?"

  "But I wanna!" Misha whined.

  "I said no. Don't pinch me!"

  "But you're so pinchable," she snickered, poking him with her finger. "Are we there yet?"

  "Home? No. What is with you?" he asked, as she broke into a giggling fit.

  "I dunno. In a mood, I guess. Champagne makes me silly."

  "Well, champagne is gonna earn you a spanking if you keep up the bratting," Alex said light-heartedly.

  "Promises, promises," Misha exaggerated a sigh.

  "I'm more than happy to oblige if that is what you want. There is a part of the house I haven't yet shown you that would accommodate such a request."

  "There is?" Misha's eyes widened. "Really? Where?"

  "My bedroom. I have two giant walk-in closets. One for clothes, and the other for playing. It's filled with all sorts of toys."

  "Ooh, can I see?" Misha asked eagerly.

  Alex raised an eyebrow. "If I show you, that means you have to try some things out."

  "No sex though, right? Do I have to strip? I never get naked in front of anyone."

  "Nope," Alex agreed. "I am content playing without a sexual component. At least until I am in a committed relationship. And you may keep most of your clothes on to start."

  "What if I want something with a sexual component?"

  "Mish, I will be happy to give you whatever you want, but the fact is you've never even worn a bathing suit in front of me, so how are you going to expose yourself for sex play?"

  "I'm drunk. I do a lot of brave things when I'm drunk."

  "Let's see what type of mood you're in and
we'll go from there," Alex said, trying to hide his excitement. With her inhibitions down, she was expressing an interest in his favorite playtime. He mentally crossed his fingers, hoping that she would be a regular play partner. It had been a long time since he had negotiated a scene, and he was ready for it.

  Misha chatted idly on the way home, reaching out several times to up the volume of the stereo, and getting her hand smacked lightly. She giggled in response and dared him to try again. Alex was game, and playfully smacked her thigh.

  "Behave, young lady. I'm trying to drive."

  "Make me."

  "Oh, I will once we get home." Alex grinned, pulling over to the Deer Springs exit.

  Chapter 6

  Alex reprimanded Misha for trying to exit the truck without his assistance, and smacked her playfully on the rump after she stuck her tongue out at him.

  "Is that all you've got?" she teased.

  "Baby girl, you are pretty much out of control right now. It's early still. Go back to bed and sleep it off," Alex advised.

  Misha tripped him playfully and pushed him to the grass. "I don't wanna sleep it off. I'm not that shitfaced. Show me your toys."

  "I don't take out my toys unless I am going to play with them," Alex warned.

  "Today is a day for adventure," Misha laughed, dragging him into the house. "How will I know whether I like something if I don't try it?"

  "It is not responsible of me to let you play when you've been drinking. I'll tell you what," Alex put his index finger over her mouth, "if you take a one hour nap and then still want to play, we will."

  "Really? Promise?"

  "Yes. Now, let's get you tucked into this nice, soft bed," Alex said, pulling back the sheets. "Do you want me to get you undressed?"

  "No! I'm fine," Misha said. "Are you going to take Rodin out for a walk?"

  "I'll take care of everything. Sleep."

  "Just for one hour, right?"

  "Just for one hour." Alex smiled, leaning over and kissing her sweetly on the bridge of her nose. He stood at the door and watched as she snuggled in, waiting until the even sound of her breathing showed him that she had fallen asleep.

  Alex looked up from his laptop four hours later when Misha trudged groggily across the patio and plopped into the swing.

  "How are you feeling?" he asked with a grin.

  "Coffee," she groaned, leaning back and closing her eyes. "I love champagne, but it does not love me."

  "Just stay right there. I'll get you some coffee and something to eat," Alex chuckled, standing to leave.

  "You're really good to me, Alex. Why?"

  "Because you are a wonderful, smart, and very special lady who I enjoy spending time with. I'll be right back."

  "Alex?" Misha called. He stopped and turned. "The stuff I said about, you know, about playing…"

  "Don't worry about it. You just had too much to drink."

  "No. I mean, yes, I drank too much; but, it gave me the courage to tell you I was intrigued. I still want to maybe try something."

  "You do?"

  "Yeah, but like I said, maybe. Coffee first," Misha said, reminding him of her badly needed beverage.

  Alex nodded and rushed to retrieve the coffee and a plate of fruit and cheese. He handed the items to her as he sat down on the swing opposite her. "Are you sure you really want to try this?"

  "Yeah. Why? Are you having doubts?" Misha looked worried.

  "Doubts? Hell no, this is a dream come true for me. The ex wasn't into it at all and I haven't played much since the divorce. Just a couple of lame parties and a few gals I met online. I just realized that I wanted something more. Something with substance, you know what I mean?"

  "There are parties?"

  "Yeah, they can be a lot of fun, but I prefer one-on-one, and not being dictated to on how to exercise my skills."

  "See? I knew you didn't play well with others," Misha chuckled.

  "It's exactly how you feel when you go to work-related events and there are people supporting our purpose but who aren't really involved. They don't really understand the true depth of commitment you put into the work—but, they serve a purpose that also helps satisfy their own needs. It's mutually beneficial, but rarely do the two sides intermingle."

  "Meaning that they will donate their money or volunteer to help out, but never set foot in the middle of a pride?"

  "Precisely."

  "Well, I want to see what you are talking about."

  "It will mean some exposure. Mainly to your ass," Alex warned.

  "As long as you don't make me get naked, I'm good."

  "Well then, after dinner, I will introduce you to my world."

  ***

  "So, what do I do?" Misha asked nervously, as they sat at the table eating Alex's 'famous X-tacos'. He had poached chicken breasts in homemade tomatillo sauce and served them in soft, flour tortillas with salsa fresca, cheese, and sour cream.

  "Right now, you finish your dinner and then go take a bath. I want you to be relaxed. Put on something loose and comfortable that allows me easy access."

  "Can I have some wine?"

  "One glass. A small glass. I need you to be completely coherent."

  "I'm sorry I'm so nervous."

  "This is a big step in trust, Mish. I would be worried if you weren't nervous. I would never harm you. You know that."

  "I do. That is why I wanted to take you ballooning. It's because I am trying to learn to trust you with my fears. It is something I need to do."

  "Should I ask how you came to that conclusion?" Alex questioned kindly.

  "Jack. He's been on my case about me being too young to be such a loner, and that I need more friends than just him," she mimicked his voice.

  "You know Jack loves you, right? You are the closest thing to a daughter he has ever had. He wants you to be happy."

  "I know. I'm just not very good about people telling me what I need in my life."

  "None of us are, but we all need people like Jack to show us what we can't see for ourselves. I get it from both Jack and my dad." Alex laughed.

  "Am I ever going to get to meet your father?"

  "Yep. He comes back from his trip in a few weeks, and then we can set up a time to get together."

  "Where did he go?"

  "Honestly," Alex began to clear the dishes, "I have no idea. He loves to travel and is always on the go, ever since he retired. I'll clear up here. Go get ready."

  "Okay. My wine?"

  "Remember, just one glass. Sip it slowly. Come into the living room when you're ready."

  Alex quickly cleaned the kitchen, took a shower, and changed into his black sweat pants and snug-fitting muscle shirt. He had been sitting on the couch for over thirty minutes before Misha emerged. She was dressed in loose lavender pajama bottoms and a Tinkerbelle tank top.

  "Is this okay?" she asked, twirling in front of him.

  Alex's face broke into a smile. "Hmm, let me see. Come here." He patted his thigh and spread his knees so she could stand between them.

  "For what?" Misha asked, obeying.

  "Turn around so I can see your bottom," Alex ordered, placing his hands on her hips and making her turn in a slow circle. "Very lovely. Because we are just playing, and this is your first experience, you have the option of a safeword. You can stop me at any time with it."

  Misha paled. "Will I need to?"

  "Since neither of us know your limits, you might feel safer having this bit of control. But this is the only time. After I discover your limits, and if we pursue this again, I'm in full control."

  "I've never been much of one for safety, according to Jack." Misha shifted from one foot to another. "No."

  "No to what, baby?"

  "I don't want a safeword. I want to try to trust you without me being in charge. I know it's stupid, but…"

  "Not stupid at all. I promise not to take you farther than you can handle on your first time. I do want to keep you wanting to come back for more."

  "And no sex,
right?" Misha began to look nervous.

  "Nothing unless you ask for it. I will need you to communicate with me openly, too. Can you do that?"

  "I can try."

  "This is your last chance, then. Are you sure you want to go through with this?" Misha bit her lower lip and nodded. Alex patted his right knee. "Excellent. Bend over my lap and put your hands on the floor. Try your best to keep them there if you can."

  "It this going to hurt?" Misha asked, obeying him.

  "I hope so," Alex stated, patting her thinly clad backside. "Here we go."

  The first smack landed squarely across the top of her pajama-covered bottom. Misha made a slight, surprised 'oh' sound, and dug her fingers into his calf to hang on. His hand fell again and again, one spank after another, and he rejoiced in the sounds of her squeals. He was not smacking her particularly hard, just enough to let her feel the pleasant sting of the impact. Her squirming suggested that she was starting to enjoy the experience. Alex decided to take it to the next level, and skimmed her pajama pants down past her rounded globes.

  "Hey!" Misha protested, reaching behind to grab her pants.

  "Hands on the floor, young lady," Alex scolded, quickly reddening the jiggling mounds under his palm, "reaching back for any reason is off limits."

  "That hurts!" Misha complained.

  "Give it a minute, and then tell me how it feels," Alex laughed, spanking her again and turning her sit spots a flushed rose. He paused to rub her flesh. "Well?"

  "I guess it's not that bad," Misha admitted. "I don't want to be naked."

  "Your panties are still up. I do recommended thongs instead of these boy shorts. It makes it easier for me to get to your backside without taking them down."

  "Ow! Not so hard," Misha squealed, as he landed another series of swats across her bottom.

  "Stop whining. Go to my room and lean over the edge of the bed."

  "What are you going to do?" Misha asked, quickly yanking her PJ pants back up.

  "You'll see," Alex promised. While Misha got comfortable over the edge of the four poster, pedestaled bed, Alex rummaged through his closet. "Mish?"

  "What?"

  "Are you up to trying some restraints?"

  "Like tying me up? Yeah!" Misha nodded eagerly. "That sounds like fun. Unless you are going to hit me real hard—then, no."