Playing Passion's Game (20 page)

“You’re going down, Elton,” Dave muttered.

“Funny, that’s what your wife said the last time I saw her,” Elton shot back.

Trent shook her head as the familiar bickering began. “If you two don’t shut up, I’ll shoot you both myself,” she said, readying her weapon and scanning the area ahead. “Zoe, I think this is our war.” She recognized one of the maps that she and Zoe had already fought through.

“Bring it on,” Zoe said.

Trent ran her soldier into battle, the voices of her friends all around her and knowing that Juliet was close.
I love games night
, she thought briefly before heading into the fray.

*

Juliet blinked tired eyes as her laptop powered down and finally shut off. She lowered the screen, then stood to stretch the kinks out of her back. She tidied everything away then looked at her watch. It was well past one o’clock and now, with her laptop off, she could hear faint noises coming from upstairs.
The war is obviously still raging
, she mused and padded upstairs to get her night clothes out. The bedroom door had been left open and Juliet stepped in, feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension at sleeping in Trent’s bed, even though Trent had made it clear she would be sleeping alone. She brushed her hand over the soft sheet turned back for her and mused at the sweet gesture Trent had made. She pulled her sleep shirt and shorts out of her bag, then went to make use of the bathroom. She brushed her teeth, washed, and changed, but still didn’t feel tired enough to lie down and sleep. Cautiously, she edged her way along the hallway and peeked into the game room. She could see Trent, eyes intent on the large screen, and could distinctly hear voices coming from the headset.

“Stop dawdling! Evan’s already waiting to pick each of us off,” Trent said and Juliet slipped in closer to watch what was happening on the screen. Juliet had never paid attention to games, but seeing Trent play was fascinating and her interest was piqued. Silently, she entered the room and made her way unobtrusively to the love seat where she could still see the screen and also be granted a clear line of sight at Trent in action. Juliet snuggled into the soft sofa cushions and viewed the game unfolding like a movie. She quickly recognized that each player had their name displayed so she was able to follow her new friends as they ran across the screen dodging bullets.

“Eddie, you shoot in my direction again and I’ll stick a mortar up your…”

Juliet clearly caught Elton’s warning through Trent’s headset and she noticed Eddie’s soldier quickly altered his position. She followed Trent’s soldier keenly, holding her breath as Trent ran across an open field and not releasing it until the soldier was safely behind cover. She quickly got caught up in the game, watching the story unfold and hearing the constant chatter running through Trent’s headset. She stretched her legs out a little and laid her head down on the sofa arm to watch Trent play and just to be near her. Juliet loved that Trent had something she was so passionate about. Trent’s large hands deftly flew across the control pad and Juliet remembered what those fingers had done to her only hours ago when Trent had her held against the wall. She wished they could have continued what they had started downstairs without Trent’s watch signaling their time was up. She thought back to her own cell phone going off just as she was preparing to make love to Trent so many nights ago.
Damn technology
,
but it won’t always stop us
. Her eyes drifted shut, lulled to sleep by the music, the sound of game play, and the soft burr of Trent’s voice as she spoke to her friends. Amid the roar of the fighting, safe in Trent’s favorite room and close to Trent herself, Juliet fell into a contented slumber.

Trent couldn’t believe Juliet had slept through the sounds of war and her constant chatter. The game was drawing to a close. Everyone had played their best, but the Reapers had once again won most of the night’s battles. Trent had bid her good nights to everyone and had answered Elton’s sly “Say good night to Juliet for me,” with a simple “I’ll do that,” before taking off her headset and exiting the game. Out of habit she checked their ranking and was pleased to see her clan among the top names, some of which she recognized as worthy opponents they’d be sure to go up against if they could get everyone online at the same time again. Trent switched off her console, turned off the TV, then rested her chin in her hand and just stared at the sight of Juliet fast asleep on her sofa. Trent hadn’t been in the least bit put off by Juliet walking in on her game. She didn’t distract her, hadn’t called for her attention. Instead she’d been so quiet Trent had almost forgotten she was there.
Almost.
Trent greedily took in the tiny pair of sleep shorts Juliet wore under an oversized shirt. Slowly, so as not to wake her, Trent eased herself out of her chair to kneel in front of the sofa.

She let her eyes look everywhere, from the mane of blond hair, over the finely arched eyebrows, to the rich mouth that even in sleep quirked with a knowing smile. The sleep shirt was bunched up, revealing Juliet’s soft stomach, and Trent had to restrain herself from leaning in to press her mouth against the pale flesh and just breathe her in. She longed to lick her way up Juliet’s shapely legs, rest her face between her breasts, and slide her fingers deep inside Juliet, wringing out an orgasm that she could watch take hold of Juliet’s body before clutching her tight and relishing the closeness. Trent sucked her lip in between her teeth as she pondered her current dilemma.
How the hell do I get you off the sofa and into my bed, seeing as where you’re sleeping is supposed to be my bed for the night?
She was just wondering if she could slip her arms under the back of Juliet’s knees when Juliet stirred and her eyelids flickered open.

“Hi, babe, are you still playing?” Juliet’s soft voice made Trent grow hot, as did the whispered endearment that Trent had never heard from Juliet’s lips before.

“I’m all done for the night. Dave’s wife came and called time on him so we all decided to call it a night. You know what they say about gamers the minute they get married?” Trent paused for effect.“
Game over
,” she intoned darkly.

“I’d never expect you to stop playing,” Juliet said. “You love it too much. It’s who you are.”

Trent warmed at Juliet’s appraising look. “Can you get up?” She noticed Juliet’s surprise at being found on the sofa.

“Did I fall asleep here?”

“God knows how. We were blowing up buildings and shouting and you just slept right through it all. Even when I cursed at someone for lobbing a grenade in my direction.”

“Wow, I must have been tired.” Juliet rubbed at her face and shifted to sit upright, bringing her legs between Trent’s knees.

“This presentation is sucking the life out of you. The sooner it’s done, the better.” Trent stood and drew Juliet up with her. “You need to go sleep on a proper mattress. I just need to make sure everything is locked up for the night and then I’ll get ready to turn in too.” She undid her watch. “I can’t believe we all ended up turning in early. It’s only just past two in the morning. We’re usually still up when the milkman delivers.” Juliet’s hand slipped into hers and Trent took pleasure in the simple gesture. She turned out the main light and left just a small one burning for her return. She gently pushed Juliet in the direction of her bedroom. “I’ll just get my pj’s and then I’ll…” She gestured to the bathroom. Juliet’s warmth was spreading a fire all along Trent’s side.

“Before I woke up, were you planning on picking me up and carrying me to bed?”

Trent nodded. “I figured if I was careful enough I could slip my arms around you and lift you. I was just calculating the variables when you woke up.”

“And saved you pulling your back out.”

“You’re not that heavy. I could have done it with little strain. It was the waking you up part I was most worried about.”

“It was nice to wake up and see your face.”

Trent swallowed hard at the sensual, sleepy lilt of Juliet’s voice. It did nothing to calm her. She was still wide awake from her gaming, revved up and wired, and Juliet looked so damn sexy in her sleep shirt that Trent wanted to rip it off her and climb all over her. “I’d better go check all the locks,” she muttered and quickly took herself away from temptation. The house duly alarmed, Trent paused in the kitchen for a long moment, taking deep breaths as she listened to Juliet move around above her. Trent went back upstairs, gathered her nightwear, and slipped into the bathroom. She washed her face briskly, brushed her teeth, in fact did everything she needed to before being unable to delay any longer. She turned the bathroom light off and headed back down the hallway to her game room.

“Trent.”

She halted at the sound of Juliet’s call. The bedroom door was open and Trent could see Juliet kneeling on the mattress facing her.

“Please don’t let me sleep in your bed alone.”

Trent stood still in the doorway. “My invitation for tonight wasn’t for this, Juliet.”

“I know, which just makes you all the more special.” Juliet edged forward to kneel at the end of the bed. “But I want you.”

Trent feared she was glued to the spot. Juliet’s shy look was disarming. Seeing her waiting on the bed wearing just sheer nightwear was banishing any thoughts of chivalry Trent could conjure up.

“Go turn that light off in your game room and come back to me.”

The sensual tone Juliet used spurred Trent to hustle to do as she bid. She locked the door haphazardly, a first for her, then she hurried back to her bedroom door. She leaned against it, almost weak with need for Juliet waiting for her.

“Do I need to come get you?” Juliet said, sensing Trent’s hesitation.

Slowly Trent walked over to the bed and stood before her. “I can’t believe you’re really here.”

“In your bed?”

“In my life.” Her breath was suspended as Juliet edged ever closer and raised up on her knees. Chest to chest, they just breathed each other in. The flame in Juliet’s eyes set her own need ablaze.

“I’m frightened I’ll hurt you,” Trent said. “I want you so much I might be too rough, and I don’t want to frighten you off.”

In answer, Juliet speared her fingers through Trent’s hair and tugged her down. “You can never want me enough.” The kiss was electric. Trent moaned as Juliet’s tongue pushed in deep, seeking hers. Soft lips devoured her and Trent let herself be taken, thrilling to the desire that exploded between them. Too hot, too fast. Trent pulled back gulping for air, not used to someone else setting the pace.

“Fuck, you know how to kiss,” she said, breathing against Juliet’s lips. Then she took over the kiss, taking control and delighting to hear Juliet moan.

“So do you,” she gasped, surrendering to Trent’s ardor. “But I want more than kisses from you. I want what you started downstairs. I want to feel your body on mine.”

Trent pushed Juliet back upon the bed and quickly followed her down to lie on top of her, covering her with her long length. Juliet wrapped her arms tightly around Trent’s back and pulled her even closer. Trent could feel her breasts pressed into the softness that was Juliet’s. Hardened nipples rubbed between them, and Trent shifted, enjoying the friction that sent bolts of electricity down her spine. Tugging at Juliet’s shirt, Trent growled, “I need to touch you, need to taste you. You’re so damn soft.” She licked down Juliet’s neck and eased back to allow Juliet to move. Juliet twisted and managed to remove her top, throwing it to the floor. Trent’s breath whooshed out of her chest as if she’d been punched. “You are so sexy.” Mouth watering, she moved to take as much of Juliet’s breast into her mouth as she could. She ran her tongue over the pebbled areola and then sucked on the diamond hard nipple. Juliet bucked beneath her, nails digging into Trent’s back, scratching her lightly then with more fervor as Trent flicked her tongue roughly over the rigid tip.

“That feels so good,” Juliet said, pushing more of her flesh to Trent’s mouth, arching off the bed and pressing into Trent’s firm flesh. Juliet’s leg slipped between Trent’s, and Trent jerked as her heated center suddenly had pressure applied.

“I need to move before you have me come all over your leg.”

Juliet’s answer was to press her thigh even tighter, and Trent nearly exploded as the pleasure rushed through her clitoris. “I’m not kidding.” Trent hastily shifted position and ignored Juliet’s moan of disappointment. “You’ve got me so fucking wound up I can hardly see.”

“I want you to come, babe. I need you to.” Juliet tugged Trent to her as they lay side by side. Her hands were driving Trent to distraction; they seemed to be everywhere at once. Soft kisses landed all over her face, fingers were chafing at her nipples, and the way Juliet was rubbing against her in a sensuous dance was making Trent wetter than she had ever been. She pulled back a fraction, determined to set the pace, and got a hand free to rub her fingers over Juliet’s naked chest. She traced patterns all over her skin, followed them with her lips, and slowly worked her way down until she reached the barrier of Juliet’s skimpy shorts. She pulled them down Juliet’s legs until she lay naked before Trent’s eyes. Although Trent had seen Juliet naked before, the sheer beauty of it stirred her soul, and she paused to just stare.

“What?” Juliet asked, brushing her hand over Trent’s cheek.

Trent looked deeply into Juliet’s eyes. “You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.” Gently she ran her hand over every contour of Juliet’s body, breathed in Juliet’s unique scent, and then rested her cheek where Juliet’s heart beat. “You turn me inside out.” She took Juliet’s lips with hers. She kissed her until Juliet was writhing beneath her again. Trent’s hand drifted down to play in the soft hairs that framed the top of Juliet’s legs, legs that instantly parted for Trent to explore further.

Teasing a finger through the wetness, Trent very diligently committed to memory every fold, crease, and pleasure point that she touched upon. She kissed down Juliet’s body, then settled herself between Juliet’s outspread legs and pressed a finger at the entrance of Juliet’s sex. Juliet raised her hips to try to push Trent in farther. In her own time, teasing Juliet unmercifully with soft nips and licks along her thighs, Trent pressed her finger in more, and her breath hitched at the molten warmth that engulfed her. Juliet’s back arched again, letting Trent slip in even farther. Trent added another finger, starting the rhythmic tempo that made Juliet’s breathing stutter and Trent’s own to catch. Trent pressed her tongue to Juliet’s straining clitoris. She pressed again as Juliet squealed her name. Trent pushed her fingers harder inside and sucked the hard little knot of flesh into her mouth. Juliet’s muscles tightened around her fingers.

Trent sped up her rhythm, harder, faster, pressing her fingers into the ridged flesh that held her tight. She could hear Juliet calling to her—“more,” “deeper,” “Oh God, just like that.” Trent quickly moved her fingers and before Juliet could realize the loss quickly filled it with her tongue. She licked Juliet firmly, then speared her tongue to capture all the essence she could taste. Juliet’s scent was heady. Trent found it addictive and she buried her face between Juliet’s legs, desperate to take her all in. She flicked her tongue over Juliet’s reddened clitoris, swiftly returned her fingers inside with a firm push, and was elated as the orgasm ripped through her. Juliet called out her name and Trent’s own clitoris spasmed in a fevered response to the siren’s call. A hand finally batted at Trent’s arm and she stilled her fingers.

Unable to stop herself, Trent laid a kiss on Juliet’s clitoris as she calmed. It made Juliet jerk again and release a soft moan. Trent felt empowered, mighty, yet safe and sheltered in the hold of Juliet’s body. She was loath to move in case Juliet somehow vanished and Trent was left alone.

Juliet stirred languidly under her. “God, that was so good,” Juliet purred.

Trent’s chest expanded at the praise. A hand reached down to playfully ruffle through her hair.

“Monica was right.”

Trent raised her head from where it was resting on Juliet’s thigh. Her fingers had been lazily tracing the edges of Juliet’s labia. Trent was fascinated by the ruffles and the deep rose shade now shining wet with juices.

“Monica?”

“She told me that as a gamer, you’d have amazing dexterity and would be able to push all
my
buttons.”

“Did she now? And she was discussing my sexual prowess why?”

“Perhaps because she could see I was all but undressing you with my eyes at the tournament that day. I was wondering myself just what kind of lover you would be if I was lucky enough to have you.”

Trent held her breath, waiting. “And?”

“You make love like you play, wholeheartedly, with great passion, and you have the amazing ability to know what needs to be pressed when. You are truly amazing, and I love it when your hands are on me.” She tugged Trent up by her shirt. “Come here.”

Trent reluctantly left her haven between Juliet’s thighs and moved to her side. Juliet kissed her sweetly, then drew back. Trent was transfixed as her pink tongue ran over her lips and she tasted herself.

“I love how you taste,” Trent said, licking her own lips before leaning down to kiss Juliet once more. She let out a startled breath when Juliet flipped her over and straddled her hips. “Hey!”

“I want to taste you too,” Juliet said, brushing her hair over her shoulder and leaning down to take Trent’s mouth with eager lips.

Trent’s breath began to escape in sharp gasps. Her body tensed up and she struggled with her fear as it threatened to overwhelm her. Breaking the kiss, her eyes slipped past Juliet’s enticing body and instead looked fearfully toward the closed door. Her hands involuntarily clenching, Trent had to physically stop herself from pushing Juliet off her. Juliet looked up and then she very gently eased herself up off Trent’s body. Making sure Trent’s eyes were on her, she deliberately went and opened the bedroom door wide.