From Norway with love

[aaardvarky]

Chris, your’s is a superb analysis! Now is N falling in love with Lars, or seeking to tease L with her messages? Can she bare to return from Norway given her feelings for Lars and his for her? They don’t have that much time to resolve this - N arrived in Olso on Monday for the conference, to Vestland on Tuesday, the lake on Wednesday and the party on Thursday. She is due to fly back from Bergen on Sunday morning. Two days and nights remain. Who will make a decision? Might there be an ultimatum? Talking of playing cards, might there be a wild card in the pack? I had better get writing!

[Chrislydi]

Two days and nights remain. Who will make a decision? Might there be an ultimatum? Talking of playing cards, might there be a wild card in the pack? I had better get writing!

A joker even? Although L might not find too much to smile about.

[Chrislydi]

FWIW I assumed that they first met in the 1970s at university, and they continued in touch with increasing intensity over 25-30 years, with your understanding and acceptance. They have met up in person, of course, during these years.
Then Lars makes the visit described by you. For this visit it is understood what is going to happen. Perhaps the opportunity for him to stay like this had finally arisen when offspring had left home and you two had time and opportunity for yourselves.
Then follows her trip to Norway, not immediately because this symphony is andante not allegro. Some years could pass. But the need for the trip, to give them time away together, was recognised and planned for.

Many of us will recognise this scenario: our wife has a friend - most likely an ex boyfriend - with whom she has a deep connection. They split up because they had come together too early in life. And you had married her and made a family. But she had always kept in touch with him. He had always remembered her birthday. They had periodically lunched together or he had taken her out when in town. And finally the time came when it was recognised between the three of you - though barely spoken of - that there could be, and needed to be, a consummation, as beautifully described by aardvarky. See how she needs you, her husband, to lie next to her as she takes him into her.

Thanks wannabecUKold

I liked your explanation, as it's more akin to what I'm familiar with, perhaps that's inevitable with also being from the UK. Someone commented earlier that they'd read these three way poly arrangements were slightly more prevalent and accepted in Norway, and maybe even wider Scandanavia? Aaardvarky himself commented on the time lapse between the 70's and later as creating a lacuna but he couldn't go back and correct the original post. So perhaps that first post may have been changed to a later era if the facility to do so had still been there. He said the idea of all the posts being very much connected is essential, and that works in your example, even with the longer time intervals.

Thanks again from a fellow reader,

Chris.

[aaardvarky]

Dear L
Thursday night Oly took me out to visit his friends in Fotlandsvåg. It was a couples evening, allowing Oly to show off his new ‘friend’. Their farmhouse was set back from the village on the north shore. A long wooden table with eight place settings extended the full length of the dining room, glasses of Aquavit already poured and the sound of a Hardanger fiddle from a distant room.

As is traditional during meals, we were separated so as to enrich the evening's conversation, a temporary parting, but to exchange smiles, flirtatious and loving glances along the table. It gave me the opportunity to observe Oly, his jet black hair, handsome face - serious then animated, his muscular shoulders, and the backs of his strong hands as he gestured and blew a kiss.

Night having closed in, the wind whining in the pines on the shoreline, we left for Oly’s Hytte, arriving before midnight for hot chocolate and bed. For a while we simply lay together, holding each other and talking about the evening. I felt his strength, heat, and the comfort of his body; and before long his renewed interest swelling against me, sending my heart into an anticipatory flutter. Our lovemaking was unhurried, as waves against a beach, rhythmical and persistent. I felt his closeness and the intimacy which at that moment I craved from him. It built, gradually and meaningfully, as if inflating my being. I felt absorbed, our breathing in perfect synchronicity, our heartbeat increasing with our swelling passion. In contrast to the build-up, when it came, my climax burst with an almost painful pleasure - an exquisite moment when time ceased, stranding me on a ledge of gratification, then releasing me back into his loving hold. It certainly seems that Oly and I have made a transition from bedmates to lovers, where feelings morph into emotions - where desire turns into addiction. How do you feel about this. Does it make you anxious? Are you as worried as I am concerned?

This morning brought the smell of fresh coffee, croissants, honey with thinly sliced cheese. It is our penultimate day together, and I am determined to make the most of it!

With love,
N

[Chrislydi]

This now must be increasingly hard to read for L. N is writing to him so he must therefore of necessity be in her thoughts right at the moment of writing her letter.

It's perhaps what is left out, even more than what is included or said that's most concerning for L. At no stage either during her description of the visit to Fotlandsvåg, or after, with her description of events after their return to Oly’s Hytte, does N mention her thoughts on L and how this might all affect him, he's barely even a second thought. The slow, gradual unhurried yet so meaningful lovemaking is described, that taking of their bond, that of N and Oly's, to another higher level - a rhapsody of love that rather brutally underlines the further exclusion of L. He's now becoming little more than an afterthought, someone to ignore until the very last paragraph, even in a letter addressed to L himself. We get to the end of her missive and finally, yes finally, she acknowledges and writes the almost obligatory question, 'does it make you anxious? Are you as worried as I am concerned?', but it almost feels as if it's written out of good form or manners rather than anything sincere or heartfelt.

With the obligatory concern out of the way, she can sign off by almost signalling this is the new normal by talking of inconsequential observations, 'This morning brought the smell of fresh coffee, croissants, honey with thinly sliced cheese.' and a final warning it could get even worse for L ' It is our penultimate day together, and I am determined to make the most of it!'. Perhaps even that final exclamation mark carries significance, the emphasis on making the most of the time the two of them have left together and maybe wanting more, much more. Will N even want to come back, there seems nothing in her letter to say she does? Even her tone and descriptive eloquence say her heart is telling her to stay, signalling she's now in thrall to Oly, and likely to obey his wishes.

I know the special relationship the three are now meant to share, but I would still like to have some idea of how long N and L shared a happy married life before Oly came back into their lives, it still seems an extraordinary dismissal of their years together, certainly akin to cheating - even a licensed form of cheating, the way it's all seemed to count for very little once a more dominant lover has her under his influence. I presume L had little choice in no longer being her exclusive partner once Oly arrived back on the scene, as theirs initially didn't seem to be part of an open lifestyle for both, but rather an enforced cuckold one. Has L always harboured cuckold fantasies, even if not with the humiliation or cleaning up stuff it sometimes entails attached? Was there always an understanding that N was free to sleep around with a former friend?

Chris.

[aaardvarky]

Dear L
Friday has been a strange day, for after breakfast, heavy snow arrived in flurries making it impossible to leave the cottage. Oly and I were clearly to be snowed in for the day.

Together in the kitchen we set about making kjøttkaker, a Norwegian speciality of meatballs in gravy. The scene was one of relaxed domesticity. Had you been here to observe you would have seen a couple spending time together, touching and occasionally bending to exchange a playful kiss. As the snow piled against the cabin door, I imagined what it would be like to be trapped here, unable ever to leave, remaining as a part of his life even after the snows had melted. The thought was magnetic, inciting a craving for closeness and making me yearn for intimacy.

Oly caught my eye and saw my expression. I fancied that he must have read my desire to submit to him. Lifting me in his arms, he carried me past his door to my room, to lay me on the bed, hitherto unused, still bearing the folded ‘dress’ and its accompanying parcel of lingerie. It was as if I were being placed on a sacrificial Altar, ‘the dress’ being its altar cloth, the lingerie being the host. The shocking thought of it flushed me with excitement.

Slowly, he undressed me - in a calculated way, teasingly, inexorably. The very act induced a delicious sense of vulnerability, one that I was desperate for him to exploit. First his lips touched my clitoris sending shudders up through my body and into my spine, then his hands cupped my breasts, owning and containing them; finally, excited by his tongue I descended into a rapturous rolling climax, one that did not arrive and depart, but continued unabated, grasping my body and stopping my breath. It was only when the pleasure became unbearable did I call out, more of a scream that concluded in a guttural sigh.

My relief from frustration made me smile, then laugh, at which he took me his arms to love me, cherish me, and eventually enter me. His were long deliberate strokes that matched my desire to be taken by him. I felt strangely exhilarated by his dominance, and my submission. I was yearning to be possessed, a need which he then met in every way that is possible.

Fortunately, our meal was not ruined by our absence. After rising, we returned to the kitchen to finish where we had left off, and to exchange knowing smiles as we reflected on the success of our achievement.

With love,
N

[Chrislydi]

Even the weather now seems to be conspiring against L, at that stage the inevitable seemed just that. I suppose or presume that everything works out in the end and either it turns out into a long term three way arrangement (most likely imo) or just L and M but with more infrequent meetings with Oly.

I know this is in the library and therefore it's allowed to have a fictional element or rather as I understand it, to have a basis of truth and possibly more than that, but some licence for the author to elaborate too. It sort of tells me that any split between L and M is unlikely, although that's only my presumption of course.

I've just briefly reread the first paragraph on page one and realised there's no basis for my assumption, so maybe all outcomes are possible even with this being a retrospective story. It just looked so horrible for L at this point, perhaps he was indeed resigned to fate with nothing he really could do to alter it's course, and any action only likely to drive a wider wedge between his wife and himself.

[aaardvarky]

Chris, as ever, I massively appreciate your comment and terrific support for the story. Let me assist, a focus on the human players here in the belief that their fate may be in their own hands, may be misplaced. There are not three, but four forces at work, are there not? The fourth ‘player’ may be the determinative one. What think you? Tomorrow is the last day before N is due to return, maybe the last day for N to be with Lars, or maybe the first day of a new life - but either way, this signals the last episode of the tale. Look out for it in the morning.

When the tale is told I am thinking that I may collate the story into one piece to post in its entirety here. What do you think?

[Chrislydi]

I think I see what you're referring to, the dress maybe it's material representation but it's the almost spiritual elements of feelings and emotions associated that combine to give a powerful 'fourth force'. I need to call it a day now, I'll certainly be checking tomorrow morning!

Thanks as always aaardvsrky for a highly intriguing tale.

(I find sometimes my mental powers can flag towards the end of the day, and I'm only 41 - I need more sleep and staying in hotels all week isn't great )

[Chrislydi]

When the tale is told I am thinking that I may collate the story into one piece to post in its entirety here. What do you think?

Yes that may be a way of helping the readers too. I confess I can easily get confused or forget what I've read days ago when reading multiple threads. To have all the parts as a whole and read through the entirety in a short time helps with both continuity and understanding. Often I make a point and then reread the first two parts before realising I've not made any sense at all.

Chris.

[aaardvarky]

My darling man,
Friday’s snow came and went, the wind blowing drifts out to sea. That has meant that Oly and I were able to walk to the fjord, then along the high path to absorb the views. At one point we reached an outcrop where we were able to rest. The moment reminded me of the ledge I had attained with Oly after returning from Fotlandsvåg! I snuggled into his arms, we kissed, I sighed. It was a perfect moment together, of gentle togetherness flashed with sparks of desire, as if by holding back we were both elevating our need for connection. In that moment of longing I was also able to picture and savour your sense of frustration at being denied it.

I am astonished how quickly and easily I have made the transition from London wife to live-in lover with Lars. I had imagined that between sessions of lovemaking, passion and sex, I might have felt regret or remorse - but that is not the case. Quite the opposite; being with Oly here seems so natural, as if it has always been so.

When we returned to the hytte after the walk I sought a moment of quiet reflection and togetherness with Oly, for I wanted to ask him about emotions, and whether he felt the same spiritual closeness that I was experiencing. I also wanted to find out why he had never married. We snuggled on his sofa before a log fire, the reflection of the flames dancing in the darkening room.

He explained that in the years after our relationship had ended he had never met anyone with whom he could bear to spend a lifetime. Hoping for the answer I sought, I asked him if he was still in love with me. Oly took his time and described it this way. For some considerable time he had remained deeply in love; but that feeling had transitioned to one of simple love, valuing the choices I had made, and the life I had espoused with you in London. For the first time since we had been together, he mentioned your name, saying that he knew of our happiness, and that he valued it as if it were his own.

For a while I was conflicted with both shock and disappointment. I had wanted him to confirm what I wanted to hear, and his unexpected response silenced me for some minutes. But as I reflected, his explanation made huge sense. It was precisely his commitment to us that engendered the vibrancy of my connection with him.

I lifted my hand to stroke his cheek, then took his face in both hands and kissed his lips, long and voraciously, the tension of the moment distilled into a physical intensity that is hard to describe. We dropped to the rug before the fire. For moments he held me there, closed in his arms; and then released me saying, ‘Go - get ‘the dress’ - the one you wore on Wednesday night - that lay with us on your bed last night - I want you to wear it now.’

Without being asked again I went to my room. Unfolding it with care, I slipped it over my naked body and zipping the back, returned to where Oly lay. Somewhere distant came the sound of Pedro Laurenz with Podesta’s rich baritone voice taking the melody. Undressed, the light caught his features, the hair of his chest, his toned body and his masterful erection. I stood across him, as I had done previously with him by the lake - and with you the evening I first wore ’the dress’. Pinching the seams, I lowered onto him, feeling his moist hardness against me followed by his penetration. Sinking down, it was as if I was taking his whole being within me, both to restore and inseminate me.

I set the pace of our connection whilst staring directly into his eyes. Taffeta spread and crushed to create a percussive rhythm as we cleaved together. Then came an incredible moment of climax. Oly first, as if he could hold back no longer, followed immediately by my orgasm - searing, releasing, voracious in its appetite, consuming and complete.

I looked down to see his smile, a look of triumph, satisfaction and contentment, owning the moment and understanding its significance. It was then that Oly spoke, saying, ‘the dress has fulfilled its purpose - it has united you me and L in its spell’.

I was stunned by his singular and unexpected comment, and then delighted equally. It captured both moment and intention. It brought the three of us together in unique ecstasy. For ‘the dress’, it fixed forever an indelible memory.

The journey to Flesland airport on Sunday morning was uneventful. Before rising, we made love, hugged and made love again, the second time an acknowledgment of parting, hurried and desperate, as if the moment to leave was upon us. Later as the flight gate was called, our fingers that were intertwined separated for a final embrace.

As I wheeled my case to the barrier, I looked back to see him wipe a tear from his eye. I waved a hand and blew a kiss; and walked swiftly towards the departure lounge, leaving behind a dream, but knowing that I returned with joy to the loving, selfless embrace of my husband,

[Chrislydi]

Just a lovely tale brought to a very natural conclusion. The probable result perhaps, but the outcome was largely uncertain right until the final throes and Oly's mention of L. N's initial surprise and disappointment maybe told of what she really thought and hoped might happen. A very apt finale with the tone just right and the final acceptance of N that she would have to return.

So N seemed to think aloud following Oly's mention of L, and only afterwards came round to acceptance....

'For a while I was conflicted with both shock and disappointment. I had wanted him to confirm what I wanted to hear, and his unexpected response silenced me for some minutes'

(I could have been slightly more generous to N in that she finally did see the rightness of returning to L, but really thought Oly far more instrumental in bringing that about) - yes I realise the fourth unspoken force brought it all together

Great stuff Aaardvarky, loved every word,

Chris.

[aaardvarky]

It has been fun making this journey with your support Chris, and with a following from other members, some of whom have commented earlier. Thank you to all my readers, especially those that have contributed. I was wondering about a postscript? Perhaps inspiration will help write one? I have to say, after this trip, Norway will never seem the same. Researching has been challenging but fascinating, as my knowledge of the country comes from two very short visits. But constructing the passion and sex has been really hard as I am quite unused to the process - this is my first real attempt. Following the first part (originally written as a stand-alone story, the rest of the tale has been written in a couple of weeks whilst my partner is away, and does not know that I write. The question is, should I share it with my partner?

[Chrislydi]

This writing is of such a high quality it simply has to be shared, I'm sure your partner would be proud of you. If you ever get the time I'd love to read anything further you have to offer. Like most I have my favourite authors on this site of which you are now one. This is a very individual but uniquely descriptive and flowing style, for me it's that dreamlike quality which marks you out.

More please...

[OZCPL]

Hi aaardvarky
In a posting Apr 20, 2022 5:08 am you show a letter from N to L where she mentions "But, be assured that if I return, I will let you experience its new magic in one way or another." IF I RETURN
That pulled me up short but I don't know why it just didn't appear to have the same impact on others. Maybe they have never had their wives say that to them. Did you have to hold yourself together in that moment.

Then there is-
It certainly seems that Oly and I have made a transition from bed mates to lovers, where feelings morph into emotions - where desire turns into addiction.
How do you feel about this.
Does it make you anxious?
Are you as worried as I am concerned?

The mention of addiction and that she is concerned but not worried, did it worry you. Maybe you thought there was only a 50/50 chance she could just decide to return. Lucky Lars simple love, for N, didnt get any stronger when he was in London, fucking the hell out of your wife, or he could have wanted her to stay with him. Sounds like she fell deeply for him during her visit and allowed him to decide if you were getting her back.

Great story well written thanks

[ExiledSage]

Yes, that “if” stood out to me. And I wondered what might happen in the end.

[aaardvarky]

OZCPL (and of course Chris) - thank you for your comments, and for following my Norwegian story over the several episodes! For me, the 'denial, risk and the prospect of loss' that L endured had to end in 'confirmation, opportunity and recovery'; hence N's return. I tried to capture an acutely dangerous journey taken by N and Lars - where accent was given to the probability of losing N to Lars, so elevating the ultimate outcome for L. As you have observed, but for Lars devotion to N and his deeper understanding of her, the outcome would have been very different, meaning that L owes the outcome to Lars.

As you observed, part of me would have liked to write the story in which Lars was the alter ego of L, but I realised that my writing skills were not up to the task! Instead I settled for more of a collaboration between the two men (mediated by 'the dress') - rather than one where they compete. I also enjoyed writing the dimension of N asserting her need for freedom, and through this, her erotic power over L. I would be interested to know your thoughts on this?

As I mentioned to you, Chris, I am tempted to post the complete story in one piece at the end of this thread, but before doing so I am considering developing the storyline a little more, perhaps with some greater reflection from L, given that it is this aspect that has produced the most commentary. Again, any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

[Dom4cuck]

I really enjoyed your story as well. You captured my interest very early on.

[Chrislydi]

OZCPL (and of course Chris) - thank you for your comments, and for following my Norwegian story over the several episodes! For me, the 'denial, risk and the prospect of loss' that L endured had to end in 'confirmation, opportunity and recovery'; hence N's return. I tried to capture an acutely dangerous journey taken by N and Lars - where accent was given to the probability of losing N to Lars, so elevating the ultimate outcome for L. As you have observed, but for Lars devotion to N and his deeper understanding of her, the outcome would have been very different, meaning that L owes the outcome to Lars.

As you observed, part of me would have liked to write the story in which Lars was the alter ego of L, but I realised that my writing skills were not up to the task! Instead I settled for more of a collaboration between the two men (mediated by 'the dress') - rather than one where they compete. I also enjoyed writing the dimension of N asserting her need for freedom, and through this, her erotic power over L. I would be interested to know your thoughts on this?

As I mentioned to you, Chris, I am tempted to post the complete story in one piece at the end of this thread, but before doing so I am considering developing the storyline a little more, perhaps with some greater reflection from L, given that it is this aspect that has produced the most commentary. Again, any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

You could combine the two in a way, so the reunion and then their reflection on Lars, their Norwegian adventure, the emotions involved and danger faced. To examine why the understanding of Lars was so pivotal and that unique bond between them all. You could even produce a sort of retrospective account of the journey taken without it being so much of the complete story all in one. The idea then might be to move forward with L and N, especially perhaps with emphasis on L's own thoughts and how he now views his relationship with N, as closer or perhaps more of a detached role, allowing N more freedom and for L to once again experience danger and denial?

[wannabecUKold]

Following the first part (originally written as a stand-alone story, the rest of the tale has been written in a couple of weeks whilst my partner is away, and does not know that I write. The question is, should I share it with my partner?

Yes, you should show it to your partner. I printed your first story out to show to my wife, since it is a fine piece of erotic writing.

Instead I settled for more of a collaboration between the two men (mediated by 'the dress') - rather than one where they compete. I also enjoyed writing the dimension of N asserting her need for freedom, and through this, her erotic power over L. I would be interested to know your thoughts on this?

It has to be collaboration not competition. (At the risk of forcing my own storyline onto your story,) this story only works if there is a complete understanding and trust between all parties. If L and Lars start to compete, then the triangle breaks on one limb or another. They all understand this after many years of acquaintance. In the same way, their lives mustn't compete eg were Lars to move to London. There has to be distance in time and place. Then N can love both men in their different worlds.
For me, N returns to London, loving L her husband even more for his understanding. Lars carries on living in Norway. It is understood that N will visit Norway again on many future occasions. N is a London lass, though, and should not emigrate to Norway. And Lars couldn't bear to live in a crowded city, though he may visit to sleep in their marital bed again. Realistically N's time with Lars is transitory, to do sex and stuff you do on holiday with a man you love. I doubt they could live with each other.
Ultimately it will carry on until you kill one of them off - maybe N herself, falling into the icy lake wearing that dress, or maybe N and Lars together down a crevasse in a final lovers' embrace. But rather better to leave the reader hanging, wondering what does happen to the trio.

[nnjcpl2002]

Aaardvarky,
Your writing skills are wonderful. You are creating prose which qualifies as real literature. Reading your work is uplifting on all levels. Thanks!

[aaardvarky]

WannabecUKold and nnjcpl2002 - thank you both for your comments.

I am pleased, wannabecUKold, that you endorse the trust and collaboration aspect to the relationship between N, L and Lars. Aspects of exploitation remain to carry the erotic charge, but they work within the dynamic of boundaries, where different roles are respected. And it sounds to me that you are encouraging me to write a postscript, or even another chapter of their journey?

nnjcpl2000 - your compliment is so appreciated, if undeserved! I have enjoyed the challenges of writing it, made even more satisfying by comments such as yours. I am pleased you found it uplifting! I had wanted to find a subtlety - a difficult task when seeking to write about emotional connection through a fundamentally physical act. I hope, in part, I have succeeded.

[Chrislydi]

Another chapter would be very welcome indeed but anything more a real bonus

[wannabecUKold]

And it sounds to me that you are encouraging me to write a postscript, or even another chapter of their journey?

I am indeed encouraging you. And don't feel you have to send them over the Norwegian equivalent of the Reichenbach Falls.

[aaardvarky]

Postscript

A two hour Bergen flight breaks through low cloud to land at LGW. There is the usual clicking of seatbelts as travellers rush for cases in overhead lockers. N sits for several minutes until the engines have cut and silence pervades the cabin. From the window West Sussex appears grey and dull after the snowy morning light of Vestland.

Immigration and customs cleared without incident, N wheels her way from flight-side to look for a familiar face. She sees L bobbing amongst a collection of drivers holding welcome signs, his face joyful as he spots her.

‘Darling, how wonderful to have you home’, he exclaims, his voice unintentionally loud for the arrivals hall. ‘Shh, everyone will know I have been away for too long’, N replies playfully. They hug, then embrace, and lips meet, deep breaths inhaled, fingers touch, and hands grip.

N feels L’s initial tension, built over the week of absence, start to fade - animation replaced by a look of relief. And they turn to head out to the parking, L’s car, and their journey via the M23 to London.

As ever, fresh Lilies grace the hallway of their home, perfume lifting on the warm noon air. The suburban atmosphere of the house seems in stark contrast to Lar’s bohemian hytte of Vestland; and L’s pressed suit very different from Lar’s rugged-casual style.

‘Have you missed me darling?’, she says as she shrugs her coat onto an adjacent armchair. Her question is of course, rhetorical, for she sees the anxiety of separation still etched on his brow. She strokes his arm. ‘Come with me’, she continues, taking his arm whilst pointing to the sofa.

‘Well, this has been an experience’, she ventures as if to escape a moment of quietness, ‘tell me, how have you felt whilst I was away - how have you coped - what have you been doing - what are your feelings now I am back?’

Just as lock gates open, L exposes his feelings - first a trickle, then a surge and a rush, leading to a flood of spoken emotion.

‘I can’t say that it hasn’t been hard’, he replies, purposely selecting a double negative, but adding, ‘at the same time it has been dreadfully exciting - stimulatingly erotic knowing that you were with him, realising what you were feeling and sharing - a pleasure so far beyond what I could have expected or imagined’.

‘Do you have any regrets about me going?’, she continues, ‘was there a moment when it was too much for you to bear?’

‘Strangely, yes and no’, he answers, a slight tremor in his voice, ‘yes, because I felt every inch of danger whilst you and Lars were together; and no, because you included me by writing about it. It was like a saw blade running between inclusion and exclusion - involvement and denial. At times it was stressful, but then produced a massive erotic charge - one of release rather than of relief.’

‘That sounds either painfully pleasurable or simply stressful?’

‘There were times when I thought my heart would burst, but then I would experience your excitement and pleasure, as if you had unconsciously transmitted your feelings to me, allowing me to surf your roller-coaster of passion.’

‘Well, I think we should celebrate my return, don’t you’, she replies, ‘fetch that bottle of champagne - the vintage one we saved for a special occasion - and join me in the bedroom’.

And with that, N rises from the sofa, and pulling her little case behind her, heads to the stairs.

It takes L a few moments to locate the correct bottle and find two crystal glasses, but armed with the champagne, makes his way to their bedroom. He enters, half expecting to see her in bed, or returning naked from the bathroom.

Instead, she is by the window, spring light through voile curtains illuminating her torso as she stands motionless, her back towards him. She wears ‘the dress’, its taffeta underskirts flaring as she turns towards him.

L stops in his tracks. He sees N’s sensual beauty accentuated by ‘the dress’ - her breasts raising the decollage, heels lifting her calves, her legs smooth in silk beneath its hem.

He approaches, she takes his hand, she leads him to the bed, he turns, she pushes, his body collapses backwards, she approaches, she lifts her skirts, standing, then kneeling she straddles his legs, she unfastens his shirt, then his belt, removing his trousers. She moves up his body, spreading the edges of ‘the dress’ as she has previously; lowering just above him so that he can feel the heat from between her thighs. For a moment she remains suspended there, not touching, teasingly close, the lips of her labia brushing him. Slowly and purposely she moves forward and backwards, achieving clitoral stimulation from the minuteness of contact. She looks down on him, pleasuring herself, controlling him, and smiles.

‘Tell me, what have you most missed whilst I have been with Lars?’, she asks with a breathy voice that speaks of her gathering pleasure. ‘What have you missed being without me?’, she continues, heightening his frustration with a voracious intent.

The moment is too much, too intense. L explodes, his climax above and beyond his control, managed by N who has calculated it to the finest degree so as to induce the most intense, searing pleasure. He ejaculates suddenly. She feels a pressure wave and spread of wetness against her, and she sinks down so as to climax over him, an erotic, tantric experience that signals her control and acknowledgment and management of his frustration.

It takes a while for their breathing to subside. He looks up at her longingly, his immediate need met, yet his desire still inflamed.

‘I needed to get your undivided attention’, she says, ‘and to test your commitment to us’. ‘You will be pleased to know you have passed with flying colours’, she continues, beaming. And without hesitation she adds, ‘Now, what should be the fate of this dress? Is it a ‘keep’ or ‘let go’?

L gazes at her for what seems like seconds. ‘It’s definitely a keep for me’, he says, and of course you may need it for your next trip, don’t you think?’