The City in the Sky
CHAPTER 22

From somewhere outside a small explosion ripped the sky open and the cold, heavy sleet that had been hiding in the clouds began to beat the window panes. Thick droplets of slush thudded against the glass before slowly sliding down to be replaced by another. They sat on the couch side by side listening to nature’s rhythmic melody as they watched the fire die. Mulligan had never felt so comfortable yet so agitated in all his life. He deeply wanted to grab Lucy and pull her close. He wanted to feel the warmth of her body as it pressed against his. He wanted to proclaim his love and desire for the beautiful woman who sat by his side, but he didn’t.

The embers dwindled to a meager glow and darkness began to overtake the room. Lucy stood up briskly and in a mildly wistful tone said, “I had probably better light a lamp. I’m sure you must be hungry. If you give me a moment, I can prepare you something to eat.”

Mulligan sat on the couch and cursed himself for his irresolution as she left for the kitchen. He was losing the moment. He leapt to his feet and followed her.

“Lucy, wait”, he spluttered.

Having just finished lighting the lamp, she turned to face him. Her eyes shone brightly in the vague light.

“Lucy, I...“, began Mulligan

“James!“, Lucy exclaimed, “You’re bleeding.”

Mulligan had all but forgot the wound in his side, but when he looked down he saw that the blood had once again began spotting his shirt with crimson.

“Please remove your shirt”, she said, but when she saw his startled reaction she blushed and continued, “so I can wash it before the stain sets.”

Mulligan complied by slowly unbuttoning his shirt. Lucy took the soiled garment and quickly laid it on the counter before asking, “May I see the wound?”

Mulligan turned his injured side towards her to allow her a better look. She carefully unwrapped the gauze material that Otto had used as a bandage until the laceration was exposed. The ragged edges of the gash were purple and bruised, and there was swelling around it, but the tissue inside had begun to heal. Lucy’s fingers softly palpated the contusion around the cut causing Mulligan to wince.

“Does it hurt?“, she asked.

“A little”, he answered truthfully.

“Just a second, I need to fetch some things”, she said.

She returned shortly carrying a wash cloth and some bandaging materials. She drew some warm water and began to gently cleanse the wound.

“I’m sorry you had to go through so much pain because of me”, she said quietly as she wrapped his lower torso with gauze.

Mulligan slid his finger under her chin raising her face towards his until he could look into her eyes. “Believe me when I say, you’re worth it”, he said feeling the intensity in their gaze multiply exponentially.

It happened so slowly, almost unconsciously. He pressed his lips to hers, and she responded without hesitation. They held the kiss for a long moment, overtaken by the fervor of it all. Still kissing her, he backed her against the kitchen counter. He slid his hands around the back of her silk clad thighs and lifted her onto it. She parted her legs and pulled him into her, wrapping herself around him.

Mulligan hesitated for a second. It had been a long time, and his uncertainty regarding potential differences in Clockwork anatomy made him feel like a fumbling teenager, but as his hand moved up her leg he sensed her femininity and his confidence returned. His fingertips traced the length of her leg gliding up the silky stockings till they reached smooth, warm flesh. She quivered with delight as his fingers traced the edge of her panties before slipping under the garment and slowly exploring the slippery softness they concealed. A gasp of pleasure escaped her lips driving him to the brink of madness. She seemed to understand. She took his hand and led him up the creaking wooden stairs to his bedroom.

Lucy lay on the bed, her hair arrayed about her head like a black halo. She looked like a Cimmerian goddess, dark and beautiful to behold. Their eyes were locked in a gaze that proclaimed more passion and desire than words could ever express. He crawled from the end of the bed until he sat between her legs. They tore at one another’s clothing throwing it aside carelessly. Her hand found his erection and began to caress its length. James felt it stiffen to the point of pleasure spilling over into an aching pain. He brusquely tore open her bodice and took one of Lucy’s small round breasts in his hand. He leaned forward and gently sucked on the pink nub causing Lucy to moan in delight and stroke him faster.

When he couldn’t take anymore, he slipped her panties down, and, much to his relief, found everything appeared to be as he remembered it was. A jolt of pleasure ran through his body as his swollen member pushed against her silken, slick labia. Lucy bit her lower lip and grasped James’ wrists as inch by inch he slid inside her. Waves of ecstasy crashed over them as they began to thrust against each other. As they languidly drew to a crescendo, unfettered moans and exclamations of desire burst from their lips.

James hung from the precipice of orgasm, unsure of how much longer he could hold on. Mercifully, Lucy gave an final, elongated cry and bucked her hips frantically against him. He let go and they both crumpled into a twisted heap on the bed. They lay still for some time, panting and basking in the post-coitus rush as it slowly ebbed from their bodies.

Lucy rolled onto her side and lay her head on James’ chest.

“Oh my dearest, that was wonderful”, she said before kissing him softly.

He smiled at her and gently ran his fingers through her hair. He reflected how had not felt so content in such a long while. He had found a well of happiness in Lucy and he knew he could not let it go.

“What are you thinking about, James?”

“Hmm?’, he replied, trying to put his mind into words. “Oh not much, the future, I guess.”

“Haha”, Lucy laughed softly, “I was wondering about that, myself. It seems we have much to discuss, but if you don’t mind, I need some water. I think I might overheat after that.”

She grinned and gave James a longer kiss,

“Wait...“, James implored.

“I won’t be long”, she laughed as she hopped from the bed and put on James’ robe.

She turned once more to flash him a smile and disappeared into the hallway. James could hear the stairs creak softly as she descended them leaving him alone once more to roam the corridors of his mind.

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