Without Pretense Read online

to ghostwrite my autobiography. I’m hoping you’ll agree to take it on.”

  The bartender arrived and Bianca bought a little time by placing her order for two glasses of white wine. She turned back to Wren. “I’m flattered, I think, although still a little confused how you found me. But I’m in the middle of a project right now. I don’t know when I’ll be ready to take on a new book.”

  “Fortunately, I have no set timeline on my project. Please at least tell me you’ll think about it?”

  Bianca didn’t see any harm in at least considering the possibility, especially since Ava was clearly still reluctant and hesitant to commit to the larger project. “I will think about it.”

  “Great.” Wren pulled out a business card from her pocket. “This has all the ways to contact me. I hope you’ll be in touch.”

  “One way or another I will let you know.”

  ***

  With Bianca at the bar, Ava cast about for something to do. She should mingle, that was her job, but she hated this part. Her team would bring the next donor over for her to chat in a few minutes, she was sure. In the meantime, she was at loose ends and very uncomfortable. Fortunately, she spotted someone she knew. She made her way over to Hendrik, a musician she had met the previous year. As soon as he noticed her headed his way he threw his arms open. “Ava, how are you?”

  “I’m well. How are you and the family?” Ava returned the warm embrace.

  “All are well. Where have you been hiding yourself this trip? You run off after rehearsal; we haven’t had a chance to catch up.”

  “You’re right. We should do that. I have been spending a lot of time with…a new friend.”

  “Is that the brunette that has been hanging around?”

  “Yes. Her name is Bianca.” Saying her name made Ava want to lay eyes on her. She looked over to the bar. Her delight in spotting Bianca was short-lived as she saw her blush as she talked to another woman. They appeared to be having a somewhat intimate conversation given how close they were standing to one another. “Do you know who Bianca is talking with at the bar?”

  Hendrik glanced over. “Sure. That’s Wren Stark. She’s made a name for herself in America. She is also becoming quite popular in Europe these days.”

  Ava didn’t like how the tall, dark-haired woman was leaning toward Bianca. A part of her knew she was being a bit ridiculous, but she couldn’t seem to stop herself. She breathed a small sigh of relief when Wren walked away.

  Bianca turned and watched Wren walk away. She was torn between amusement and confusion by the entire encounter. She picked up the wine the bartender had left behind her and walked over to Ava, offering her a glass. “Hi.”

  “Hi. Was that Wren Stark you were talking to?”

  “Yes. Do you know her?”

  “Only of her. How do you know her?”

  “We just met. She says she’s a fan of my writing and wants me to help her with a project.”

  “Are you going to help her?”

  “I don’t know yet, but since she has no timeline in mind, I told her I would think about it.”

  “I see.”

  Bianca couldn’t tell what Ava was thinking as she looked around the room.

  “Look, I think I’ve been here long enough. What do you say we take off and go back to my suite?”

  “I really like that idea,” Bianca said.

  “Fantastic.” Ava took Bianca’s hand and guided them out the door.

  ***

  “Let’s do something different this evening,” Bianca said as they walked into the suite.

  “What do you have in mind?” Ava was intrigued and Bianca had her undivided attention.

  “How about we change into our pajamas, make some popcorn, climb into bed, and watch a movie?”

  “That sounds perfect.”

  Once they had changed, they raided the mini-fridge and snack box. They had a virtual feast of junk food between them on the bed. Bianca held the remote. “So do you have any preferences?”

  “I have a confession.”

  “What’s that?” Bianca asked.

  “I haven’t watched a lot of movies. So, anything you pick, there’s a good chance I haven’t seen it.”

  “Seriously? How about The Hundred-Foot Journey?”

  “I don’t think I’ve seen that one. What’s it about?” Ava asked.

  “If you’d seen it you’d know. You have to see it.”

  “Okay.”

  “What about Under the Tuscan Sun?” Bianca asked.

  Ava shrugged. “Nope.”

  “Goonies?”

  “Never heard of it.”

  “Tombstone?”

  “Sounds depressing,” Ava said.

  “It actually has some funny parts, but some parts are sad. How about Pretty Woman?”

  “I’ve heard of that one. Julia Roberts, right?”

  “Yes. Clearly we need to work on your movie repertoire.”

  “So educate me.”

  Bianca tapped the remote against her lips while thinking. “Where to start? That is the question. Shall we start chronologically, by genre, or importance of the film?”

  “What’s your favorite movie of all time?”

  “I couldn’t possibly pick just one. Some of my favorites besides the ones I mentioned are The Princess Bride, Blindside, and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel but there are so many good ones.”

  “So, why don’t we start with one of those?”

  “Makes sense.” Bianca played with the remote until she pulled one of the movies up on the screen. “We’ll start with The Princess Bride because it has a little bit of everything—comedy, romance, drama, magic, action, and more.”

  “Sounds good.”

  As the opening credits appeared on the screen, Ava glanced toward Bianca. They weren’t doing anything exceptional, simply cuddling on the bed watching a movie. But every moment she spent with Bianca seemed special. She had never been so comfortable with another person. Bianca was already engrossed in the movie. Ava turned back to the screen. She was excited to see what Bianca saw in this film.

  What she’d confessed to Bianca was true. She hadn’t watched many movies. It felt weird for her to watch a movie alone and she rarely had anyone around that she wanted to spend that much time with. But it felt completely right to be watching a movie with Bianca. Everything with Bianca felt right.

  She reached into the popcorn bowl and grazed Bianca’s hand. “This is nice. Thank you.”

  “Thank you for being open to it.”

  ***

  Bianca woke at first light, her body pressed tightly to Ava’s. She was already warm and pliant from sleep, but consciousness sparked the lust that was never far away when Ava was nearby. But right this moment, she wanted something more than instant gratification. She gently roused her. “Ava?” she whispered.

  Ava turned in her arms and slowly opened her eyes. “Good morning.”

  “Good morning. I’d like you to do something for me.”

  Ava snuggled closer. “Sure, what do you need?” Ava started moving her hands languidly up and down Bianca’s back.

  “I’d like you to play a song for me.”

  Ava’s eyebrow winged up. “Right now?”

  “Yes.”

  Ava studied her for several moments. “Okay, if that’s what you want. Let me put on some clothes.”

  “No.”

  “No?”

  “As you are.” Bianca slid out of bed and held out her hand. “Come with me.”

  Ava took her hand and climbed out of bed. “Where?”

  Bianca led them into the living room area and stood Ava beside the ottoman. “Put one leg up here on the sofa.” She patted the cushion indicating the spot.

  “Like this?”

  “Yes. Now wait right there.” Bianca strode purposefully to Ava’s violin case and brought it back to her. “Here.”

  “You want me to stand like this and play for you?”

  “Yes, please.”

  Ava opened the ca
se and lifted her violin and bow out of it. “Any requests?”

  “No specific song. Play whatever you want, but no matter what happens, try your hardest to keep playing.”

  “What’s going to happen?” Ava’s voice trembled slightly.

  “Play for me and you’ll find out.”

  Ava began to play. Bianca stood a few feet from Ava and swayed to the music. She lifted her arms and moved in time with the music. She pulled her hands down and fondled her own breasts. She continued moving her hands over herself as though they were a lover’s touch. She might have felt self-conscious if she couldn’t tell how much touching herself was arousing Ava.

  Music filled the room. Bianca turned her back on Ava and bent over, spreading herself wide open, giving Ava a clear view of her. She slapped her own ass, watching Ava’s reaction over her shoulder. Her teasing was having the desired impact. Ava’s skin was flushed, her breathing erratic, her nipples hard, and her mound glistening. She was fully aroused, but she didn’t stop playing.

  Bianca moved to Ava then. Her arms moved so gracefully to produce beautiful music on the violin. Bianca reached under Ava’s arms to run her thumbs over her fully erect nipples. She gently grazed the sides of Ava’s breasts and saw her struggle to keep the rhythm of the music. She removed her hands. “Keep playing.”

  Once Ava was able to recapture the rhythm that had momentarily escaped her, Bianca knelt in front of her. She watched as anticipation and desire washed across Ava’s face. She gripped Ava’s buttocks and massaged her cheeks. Ava played on. Bianca sat back on her heels for a moment and simply watched Ava make stunning music. Her own center throbbed. She met Ava’s hungry gaze. “Remember, no matter what happens, try your very hardest to keep playing.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Bianca leaned forward, stuck out her tongue, and slowly licked up and down Ava’s labia. Ava’s legs trembled slightly, but the music remained steady. “Good girl.” Bianca circled Ava’s clit with her tongue, with only the slightest pressure and then backed off. She moved her tongue around Ava’s opening and dragged it back up through her folds. Ava’s hips were now moving back and forth trying to make contact with Bianca’s tongue where she needed it most. The violin remained steady.

  Ava found she had to concentrate so hard on keeping the rhythm strong that she was only marginally aware of what Bianca was doing to her. Somehow it made the delicious torture even more exquisite. Normally, Ava could flawlessly play hundreds of songs without much thought. Right now though, she had to keep tremendous focus so she wouldn’t disappoint Bianca.

  Bianca moved one hand around to massage Ava’s bottom. She took Ava fully into her mouth. With her other hand, she thrust two fingers into Ava’s slit. Ava almost lost it when all those sensations hit her at once. She managed, just barely, to regain control after missing only one beat. She looked down fearful that Bianca would stop because she had messed up the music. Bianca didn’t stop, so she played on.

  She was so close. But she had to keep playing. Her body was shaking. She was going to lose it. She gripped her violin tighter and moved the bow faster into an up-tempo to match the feelings racing up her body and coalescing in her center. As she crested, her legs buckled and she fell back onto the ottoman. She wasn’t sure how but she was still playing, effectively on her back. Bianca was still feasting on her center and she took her over again.

  Finally, Bianca raised her head. “You can stop playing now.”

  Ava slowed her bow and brought the song to an end.

  Bianca took the violin and bow from her and set them gently in the case. Then she helped Ava up from the ottoman and over to the couch where she cradled her in her arms. She kissed her gently, and then tilted her chin so she could face her squarely. “Thank you for playing for me.”

  “Um, obviously my pleasure.”

  “As soon as I woke up I knew I had to have you like that. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Oh, I definitely didn’t mind. I’m happy to play for you any time.”

  “I’ll remember that.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Ava and Bianca were in the heart of Paris playing tourist. After hours of viewing Ava’s favorite pieces in the Louvre, they emerged into the early evening light. Ava glanced at Bianca. “How are you doing, would you be up for a bit of a climb?”

  “What do you have in mind?”

  “I’d love to take you to see the view from L’Arc de Triomphe, but it means lots of stairs.”

  “If you say the view is worth it, I’m up for the climb,” Bianca said.

  Ava led them through the underground tunnel that would help them avoid the horrendous traffic around the Arc. Before long, they started to climb the curving black metal stairs.

  “What are you most afraid of?” Bianca asked once they were making their way up the stairwell.

  “I’m not a fan of public speaking,” Ava said.

  “Seriously?”

  “Yes. I can play the violin in venues filled with thousands of people no problem. Just don’t put a microphone in my hand and ask me to talk to them. Even talking to twenty people makes me anxious. Honestly, I’m not all that comfortable in small groups either. That’s why I enjoy your company so much at the donor functions. It’s easier for me when you’re nearby.”

  “I had no idea.”

  “It’s true. Anyway, how about you, what is your biggest fear?” Ava asked.

  “Snakes. Definitely snakes.”

  “Wow, that was a very quick answer.”

  “I hate them. They’re slimy and squirmy and gross. Even talking about them gives me the willies,” Bianca said.

  “All right, you don’t have to talk about them anymore. Besides, we’re here.”

  Ava pushed open the door to the viewing area. After being in the relative darkness of the stairwell, the evening sun temporarily blinded her. She slid on her sunglasses and saw Bianca doing the same. “Just one more large step to get to viewing platform.” She took Bianca’s hand. “Right this way. You can use the viewfinders if you really want to zoom in on anything, but I love just looking from here.”

  “Wow. It’s amazing how far you can see,” Bianca said.

  “It’s gorgeous at night too. We can wait until the sun goes down so you can see Paris lit up, if you’d like,” Ava said.

  “As appealing as that sounds, I think I’d rather just head back to the room.”

  “Well, in that case, we can go whenever you’re ready.”

  Bianca laughed. “I think I can control myself at least long enough to see the view from all sides of the building. Probably.”

  “Your wish is my command. Right this way.”

  Ava let Bianca precede her and enjoyed the view of her retreating form. Exploring some of her favorite places with Bianca next to her, made them seem fresh and new. Even now as they looked out over Paris, Ava felt more whole than she had in years.

  There had to be more to life than touring around the world playing the same songs for different people. All of the people she was closest to in her life she had met because of her music. Her best friends were her stylist and her assistant. She trusted them immensely, but on some level they were still staff. She’d been touring for more than half her life. What would it be like to settle in one place for more than a month or two? She didn’t even have a place she called home other than her parents’ house in London.

  When the touring was over for the year, she’d always just kept traveling. She stayed for a few weeks here or there, wherever sounded amusing or interesting when she had to make that decision each year. A part of her wondered if she wasn’t traveling, how long it would take before she went stir crazy. Another part of her knew she couldn’t maintain this pace or lifestyle forever. There had to be something in the middle.

  Before Bianca, she’d never considered that she could be happy with one person. Nobody had held her interest for very long. Perhaps that was her. Maybe she hadn’t tried to make a connection with anyone because she knew she’d always
be leaving. It was always only a matter of time before she had to move on.

  What if she had finally found someone with whom she had a strong enough connection that she would never get bored? Someone she could travel with when that was necessary and someone whom she’d want to return home with when the traveling was done? It certainly felt like all those things were true when she thought about Bianca. But would Bianca ever feel the same? Could she if she ever knew the decision Ava had made?

  No matter what happened between them, Ava wanted to remember this day forever. She studied Bianca with the sun setting behind her. “We should take some pictures up here,” she said.

  “Excellent idea.”

  They snapped several different shots on each of their phones. After spending a few more moments leaning against one another, appreciating the stunning view, they began the descent. When they reached the bottom, they exited the building and Ava steered them toward their hotel.

  “Maybe tomorrow we could go see Notre Dame so I could take a picture in front of it for my mom. She’d get a kick out of that,” Bianca said.

  “If you only want to snap a picture, we can do that on the way back to the hotel. There’s a route that will take us right by it.” Ava took Bianca’s hand.

  “That would be great.”

  “Okay, I’ll get us there. Are you still a practicing Catholic?” Ava asked.

  “Not really. I go with the family when I’m visiting them just to keep the peace, but organized religion doesn’t do a lot for me.”

  “I feel the same way. There are times though when I’m outside surrounded by nature where it feels quite spiritual and I feel connected…a part of something bigger.”

  “I know what you mean. The natural world can be so peaceful when you stop and listen. I stopped going to church as a teenager because a lot of the sermons just felt too political to me. I get enough of that when I’m not at church.” They had arrived and stood in front of the massive gothic church. “It really is beautiful how the stained glass windows make a Kaleidoscope of color,” Bianca said.

  Nothing we’ve seen today compares to how beautiful you are.