The Guilded Lily Ch. 01: Lost Girl

Welcome to chapter one of The Guilded Lily. These stories were published on Literotica before, some years ago, under my previous user name, IslandCove. They were taken down for editing and the account closed. Now I think it's time to resurrect them. It's a long series of 30 chapters, each about 10,000 words, so the whole thing is equivalent to about 3 or 4 novels!

Read them in order, as it's one long continuous story. I'll try to publish them quickly. Hopefully one every few days as I check the editing.

I hope you enjoy...

Chapter One.

Lost Girl.

Birmingham, England, Autumn 1995.

Jimmy Blake.

* * *

I awoke to the glare of bright sunlight through my thin bedroom curtains. Covering my eyes with the back of my hand, I felt the drag of soft lips around my cock.

Mandy.

What a way to wake up.

"Good morning to you, Girlie," I laughed.

"Mmmmmph!" came the reply.

I smiled, "Didn't your mother teach you not to speak with your mouth full."

The lips in question slid up my rigid shaft, and the head escaped with a soft 'pop'. "Make up your mind," Mandy giggled, "Do you want this blow-job or a bloody conversation?"

I held up my hands "Just you carry on enjoying yourself down there, Girlie," I said in mock seriousness, "Far be it from me to spoil your fun."

Her fingers gripped my balls just a little too hard. "My fun," she scolded, "My bloody fun! I take it you're not enjoying this at all then?"

Her soft mouth once more, engulfed my hardness as her tongue circled the head of my cock. "No, not in the least... Oh fuck, you're good at that," I moaned.

"Mmmmmph!"

The conversation degenerated at that point into muffled moans, ecstatic groans and the rhythmic, wet sound of oral pleasure.

Less than a minute later, my hips strained upwards as I felt my balls signal the imminent arrival of Mandy's reward. I restrained myself from reaching for her head and pulling her deeper onto my swollen dick. Years of our sexual familiarity reminded me that, though Mandy gave excellent head, she hated to feel in any way forced. Instead, I put my hands to my sides and grabbed handfuls of the sheet as my cock exploded into her throat.

She swallowed for a few seconds then slowed her attentions to my softening member, letting it slip from her mouth as she smacked her lips. "Mmmmm," she cooed, "Maybe fresh cum should be on the menu of your little restaurant downstairs".

"I doubt it would go down well with the customers," I smiled, recovering my breath.

"It went down well with me!" she replied, sliding her full-figured body up the bed, "It's yummy... Taste." she giggled as she kissed me, thrusting her tongue into my mouth.

I tasted my flavour on her lips as I kissed her back. We'd long ago agreed that if I expected her to kiss me after I'd gone down on her, I could expect the same treatment after a session of her expert cock sucking.

To be honest, I didn't mind the taste, and the kinky side of me was a little excited by her indiscriminate sharing of our bodily fluids.

I pulled my head back far enough to focus on her deep brown eyes and asked, "Would Madam allow me to reciprocate her kind oral ministrations?"

"Not this morning, Jim. I wanted to show my appreciation for your dedication in bringing me to no less than four thrashing orgasms last night."

I smiled, "We don't have to keep score, you know. You know I love to lick your pussy."

"I love it too," she laughed, "but if I don't get my butt out of your bed soon, I will be late for work."

"It's only 7 o'clock," I reasoned, "Surely there's time for a little more fun."

"No, I have to shower the smell of sweaty sex off of myself and go home to change before I even think about getting the bus to work. I'm assured that the clients of JMP Accounting don't appreciate the aroma of our recent couplings when discussing their financial affairs."

"Okay," I grumbled, "I'll get the coffee on while you go pretty yourself up for the wealthy."

Ten minutes later, I'd just finished pouring two mugs of coffee and adding cream, when she wandered into the kitchen wearing a white terry robe and towelling her blonde hair dry. She smiled, sipped the hot drink and sighed, "Mmmh, Caffeine."

* * *

Mandy, Amanda Holmes, was 36 years old, just a month older than me, and we'd been friends since we went to High School at the age of eleven. She, the awkward, tall, gangly girl who seemed to revel in the most challenging tasks set by our teachers. I, the slightly overweight and painfully shy boy who, if he tried, could keep up with our lessons.

I suppose we were an unlikely pair, but we took to each other on sight and were seldom apart for long from that day forward.

Mandy and I had become friends, almost the sibling we each lacked. We soon found that we could talk about anything with each other and, though I was just about as socially awkward as possible, I trusted this smart, feisty girl and she trusted me.

We helped each other with schoolwork, discussed our tormentors and our crushes, and happily shared our opinions on any subject without judgment or criticism.

She and I talked about her periods as easily as we discussed my first wet dream and, as we grew up, we shared our thoughts on each other's dates, boyfriends and girlfriends.

We toyed with the idea of dating each other, but both decided we valued our friendship too highly to risk losing it.

* * *

"Breakfast?" I asked.

"No, I'll get something at home while I change," she replied, "Let me throw my clothes on, and I'll be off in a few minutes."

"Ring me after we close the restaurant tonight for a chat," I said. She nodded and wandered off, coffee in hand, to start her day.

We were 'Friends with benefits', fuck buddies, and had been, on and off, for close to 13 years now.

In our early 20s, we'd both been too busy to find partners and were suffering from a lack of sex. We'd talked one night while commiserating with each other over our sexual drought when the thought of an honest, no strings relationship came up. Though we were most definitely not each other's type, we trusted and loved each other, and that night, for the first time, we slept together.

Over the years we'd both had serious relationships when our agreement had stopped. She'd had a partner for 4 years to whom she'd been devoted. That had ended when she found him in their bed with another man.

I'd married a slim, fit, dark-haired beauty at 25 but six years later, and with 2 children together, she'd thrown me out. Her drinking had got too much for me by then, and I put up little resistance.

Our current liaison had been going on for almost 2 years now, but we still each hoped to find our ideal partner one day.

"Oh," I hear you say, "You'll end up marrying each other one day." Nope. Not going to happen. The antisocial hours I work as a Chef would drive her crazy, and, though I love her to bits as a friend, I go for slim, narrow hipped, athletic types with dark hair, small tits and attitude as opposed to Mandy's ample bosom and rounded hips. Mandy also wanted children, and I was happy with the two I already had.

"Right, I'm off," she sighed, giving me a deep, lingering kiss. She smelled of coconut shampoo and tasted of mint mouthwash. "I'll ring you tonight. You want to let me out of the front door?"

We walked down the stairs and out through the darkened dining area of the Guilded Lily Restaurant to the front door where I let her out onto the street. I placed a small peck on her lips. "Bye," I said.

"Bye," she replied. "Have a wonderful day."

"You too," I smiled, then she was off down the street to catch her bus.

* * *

An hour later, I'd showered, eaten granola and toast, and made my way down to the kitchen of the Guilded Lily.

The Guilded Lily.

My Restaurant!

If anyone had told me 5 years ago that I'd have my own place before I was 35, I'd have said they were crazy, but a moderate bequest from my Dad's sister on her death had allowed me to think about my dream.

At the time I'd been working as Sous Chef for Pierre LeBoeuf for two years at his 'Famous on TV' Restaurant, Maison LeBoeuf. We'd come up through the ranks together as trainees, though he'd been plain old Pete Williams then. He'd gone off to study in France and, on his return had changed his name, exaggerated his already flamboyant personality and become a celebrity chef.

A couple of wealthy admirers had set him up in business, and he'd soon contacted me to come and be his right-hand man.

When he heard of my inheritance, he'd been quick to encourage me to branch out on my own, even looking at properties with me when possible. We'd seen the building that now houses the Guilded Lily together and had both seen the potential. I'd had sufficient money to buy the building, a repossession, from the Bank, and Pete found me the backers to fit the place out.

Two years on and I had a thriving business on my hands.

* * *

I put on the coffee machine ready for the rest of the staff and went to my office to phone in the fruit and veg order and the butchery order.

I grabbed a coffee and went to open the fire escape door that served as our rear entrance. I pushed the release bar on the door and swung the steel-clad door open. The door opened a few inches, then hit something soft. There was a muffled squeak, then a female voice said, "Shit!"

I peered around the door to find a sheet of cardboard on top of which was a grubby sleeping bag. Poking from the top of the makeshift bed was a mess of red hair from under which stared a pair of vivid green eyes.

"Hello," I began, "I'm afraid I need to get the door open."

"Sorry, I shouldn't be here, should I?"

"Well, It's not the most convenient place, but I'm guessing not the most comfortable either. Do you always sleep rough?" I asked.

"The shelter was full," she explained, "I had nowhere to go."

"Why don't you roll up your bed and I'll make you a coffee?" I suggested. "Cream and sugar?"

"Black with two sugars... if you're sure it's okay."

"It's my place, so I guess it's fine," I smiled.

Two minutes later, she stood in the doorway, and I got a proper look at her for the first time. She looked to be about 16 years old, maybe 5'6" tall with dyed red hair, a pale complexion and at least 10 piercings that I could see at a glance. Her nose, eyebrow and lip each had a ring in them, and each ear was dotted with silver decorations. She wore black and had several chains hanging from various pieces of her clothing.

"Is that what they call Goth fashion?" I asked.

"I guess so," she said and smiled.

"You're very young to be sleeping rough," I said, "How old are you, anyway?"

"I'm 18," she replied, "I left home two years ago."

"You in trouble with the law?"

"No."

"Drugs?"

"No."

"Okay, I'll trust you. Have a seat in my office, for now, I'll see if I can rustle you up some food. Do you have a name?"

"I'm called Jean," she said, "You?"

"Jim. Jim Blake," I said.

She smiled back, but I could see how uneasy she was. I'd just thought maybe her being alone here with me was not such a wonderful idea, for either of us, when Corrine walked in

Corrine was my Sous Chef, my second in command. A rail-thin, black, British/Jamaican, she'd followed me from Maison LeBoeuf at Pete's suggestion. I'd never regretted taking her on. She was a hard one, to be sure, but fair. The staff respected her, and if they did their job, liked her too.

"Morning, Chef," she called. She paused when she saw the red-haired girl, and her eyes asked the question.

"This is Jean," I explained. "Jean, this is Corrine Allen."

"Hi," she whispered.

One of the young trainee chefs came in, so I set him to get some toast and jam for our guest, then left her eating while I organised the kitchen for lunch service.

"Who's the goth girl?" Corrine asked.

"She's Jean," I said. "Young, homeless and I found her sleeping in our back doorway not half an hour ago."

"Could be trouble."

"I think she needs some help. There's no reason I can think of not to at least feed her and let her warm-up," I replied.

"You're a soft touch, Jim, but I've been where she is now so I'll agree with you."

The phone rang at that moment, and Corrine went to answer it. "Guilded Lily, Corrine speaking... Yes... Again?... Piotr, That's three times in the last two weeks! Yes, okay, I'll tell him."

She hung up. "That's Piotr. He says he has food poisoning again and can't come in."

"I think we need a new pot washer soon," I said, "These Polish lads are hard workers but getting one to stay or even turn up seems to be a problem."

"Want me to put a vacancy card in the window Chef?"

"I think so. I'll talk to him if he comes in tomorrow."

* * *

Lunch was busy. We had a team of four chefs for a 40 cover restaurant, which was tight, but enough. We also relied on our pot washer, who had let us down again.

When lunch started, I'd looked into the office to see Jean sleeping in my swivel chair. I guess she was tired.

I glanced back now and saw that she had gone. "Oh well," I thought, "at least she got warm and fed."

Corrine must have seen me looking. She nudged me with her elbow and nodded towards the pot wash sinks.

There was our Goth visitor, wearing a striped apron and a white kitchen hat, working her way through a mountain of pans and pots.

I smiled, "Jean. Can we get some sauté pans washed?" I called.

"Show me which ones," she said.

"Like this one."

"Okay, and the name's Crystal."

"Then why did you say..."

"I didn't know if I could trust you before," she laughed.

* * *

Lunch was finished with for the day, and we'd cleaned the kitchens up. We were sitting talking in the office.

"So it's Crystal, is it?"

"Yes," she replied, "Crystal Jean Fraser. But you must promise not to let my parents know where I am."

"You fell out with them?"

"I left home when I was 16, I can't go back," she whispered.

"Can you tell me why?"

"I don't want to talk about it. I'm not in any trouble, but I won't go back."

Corrine looked in to say she was going home. "I'll see you at five o'clock, Chef," she said. "You'd better hang on to this one, she's a good worker." She winked at Crystal and left.

"Would you like to work here?" I asked.

"You'd give me a job?"

"Based on what I saw today, no problem."

"I have nowhere to live though... I mean, the hostel... Well, they won't guarantee a place. You have to be waiting at the door. If I was working, I wouldn't be able to queue up for a bed."

"Come with me," I said.

We left the restaurant and went upstairs. "You live here too?" she asked.

"Yep, I own the entire building, but I wanted to show you this." We went up another set of stairs to the top floor.

"There's a good-sized bedroom up here, a shower and toilet and a little kitchenette," I told her.

"It's furnished, but I don't use it. If you'd like to stay, we can work something out for you."

She looked uncertain. "I don't know. I don't want it just 'cos you pity me."

"Look, Crystal," I said, "It's true, I don't want you to go back out on the street tonight... or any night, but you kind of fell into my lap this morning, and I can't help but think there's a reason for that. I need a pot washer, you need a job, and I have a spare room."

"This is all legitimate" I stressed. "You'll be employed at the usual wage for the job. If it makes you feel better, I'll even take a small rent for the room. You'll have to work hard. Corrine won't be soft on you, even if she likes you."

She grinned. "How about we give it a week to start with and, if we both agree, after that, I'll stay?"

"You have a deal. Is that all the stuff you have?" I asked, nodding towards the small backpack she carried.

"I have a rucksack with the rest in the left luggage at New Street station. But there's not a lot to show for my life just now."

"Shall I come with you to get it?" I asked.

"No, I'll get a bus over to fetch it this afternoon and be back to start work at 5 o'clock."

"Make it six," I said. "The chefs start at five, but there's not too much cleaning up to do to start with."

We went back down the stairs to my living space and found her a set of keys to the front door.

"Do you have a wife... a girlfriend?"

"No, why?" I asked.

"I smell perfume. Something feminine."

"I have a friend. Mandy. She stays over sometimes. I expect you'll meet her if you stay."

Crystal glanced away as I met her gaze. She let it drop, and we spent a few minutes discussing her job description and wages.

"Do you have money?" I asked.

"Enough for now," she said.

"Okay. I'll see you when you get back later."

Crystal left to retrieve her belongings, and I went to make up the bed in the top room for her.

* * *

Crystal was as good as her word and was back in plenty of time to start work that evening. She soon learned what I expected of her. What was urgent, what could wait. Towards the end of dinner service, Corrine took me aside and asked, "Is she staying? She's okay. I like her."

"She's agreed to a week's trial," I explained. "She's staying in the flat with me."

"With you," Corrine said. "You're a fast worker Jim, I'll give you that!"

"I've given her the top floor," I said, "It's all legitimate."

"We'll see," she smirked. "I think she likes you."

"Christ, Corrine, she's half my age. What would a kid like that see in an old bloke like me?"

"It may surprise you, Jim." She winked at me and went off to start the clean up of the kitchen, shouting orders to each of the staff as she went.

I checked the fridges and went to sit and work out the menu specials for tomorrow's lunch.

* * *

"So, did I do okay?" Crystal was standing in my office doorway looking happy but tired.

"Yep, fine," I said. "Corrine likes you, and that's half the battle."

"Cool, I'm going to take a shower and go to bed if that's okay with you."

"I'll see you in the morning," I said. "I'm usually down here by 9 o'clock, but you needn't start until ten."

"I'll be awake before that," she smiled. "Can I use the TV in your lounge if I'm quiet?"

"Sure, help yourself. G'night."

"G'night."

Just as she left, the phone rang. It was Mandy. I told her all about our new employee, and she told me about her day.

"Will I get to meet her?" Mandy asked.

"I guess. You want to come over Friday night?"

"Sure. I'll come over about Ten."

"See you then."

"Okay, bye."

"Bye."

* * *

The rest of the week went well. The restaurant was busy for lunch and dinner each day, and Crystal had settled into her new role and seemed comfortable living in the flat alongside me.

She seemed to be an early riser as, when I struggled out of bed in the mornings to get the coffee on, she was usually sitting in the lounge watching news programmes on TV. The upside of this was that she'd usually brewed coffee for herself, saving me a job.

Friday morning, I tottered out of bed as usual to find a grinning Crystal. Dressed in a pair of pink Minnie Mouse pyjamas, she was holding a steaming mug of coffee towards me.

"Cream and one sugar, right?" she smiled.

"Errrm... Yeah... Thanks."

"No problem," she giggled. "You're kinda predictable, and I heard you getting up."

"Ummm... Thank you. You didn't have to."

"It's okay. I feel so lucky to have found you and this job. I kinda wanted to do something for you."

"Come on, Crystal. You know you don't need to."

"What if I want to?"

"Okay. I guess that's up to you."

"Breakfast?" she asked.

"No, I think I'll wait until I'm awake."

An hour later we'd made our way down to the restaurant kitchen. Again, Crystal seemed to have taken over starting coffee for the staff and had taken to joining me at the back door with a cup before the workday began. I'd tried to get her to work the hours I expected of a pot washer, but it seemed she was happy to be in the kitchen as long as I was.

We stood in the yard, sipping our coffees. "Mandy's coming over tonight," I said.

"Your girlfriend?"

"Umm sort of..."

"Sort of?"

"Okay, we're friends with benefits."

"Fuck Buddies?"

"Yep."

"Okay."

We left it there as the other staff arrived.

* * *

Crystal said she was going clothes shopping after lunch, so we didn't have another chance to talk before Mandy arrived that night.

I introduced Mandy to Crystal when she arrived, and we plated up some food from the main kitchen and took it upstairs to the flat, taking three plates instead of our usual two. I opened a bottle of red wine, and we sat down together.

"How did your fashion shopping go today, Crystal?" I asked. I was hoping she wouldn't bring up Mandy and my relationship too bluntly before I'd warned Mandy.

"Not fashion, I'm afraid," she said, "Charity shops. I needed jeans and tee shirts for work."

"Still got enough money?"

"Yep. It's pay-day tomorrow, isn't it?"

"It is. I'll sort your wages out in the morning."

She smiled and turned to Mandy. "Here it comes," I thought.

"So how long have you and Jim known each other," she enquired.

"Subtle at least," I thought.

"We've been friends since our first day of secondary school when we were 11 years old."

"Woah! You guys know each other pretty well then."

"Through thick and thin," Mandy smiled. "Me through at least a dozen terrible boyfriend choices and Jim through a stack of thin, pretty waitresses, and one wife!"

"You were married?" she asked me.

"Six years," I said, "but I have two lovely kids to show for it."

"They live..."

"... with their mother." I finished.

"So how long have you been a couple," Crystal asked.

Mandy glanced at me and winked. "We're not a couple, Crystal. We're best friends, and when neither of us is attached, we fuck."

Crystal's mouth formed an almost perfect 'O'.

"Sorry, did I shock you?" Mandy giggled.

"Nnn... No." She swallowed, recovering her composure. "You know, I think I will like you. You're a straight talker."

"I'm an accountant. I have to tell people a lot of unpleasant truths in words they can understand."

"That's not true," I interjected, "You've been calling a spade a spade ever since I've known you."

"So you still, like, date and stuff," Crystal asked.

"Yes," I said.

"Given the chance," Mandy laughed. "Actually, I've been asked out."

"This isn't someone from work again, is it?"

"Not really, It's the sandwich guy. Comes round at lunchtimes at the office. He's doing the London marathon next year and asked me if I wanted to train with him. I'm meeting him tomorrow afternoon for a run."

"Is he handsome," I asked.

"Cute, in a bearded, lanky way."

Our conversation drifted off in other directions, and we must have satisfied Crystal's curiosity as, not much later, she excused herself and went to bed.

I held my hand out to Mandy. "Shall we retire too, My Lady," I asked.

She took it. "Lead the way, kind Sir," she smiled.

* * *

No sooner was the bedroom door closed than Mandy's arms were around my neck. Our lips met, and her tongue found its way into my mouth. She moaned. "I need sex."

"What would be your pleasure?" I whispered, nibbling her neck and sliding my hands under her sweater.

"I believe I have the outstanding offer of a good pussy licking."

"Do you have that in writing?"

"Listen, Sonny Jim, I could just strip you, throw you to the bed, and sit on your face, you know."

"Promises, promises. Let me help you with this sweater."

I lifted the bottom of her knitted top and dragged it upwards. She lifted her hands above her head, smiling seductively at me. Her bra was a lacy white number with a bit of uplift, pushing her tanned D cup breasts into a stunning cleavage.

I dropped the sweater on the floor and dipped my head, running my wet tongue up between her large breasts. "Oh!" She squealed.

I loosened the button on her skirt and lowered the zipper. The fabric clung to her round hips before she stepped out of it, kicking it to one side. The white matching panties were brief, hiding only the smallest bit of skin. I dropped to my knees, leaning in and catching the elastic top of her underwear in my teeth and pulling down.

"You animal!" she growled.

Unable to wait any longer, Mandy slipped her thumbs under the elastic and pulled the panties free in one swift movement. "Get on with it!" she whispered, smiling.

I stood and wrapped my arms around her, pulling her to me. I kissed her, our tongues seeking each other's mouths. I slid my hands up to her bra strap, looking for the catch.

"Zero points," she said, "It's a front fastening."

"Damn."

She reached between her breasts, releasing the catch and spread her hands. The familiar golden tanned orbs sprung into view, their large dark nipples crinkled and hard.

"I know you're not a tit man," she said, "But they're not bad for a girl my age."

"They are spectacular," I admitted.

I leant into her shoulder, licking her collar bone then dragged my tongue down the slope of her soft breast, latching onto the hardened nipple. I sucked the little nub into my mouth and flicked my tongue across the end. "Yessss!" She moaned, "Harder, bite me!"

I griped her nipple with my teeth and pulled it out and up, lifting the weight of her breast.

"Mmmmh," she groaned, "The other one too."

"I was getting to that," I smiled, changing sides.

Still tugging on her breast, I reached around and lifted her in my arms. I carried her to the bed, setting her on the edge and laying her back. Her heavy breasts slid slightly to the sides as she lay down. I glanced up and took in her soft rounded curves and tanned skin as I dropped to the floor on my knees.

I slipped my hands between her knees, and her legs parted, displaying the juncture of her thighs and her pink pussy with its sparse covering of blonde fur.

I moved forward, inhaling the scent of her moist sex. I gazed at the swollen lips already damp with her excitement.

"Are you waiting for a bloody invitation?" She asked.

"I'm admiring the view," I said.

"There'll be plenty of time to admire the view after you've reduced me to a quivering heap, Sonny Jim."

I lowered my spread tongue to the bottom of her slit and took a broad lick upwards, ending at her hooded clit. "Unng!"

"Is that good Girlie?"

"You've no idea... Again!"

I licked again, then used my tongue to probe deep between her labia. I dragged my tongue up and around her clitoris then back to her dripping slit. I worked my way around her pussy, always avoiding her clit, though each time I got close, she thrust her hips up to meet my mouth.

"Bastard," she muttered, "Do it. Please, Jim, finish me."

I took pity on her and latched my mouth on to her clit. Sucking the hard button into my mouth, I flicked my tongue over it.

"Oh God, Yesss!" she hissed, "So fucking close."

I sucked harder on the swollen nub of flesh and nibbled on it with my teeth.

Mandy's hips flew up off the bed, and she started a low groan. Without drawing breath, the sound increased in pitch to a squeal as her body shuddered under me.

"Yes... Fuck Yes... Oh, Fuck, Yesssss!"

I licked the outer lips of her dripping pussy as she came down from her high. When she could form coherent words again, she pushed me away from her centre and pulled me up the bed.

"I want you. In me. In me now!" she gasped.

I slid up until I was poised over her body and leaned in to kiss her. Her mouth met mine, and her tongue lashed my lips to gain access.

"You're all sticky," she complained.

"Your fault," I said, "You're dripping down there."

"Fuck me!" she growled, "Hard."

I manoeuvred my cock to her opening and slid it up and down her outer lips a couple of times before dipping the head into her pussy. Her legs wrapped around my hips and pulled me into her, slapping my balls against her ass in one brutal stroke.

"Do me," she moaned. "Do me now!"

I drew back and surged into her again, soon building up a steady rhythm as I pounded down onto her thrusting hips. As our urgency increased, she gave little involuntary grunts with each collision.

I reach for her hips, grabbing her for my last assault on her liquid pussy.

"Soon," I groaned.

Her hand moved down to rub her clit between our heaving bodies and, just at that moment, I felt the seed rise in my balls.

As my hips flew up and down in my final throes of orgasm, Mandy emitted a keening squeal.

My cum gushed into her as she shuddered beneath me and, as my orgasm ended, I fell forward onto her, panting as she continued to twitch with aftershocks.

I rolled off of her and lay flat on my back, gasping for breath. "Damn, I needed that," I wheezed.

Mandy rolled towards me, resting her head on my chest and wrapping her legs around me. Her wet pussy smooshed against my thigh.

"Now who's all sticky," I teased.

"The best sex is the stickiest sex, you know."

"Then that must have been some of the best sex ever."

"Damn right," she laughed.

We lay cuddled up close, and I leaned over to kiss her head. Switching out the light I pulled her in close and before long, her breathing slowed, and I knew she'd drifted off to sleep. I lay for a while lost in my own thoughts, but soon sleep took me too.

* * *

I was woken by the sunlight through my bedroom curtains again and reached out to my left, feeling for Mandy's sleeping body. The bed was empty, and the sheets cold. "Must have got up then," I muttered.

I climbed out of bed and pulled on boxer shorts and a tee-shirt before wandering to the kitchen. I stopped when I heard giggling, then realised that Mandy must have found Crystal. It sounded like the two of them were getting on well.

I rounded the corner to the kitchen, and the talking stopped as they both looked up at me.

"You must have been talking about me then," I teased.

"Yep," said Mandy, "but we'll stop now just to make you paranoid!"

"Fine," I said, "Any coffee?"

Crystal poured me a cup and added cream and one sugar.

"He soon got you trained," Mandy said.

"I trained myself," said Crystal. "He needs someone to look after him."

"That's a fact," Mandy said, smiling.

We soon separated to prepare for our days. Crystal returned to her rooms to shower and dress while Mandy and I showered together in my bathroom.

Mandy dressed and set off for a day's shopping in the city centre, promising to return when lunch service ended at 2.30.

I wandered down to the restaurant, followed by Crystal.

"You two sounded like you had fun last night," she smirked.

I blushed. "Sorry, were we that loud?"

"Oh, Fuck, YES!" she squealed, imitating Mandy's cries of passion.

I found the floor very interesting. "Sorry," I mumbled.

"It's okay, it turned me on. I had to get myself off before I could sleep."

I looked up and smiled. "You know, it will take a while to get used to you."

"Yes, but it'll be worth it. I think I'd like to stay if you'll still have me."

"Oh yeah, your trial. As long as you're happy there's a job for you," I said.

"Great. What's the plan for the weekend?"

"Well, we're closed Sunday and Monday. Being in the City Centre, there's no Sunday lunch trade, and Mondays are dead too, so we've always worked a 5-day week here," I explained.

"I'll cook us both dinner tomorrow night though, your food's included if you work for me."

"Hey, how about I cook for you for a change," Crystal said.

"Fine by me. Don't buy food though, just take stuff from the fridges downstairs."

"Cool. Sunday dinner at seven o'clock?"

"Yeah, great."

We got started on the day's work then, and I found I was feeling a lot more comfortable with Crystal than I would have imagined.

* * *

A blinding light woke me.

A demon had yanked my curtains open and greeted me with a cheery "Morning Jimmy!"

As my eyes grew accustomed to the sunshine, I saw that my tormentor was, in fact, Crystal.

She stood at my bedside with two cups of coffee. "Wake up sleepyhead," she crowed, "It's a lovely morning, and it's already after 10. I've brought our coffee through."

She glanced at my bed. "You might want to cover up, as you appear to sleep naked," she grinned.

I rearranged the bedding and sat up against the pillows. "Maybe I wanted a lie-in," I said.

"Come on, Grumpy," she smiled, "I thought we could take a picnic and go for a walk in the park. Look, it's sunny."

"Hmmmph."

"Are you really upset?" she asked, "Maybe I should go?"

I softened. I couldn't be mad at Crystal for long. "No. You brought me coffee; therefore, you're a Goddess. Come and sit up here and talk to me until I wake up."

She settled against the pillows beside me and handed me my coffee. She was wearing a Ramones tee-shirt that was short enough to tell that the skimpy panties she had on under it were pink with yellow ducks on.

Her muscular legs were long, and her skin pale. I tried not to stare. I failed.

"Are you looking at my legs?" she giggled.

"You've painted your toenails pink, I just noticed," I lied.

"Hmmm. I don't mind, you know. They're one of my best assets."

"What's wrong with the rest of you?" I asked.

"I'm skinny, my tits are tiny, and my ass is bony," she replied.

"Hmm."

"This is the bit where you leap in and reassure me," she giggled.

"Well, I haven't seen..."

"Do you want a look?" she said, reaching for the hem of her shirt.

"NO! I mean, no, that's not appropriate."

"Suit yourself!"

We finished our coffee and planned our day out after that, but she still caught me looking at her legs a few times and smiled.

We each showered and dressed, then caught a bus to Edgbaston. I'd put on a pair of jeans and a tee-shirt, Crystal had on a white blouse and a short red pleated skirt. I glanced down at her skirt as we walked. She stretched one leg out and said, "I thought I'd show them off. You seem to like them."

I smiled. She was teasing me, and I wondered how far this game would go.

We enjoyed our day walking and chatting. We ate sandwiches and drank tea from a flask.

When we got back, Crystal started on the dinner. I tried to help but got repeatedly thrown out of the kitchen.

She called me when she'd served the meal, and we sat down to eat.

I was stunned.

She'd served chicken breasts with a mushroom stuffing served on a bed of spinach with a tarragon cream sauce, carrots and broccoli. She'd chosen a crisp white wine from the restaurant that matched with the flavours, and further surprised me when she served an Apple Crumble with fresh egg custard for dessert.

"You can cook," I exclaimed.

"I'll take that as a compliment then."

"You know what I mean. I wouldn't expect an 18-year-old who's washing pots for a living to create this," I said.

"My Granny taught me she was a brilliant cook."

"Do you still see her?" I asked.

"She died 3 years ago."

"Sorry."

"It's okay. She was nice."

I let it go. This was the first mention of a family member, and she didn't seem keen to continue.

"Would you ever want to cook professionally?" I asked.

"You can't go to college when you're homeless, and I have no money. Maybe when I'm older," she smiled.

"If you want to, I could put you through catering college on a day release. All I'd expect is that you work here once you get your qualifications. It won't cost you anything," I offered.

"Really?" she asked. "I left school at 16, I only have a few 'O' levels."

"That won't matter. Let me ring the college tomorrow, and we'll see what they say."

We talked for a while about what opportunities there may be for Crystal, but she soon grew tired and told me she was going up to her room.

As I stood up from the couch, she reached up and kissed me on the cheek. "Thank you," she said, "I've had a lovely day."

"I have too. Thanks for getting me to go out today. I enjoyed it. You're excellent company."

"See you tomorrow. G'night."

"G'night."

* * *

Early the following morning the phone rang. "Hi, Jim. It's Bobby Buchan."

Bobby was a private investigator and ex-cop. He'd been a customer at the Guilded Lily since we opened and we'd become friendly. I'd asked him to check on Crystal's background for me.

"Hi, Bobby. Do you have any news?"

"Yeah, what your girl says checks out okay. She went missing 2 years ago. Poor little rich girl kinda thing. Daddy's a Corporate Lawyer and loaded. She disappeared two days after her 16th birthday, and her parents reported her missing two weeks later."

"Two weeks!"

"Yeah, I thought that was a bit off too. Anyway, no trouble with the law and no drug use I can find. The Metropolitan Police went through the motions, but there were never any leads or sightings. The case has been shelved for 18 months now. She's 18, so she's an adult, no one can make her go back, anyway."

"So that's all you have then?" I asked.

"Well... I spoke to a Sergeant who worked on the case. I know him from way back, or I doubt he'd have said anything. The thing is, he didn't like the parents, especially the father. He thought there was something they weren't telling him. The father was very aggressive and obviously controlling of the mother. He wondered if there was some kind of abuse. Physical, maybe sexual?"

"Shit," I said, "No wonder the poor kid didn't want to go back if there's any truth to that suspicion."

"That's all I got for now anyway, Jim."

"Okay, thanks, Bobby. Let me know when you're dining with us again, I'll stand you dinner."

"Cheers, Jim. See ya."

"Yeah, thanks again, Bobby. Bye."

I leant back on my pillows and breathed a sigh. "I wonder if I'll ever know her story," I thought.

Five minutes later, there was a gentle knock. My bedroom door opened, and Crystal peered in.

"Morning Jimmy!"

"It's Jim."

"Whatever. I brought coffee."

"You're an Angel," I smiled.

"Yesterday I was a Goddess which is better?"

"About the same, I think."

"I thought you'd be awake. I heard the phone."

"Yeah, a friend. Just catching up on news and stuff."

She took her place beside me on the bed and sipped her coffee. Her tee-shirt was the same as the day before, but today's panties were blue.

"Since we've established that I keep looking at your legs, how come you're so toned."

"I loved sports in school," she said, "and living on the streets means you walk around a lot. In the Summer, I find volunteer jobs with accommodation. The work's usually physical, you know, farms and stuff."

"Very enterprising. You know I've got weight training stuff in the spare room?"

"I didn't look in the other rooms Jim, It's your space. I assumed they were bedrooms."

"One's a bedroom, the other has free weights and stuff. You're welcome to use it."

"I think I'll do that, Thanks."

We moved on to talking about catering college for Crystal, and she promised to call in there later.

Once we'd finished our coffee, we each dressed before going our separate ways. She to explore Birmingham city centre and me to visit a few suppliers and get orders in for the coming week.

I didn't return at lunchtime and got back to the restaurant at about five. Crystal had been back for a snack but seemed to have gone out again.

* * *

The phone rang.

"Guilded Lily, Jim speaking."

"Hi Jim, It's Mandy."

"Hi, Girlie, What's new."

"I think I may have a boyfriend!"

"Is this the sandwich guy?"

"Yeah, Colin. He's nice. We went for a run together, and he asked me out for dinner. We really got on well, turns out the sandwich business is his own show. Started it from scratch four years ago, now he has five vans and outside catering too."

"You like him then?"

"I do Jim, be happy for me."

"I am, silly. You need a man who'll give you a wedding ring and babies before it's too late."

"Thanks, Jim, you know me too well." I could hear the smile in her voice.

"We calling the 'arrangement' off then?"

"Yeah, for now. Let's see how it turns out. Anyway, how are you and Crystal getting on?"

"Fine, what are you getting at? She works here and shares the flat with me. That's it."

"God. Why are men so thick," she cried "She has the hots for you, Jim. You really can't see it, can you?"

"Hmmm. I thought it was just a game. She took me out for a walk and a picnic yesterday, and she's taken to bringing me coffee in bed in the morning."

"I bet she's showing a bit of flesh too," she giggled.

"Maybe. I'm old enough to be her father, Mandy."

"Yeah, but you're not. Look, Jim, if you're not interested, let her down gently. From the brief chat we had, I think she's fragile."

"Yeah, I think you're right. She's cute, but the age difference..."

"How much older than you was your ex-wife?"

"12 years, okay, I get it. I'll keep an open mind, but I make no promises."

"I'll ring you later in the week."

"Right, Bye."

"Bye."

* * *

I got leftovers from the Restaurant kitchen and plated them up to microwave later, did some weight training, then settled down to read a novel.

Crystal came in about half-past-six. She was wearing a yellow sundress.

"You look nice. Been shopping?"

"Mmm. Only cost three pounds, a charity shop find."

"Suits you. You've had your hair cut too."

"I thought I'd try a Pixie cut. I called at the college to see about catering courses, I've got all the leaflets, we can look at them together later. Anyway, the hairdressing department was looking for volunteers to get haircuts from the student so I got it cut for free."

"You live frugally for a rich girl." I regretted it as soon as I'd said it.

"How do you know I'm rich?... or was."

I blushed. "I had a friend check up on you. An ex-cop. He said your family were wealthy. He also said everything else you told me was true."

"They don't know where I am, do they?"

"No. The investigation was closed after 6 months. You're 18 now, so no-one could make you go back, anyway."

"Why d'you do it?"

"I had to be sure you were who you said you were. You told me the truth. I'm happy with that."

"I guess you had the right. I'm working for you and living in your house. We're still good though... you and me?"

"Of course. Now sit down, dinner's ready."

We ate and chatted about our days, then after our meal, we looked through the college programmes Crystal could take. We settled on a one day a week course for professional Chefs as I was sure she had enough basic knowledge already. The course was on a Monday which meant she lost one of her days off, but she didn't complain. I promised to pay for her costs and give her a half-day during the week to make it up.

Later we sat and watched TV together on the couch. After a while, she stretched out and put her feet on my lap. I smiled at her but didn't object. I wondered about Mandy's assurance that Crystal liked me, but did nothing to encourage her. I still wasn't sure it was true.

I read my book while she did some weight training, then we both headed off to bed separately.

I lay awake in bed for a long time that night, thinking and looking for any clues about Mandy's suspicions.

I turned off my bedside light and heard a distant roll of thunder as I pulled up the covers to my chin.

* * *

The next morning, I was snuggled up behind a warm body. My arm was draped over her, my hand resting on her smooth belly. My befuddled mind thought 'Mandy'. I slid a hand up, searching for her breast and enclosed a small firm mound.

"What the Fuck!" I yelled, almost leaping out of bed. That was NOT Mandy's breast.

"Crystal, what are you doing here?"

"Sorry Jimmy, the thunder frightened me, it always has. I sneaked in here in the middle of the night for your protection," she giggled, "You thought I was Mandy, didn't you?"

"Yes," I said.

"The tits were a dead giveaway then."

I smiled at her. "Why are you naked?"

"I always sleep naked. Why are you?"

"I'm the same, but this is my bed."

"You were poking me earlier, you know."

"Poking you?"

"Uh, Huh. With this."

She reached over and slid her hand down my belly, reaching my cock. She gripped it in her small hand and said, "It's hard again now too."

"You'd better stop that," I warned.

"Let me make you feel good, Jimmy. I want to."

She stroked my rigid shaft, sliding her hand up and down, building up a steady rhythm.

"Oh, fuck!" I groaned.

"You like?"

"Mm-hm," I moaned.

She sped up her hand action, and before long, I could feel my balls tightening.

"I'm gonna cum," I warned.

"Do it!"

A few more strokes and I groaned as my seed burst out from my straining cock, landing on my belly and chest and even splattering on her tits.

Crystal laid my prick down as it softened and inspected the semen on her small breasts. She drew a finger up over the hard, rose-pink nipple, gathering my seed on her finger. She looked me in the eyes and sucked her hand clean.

"Mmmmmh."

I leaned towards her and pulled her lips to mine.

"I don't..."

My kiss silenced her.

"NO! Daddy stop... No please. No!"

I pulled back from her now rigid body as her tears flowed.

"I'm so sorry, Crystal."

"You didn't know. Couldn't have. Jimmy, I'm so fucked up."

"Crystal, I want to hold you, comfort you. Is it okay?"

"Yes, Jimmy. I know you wouldn't hurt me, but I panic. Hold me." I pulled her to me and held her as her sobs subsided.

"Tell me what happened."

"I can't."

"I want to understand you, Crystal. Did he touch you?"

She closed her eyes and nodded.

"He was so wrong to do that to you, Crystal. It's evil."

"But he gave me things. Made me want to do it. If I pleased him, it was over sooner."

"Tell me what frightens you."

"I can't do kissing, and I get frightened by penetration," she explained.

"If you want us to try, we can work around that. You're a pretty girl, Crystal, but so much younger than me. Are you sure I'm what you want?"

"If you'll have me and will be patient with me. I'm such a mess, Jimmy, I'm sure you deserve better."

We talked a little about her experiences, and I suggested getting therapy.

"No, Jimmy. I'll talk to you, You'll help me. No shrinks."

Reluctantly, I agreed, and we got up and had breakfast before starting work. Crystal seemed a little subdued that morning, but by the end of the day was almost back to her old self.

* * *

Over the next few days, we became closer. She'd sit beside me on the couch and snuggle in the evenings and, though we went to bed separately, I'd as often as not wake up with her naked form cuddled up to me next morning.

We laid down a few ground rules. Kissing was okay, but not on her mouth. Stroking her almost anywhere was fine, and her tits and nipples were especially sensitive. I could caress her pussy and play with her clit, but she wouldn't allow my fingers inside her.

She was happy to jerk me off and within a week had become comfortable sucking my cock.

It was the following weekend when we made our next breakthrough with her sexual behaviour, though.

* * *

Sunday morning, as I awoke, I felt a weight on my body. Crystal was lying face down with her head on my chest, her arm wrapped around my waist. I kissed the top of her head.

"Morning Lover," she mumbled.

"Morning beautiful," I said.

"Shall I make coffee?"

"Nuh. Not 'til I do this."

She slid her hand around to grip my cock, then lowered her head and licked along the shaft. I moaned.

"You're so good at that."

She brought the head of my straining prick into her mouth and slid up and down my shaft. As she reached the top of each stroke, she'd flick her tongue around the crown of my penis then engulf the entire shaft again.

She increased her speed, sealing her lips to me and sucking on me like a lollipop. I soon felt my urgency rise and gave her a breathless warning.

"M'cumming!"

She moaned and nodded, never missing a beat, as the first rope of my seed splashed the back of her throat. She swallowed until I sprayed the last of my semen between her lips. She sucked the last of my offering from me as she lifted her head as grinned at me.

"Yummy! I love doing that for you."

I smiled and pulled her up to face me. I leaned over and nibbled on her ear, sliding my wet tongue down her neck. She moaned as I licked over her collarbone and drifted down to her small pert breasts.

I licked around her firm tits before taking a nipple in my mouth and sucking gently.

"Uuunngh!" she groaned.

I took one of her hard nubs in my mouth, biting the nipple and pulling until it popped free. The attention to her perky tits was driving her crazy, and she mumbled incoherently.

I slid down to her flat belly, licking and nipping as I went. Dipping my tongue into her navel, I drew a squeak from her as she giggled.

I dropped my head lower, nuzzling her sparse red pubic hair. I inhaled her heady scent as I licked at the hooded clit at the top of her slit.

"Jimmy?" she questioned.

"Let me do this for you."

"I don't know. I've never..... No one's..."

I shifted myself between her legs, my face still inches from her dripping pussy. I looked up to her, gazing into her eyes.

"I want to please you. I love you. If anything I do scares you, tell me to stop."

She nodded, uncertainty in her eyes.

I lowered my flattened tongue and drew a slow trail up her labia to the top of her slit. I felt her stiffen and hold her breath, but she let me continue.

I reached around her hips and used my fingers to spread her damp lips, exposing her hard clitoris. My tongue flicked over the engorged button, and she released her breath in a high-pitched squeal.

"Oh, so good!"

I dropped back to her opening and slipped my tongue just between her lips. I looked up to her face, and she was gazing back at me. She gave a slight nod, and I dipped in a little further, then withdrew and returned to her rigid clit. She threw her head back, eyes closed, and moaned as I alternated between her pussy and her stiff nubbin. I felt her hips rise to meet my mouth and sucked her clitoris into my mouth, rapidly flicking it as she climbed to her peak.

Her body stiffened as she shuddered under my tongue's insistent assault and she let loose a muffled scream as she bit down on her forearm.

"Mmmmph! Mmmmph! Oh, don't stop, don't stop, yes, YES!"

I continued to suckle and nip at her as she peaked, thrashing on the bed, almost dislodging me.

I released her clit and licked her as she came down from her high.

"Oh. My. God. What was that?" she breathed.

"I believe it was an orgasm," I laughed.

"If that was an orgasm, I never had one before."

"I'll add that to my repertoire then, shall I?"

She pulled me up to her and hugged me. "Yes, please," she smiled.

Crystal collapsed back onto the bed beside me, legs spread, ginger hair at the juncture of her thighs glistening. Her small pert breasts were heaving, eyes closed, and a faint smile on her lips.

She was beautiful.

"I'm sorry," she said.

"Sorry for what?"

"I can't make the coffee, I think I've melted. I may never move again."

"That's okay, I can do it," I said as I climbed out of bed and headed for the door.

Crystal whistled. "You have a nice ass, you know," she smiled.

* * *

Life at the Guilded Lily seemed smoother now. I had someone to hold each night. We'd stopped pretending to sleep in separate rooms, and I was falling in love with this cute, vulnerable, pretty girl.

Crystal started at the college the following week, and one of the trainee chefs announced he was joining the Army the next month. This left an opening in the kitchen that Crystal soon filled.

She was enthusiastic about learning and seldom needed to be told something more than twice.

Corrine took me aside one afternoon for a chat. "Crystal will do okay in the kitchen, you know."

"Yeah, I think so, too," I agreed.

"I'm guessing you two are an item now?"

"Ahh. Is it that obvious?"

"No, you're not too bad, but I kinda spot things about people. No-one else has mentioned it so far."

"Are you okay with that?" I asked.

"Kinda jealous of you!"

"Jealous of me?" I looked at her, puzzled, "You mean jealous of her?"

"I know what I mean. She's cute, You're very lucky."

"Ummmm."

"Jim. I like girls, I'm a lesbian."

I looked at her and realised what a leap of faith she had just made.

"I'm honoured that you told me," I said. "Is this a secret?"

"Not really. I mean don't tell the world, but don't lie for me. My parents don't know."

"Gotcha."

Our conversation drifted on to other work-related stuff, but I couldn't help thinking it was a brave thing to come out to your employer like she just had.

* * *

I'd taken to walking around the restaurant at the end of the evening, chatting to customers. The idea came from my Maitre'd, Jack Brown, who said some of them wanted to put a face to the name Jim Blake. Jack was a genuine asset to the Guilded Lily. A brash cockney with 40 years experience in hotel dining, he'd come to us looking for a quieter life in the few years leading up to his retirement. He ran a tight ship, and I seldom had to interact with waiting staff as he kept them all in order so well.

One evening, two weeks after my chat with Corrine, I'd just finished my rounds of the diners when a stunning blonde girl walked into the restaurant.

Jack told her we'd finished serving for the evening. She smiled at him and said, "That's okay. If you wouldn't mind shouting into the kitchen that Susan's here to pick up her date, I'd be grateful."

I stepped back to the kitchen as Jack came through.

"There's a beautiful blonde out the front, name of Susan says she's here to pick up her date," he called.

Everyone look puzzled until I caught Corrine's eye. "You get off, Corrine," I said, "I'll finish up here."

She rushed off to change as all eyes in the room followed her. "What?" I said, "The girl's got a date, now let's get this place cleaned up so we can all go home."

Corrine came back through the kitchen on her way out. As she passed me, I whispered: "She's cute, I'm jealous."

She grinned and left.

* * *

That weekend my kids came to visit. Crystal was both excited and terrified at the same time.

"What if they don't like me?" she asked, "I'm not good with kids."

"They'll love you," I said, "Just be you, don't pretend. Kids see right through that."

Their mother, my ex, and I had recently decided they could get the bus across town on their own now. Kim was 11, and Andy 10, so as long as they travelled in daylight, it was okay. It also saved us from having to meet each other.

Jack popped into the kitchen at about two o'clock on Saturday. "Jim, Kim and Andy just arrived."

I went through to the restaurant to greet them. "Daddeeeeee!" squealed Kim. "Hellooo!" called Andy.

I hugged them both. "Did you have lunch?" I asked.

"Not yet," said Kim.

"Want your favourite?"

"Hooray!" they chorused.

I shouted through to Corrine to organise two plates of chicken goujons and chips while Jack got them soft drinks. I left them to eat while we finished cleaning in the back.

After their meal, we went upstairs, and they met Crystal, who had just finished work. I explained that she was working here and was living on the top floor of my flat. Kim and Crystal talked a little, though Andy was still shy.

Crystal went upstairs after a while to give me time with the kids, and we talked about school and their friends. Andy played with Lego, and Kim watched some TV.

A little later, while I was preparing some dinner for them for that evening, Kim came and found me.

"Are you and Crystal dating?" she asked.

"What makes you think that?"

"You look like you might be... but, you didn't just deny it," she grinned, "It's true, isn't it?"

"You'll have to ask her."

Kim ran off towards the stairs to Crystal's room.

"Where are you going?"

"Girl talk," she said. "Crystal!"

A while later, I heard laughing and squealing from upstairs. Andy and I exchanged knowing looks. It seemed like they would be friends.

* * *

I met up with Mandy for lunch one Monday, at a cafe near her office. It was good to see her, and she looked happy. She looked at me as we met, smiled and said, "You've really fallen for her, haven't you?"

"I guess," I said. "She's got under my skin. I can't imagine not waking up with her."

"Gonna marry this one?" she grinned.

"I know it's silly, I've only known her for 3 months, but I've considered it."

"Do it, Jim. You deserve to be happy, she does too."

"I think you just decided me," I smiled. "How about you and Colin, How's that going?"

"We've talked about moving in together. He wants children. He's so nice, I think I may have found a keeper too."

I was happy for my friend, and we lapsed into talk of old times and hoped that each of us had found the love of our life.

As I walked home, I called at a small jeweller and borrowed a ring gauge. Crystal had a silver dress ring she wore on her ring finger sometimes. I planned to borrow it long enough to check it that week.

* * *

The following Sunday, we were both sitting on the couch reading, when I put my book down. She looked up from her page. "What?" she asked.

"I'm just thinking how lucky I am to have my beautiful, red-haired, pierced, pixie," I replied.

I slipped from the couch and knelt between her knees.

"Are you offering oral sex," she giggled.

"No, I just wanted your hand."

"Which one?"

"The left one."

"What for?"

"To see if this fits," I said.

I took out the ring box from my pocket and opened it. Crystal's mouth dropped open.

"Crystal Jean Fraser, will you marry me?"

"What?... I mean... Do you..."

"Would you like to think about it?"

"No, I mean, yes. No, I don't need to think about it, and Yes, I'll marry you. But what if I can never do.... if we never have... sex?"

"I'll never ask you for anything you don't want to give me. Now put the ring on and give me a hug!"

She seemed to think for a moment, then nodded to herself, slipped on the small solitaire diamond, and came into my arms.

"Jimmy? I want you to kiss me."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, but no tongues or stuff, okay?"

We kissed gently. It felt glorious. After so long denied that natural expression of love, I was almost overwhelmed. I felt a tear run down my cheek.

"Jimmy? Are you crying?"

"Crystal, my love. That was so beautiful," I sniffed, "The first kiss from my fiancé."

She punched me on the arm. "Softy!" she cried. "So when are we getting married?"

"As soon as you like. It's almost Christmas, why don't we get married straight after New Year?"

"Good, I'll start planning. I need to phone Mandy."

"Mandy? What for?"

"You've just proposed. You think she'll ever forgive me if she's not the first to know? Anyway, I'll need help to plan, and I'm gonna need a bridesmaid too."

Crystal went off to phone our friend, and I settled back to my book, realising that I was not needed regarding the wedding for the time being.

Mandy had to come straight over with Colin to see the ring. She spent an hour with Crystal going over plans, and I had time to meet the boyfriend for the first time. He seemed a pleasant guy. I liked him. He even asked where I got the ring. Maybe I'd given him ideas.

When we got to bed late that night, we stripped naked and hopped beneath the covers.

Crystal grinned at me. "You know I thought you were offering oral sex earlier, and you just wanted my hand?" she asked.

"Uh-huh."

"Now you've got my hand, can I have the pussy licking?"

"Oh, I suppose so," I sighed dramatically. I flicked off the light and dived under the blankets.

"OOOOH!"

* * *

Jack came through to the kitchen one evening, smiling. "Table 4 just arrived. They booked it as 'Williams', I just realised it's Pierre and Christine."

Pierre was my friend and mentor, but it was rare for him to show up for a meal and even more so unannounced. I walked through to the restaurant.

"Pierre! Christine! To what do we owe this pleasure?"

"Hi Jim," said Christine, "He's checking up on you, but I heard there'd been an engagement."

"That's true. Crystal's going to make an honest man of me."

"Do we get to meet her?"

"Eat first. She works in the kitchen with me. We'll talk upstairs later," I said.

Jack came over to take their order, and I left them to their meal. Once dinner service was over, I left Corrine with the trainees to clean up.

"Come up for a glass of wine when you're finished Corrine, Pierre would love to see you."

"Will do," she said.

Crystal and I took Pierre and Christine up to our flat and opened some wine. There were introductions, and there was soon some lively conversation going on. Corrine joined us, and we talked into the small hours of the morning. As they were leaving, Pierre took Corrine aside for a chat.

"Trying to steal my Sous Chef again," I called.

"No, she's too loyal to you. She won't go," he joked.

They all left with a cheerful goodbye, and Crystal and I fell into bed exhausted.

* * *

Christmas was soon upon us, and we were busy. Lots of corporate events and office Christmas parties. Our feet never seemed to touch the ground.

We spent a pleasant Christmas at home, and Mandy and Colin came over in the evening. We spent boxing day visiting my few relations, then we were home for a few days off.

Soon, all thoughts turned to our wedding. It was to be a small affair at the registry office with a party at the Guilded Lily after.

The day soon rolled around, and all went as planned. Crystal looked beautiful in a red crushed velvet gown with her pixie hair freshly styled. Pierre was my best man, Mandy and Kim bridesmaids, and Andy agreed to walk Crystal down the aisle.

Corrine took care of the catering back at the restaurant and really put on an impressive spread.

We'd come to the end of the day and had a table filled with lovely presents from friends and relations when Pierre came up to us with a young man I didn't recognise.

"Jim, Crystal. You have one more present to get, and William here is part of it. He's one of my best chefs."

I looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"

William stepped forward and shook my hand. "I'm going to be working with Corrine in your kitchen for a couple of weeks."

"But why?" I asked.

"Because in this envelope are train tickets for two to Rome where you have a hotel booked for your two-week honeymoon," said Christine.

Pierre and Christine smiled. Crystal flew across the room, hugging them both, tears falling down her cheeks. I hugged Christine and shook Pierre's hand. "Thank you both," I said.

"You work bloody hard, both of you. You deserve a break. The place will survive without you for a while," said Pierre. "Now get packed, you leave from London in 2 days."

* * *

Our honeymoon was fun. We went from London to Paris by train, then on from there to Milan. The next day we went from Milan to Rome where we found that our friends had booked us into a lovely 4-star hotel.

We checked in and went to find our room. The suite was enormous. King-sized bed, hot tub and shower and beautiful views of the city from our window.

"We are lucky to have friends like Pierre and Christine," I said.

"We are." Crystal walked over to me and put her arms around my neck. "Kiss me, Mr Blake."

"I'd love to Mrs Blake," I smiled.

Our lips met, and we kissed gently. Crystal opened her mouth, and I felt her tongue probing to gain entry to my mouth. I pulled back and looked at her. "Yes," she said, "I want to."

I kissed her again, harder, opening my mouth but allowing her to make contact between our tongues. Soon we were working our mouths together as we caressed each other.

I reached behind her and lowered the zip on her dress, then slipped off the straps, allowing it to fall to the floor. I stroked her beautiful pert breasts, toying with the deep pink nipples. She moaned.

She kicked off her sandals as I hooked my fingers in the waist of her pale yellow panties and drew them down.

She stood there, naked and beautiful, before me. "One of us is overdressed," she whispered.

She pulled up on the hem of my tee-shirt, lifting it over my head, then undid the button and zip of my jeans. Pulling them to the floor, she stripped off my boxers, leaving me to step out of them. She dropped to her knees, and her mouth engulfed my straining cock.

"I never tire of that," I groaned.

She worked her lips up and down my rigid tool, licking the head and sucking me deep into her mouth.

I lifted her up to her feet and kissed her. "Take me to bed," she sighed.

I lifted her to the bed and dropped her in the centre of the mattress. Climbing onto the bed beside her, I leaned down and pulled one of her nipples into my mouth. I bit onto the hard nub and pulled until it sprang free of my grip. She groaned. I shifted my attention to the other breast, nibbling and sucking, drawing moans of pleasure from her throat.

I slid down across her belly, licking and nibbling her pale skin, reaching her wet pussy.

I climbed between her legs, and she sat up and grabbed my head, pulling my face down to her dripping slit. "Lick me, Jimmy, make me squeal!"

I tongued, licked and sucked on her wet treasure until her breaths became ragged pants. Soon her hips were rising to meet my tongue and, as I flicked her clit, her orgasm rolled over her.

"Oh, God! So Good Jimmy."

She pulled me up to her, kissing and licking her juices from my face.

"Put it in me, Jimmy. I want you in me. Make me your wife."

I looked into her eyes. "Do it," she said, "I decided when you proposed to me that when we married, you would have all of me. I'm ready. Don't make me wait, Jimmy."

I smiled and kissed her, then lowered my hips to line my throbbing dick up with her drenched pussy.

I pushed at her opening, and she hooked her feet behind my back and pulled me in.

"All of you, Jimmy, I want it all!"

I thrust forward pushing half my length into her, pulled back, then thrust home burying myself in her depths.

"On God, I love you!" she cried, "Fuck me!"

I started pumping my cock into her as she thrust her hips up to meet me. Our rhythm increased, and she shuddered beneath me. Her pussy contracted as she moaned her ecstasy.

After months without the stimulation of a wet pussy, I couldn't last, and as her orgasm faded, I felt my balls tighten and my cum pulsed repeatedly into her, filling her with my seed.

As we recovered our breath, I rolled off her and hugged her to my side.

"That was wonderful, Crystal. I love you so much!"

"I love you too, Jimmy, but more than that, I trust you. That trust gave me the courage to let you inside me, and I'll never fear that again with you. You make me feel complete."

"Should we be using condoms?" I asked.

"No. Once I'd decided to give myself to you, I went on the pill. We don't have to worry."

"You don't want children, do you?"

"No, and Mandy told me you didn't either. We have Kim and Andy. That's enough for me."

We snuggled close, both of us soon falling asleep.

* * *

We spent ten glorious days exploring the Eternal City, visiting, eating, walking, smiling, talking and making love. We bought tacky souvenirs for our friends and sent postcards home.

By the end of our honeymoon, we'd somehow moulded ourselves to each other, becoming a single unit. Us.

We enjoyed the train journeys home. Looking at the scenery, talking about Crystal's college, my ideas for the menu inspired by what we'd eaten in Rome, and our future.

Back in Birmingham, we soon fell back into a routine. Crystal continued to gain confidence in the kitchen, and I felt happier than I had in many years.

Life was wonderful for us. Mandy married her marathon runner, Colin, and before long, announced that she was pregnant. She gave birth to twin girls at the end of 1996.

Corrine moved in with her blonde bombshell girlfriend Susan and seemed delighted with life.

Jack, Our Maitre'd, retired early in 1997, but not before he'd found us an excellent replacement.

Kim and Andy continued to visit, forming a genuine bond with Crystal, much to her delight.

The Guilded Lily went from strength to strength, with excellent reviews and accolades, and we soon had our creditors paid off.

All was going well... until it wasn't.

Late in 1997 Crystal became withdrawn. I'd find her sitting staring into space. She had awful dreams and wouldn't talk about it. I wondered if she was sick, but she said it was nothing.

Things came to a head when she woke one night shouting, "No, Daddy! No, stop it!"

She was drenched in sweat and sobbing as I held her.

"Crystal," I said, "This has to stop. Tell me what's going on. You're frightening me."

"I have to go to her... help her," she said, "I have to help Shelly!"

"Who's Shelly?"

"My sister," she whispered.

"You have a sister? What's this about my love? Let me help you."

"Shelly is my little sister. She still lives with our parents. 'He' said that when she was 13 years old, she would be his new girlfriend just like I was. He's going to do to her what he did to me. Jimmy, she's 13 in a few weeks. I need to go to her."

"Slow down. We'll go together, sort this out."

"No, Jimmy," she said, "I've been thinking about it for weeks now. I have to do this alone."

"Let me help. What will you do?"

"That's the problem. He's so controlling. If I can get Mum to believe me, we can go to the police, but she's weak... does what he tells her. I could take Shelly away, but if I come back here, they'll find her. He's a rich lawyer. People do what he says. I can't know what will happen until I get there. I'm sorry Jimmy, but I can't let you be dragged into this. You have the restaurant staff, customers, your good name. I'll do it myself. No argument."

She had decided, and that was it. Nothing would change her mind. She had, over the previous weeks, gone over every scenario and knew in her heart that only she could do this.

I sat on the couch with her the evening before she went. We cuddled close, afraid to let go.

"How long will you be away?" I asked.

"I don't know."

"But you'll be back?"

She looked at me and whispered, "I don't know that either, Jimmy."

I cried. Tears streamed down my face as I held her. Two short years, I couldn't lose her now.

"It has to be me, Jimmy, only I can do this, and I have to go alone. I'll let you know what happens as soon as I can."

* * *

I stood on the platform of New Street station as the Love of My Life stepped onto the London train.

"Trust me, Jimmy. I'll do the best I can. That's all I can do."

"Just stay safe," I said.

"Watch the newspapers. Whatever happens, I expect it will be newsworthy," she said.

I kissed her, and she stepped onto the train and out of my life.

* * *

The next few days were hell. I read the papers, watched the TV news and waited to hear anything from Crystal. I hardly slept or ate.

Wednesday the bomb dropped. I picked up the morning paper, and there was the headline.

"LAWYER STABBED TO DEATH IN OWN HOME."

"Police were called to a disturbance at the home of Corporate Lawyer Raymond Fraser last night. Mr Fraser was pronounced dead at the scene. His estranged daughter, Crystal Jean Blake, has been charged with his murder."

I dropped the paper.

I felt wrung out. How did this happen? I called Bobby Buchan, my ex-cop friend, to see if he could shed any light on this. He listened to the story and said he'd ring around but warned that this was a high profile case and information would be hard to get.

I waited.

Corrine held the kitchen together for me as I couldn't think of anything but Crystal. Two hours later, Bobby rang me. "Okay Jim, it looks like she was staying at her parents. The father came home from a trip. They argued. She was standing over him with a knife when the mother found her. He bled to death. That's all I can get."

I was shocked. Bobby gave me the phone number of her parents' house, suggesting I may get more information out of her mother. We'd never spoken or met, but I had to try.

I called the number. Engaged. I called again 5 minutes later. Engaged. They were in the middle of a media storm. The phone would be off the hook.

I sat on the couch, exhausted, and fell asleep.

Waking, I looked at the clock. 10pm. I tried the number again.

A soft voice with an Irish accent answered. "Hello."

"Hello, my name is Jim Blake."

"If you're from the press...."

"I'm not. I'm Crystal's husband."

"Jimmy? Crystal talked about you. I didn't know how to find you."

"Are you Maura?"

"Yes, her mother."

"Please tell me what happened."

"Oh, Jimmy. He came home early. I was upstairs when I heard them arguing. I came down just as she screamed and I found him in a pool of blood on the floor. Crystal had the kitchen knife in her hand. They've charged her with manslaughter."

"What can I do? How can I see her?"

"She's refusing visitors. She won't even see Shelly or me. She told me about what her father did to her, what he planned to do to Shelly. I didn't want to believe her before, but now I know it's true. I let her down Jimmy, and now this has happened."

"I need to see her," I said.

"I'll give you the number of the police station where she's being held. Ring them tomorrow but don't hope for too much. Her lawyer told me she's written a letter to you, and to me; Shelly too. Maybe that will tell us what she's thinking." We exchanged numbers, and I rang off.

The following morning I rang the police station. Just as predicted, she refused to see anyone but her lawyer. I had no idea what to do.

That morning, her letter arrived.

Dear Jimmy

I know you'll have heard the news by now. I am so sorry. This was never what I intended to happen. I had spoken to my mother, and had convinced her about the abuse and that Shelly was in danger. We had planned to go to the police the following morning, but my father came home early. He went mad when he found me in the kitchen. He came in, shouting and screaming and calling me all the names under the sun. I told him we were going to the police, and he tried to get past me to find mother and Shelly. The next thing I know, I'm standing with a knife in my hand and he's lying in a pool of blood. I think they will charge me with manslaughter, and my lawyer says I will get a custodial sentence. I cannot see anyone. I know you and mother have tried, but I just can't. This is my own doing, and I will face it on my own. When this is over, whenever that may be, I'll contact you and see if there is anything left for us together.

In the meantime, know that I love you and miss you with all my heart.

Your loving wife

Crystal xxx.

I cried. For the entire day.

* * *

The following day I spoke to Crystal's lawyer. He told me that Crystal wanted no contact with any family and that, as this was her choice, her way of dealing with it, we must respect it.

He also said that the police were investigating Crystal's allegations of abuse and had searched her father's house and office and confiscated his computers. They had charged her with manslaughter.

He promised to keep me informed of all developments but assured me it was unlikely he could prevent her from getting a prison sentence.

I was so lost. Denied access to the love of my life and faced with having her imprisoned, there was nothing I could do.

I threw myself into work, rewriting menus, deep cleaning the kitchens, anything to keep me busy. It was the nights that were the worst. Lying awake thinking of every outcome. None of them looked good.

* * *

The following week her lawyer rang me. He'd heard from the police that searches of her father's laptop computer had come up with over one hundred indecent photos of children and young teens.

He hoped maybe he could use this to influence the court into being more lenient.

* * *

Three weeks later, her case came to court. She admitted manslaughter and was given a 5-year prison sentence. I was devastated. There was nothing I could do.

I worked.

I waited.