The Brutal Truth

by Lee Winter

“Yes,” Elena said, not looking pleased about the admission. “A surprisingly long list of things I’d enjoy seeing you in. There,” she added, tossing her a small glare. “Is that what you wanted to hear?”

Elena leaned forward and whispered against the shell of her ear. “Madeleine, I have long admired beauty in all its forms. It comes with my job, running the world’s premier fashion magazine. Your unblemished, creamy skin, the way it dips and flows and glows with vitality? What lover of beautiful things could resist looking at it? Especially one as excellent at her job as I am.”

Elena gave her a rich, taunting smile that left Maddie rooted to the spot, as the high priestess of media straightened, turned, and headed towards the exit.

Elena had just called her beautiful.

Elena Bartell thought she was beautiful.

He leaned forward and, eyes twinkling, whispered in her ear. “And she’ll love it.”

“I see. And did you wear that just to get a rise out of everyone?” Elena’s tone was taunting. “Not everyone.” Just you.

who would you most like to be talking to right now?” She waved her hand at the room. “You.” That just slipped out. Maddie wanted to groan. Elena’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Well, that is flattering, Madeleine, but I cannot further your career in Australian publishing the way these people can.

“And just in case you couldn’t tell from the reaction you received, you looked beautiful tonight. Exquisite. But next time, for our ball in New York, why not dress the way you wish it, not the way you think someone else might appreciate? Although appreciate it, I most certainly did.”

Elena regarded her. “If you could see yourself as I do, you’d also expect everyone in the room to make an approach.”

“I understand that you’re scared of making even one wrong move. It’s sad. And a shame too. You know, there’s a reason you loved my blog—it’s because we see the world the same way. We’re very different, but in all the important ways, we get each other. You feel it, too, or we wouldn’t even be doing this…confusing dance. We think alike, appreciate determination, laugh at the same things, observe the world in a similar way, as outsiders. And I know you secretly like my Latvian folk music, so don’t bother denying it,” she added with a smile.

“Do you know how rare and beautiful it is for two watchful, lonely souls like us to find each other?”

“Smart, unique, and talented,” Elena continued. “You create art with words and food. I told you once, I appreciate beauty…” Her gaze slid over Maddie’s body. “In all its forms.” Maddie tensed, waiting for the “but”. “Anyone should be proud to date you.”

“I thought I was quite clear. At the Duchamp show? I was openly appreciative. I assure you I have never…done that with anyone before. But you are inspiring. You robbed my lungs of breath on that catwalk. You were a revelation. Honestly, can you truly not read my mind on this? How much I desire you?”

“Really, Madeleine.” Elena tsked and took a step closer. “I believe you’re flirting with me.” Maddie shot her a lopsided smile.

“It’s a shame I’m still married and have no wish to risk losing the high moral ground during the divorce.” Elena shot her an indignant look and swayed closer. “Or I’d kiss that smug smile right off your beautiful face.”

“I would think of nothing else if we…” Elena sighed and, shifted her hands to Maddie’s shirt collar. She tugged her nearer and impatiently closed the gap. It was an urgent kiss and Maddie met it with passion. Heat shot through her. Her knees weakened at the softness of her, the sweetness of their kiss. Their tongues met, and Maddie clung to Elena’s waist as the arousing sensations threatened to undo her on the spot.

She’d started noticing the things she missed. Her beaming smile. Her laugh. Her wry commentary on life. The

The way her face brightened whenever Elena wore her vest outfit. She’d taken to wearing it more often, just to get a reaction.

show. The sight of Madeleine on the catwalk made her hungry.

her Madeleine

Her heart had laid claim to the woman. Madeleine was hers.

But she hadn’t even understood the raw power of desire until the night she reached across the charged air and touched Madeleine’s back. Never had she felt a thrill like that.

On Elena’s desk sat another not-parsley plant—both a reminder of the girl’s absurd sense of humour and a partial apology. It had arrived not ten minutes ago.

“More exorcism plants?” Elena glanced up to find Felicity glaring at it. “Oh God! I’ll get rid of it at once!” “No.” Elena brushed her hand away. “It stays.” Felicity backed out of the office with such a confused look on her face that Elena almost laughed.

When it was time to leave, Elena hesitated, then pulled her into a tight hug, savouring the smell and feel of her.

Elena willed her to understand what she was really saying—Be safe. You have nothing to prove. But every night, Elena lay in bed fretting that if anything went wrong, this was entirely her fault.

Regardless, Madeleine was hers. Elena did not wish to share her with her nosy, well-intentioned best friend or anyone else.

“But I know the truth.” Elena regarded her. “The people I care about generally do.” Madeleine’s face creased into a soft look. “You have to stop looking at me like that. It’s not good for my reputation at all.”

Elena took a step closer. And then another.

Her strapless green dress swirled as she moved, and Maddie was mesmerised by the daring bodice of taut, green silk held up by Elena’s creamy

breasts and little else. She imagined slipping her hands inside, cupping her breasts, and freeing them from their confines. She licked her lips. Judging by the half-lidded eyes watching her, Elena had...

“Not thirsty, no,” Elena said. “Hungry? Most definitely.” “Oh.”

Elena’s lips shifted to her ear. “Why are you keeping me waiting, Madeleine? Haven’t I been patient? I believe you claimed this apartment came with a bedroom. I suggest you stop burying the lead and get to it.” Her lips curled into a smile against the shell of Maddie’s ear. Her tongue darted out.

“And now? Aren’t I still a temptation? Or do you no longer lose focus?” “Now, it’s far worse.” She smiled. “But I have come to appreciate the benefits of temptations, lack of focus be damned.”

Elena’s gaze slid to the queen-sized bed behind them. Her attention shifted to a solid-wood, white-painted dressing table with a mirror attached. Elena’s lips curved into a dangerous smile.

“I admire the softness of women’s skin greatly, and their backs in particular. Yours, in that stunning gown in Véronique’s dressing room, very nearly got me into a great deal of trouble. I found myself in the shocking position of fighting my instincts to bend you over that make-up table and have my way with you right there. I would have enjoyed watching your eyes in the mirror as I made you mine. All while you wore the most exquisite dress I have ever seen in my life.”

“Mmm. Yes, I’d have enjoyed plucking that from you. Slipping it down your firm thighs. And doing much more.” Maddie gasped. “You like that idea.” Elena’s gaze burned. “I do too. I think of it, quite a lot.”

They watched in the mirror, as Elena slid her hands to Maddie’s waist while she nipped and kissed Maddie’s shoulder. Her fingers slid into the top of Maddie’s black panties and eased them down, baring Maddie’s patch of dark curls. A telltale glistening on them caused Elena to smile.

“That night, I felt your arousal as well as my own. Your face doesn’t hide your secrets. I wanted you very much.”

Elena was not a cuddler in her sleep. Nor did she spoon, Maddie discovered. Oh no. She conquered. When they had been too tired to do anything more beyond crawl under the sheets, Elena took up most of the bed, two-thirds of the pillows, half the blankets, and all of Maddie, like some sort of post-coital corporate takeover.

Waking up, Maddie felt spent and dehydrated. Muscles she didn’t know she possessed were complaining. She slid her gaze to the side to find Elena’s soft eyes studying her. The woman wore a cat-got-the-cream, lazy smirk.

“I suppose you want to hear you were the best I’ve ever had?” Elena gave her a pointed look. Her face softened. “That would be more than accurate. It was exceptional. I believe I finally understand the appeal of sex. All those sonnets actually have a point.”

“I suppose I should be pleased you couldn’t tell.” Elena gave her a slow smile. “In practical terms, yes. But since I’ve met you, I’ve thought about it, in theory, far more than I’d care to admit. As I said, you’ve been terrible for my focus.”

“How can you not already know? I wouldn’t be here otherwise. I have more to lose than you do. I don’t do flings either. And certainly not with one I care for as much as you.”

“That sadness and loneliness goes both ways. You were drawn to me, because I felt it too. You had read about all my insecurities and flaws before we even met, and yet you liked me anyway. Isn’t that what a relationship is? Knowing who someone is behind the mask and wanting to be with them in spite of it?”

“I asked you to be my PA, because I found I missed you too much to not have you at my side. This was a difficult admission for me.

In response, you stopped smiling, sharing, and challenging me. I missed it more than I can say. So I used the truth bet. It was an excuse, but I wanted to know you again.

“I was hoping you’d be here.” “Miss me?”

“It turns out you’re such a distracting influence that it was easier to just come home and get my work done here, than sit at work thinking about you on my Saturday.”