She watched the brunette make her way into the ranch’s master bedroom. She watched for another moment, seeing only through the doorway as she heard the woman settle herself onto… she could see the toes playing in the carpet… she must have settled herself onto the edge of the bed. A queen sized bed, if Sway could be so lucky, with few covers and pillows to be thrown off. Sway closed her eyes and stilled her hands on her bustier, and imagined for a moment what the woman must look like right now… with her taught bottom perched on the edge of the bed as she tried to arrange her dainty limbs in the most appealing way possible. The tips of that brown hair would fall around her neck and taunt the perky tips of the woman’s small breasts. Her skin would be pale and delicate in the daylight that surely shone into the room… her sex would be slick and pink and probably a little swollen by the time Sway finally made her way into the room. Anticipation was a ****. And at that, Sway popped open her eyes with a devious grin.

But still, she took her time as she made her way into the bedroom, beginning once again to loosen the thick black strings that held her lingerie together. When she finally stepped foot over the sacred room’s threshold, Cytheria was on the bed in all of her glory, as perfectly poised as Sway had imagined. And yet it wasn’t her exposed womanhood or her tight nipples or the wanting that shown in her eyes that caught the blonde’s attention. Rather, it was a single detail that enthralled her now. Captivated her, fascinated her, and simply possessed her… mind, body, and soul. Sway’s eyes traced what her fingers could not, moving over the woman’s thigh in the shape of four painfully familiar letters.

S. Sway wanted to drop to her knees in front of the brunette. W. She wanted to kiss the scars away. Or cry them away, or touch them away, or talk them away. She wanted to do any **** thing she could to take them away. A. She wanted to apologize for everything she’d ever done and said and thought; wanted to take back everything that had led to the sharp letters that sat in the woman’s skin. Y. She wanted to kiss the woman, love the woman, hold the woman. She wanted never to let her go, giving her strength and the promise of safety in every moment that they spent wrapped within one another. SWAY.

Cytheria shifted slightly on the bed, clearly exasperated at the time that Sway was taking to approach her. The movement was a slap in her visual field, and it brought her attention back to the present and Sway made no move to do any of the things that her heart and soul were urging her to do. But she shut her heart and soul behind the thick steel door that was her rising sex drive, and refocused her eyes on Cytheria’s breasts while she finished removing the black laces that kept her covered. Palming them, she used her other hand to unfold the bustier from around her middle, her heavy breasts finally falling free. The brunette stayed quiet, and Sway was thankful for the silence in her audience as she pushed her white slacks down over her ass, after which they quickly slumped to the carpet at her feet. But she kept on her Louboutin’s and her high-waisted white panties. She had no intention of needing to be naked, and in fact she would have kept her breasts covered as well except… if she did say so herself… the two masses that settled over her chest were just short of majestic. One of her best assets, and always had been. Perfectly oversized in proportion to her waist, with firm pink nipples that were not too big but not too small, either.

“In the middle of the bed, Cytheria. Lay down. Arms out. Legs spread.” Sway walked calmly over to one side of the bed, giving Cytheria a chance to reposition himself. She was curt, as always, with her demands. She trusted that the woman would remember that she would only give them once. When she was satisfied with the way the brunette had laid herself out on the bed, which was just the size that Sway had hoped, Sway began to thread one of the strings from her bustier around one of the brunette’s thin wrists. She attached the other end to the frame of the bed and looked over Cy’s body quickly. She walked quietly around the bed and repeated the process with the other wrist. “Do you wish to say anything to me, Cytheria? This is your last chance, and then I shall ask you to remain quiet.” She was a tough mistress, this she knew… but the reward was great for she who cooperated… and Cytheria was soon to be reminded, lest she had forgotten.

This is it, Sway thought to herself. This is the moment. This is the end of my life, and this is the beginning of my life. This is the moment that I'll never forget, and the moment that I will never be able to turn back from. This... is... it.

Her fingers yanked desperately at Cytheria's blouse, and soon enough they were ripping and tearing and smooth buttons were hitting the floor with dull little clinks that barely registered. What did register in Sway's mind, as the brunette's blouse hit the floor and the blonde's vision was flooded with the sight of two delicate, silk covered mounds, was the fact that she was still being touched. This **** was still digging her nails into Sway's shoulders. She never listens... Sway thought to herself as anger flared up into her chest, keeping the burning arousal in her lower belly company. What a perfect combination.

Sway let out a low, grumbling noise as she captured Cytheria's mouth again, more forcefully this time. And as she did, she moved her hands around and gripped the brunette's wrists, shoving them roughly up against the glass. It was a lot to take in... the soft moans and the supple bodies and the cold window and the hot exchange of breath. Almost too much to concentrate on any one thing. She dipped her teeth into Cytheria's lower lip and pulled as she leaned away, also pulling with her hands on the woman's wrists. "Bedroom..." she mumbled through her heavy breaths. Practically inaudible, but she hoped Cytheria would get the gist and head to her bedroom as Sway began to pull at the remaining buttons of her blazer, letting it fall to the ground to reveal a deep red, lacy bustier with black strings laced tight up the front.

She supposed, as she turned the thought over and over in her head as Cytheria spoke, that the woman's belief in fate should not come as a surprise. She needed something to believe in, something other than herself that ultimately decided how and when and why her life would progress and eventually end. It was a weak minded sort of thing, in Sway's opinion. She was thoroughly immersed in the idea that she made her own decisions, and the things that happened because of them, whether good or bad, were largely coincidental. Sway also supposed that it made a lot of sense to believe in fate, or God, or something of the sorts... it would be helpful to believe that there was something else to blame for her losses, thank for her successes, or ask for help. But, as per usual, the conclusion that she came to was that she was, needed to be, in control. And so there was no fate, for Sway.

A soft hand on her shoulder snapped her out of her thoughts. As her eyes traveled down to those lean fingers, she could find no words. She had not been touched in... she couldn't actually remember. She'd touched, and maybe on occasion she'd placed another person's hand upon her own body, but it had been ages since someone had taken it upon themselves to touch her. How should she feel? She should enjoy it, surely, as she did love the woman who owned the hand. But in all honesty the contact made her want to light a cigarette and pour a drink. It was like an uncontrollable itch. A searing burn. A ridiculously unbearable tickle. Like tiny little spiders, moving over that tiny area of her flesh.

"Surely you see why I must stay here?"

Sway's eyes moved back up to the woman's, and she realized she'd heard little more than the first and last sentences out of her mouth. She raised her hand and steadily, coldly, moved the hand from her shoulder as she narrowed her eyes at the woman. The warning was familiar and clear, even in it's lack of vocal presence. You will not touch if you are not asked. Letting the other woman's hand fall, Sway turned away and refocused her energies out the window. "As I've said, I do not believe in fate, and you are not enough to change my opinion. This situation is happenstance, Cytheria. Albeit, a very enjoyable one, it is simply the result of the choices we have made." She was tired of this conversation. Utterly through with it.

She turned back toward the woman and took a step closer to her. "We will discuss your returning to work t a later time." Swiftly, quickly, forcefully... she grabbed and she moved and suddenly the muscular body of the brunette was pressed firmly between Sway's taller, more cushioned body and the cool glass of the window. Her hands snaked up the woman's body... grabbing at her hips and stomach and gliding over her breasts. Sway pushed her lips up against Cytheria's... and it was simply beautiful. Nothing as sweet and soft as the kiss of a long awaited reunion should have been. Rather, it was fitting to their relationship and their personalities. It was hard and hot and heavy in all of the right ways. Sway settled her hands up against the woman's scalp and gripped onto her long brown locks, pulling back and tilting her head up as she kissed even harder. Simply... beautiful.

"I do not believe in fate, Cytheria." Sway let her eyes work over the frame of the barn as she stood in front of the largest window in the living room. Her fingers slid over one more button on her blazer. Fate was incomprehensible to Sway, or maybe it was simply frightening. The existence of fate meant the existence of something that, by definition, could not be controlled by Sway... or anyone else, for that matter. Yep. Definitely **** horrific.

She turned, finally, to face the woman. Her features were strong; bearing a slightly squared jawbone and high cheekbones, the combination of Tennessee and Georgia Adam's features had been kind to the woman. And she'd always thought that it had seemed to match her personality. Strong and demanding, Sway did not waver on her opinions. "You will return to work," she said pointedly, "A sudden influx of money is no reason to abandon all semblance of responsibility. If you'd like, you could always find a job closer to the ranch. But you will return to work. Understood?"

Her smile was soft, uncharacteristically so, as she listened to the brunette talk about her new-found life. Sway had guessed as much... work and a hobby had been enough to keep the woman sane. But she had to be lonely, the way the woman figured it. Not many men or women in the world were willing, or able for that matter, to cope with the psychotic kind of attachment that Cytheria couldn't help but exhibit when she fell in love. For Sway, however, it would be as easy as it always had. The crazy came out when too many choices were left to the woman, and Sway's brand of dominance was the perfect medicine. Here's to hoping the prescription hasn't changed... Sway took another swallow of her drink.

She flipped her free hand quickly across her body, grabbing the brunettes own hand as she fidgeted with the hem of her shirt. "You have no reason to be nervous, Cytheria." Letting her fingertips grab onto the woman, she gently moved their hands away from the shirt and laid them in her own lap. She caught the woman's eye, "I have always found you very interesting," she said softly, her thumb moving in a soft circles. Her vulnerability was beautiful. Heartstopping and breathtaking and butterfly-inducing, Cytheria was beautiful in the simplest way.

But as quickly as Sway had allowed the moment to come, she took it away along with her hand. Promptly, she stood up and started toward the counter that the glasses had come from, emptying her glass along the way. After setting the glass down, she unbuttoned the top button of her blazer to reveal the delicate lace edges of a deep red bustier and took her time returning to the living room. "What have you been doing for work?" She dawdled. Looking out windows, studying nearly empty shelves, she did anything to occupy herself as she kept her distance from the couch. The couch, and the woman on it, were too much at the moment... not that she would let it show. Self-control was arguably her best asset.

Sway watched the woman while she handled the animals. She was caring and gentle, and entirely sure of herself, much to Sway's surprise. Cytheria had never been sure of herself, about anything. Her sense of self worth had been so deeply dependent on the opinions of the people around her. Sway couldn't decide if it was attractive, to see the woman acting so sane and independent, or if she should worry. Lighting another Newport, she pondered the thought and played with the buttons on her blazer. Everything she'd hoped to rekindle with the brunette could be a mere dream, if the woman had become too sure of herself. When she finally headed back to the ranch, Sway put out her cigarette against the bottom of her heel and dropped the butt through an opening between the boards of the deck. Watching the woman walk, she decided that there was not too much to fear after all... the woman's movements radiated nervousness now that she was away from her horses.

She entered the house before the woman did, failing to thank her as she made her way into the living room and sat on one of the plump couches. There was not a lot in the living room, something she would be quick to remedy. Nodding in accordance to the offer of congac, she thought of an antique store she'd seen on her way up here. They would have to be sure to stop by there at some point. "We will buy whatever you need soon enough," she said softly. She let her fingers brush lightly against Cytheria's as she took the glass from her. "I have been well... but it's you I wish to talk about, Cytheria."Her hand rested shortly on the cushion next to her, "Please, have a seat."

With the papers signed, Dunphy packed up his belongings, assuring the women that copies of the paper work would be sent to both of them. Sway nodded her goodbyes as the lawyer found his way out of the trailer, and she watched silently as the truck, having been unhooked from the trailer by this point, and the Lincoln pulled out of the dirt driveway.

"I wouldn't have included it as a stipulation had I thought you would agree so quickly." She pulled a slim, gold cigarette case out of her blazer pocket and flipped it open. She pulled a menthol and slipped the case back into her pocket. Lighting it quickly, she returned the BIC lighter to her breasts and walked past the brunette, out of the trailer. "I suppose that you can't change your mind now, so it's all for the better."

She played with the case in her pocket as she walked up toward the house. "I will wait on the porch, if you would like to settle your animals in." Her fingers skimmed over the Ed-Hardy-esque design that was etched into the gold, hitting the occasional inlaid diamond and ruby. The case was one of the few things she'd bought herself after she'd become a multi... billionaire, she assumed. In truth, she didn't know her net worth. Neither did she care. She'd also invested in a high-end new wardrobe, including the finely tailored pant suit that she now wore. Solid black, it buttoned just high enough to cover her lingerie completely, but no further. It showed an acceptable amount of cleavage, as well as the collage of tattoos that stretched over her chest and up into her neck. She had invested in pant suits, bathing suits, lingerie, shoes, and everything else she thought she might need. Turned out she rather enjoyed shopping. She thought her herself about how should could not wait to dress her soon-to-be-lover up as well.

Sway nodded toward Dunphy as the buyer expressed her satisfaction with the horses. "The papers, Mr. Dunphy, if you would." The man produced a new folder from his briefcase. Manila in color, it gave way to a stapled booklet of paperwork. "All six of these horses will be gifted to you, free of charge," the woman began, taking a pen from the lawyer and settling the papers up against an overpriced saddle with the final page showing. "As will all of their equipment, as well as a quarter million dollars which you may use to revamp your stables, tend to the horses land, or care for them however you see fit. I will pay the gift tax on the total monetary value of all of this." Having signed her name to the sheet of paper, she handed Dunphy the pen. He signed quickly, and returned the pen. Resting her eyes on the brunette, Sway held the black-ink pen out to her silently, with no semblance of a smile.

It was cruel, breaking in a horse. Almost as cruel as it would be to break Cytheria. But she would need to do it before she could love the woman the way she wanted to. Before she could buy her the world and please her body and care for her mind. Doubtlessly, their relationship would still be a bit of a wreck. Sway would still be controlling, and sometimes mean, and less than understanding... but it would still work. Because in the same way that Sway would always need to control, Cytheria would always need to be used. Having watched the hurt in her eyes as she was ignored, Sway vowed to herself that this time around... she would at least use her right. She would not be quite so terrible as she had the first time. And she knew she could do it, because she really did love her; eventually she would show her, but first she needed to break her. For that... she needed time.

"There is only one condition." A slight smile finally played at her lips when her buyer took the pen and approached the saddle. "I will maintain visiting rights to the horses. At least two weekends per month, Friday afternoon to Monday morning, of my choosing. You will always be present at the ranch during my visits, should I have any questions or need any help. We can re-evaluate this arrangement after one year, if need be." Time... she'd needed time, and now she would have it. Twenty-four weekends worth of time, to be exact.

Satisfaction bloomed in her chest as the grooming brush fell from the brunette's hand. Surprise, my lover, she thought to herself. But she drank in the sight of the woman before she turned around. Her hair was longer now, and fell around the area where Sway imagined her thin bra straps to end. Still thin, though she didn't doubt that the woman's weight and health had fluctuated immensely after they'd shunned her from their lives, much like her own had. And her ass... simply beautiful. She momentarily imagined it pushed against the side of the trailer, with leather reigns restraining her.

The vision dissipated as the woman turned around, but was replaced with wonderful memories. Cytheria tried so hard to sound formal, Sway could sense the tension in her voice as she spoke. She also kept eye contact as she extended her hand. Sway removed her sunglasses and raised her eyebrows as she looked down at the hand. Cytheria was bold, to greet her the way she was. And in proper fashion, Sway cut the woman down immediately. "Ms. Adams will do, thank you." She was eager to touch her, and eager to reestablish their relationship, knowing that she had something else to bring to the table this time around. But her control issues told her that she needed to enforce her dominance before she could experience any of the impending rewards.

So she walked past the brunette without greeting her any further. She looked around at the horses. Three brown, one white, and two black with white areas on their hooves and faces. She cared for them only because the woman desired them... and that meant that she would do anything she needed to ensure their well-being. Which was why she'd hired the best transportation money could buy, and had all of their necessary equipment brought along. "I think we should take care of the paperwork immediately. I am sure that Mr. Dunphy has other things to tend to. After which I would enjoy a drink with you, since you are offering. We can discuss... the horses." She gestured around and cut the lawyer off quickly as he started to protest. "Are all six horses to your liking, Cytheria?" Saying her name a little too softly, she finally allowed her eyes to meet those of the woman.

It was seven in the morning when her phone alerted her of an email with a loud ding. Reaching out, she pulled the phone into her lap and maneuvered over the screen to bring up the email. She laughed dryly. A mere three hours away, the woman lived. "What a damned joke." She dialed Dunphy quickly and lit a Newport as she waited for him to answer. She left out the formalities as she interrupted his answer, "You will need to draw me up a second set of papers. You will not inform our buyer that these papers exist. You are to carry out business as usual and go over the original papers with her as planned until I arrive." She outlined the terms of the second set, and asked if he understood. "If I wanted an alternate set of papers to be drawn, I would have asked for exactly that, Mr. Dunphy." He argued a little more. "Shut up, Dunphy! I pay you an amount of money that ridiculously outweighs your salary as a second rate lawyer. Do you know why I do this? I do it so that you will do as I **** ask, Dunphy. So do. As. I've. ****. Asked." She ended the call and set the phone next to her once more.

It was nearly one o'clock when the large gates finally appeared in her windshield. She hated the country. Road signs were practically a myth and a clean car never did stay clean. Things were impossible to find and it was unbearably quiet. She hated the country. Hence why she'd had no desire to care for the ranch or the horses that she'd inherited. She pulled into the drive, the engine of her Audi a8 purring gently. She parked behind the Lincoln that she assumed to belong to the lawyer, and craned her neck around to see a group of three people walking into the horse trailer. Taking advantage of the tinted windows, she reapplied her bloody lipstick and rearranged her bleached curls. Stepping out of the Audi, she slipped her sunglasses onto her face and fixed the buttons of her black pant suit before heading toward the trailer.

She came up quietly, her low heels silent on the compacted dirt of the drive. The buyers back was to her as she looked closely at a chocolate colored horse, but Dunphy turned, and Sway gave him a gentle nod as she crossed her arms under her chest and took stance just outside the trailer. He turned back to the buyer with a smile, "Might I introduce you to the owner of the horses, Ms. Sway Adams."