By StarbearerTM

Disclaimer: KISS, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons are real persons, and this story is not meant to harm or demean them in any manner. It is a work of fiction. Trynia Merin and other characters are property of the author. Rated R for sexual content and language, so no readers under 18 please.

Paul pulled up under the portico for the Adam's Mark hotel in Center City, Philadelphia. Downtown Philly glistened in all its nighttime glory on the trek in, using the Schukyl expressway, and Cityline Avenue to arrive at their destination.

He grinned at Trynia, who chuckled, "Well this is a MAIN LINE hotel... even if it isn't on route 30."

"Main line as in shi-shi?" he asked.

"Very Shi-shi..."

"Perfect." Paul nodded. He depressed the button to lower the window, as the valet leaned in to speak to him.

"Good Evening sir, are you checking in?"

"I sure am," Paul nodded. He turned off the engine and pulled the keys out. Handing them through the window, he nodded to Trynia.

"Let's go into the lobby baby," he suggested. She climbed out, chuckling because she realized she had no luggage.

The valet stopped only when Paul took his arms and whispered something into his ear. Nodding, he winked and accepted the bill Paul pressed into his hand. Trynia took Paul's offered arm and strode into the sliding glass doors at his side. Few people bustled about the room, for it was after eight.

They moved up to the large oak desk, where two concierges answered phones diligently. The young man glanced up into Paul's face with a question on his lips, "Can I help you...."

"Hi there, my lady and I want a room for the night..." Paul cleared his throat. For a moment, the young man glanced at the woman in the KISS t shirt and leather jacket, standing next to the man in button down shirt and pants, with a look of doubt.

Trynia muffled her laugh when Paul reached into his pants pocket and extracted his wallet. Flipping through it he tugged out one of the many credit cards and handed it across to the young concierge. His eyes widened when he saw the bit of plastic.

"Excuse me, sir. My lady friend and I would like your best room for the night." Paul repeated.

Shaking off his shock, the clerk said, "We have a special running now sir for $89. It's a......"

"You don't understand. I said I want the best room available." Paul said again, clearing his throat.

"Just a minute sir, ma'am," he stammered, then they heard the clack of computer keys for a few minutes. He anxiously rung up something on the terminal while Paul winked at an amused Trynia.

"Uh... the only one available is the bridal suite..." he announced.

"How much?" Paul asked.

"For 200 a night..." the clerk continued. "But with tax it's 230..."

'I'll take it." Paul said. Turning to Trynia he asked, "You still hungry, love?"

"Uh... will that be one night or two?" the clerk interrupted.

"Better make it two nights. We don't want a checkout time." Paul said casually. "And we would like room service sent up immediately, with a bottle of champagne."

"I can give you late checkout if you desire... but considering the circumstances... I'll be happy to oblige. that will be charge of course, right, Sir?"

"Sure thing. Other than that, we will be left completely alone. Do you understand?"

"Completely sir," he says, when he sees the limit on the card.

"You're a good man...uhhhh...your name?"

"Jeremy sir," the clerk said. "Do you or the lady have any... luggage?"

"Paul I don't have any luggage!" she whispers to him.

"You do."

"What?" Trynia asked.

"You're just not aware of it" Paul smiled. "Anything else you need, sweetheart?"

"Well, I suddenly have the craving for Mozzarella cheese sticks..." she started, but felt foolish.

"One order of mozzarella cheese sticks," Paul added. "Jeremy, you go that?"

"Sure thing. Just ask me if you need anything..."

"Jeremy. You take care of us and let's just say I'll remember."

"Very good sir." Jeremy nodded. "Will you be wanting any of the movie channels turned on? We have pay per view..."

"Well, maybe some candles and bath salts," Trynia suggested.

"Terrific," Paul grinned. "Our friend Jeremy here says room service will be happy to take care of us. Didn't you, Jeremy?"

"Yes sir!"

"Good man."

"Oh, and Jeremy?"

"yes sir?"

"No phone calls please."

"Understood sir." Jeremy nodded.

Paul pushed a bill across the table, and took Trynia's hand. He followed the bellhop who was pushing a large gold-framed cart with luggage loaded onto it toward an elevator. They slipped into the mirrored doors next to him, Paul pulling Trynia's hips toward his.

"Now, how about that kiss sweetheart?" he asked.

"In the excitement I totally forgot," she groaned. "I really am loosing it..."

"No you aren't," Paul scolded her again. Lips descended upon hers, covering her mouth in a warm moist kiss. She groaned as his tongue ventured slowly into her mouth, caressing hers. When she peered past Paul's ear, she noticed the bellhop doing his best to ignore them, and felt a flush of embarrassment wash over her.

"Paul, everyone's watching," she whispered. The elevator doors slid open with a ding, and the bellhop coughed discreetly.

"Excuse me sir, this way..." he indicated, pushing the baggage cart before him through the doors.

"In case you didn't notice, we're royalty in this place," Paul whispered back, releasing her to slip his arm around her hips.

"No, really ya think?" Trynia laughed, squeezing his backside. Paul sighed with pleasure and urged her down the hall with him. Leaning over he kissed her again.

"Let 'em watch," Paul laughed, stopping long enough to see where the bellhop had stopped, to unlock their door.

"Hmm, even if they do videotape even?" she winked. With a toss of her head, she indicated a video camera set high into one remote corner of the hallway.

Discomfort crept over Paul for a moment, and he led her into the open door. The bellhop followed, carrying their luggage in. Sharply Trynia drew in her breath as she took in the dimensions of the bridal suite. All her troubles and worries of the last few days vanished in the wonder of the HDTV lodged in the vast entertainment center, with an in-built VCR. Past it, she glimpsed the sheets of a large king sized bed, and a wall of shimmering mirrors.

"Unbelievable," she whispered. Paul chuckled at the amazement on her face, for every hotel looked the same to a jaded rock star like him, accustomed to luxury.

"Just put them down over by the bed," Paul called to the bellhop. He released Trynia's hand, and she wandered toward the bathroom, shaking her head in disbelief. Pulling out his wallet again, Paul peeled off a ten and pushed it into the bellhop's hand. Nodding his thanks, the bellhop vanished. Reaching over, Paul closed the door and locked it with both the deadbolt and the chain.

"Paul, they have a JACUZZI!" she called from across the room. Paul whirled around and moved over to where the large bathroom door swung open.

"You like?" he asked.

"Definitely! It's just like the one in your home in LA..."

"Our home," Paul corrected her, joining her in the bathroom. She lit a few candles that had been left by the vanity, and began to position them on the ledge around the large whirlpool.

"So, you miss LA?" he asked her.

"I miss the sunshine," she laughed, squatting as she turned the tap and set the warm water running.

"Mmm hmm, you're not the only one," Paul hummed, enjoying the view of her backside curving under the jeans. Her tie-dyed KISS T shirt was tucked in, the white iconic symbols lined neatly across her shoulder blades.

"And speaking of warmth, I think we could both do with a nice hot bath..."

"Baby, you are speaking my lingo," Paul sighed, reaching down to rub her shoulders. "After all, this cold weather's making my hip ache... after I drove AAALLL the way to get a certain young lady... and bring her dinner... and lend her my jacket..."

"Oh, by the way, I left it over the chair... thanks so much..."

"There's something in the pocket, just in case..."

"What?" she asked.

"A box of parachutes, just in case you forgot your pills in your purse," he whispered. "Although it wouldn't be too bad if that detail was skipped..."

"What?" Trynia asked, turning around to glare at him. "Excuse me?"

Holding up his hands, Paul backed off, saying, "Whoops, sorry.... What I meant was... I'm prepared for anything..."

"Are you?" Trynia asked, rising, and advancing upon him. "Are you going to behave or will I have to whip your butt?"

"Hmm spank me," Paul laughed, playfully dodging. Trynia grabbed a towel, and twisted it quickly around her wrists before snapping him in the ass with it.

"Yikes!" he cried.

"Come back here and face it like a man!" she laughed.

"Catch me first!" Paul challenged, rushing out of the bathroom, Trynia in pursuit. She let the towel fly again, narrowly avoiding his ass again as he dodged behind the bed. She rushed around halfway, only to have Paul jump out and rush toward the television.

"You're still too slow!" he laughed again.

"You little... c'mere!" she panted, rushing forwards. Paul caught her in his arms, fingers poking into her ribs as he began to mercilessly tickle her.

"Damn no fair!" Trynia shrieked, as he continued to cover her sensitive sides with feather touches. The towel dropped to the floor, and Paul laughed as she squirmed in his arms. In turn her hands found the backs of his thighs and began to retaliate. Yelping he felt his knees grow weak, and they sank to the floor holding onto each other. Both laughed spasmodically, fingers slipping under clothing to tickle any exposed skin. Paul's sides heaved as he collapsed against the bed, laughing so hard he made no sound.

"Mercy!" he laughed. "Gimmie a break!"

"Oh god... that's... hehehe... only if you stop first!" she squealed. Paul released her as she fell back, hands positioned between him and her, and threw his one leg over her to straddle her with a satisfied grunt.

"Now what are you going to do, sweetie?" he smirked, taking her hands in his. "I've stopped, and you've stopped, but you're kinda stuck now..."

"I'll just lay back and admire the view," she laughed, settling under him and peering up at him with desire dark eyes. IT gladdened him to see the sparkle of passion glistening there, for he had sorely missed it these last few days.

Their moment was shattered by a knocking, and Paul grumbled in frustration at the voice that said, "Champagne and appetizers..."

"Excuse me Hon," Paul chuckled, rising off of Trynia to stand on his feet again. "This will have to wait... just a little bit. But DON'T think you're off the hook now..."

Trynia grinned, watching the muscles of his ass and thighs glide under the soft fabric of his pants while he answered the door. She pushed herself off the soft nap carpet and moved over to explore her suitcase, which had miraculously found its way amidst Paul's luggage

"Hey, you're Paul Stanley, aren't you?" the room service manager asked.

"Uh well, who wants to know?" Paul joked. "I'm kinda incognito right now..."

"I won't tell anyone, promise. I just wanted to tell you that I think you guys are the greatest, man," the young man answered. He was perhaps a little younger then Trynia.

"Well, how long have you been a fan?" Paul asked him.

"I've loved you guys ever since I can remember, because hell I practically grew up with KISS," the guy laughed. "Damn, I remember my dad making me an Ace costume for Halloween. He's a huge Ace fan. And Mom's a Paul fan... she LOVES you. And when the reunion tour happened they took me to the Spectrum to see you guys! 46th row..."

"Awesome," Paul smiled. "Great to see you're carrying on the tradition..."

"I play guitar too, and there's something I always wondered... did you ever have a guitar stolen?"

"Aw man," Paul groaned. "a few times..."

"Damn I just wanna let you know I'd never do that. I'd probably pound the ass who took it and bring it back... cause I heard there was one of your guitars floating around in KISS fandom..."

"Really?" Paul asked.

"I don't know now who has it, but I promise if I find out, I'll let you know, first thing. Here's my email address..."

"Thanks so much man," Paul grinned, shaking his hand. He took the napkin the young fan scribbled his email on, and stuffed it into his pants pocket as he closed the door.

"Tryn, bubbly's here!" Paul called, glancing around after he'd paid for room service. He pushed the cart inside the room, and closed the door once more. It was strange to see Trynia had vanished entirely, but he smiled when he realized she must have been planning something amusing.

Meanwhile Trynia had dragged the suitcase into the bedroom, and was rummaging through it. She saw several outfits Paul had neatly packed. Amusement crossed her face when she hear a jingle and drew out a pair of handcuffs. How did they get in there? Underneath she felt soft silk, and pulled out a nightgown. It was far shorter then what she had seen before, totally new and soft to the touch. The babydoll scarlet silk caught on her chemical roughened fingers, and she realized she needed some soft lotion. Luckily she found the Victoria secret silk lotion to rub on her hands first.

Again she picked up the teddy, and gasped at the diaphanous silk. Where did it come from, she wondered for a moment, seeing the Victoria secret label in it, for size 18. Most likely Paul, she realized, especially when she found the tube of strawberry flavored body rub, and a pair of edible panties that were in a box from Spencer gifts. It was nice to think that he had bought her some new toys to play with, but the handcuffs startled her a little bit. Not that she wouldn't be open to trying new things, but so far, she and Paul had never attempted bondage. Nervously she put the handcuffs back into her suitcase. Not tonight, she decided.

"Tryn honey... you in here?" Paul asked.

"Just a moment," she called from the bathroom, leaning out. "The bath's all ready to go..."

"Hmm, sounds terrific, but I thought you wanted to eat first..."

"Bring that cart into here, lover, and we'll have it with our bath..." she suggested. "Besides, you don't' want this water to get all cold after I went to the trouble getting it ready for your poor aching hip, do you?"

"Since you put it like that..." Paul grinned, pushing the cart toward the spacious bathroom. Trynia held the door as he scooted it in, and parked it right next to the Jacuzzi. Striding up, in nothing but a silk robe, she wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned up for another kiss. Paul folded her into his arms, enjoying her hands sliding up and down his chest while her lips closed over his first this time. It was her tongue that ventured forth between his lips, initiating the kiss he had come to savor. He loved the feel of her body pressing to his as she let the robe drop from her shoulders so she was nude in his arms.

"Much better baby," he whispered in her ear, rubbing hands down her bare skin. She slipped fingers under his shirtfront and started to undo the buttons one by one. Lifting an eyebrow, he smiled at her taking the initiative. Especially when she tugged the shirt out of his pants, and reached for his belt buckle. Dark eyes shut and he threw his head back in satisfaction when she unfastened his pants and pulled them slowly down to his ankles. When his appearance matched hers she took his hand and led him toward the Jacuzzi. With her hand steadying him, he stepped into the Jacuzzi. Into his nostrils drifted the aroma of rose scented bath beads, slowly dissolving into bubbly foam.

"Aren't you coming in?" he asked her.

"Someone needs to serve you," she laughed, reaching over and turning out the lights. Only the golden glow of candles illuminated the bathroom now. He chuckled at the sight of her wrestling with the champagne bottle, sending the cork popping with a shot that resounded in the bathroom. She poured two glasses, and brought them over to him, along with a tray of food for them both.

"Are you coming in here to keep me company this time?" he asked.

"Uh huh... I think I need to decontaminate myself, don't' you?"

"Aww yeah baby, c'mon in, the water's perfect," Paul sighed, holding out his hand to help her in. She set the tray down on the side of the tub, and stepped in carefully. Paul pulled her to sit on his lap, scooting over to the tray. They began to feed each other cheese sticks and other finger foods like jalapeno poppers and an order of potstickers that Paul insisted on getting with a soy sauce.

"What should we toast to?" she asked him.

"Good question love," Paul murmured, picking up his glass of champagne, and handing the other to her. "Any suggestions?"

"How about to a man who's just silly and lovable enough to show a mad scientist how to have a good time?" she asked.

"And to a lady who will always be my number one fan," Paul grinned, raising his glass to toast.

"Paul, who were you talking to at the door?"

"There's fans everywhere," he joked. "I mean he asked me about one of my missing guitars!"

"Oh?"

"One of the ones I had stolen over the years. Man I get pissed every time I think of them being stolen. I was bored one time during a tour, so I covered one of my flying V's with rhinestones halfway, and then I added more. But I didn't have it very long before it got ripped off..."

"Aww, I know it sucks to have something you love stolen. I had a leather jacket stolen out of my car once, and I had bought it with my first paycheck..."

"So you know how I feel then. I'd give anything to have that guitar back. It's a piece of my life... from those wild and crazy Hotter then Hell days... and to think some fan might have it and is probably selling it to someone else... it just burns me up!"

"Maybe some Good Samaritan would buy it and return it to you?" she asked.

"Hmm, that'd be the day," Paul sighed. "Gene and I found some costumes at an Expo someone had stolen, and we managed to get them back..."

"That's good," Trynia nodded, relaxing against Paul as she stretched her legs out. Paul placed her before him, lying along the narrow bench of the Jacuzzi. He positioned her atop him, rubbing his hands through her scalp as he applied shampoo.

"Now look at that, it's a miracle," Paul laughed.

"What?"

"You're actually relaxing!"

"Hmm, now that I have a good reason to," she sighed, stretching out atop his body as she let the hot waves of foam wash overtop of her skin.

"Definitely baby. All you have to do now is relax for your man, and put all your considerable talents into making this a memorable night... for us both..."

"Sounds infinitely more preferable to what I was doing," she admitted.

"Really?" Paul asked, dunking her head underwater to rinse it free of shampoo.

"Yes..." she admitted again. A surge of hope pounded Paul's heart, and he realized she might be in a very good frame of mind to make a decision. That is if he played his cards right.

"How sure are you?" he asked, a wicked grin coming over his face, worthy of Gene.

"Very... sure," she sighed, turning over in his arms and laying on top of him.

"I like the sound of that," Paul hummed. "C'mere you..."

Trynia teased him with one hand, rubbing along the shaft of his erection. Paul arched his back under her, weightless in the swirling steamy waters. Sighing she eased herself along him with delicious slowness, savoring each inch of his entry.

"Shall we mix our chemicals?" she teased. "Stir my beaker with your stirring rod?"

"Oh yeah... baby, mix it up," Paul groaned back. "I'm your experiment now!"

After much experimenting, Trynia slipped out of the bathroom and crossed into the sitting room area of the bridal suite. She pulled out the laptop computer from her backpack, and carried it out to the table. A quick glimpse to the digital clock on the television told her it was 11 at night. Paul dozed in the hot Jacuzzi, relaxing after a hard stint of teasing and pleasing. She found the cocktail napkin he had written the name and address of the room service manager, and picked up the hotel telephone.

"Hi, this is Trynia... yes I'm in Paul's room. Can you get me the room service manager that made the last delivery?"

"Sure, that's me," came the voice from the other end. "What can I get you guys?"

"I want you to tell me where you heard about that guitar... please?"

"Uh well... I am not completely sure, but I did see it on a fan website. But please don't let the person know that I clued you in... I don't want them to get into trouble if Paul decides to 'take it back' even though he should have it..."

"No I just want to buy it," she said. "Besides, you'll remain anonymous as I'm sure you're making sure that my man and I are..."

"Oh... well that's different," he said. "But I don't even know if the person still checks that website regularly... and even if they have it anymore... the posting was made two weeks ago..."

"Is there a chartroom that person hangs?"

"Yeah... on the Asylum," he said. "Sometimes. Or Rockchat..."

"If you can tell me what their handle and email is, then I'll give you an autographed picture of Paul..."

"All right, get a pen... Gimme a minute and I'll get your the info. No guarantees, but if this will help Paul get his guitar back..."

When she had what she needed, she began to surf. Paul had yet to emerge, and she was all-alone in the sitting room of the hotel suite. She had the laptop open, its screen reflecting twin miniatures onto her glasses. For a time, she worked on her search, fingers and brain locked into a tight negotiation with some unknown party on the other end of the Internet hookup. She was grateful for the Internet access the hotel provided, but silently prayed she could pull this off. When she had found the person in question, she began a slow bartering, which grew increasingly more expensive. Finally, she excused herself for a moment to grab her cellular phone from her purse. A quick dialing to a preset number was all it took before she heard the voice on the other end. It was only 10 PM in LA.

"Hello, is Gene there?" Trynia asked, glancing at the bathroom door.

"Hey there baby," came Gene's voice. "What's up... other then my blood pressure hearing you again..."

"I was planning something for Paul's birthday. And I was wondering if you could help me..." Trynia asked him.

"Sure, anything for you and him. What you got up your sleeves?"

"I want you and Terri to fly out here to NYC and arrive at his premiere. Do you think you can make it?"

"Sure, when is it?" Gene asked.

"This coming weekend... and there is something else you can help me with... you see I tracked down one of Paul's stolen guitars..."

"Holy shit you did?" Gene asked. Trynia glanced at the chatroom on her laptop computer, conferring with the very mysterious owner. How easy it would be to simply report him to Gene, and they could have the guitar free. Yet that would open a complex issue she didn't wish to drag Paul into the midst of. It was easier to face the situation and take the monetary hit that flickered across the screen.

"And I really want to get it for him and give it to him for his 50th birthday. But I have a slight money problem..."

"Let me guess, the fan doesn't want to part with it unless you pay enough right?"

"Yes, exactly. He wants... oh man... I HATE asking this..."

"How much?" Gene asked.

"Ten thousand dollars Gene. There's no way I can pay you back yet but..."

"Consider it loaned baby. I'll draw up a money order and get it out to you as soon as I can. Just put it on Paul's card and pay it off as soon as you get my money."

"But paying you back..."

"We'll work something out, don't worry. I can't wait to see the look on Paul's face when we give him that guitar!"

"Oh man," Trynia laughed. "Gene, you are WONDERFUL!"

"I know it, but it's nice to hear you say it, doll," Gene laughed. "Now, just give me the time I should show up to this shindig..."

"It's in NYC... so I figure you can get there in the afternoon on Saturday, and show up at the Majestic for the performance. I am emailing you the electronic tickets so you can sit with me if you want..."

"Sounds terrific. So I get to tease Paulie from the sidelines with you right?"

"If you want... I guess Terri can't come?"

"No way. She's almost due next month, and I'm NOT having her risk the baby..."

"I'm sorry..."

"Don't worry. I'm sure Paul will shit in his pants to see me show up!" Gene laughed. "Now, you just email that guy who has the object, and tell him to ship it to the address I'm gonna have you write down. Email him for his address and tell him you'll have the money wired to him by Western Union..."

"Great..." Trynia sighed. "You are so cool!"

"Paul will REALLLY flip!" Gene laughed.

"Trynia... are you out there baby?" Paul called out of the bathroom.

She froze, and whispered, "Gene, I have to go, the natives are restless..."

"All right, "Gene nodded. "Email me that info okay?"

"Honey, are you out here?" Paul asked.

"Uh yes... but I'm busy..." she called back.

"You know you don't have to hide from me," Paul called back out.

"Paul, just give me five minutes!" she called back. "Please, I'm checking some emails, and something's come up that I have to take care of. I'll be right there okay?"

"Okay," Paul nodded. "But the water's getting cold!"

"Whew," she whispered, when the bathroom door closed and she finished the email. For a moment she turned off the computer screen and headed back into the bathroom.

"There you are," Paul smiled, stretching out in a thick white robe with the hotel logo embroidered on it. "What took you so long?"

"I'm sorry lover I just didn't want to disturb you... you were sleeping so peacefully."

"I wish you had, sweets, I'm all wrinkly," he teased, showing her his hands.

"Sorry," she apologized, moving over and slipping her arms around his waist. "I just thought it would be a good chance to check emails..."

"Mm, the whole point of coming here was to get away," Paul scolded her. "And that means no more Internet or phone calls..."

"Aww c'mon," she pouted.

"I'm a bad influence on you," Paul laughed at her expression.

"Shall we go to bed?" she asked. "Or are you sufficiently rested?"

"Hell, no, not when we have the bridal suite for two whole days. Jeremy would be SO disappointed."

"WE need to make him earn his keep..." Trynia agreed, pursing her lips.

"There goes his big fat tip right down the proverbial hotel drain."

"Two whole days... hmmm." Trynia murmured.

"A LOT of possibilities..." Paul purred.

Two whole days passed where she forgot all about her troubles. Finally, when she returned on Saturday to resume her research, she felt well refreshed. She handed the premiere tickets to her friend, who was floored at the gift.

"I hope you can come..." she said to Art, swathed in a powder blue labcoat before his hood that morning.

"Hell yeah, this beats Sunday nights at Brownies!" laughed Art, grabbing her in a hug. "Wait till I show these babies to Mel!"

"I'm sure you'll have a very good Sunday night..."

"But there are four others here..."

"Well Sharmane and her boyfriend are coming, and I was thinking Dr. Goyette might like to come... I told him ahead of time I could get him tickets..."

"Great... but doesn't the box seat eight?"

"I have another friend coming that I reserved a ticket for... I'm just glad you can come..."

"Melanie loves Broadway. She had to twist my arm to see Les Miserables, but I was hooked."

"Cool," Trynia smiled, when Art released her from the hug.

"So, did you have fun these last 2 days?" he asked.

"Uh, well..."

"Sharmane said that you disappeared after running the reactions for Dr. Davis, and when you didn't crash at her place she figured you were with your boyfriend..."

"Well yes... Stan and I... well Stan actually brought me a cheese steak and roses to me in the chemistry lab! He surprised the hell out of me..."

"Whoa, he has me beat," Art laughed. "But sounds like he was really worried about you... are you sure you're okay with Dr. Davis?"

"He's being an absolute prick, but Art... I don't want to lose my teaching fellowship..."

"Well Russel TA'd for that lab, but he had Ellis instead," said Art. "couldn't you have gotten the list of reagents..."

"No. Dr. Davis wants things done his way..."

"Damn, well I never worked for him, but I remember a few guys who got flack from him. Little wonder the only research student working for him is Dwight..."

"Sharmane's boyfriend... oh man... I had forgotten..."

"Well you don't see much of him..."

"That is awful... can't Dwight come into our lab?"

"He's considering it... if Sharmane can twist his arm... but he'd have to start his project all over again..."

"Can't Dr. Goyette do something about him?" Trynia hoped.

"He'd like to, but since Dr. Davis is the only biochemistry professor left right now..."

"Ellis is..."

"Yeah but Ellis doesn't get the grant money that Dr. Davis does. And Ellis is retiring next year... once he hands over his department chair to someone else..."

"That's just not right..." Trynia sighed. "I so want to tell Davis to stick his chemicals up his ass... but I'm afraid if I did..."

"Yeah... Well did you tell Dr. Goyette?"

"What could that accomplish? Dr. Goyette simply would talk to him, and you remember what happened when Maureen said something..."

"Maureen? Well she didn't pass her Biochem comps..."

"Yes... she told Dr. Ellis that she thought she was graded unfairly by Dr. Davis, but when they asked him about it, he told them all about Maureen's 'lack of worth ethic', and he almost got her kicked out."

"No way..." Art muttered. "She told me she left because she got a good job at Smith Kline..."

"that was only because her dad worked there, and managed to get her a job. But she was forced out by her advisor, Dr. Davis..."

"But you work for Goyette..."

"I know... but I can't switch with anyone..."

"I wish I could help you. Look, can't you just take a semester off, or ask your boyfriend to help pay your way so you can do your research full time?"

"I don't want to quit, Art..."

"But Tryn, don't you and your boyfriend live an hour and a half away? I mean how much do you two spend together?"

"I well..."

"Look, I worry about you, girl. You're not happy, and I think you should just take it easy and quit. What is Dr. Davis gonna do if you quit the fellowship. I mean if you just quit and gave up the fellowship you could still stay enrolled..."

"I want to stick it out... show him that I can stand up to him..."

"Tryn, is it worth it?" Art asked. "I mean you're a good chemist, but you love art. And you are in love with Stanley. Is Chemistry really what you want to do?"

"I don't know anymore," Trynia sighed, as Art patted her on the back.

"You're a big girl, Tryn. You gotta do what makes you happy..." Art sighed. "I mean last time we talked to Maureen she's got a great job and she's getting married next spring! I mean just cause she left now doesn't mean she can't finish her degree as non thesis... and that's what she said she was gonna do..."

Paul was nervous as he performed his vocal warm-up in the shower on Sunday afternoon. He suddenly realized he had forgotten to bring fresh towels. Opening the shower curtain he yelled, "Tryn!!! BABY!"

Trynia rushed in, and asked, "You called?"

"Bring me a towel baby?" Paul asked her.

"Sure," Trynia nodded. "Hang on..."

Minutes later she returned with a stack of towels, and set them on the commode. She pulled the curtain back and called in,"Your towels sir!"

"Oh man I don't know WHERE my head is," Paul groaned.

"Relax Paul, it's okay. You'll do fine!"

"I know this isn't Montreal, and I've done this before, but... damn... I feel like I wanna jump out of my skin you know?"

"Hang on... do you have room for one more in there?" she asked. Paul noticed she was wearing a robe instead of the clothes she was wearing before. Slowly she opened it and let it fall before striding over to the curtain.

"You sure know how to insist, baby," Paul laughed as she started to soap up her hands and stroked them over his chest.

"You don't mind do you?"

"Never. I never object to a sexy woman joining me in the shower..." Paul laughed. She grinned and started to rub lower and lower with the soap. Paul groaned as the tension started to vanish in the hot rush that flooded him now. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she leaned up to kiss him, pressing her wet body to his.

"You're so tense, and tight you poor baby," she clicked her tongue, massaging his back as she reached around him.

"I was wondering if you could help me with that, sweetie?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You are bursting with so much energy, you need to burn a little off," she purred, rubbing the soap over his chest. Paul sighed as she leaned up into him and stroked her leg up the outside of his thigh invitingly. Reaching down he grabbed her thigh and held it in place, pulling her closer to him.

"And I know JUST the way to do it too," Paul winked, thrusting into her. She gasped and almost lost her balance in the shower. Back and forth, he thrust, pounding his nervousness into sexing this hot woman until she whimpered in sheer pleasure. She worked him to a fast climax that eclipsed his nerves into oblivion.

"Whew... Paul..." she gasped, catching her breath as he held her close to him, leg wrapped around his waist as he bent his knees a bit. "Feel better?"

"Much better baby," he sighed, relaxing considerably now. "Aw that was JUST what I needed..."

Helping each other along, they finished showering and toweled each other off. They headed into the bedroom and started to get dressed for that evening's performance. Paul knew he would be changing into his costume once he got there, so he dressed comfortably yet casually. Trynia however pulled on a long black velvet gown Paul had picked out for her.

"Man, you look Awesome in that!" Paul breathed as she turned around for him to see. "C'mere... I have something special for you to wear with it!"

"What?" she asked, slipping on the diamond and gold watch he had given her for Christmas. Along with it, she had fastened the rose locket, which hung nicely in the V of the neck.

"A little something I rented," Paul said, reaching for a velvet box. He opened it and pulled out a diamond choker with a matching pendant. Her jaw dropped when she saw the ensemble. Especially when he strode over with it to her, and fastened it around her neck. The drop earrings also matched.

"Wow, that's gorgeous..."

"It's rented, so don't worry baby. Just enjoy wearing it for the night. And the bracelet goes with it," Paul said, holding up a matching diamond bracelet to slip over her black arm length gloves. She especially loved the little tiara comb he thrust into the French twist she had styled her hair into, taking a cue from Terri's own hairstyles. Swept up and off her shoulders, she looked elegant and sophisticated in ways she could hardly imagine.

"Damn, like some freaking Cinderella," she gasped. "I look beautiful..."

"You do. Always," Paul said, kissing her forehead. "Now, are we ready to go?"

"Absolutely!' Trynia nodded, as he draped her black coat around her shoulders and took his offered arm. They entered the hotel room, and strode out toward the lobby where they would get a limo for the Majestic. Then Trynia would wait for her friends to show up while Paul got ready for the performance.

"You look ravishing," Art told her when she met them in the box office. All her friends had chosen to come, the whole of Goyette's research group. Artie had on a nice suit, his arm around Melanie who wore a short green gown that accentuated her eyes. Sharmane was also there, in a red dress that came to her knees, and high heeled pumps, next to another guy named Dwight who was friends with Trynia from Biochemistry class last semester. Dr. Goyette was also present, with his wife and two small children, waving to Trynia in her ensemble with appreciation.

"Thanks," Trynia smiled to Art and his date Melanie.

"Man you look da bomb!" Sharmane grinned, nudging Trynia. "So, do we get to meet your man after the show?"

"Most definitely," she laughed. Just then, she glanced around them to see the usher hastening them on toward the special box where they would sit with Trynia and her guest. They were lead down a long hallway, around the side toward the box entrances. The red suited usher opened the door, and pointed inside.

"This way, Ms. Merin... for you and your party..."

"Uh, there are seven of us... and eight seats in this box," Sharmane said to Trynia, her hand in Dwight's.

"I'm waiting for someone else," she said, indicating where they all should sit. In front, she showed Artie and Melanie their seats, with Dr. and Mrs. Goyette sitting next to them. Sharmane settled down by Dwight, and Trynia took the seat on the far end of the box.

"Hey we won't bite!' Artie laughed when Trynia didn't sit next to him.

"I think you'll find that my seat partner wouldn't mind you next to him..."

"Say what?" Art asked. Just then, the door opened again, and someone stepped into the box.

"So THERE you are, doll," Gene joked, sitting down next to her. "Damn it took the limo long enough to find this theatre..."

"Holy shit," Art got out, recognizing Gene Simmons himself. He put a hand over his mouth and shook his head.

"You're the friend who's a fan, right?" Gene asked, offering his hand to Trynia's lab mate.

"Hell yeah!" Art nodded eagerly, grabbing Gene's hand and giving it a firm hearty shake. "ALL the way!"

"Nice to meet you, kid. And your lovely lady there..." Gene said, taking Melanie's hand and kissing it softly. She giggled at the smoldering gaze checking her out.

He greeted Sharmane in the same way, then shook Dwight's hand, and the hand of her advisor and his wife. Lights dimmed as the orchestra struck up the tune.

"Why didn't you tell me Gene was coming here?" Art whispered fiercely to Trynia.

"Extra surprise," she grinned. Art suddenly gave her a very strange look, as if all the pieces were falling together.

"So, I guess your boyfriend's front and center here, isn't he?" Art winked at Trynia.

"Pretty much," Trynia blushed, knowing the secret was out in the open.

Gene nudged Trynia and whispered to her, "So, how nervous was Stanley?"

"About ten or fifteen minutes worth," she whispered back, shivering at the sexual tension mounting between her and Gene. His thigh pressed against hers in the box, not uncomfortable, but certainly making it difficult for her to concentrate on the orchestral introduction.

During the first intermission, Trynia felt Gene nudging her again, asking, "Do you want a drink doll? I'm sure you're getting all hot and bothered watching your man up there oozing his charms..."

"Well yes, but you don't have to..."

"I'll be back. Don't worry," he laughed. Art offered to buy something for Melanie, as the other men did for their ladies.

After the premiere, Paul found someone waiting in his dressing room, holding a bouquet of flowers. Still in makeup, he held out his arm to Trynia who handed him the bouquet with a big smile.

"I'm so glad you could come back so soon," he laughed, as she hugged him tightly.

"So am I. How long will it take you to get this stuff off you?"

"Only a half hour, sweets," he purred into her ear.

"Can I kiss you, scars and all?" she asked, laying her hands on his lapel. Paul grinned again and leaned over to kiss her deeply for a moment.

"C'mon in and keep me company while I send the Phantom away," he invited, and she followed him into the dressing room. Baby oil and towels removed most of his makeup, and she exchanged light conversation with him as she sat by him at his dressing table.

"So, did your friends enjoy the premiere?"

"Oh yes... in fact they were wondering if you'd like to come to a late dinner?"

"Well there is the cast party... they are more then welcome to tag along," Paul said. "That's at the Ritz Carlton..."

"Perfect," she nodded, knowing already where it would be held.

"I'm glad you think so love. I have a limo waiting to take us there in style... so we can be alone for a few minutes..."

"Also good," she winked. "And may I say you had NOTHING to worry about up there..."

"Thank you sweetheart," Paul grinned, leaning over to kiss her cheek. Finally the last traces of the makeup vanished and he ran hands through his slicked back hair. Trynia handed him his clothes and helped him get dressed for the party. White shirt, black suit and tie they took out of his hanging bag and brushed off for a minute. Trynia thought he looked incredibly sexy in such fine clothes, his short hair styled with a little gel and his long black leather duster coat worn overtop.

"Wow," she breathed.

"What baby?"

"You're gorgeous, you know that?" she said, running a hand over his lapel as she hugged him from behind. Both stood by the floor length mirror of his dressing room, admiring the view of the other.

"I've been told that by a certain young lady, of whom I consider her opinion to be the best," he teased back, taking her hands in his and kissing them.

"Aww. You flatterer," she purred. "Now... shall we go?"

Minutes later their limo pulled up to the Ritz Carlton, and they strode out into the lobby. Other members of the cast and crew had already assembled, and were entering before Paul and Trynia. She glanced around and noticed her friends wandering around the lobby in the direction of the banquet hall.

"Hey Trynia!" Art called; noticing her as Paul's shoulder was turned to talk to the lead that played Christine.

"Art, where's the other guest?" she asked as he came over with Melanie on his arm.

"He's getting the operation ready," Art winked. Just then Paul turned around and noticed whom Trynia was talking to.

"Hi there," Paul said. "You must be Art, right?"

"Wow, this is unbelievable. I had a feeling she was dating someone well known... but whoa... it's pretty heavy..."

"Nice to meet you too," Paul smiled, shaking Art's hand as Trynia's friend flushed a bit. It wasn't every day that someone could meet two of his or her idols in one evening.

"Mel here, she's a recent convert to KISS fandom," Art said, presenting his date. Melanie smiled as Paul kissed her hand, and almost blurted out whom else they had seen. However, Art leaned over to kiss her, whispering to her to keep quiet until they got into the party.

"Tryn, you look fabulous," Melanie blurted out instead. "And oh my god, wow..."

"See you both inside..." Trynia winked.

"Not if we see you first," Art winked back, nudging Trynia's arm. "You've got a good looking woman there, Paul. Make sure you don't let her get away from you!"

"I intend to keep her right by my side," Paul smiled, taking Trynia's hand and squeezing it gently.

"C'mon let's go," she urged. Melanie and Art headed after them, excited about what was going to happen in just a few minutes.

Paul kept Trynia close by his hip, arm snug around her waist. Was that a look of jealousy she saw in his dark eyes for a moment when he and Art had introduced themselves? She couldn't help but wonder if he was getting a taste of his own medicine inadvertently.

They entered a dark room, and Paul wondered why the lights were off. He leaned over to Trynia and asked, "Hon, what is this about..."

"You'll see," she said.

Just then the lights flared on and several dozen voices shouted, "Surprise!"

"Jeez, you gave me a heart attack people!" Paul gasped, noticing the cast and crew throwing streamers at him. "What's with the surprise stuff?"

"As if you didn't know, silly," the actress playing Christine grinned, indicating a table nearby.

"C'mon," Trynia said, tugging Paul along with her so he could see what was on the table. When Paul noticed the guitar shaped cake and piles of presents he shook his head and laughed.

"Aww damn, you guys!" he groaned.

"Happy birthday love," Trynia smiled, pulling Paul into an embrace and leaning up to kiss him. Others from the cast and crew moved over and shook his hand, or kissed his cheek. Paul still stood there in total shock, laughing and shaking his head.

"Don't tell me you didn't know," Trynia leaned up to look at him. The caterer was already lighting candles on the flat sheet cake, and Trynia and the actress Noel, who played Christine, were urging him behind the table to get his picture taken.

"You rascal, you little stinker," Paul pouted. "You could have at least TOLD ME!"

"What, and ruin the look on your face?" she grinned back. Paul pulled her closer to his side and leaned over to blow out the candles while everyone sang happy birthday.

"And now, your second surprise," Trynia said, before he could blow out the candles and make a wish.

"Another one?"

"Someone else is here, another friend who came last minute," Trynia announced in a louder voice.

"Who..."

"C'mon out, Gene," Trynia called. Paul's jaw dropped when Gene strode out from the side, cool and casual as could be.

"Happy birthday, you crazy SOB," Gene laughed.

"Gene, what the hell are you doing here... how..." Paul stammered, running a hand through his hair.

"You might look like you're glad to see me," Gene joked, grabbing his friend's hand and shaking it.

"I thought you said you had a BOOK PROMO, you ass!" Paul laughed. "I should have known better! Damn it's good to see you, man!"

"Great performance, Stanley," Gene nodded, grabbing his friend in a hug and slapping his back. They laughed together for a moment.

"Now are you gonna blow out this prairie fire?" Gene asked, pointing to his cake. Paul leaned over and let loose with a mighty puff of air that extinguished all of the candles. Trynia snapped pictures as everyone clapped.

"So... let's see what everyone got you," Gene rubbed his hands together. "Which present are you going to open first..."

"Aw man decisions, decisions," Paul lifted an eyebrow, perusing the stack thoughtfully. Trynia moved away from him to take a case that Gene handed her. She exchanged a glance with him, and he nodded.

"Give it to him," Gene whispered.

"What's that?" Paul asked, as Trynia held onto a large flat rectangular package, wrapped in silver foil. It was 16 inches by three feet, heavy, and held by a handle that stuck through the top of the package.

"This is a little something from me to you," Trynia said, upending it and placing it on the top of the gift table. Gene had already cleared some of the boxes and stacked them on the floor to make room.

"Hmm, looks very interesting," Paul laughed. "But you didn't have to get me anything honey..."

"Paul, let the lady give you the damn present," Gene laughed, punching him on the arm.

"This I HAD to give to you..." Trynia said, positioning the oblong shape on the table. Paul leaned over and looked at the card taped to it. He slit the envelope and extracted her card, reading the message inside.

Stanley,

You've given me so much; here's something I know you'll like. A reminder of doing things on your own terms no matter what anyone else says. And thank you for helping me realizing my dreams.

All my love

Trynia

"Aww baby, what is this?" Paul asked her.

"Don't just stand there, rip it open Stanley! Damn, do you need a drum roll?" Gene joked.

"What on Earth could this be?" Paul asked, ripping the paper to shreds in his excitement. Dark eyes sparkled in anticipation when he removed enough to see it was a guitar case. He fumbled at the fastenings, muttering to himself in odd doubt, with a sense of familiarity.

"It couldn't be... could it?" he wondered.

"What?" Trynia asked.

"I could swear this looks damn familiar, but there's no way... unless..." he muttered, and then swung open the lid to reveal the treasure contained within. "OH my god... you DIDN'T! HOW IN THE HELL... oh my...."

At first Trynia was worried he was angry, for the look of shock and fear that flooded his face scared her. He literally almost lost balance, falling against Gene who grabbed Paul's arm.

"Easy Paul, easy," Gene urged him.

"This isn't what I think it is?" he whispered.

"It is," Gene nodded. "I know it is..."

"Paul... is it all right?" Trynia asked him.

"All right... all right..." Paul stammered, and then leaned forward to pull the guitar out of its casing. A spectrum of rainbows flashed into her eyes, blinding her as he lifted it reverently in his hands. Paul slipped the strap over his shoulder and hung the rhinestone-covered guitar at his hip where he remembered it from so long ago.

"Oh man, it's GOOD to have this back..." Paul sighed, caressing the headstock and bridge lovingly as if he had been reunited with a lost friend.

"Like it?" Trynia asked, standing back. Paul's eyes glowed as he reached forward and gripped her hands in his.

"Like it... I LOVE it..." Paul breathed, shaking his head. "I can't believe you found it!"

"Well I didn't actually find it... I..." Trynia started to say before Gene held a finger over his lips to silence her. He drew that finger across his throat, bidding her to say no more.

"Oh sweetheart, this is the best present anyone's given me... in I don't know HOW long!" Paul cried, pulling her into an embrace. She gasped and stopped him before she was smashed against the precious guitar, and Paul laughed. He moved the guitar to his back, and threw his arms around her tightly. Pressing his chin into her shoulder, he gripped her fiercely to him.

"Happy Birthday Paul," Trynia whispered.

"Baby I LOVE you," Paul whispered back. He held her so tightly he refused to let go, and she gripped him in return. An intense wave of happiness passed from him to her, so tangible she could almost taste it on her lips.

At the Ritz Carlton's exclusive suit, Paul relaxed in the Jacuzzi. Heat permeated his sore hip, granting him sweet relief. Paul finally hefted himself out of the water when he saw Trynia creeping out the door. She closed it behind her, and he wondered what she was up to. For a time they lay in the Jacuzzi, simply drifting away on the aroma of bath salts, as they had done at the Adam's mark a few days before. Yet, when she moved from her position on top of him, he had stayed perfectly still. Had she discovered the secret playthings he had left her?

She must have, he guessed, because he soon heard soft footsteps padding back to the bathroom. Quickly he dashed back to the Jacuzzi and slipped back beneath the water. He did his best to feign sleep.

"Paul?" came a soft voice, and he blinked, peering up at the vision that had strode through the opened door.

"Umm yes?" he asked.

"Are you ready for desert?" she asked, holding up the handcuffs. She struggled to hide her nervousness, wondering where this would go. That scarlet baby doll nightie fit her like a second skin, brief loose lacey shorts coming to her thigh tops.

She held out the towel for him, and he stepped out of the tub. Shaking his hips he divested himself of the excess water and lifted his arms so she could tuck the towel low around his waist. Grasping his hand, she led him out toward the bedroom. Still she kept the handcuffs at the side of her hip, and guided him to sit on the bed.

"Now this is getting interesting," Paul teased, licking his lips and swinging his legs to lay back on the bed. She sat down next to him, fingering the handcuffs and looking from them in her lap to him. Indecision crossed her face, and he lay there for a time, simply waiting for what she would do next.

Shaking, she slipped off the cuffs, latched one to his wrist, and fastened the other end to the bedpost. As she moved up on the bed, hesitating, Paul twisted his wrist and broke free of the cuff. She gasped in surprise as he rolled over to pin her and pulled another set from under the pillow. Gasping, she felt him snap the cuff on her wrist and pop it around the brass bed's headboard.

"Now, the tables are turned I believe," Paul teased her. "I wonder..."

"You rotten sneak," she groaned. He grabbed her other wrist and shackled it as well, leaving her legs free. "I thought I was supposed to use them on you!"

"That was the idea baby, but laying there, I got to thinking about how sexy you look in that nightgown," he grinned, backing away from her on the bed. "And then I realized I couldn't resist playing with my lady when she's hotter then hell..."

"Uh Paul... what exactly are you going to do?" Trynia asked, feeling a bit nervous.

"Well, that all depends, doesn't it," he winked at her. "I think I'll just go into the other room and see what I can find..."

"Paul..." Trynia got out as he strode away and disappeared into the bathroom. "Hey Paul... I... I don't know about this..."

"Just a moment honey!" he called, with a slight laugh. Trynia heard him rustling with something, and she shivered with increasing fear and vulnerability. While she knew Paul wouldn't hurt her, she wondered about how far this would go, once the threshold of bondage was crossed. She felt totally out of her depth, treading water in an uncharted ocean. An ocean of which he was perhaps a most experienced captain.

"Paul Stanley, get your star spangled butt in here!" she yelled, wondering if he was seeing how forceful she would be. "NOW!"

Poking his head around the door, Paul smiled, "Did you say something honey?"

"Paul, what are you doing?" she asked him.

"Getting my supplies ready... to tease and please," he winked, and she noticed he was hiding something behind his back as he stepped out from behind the door. All she saw was a small plastic bag with the Ritz Carlton's mark logo on it, building with strange objects she wasn't sure of the identity. Still, she sensed that he was wanting to expose her to new things, so how could she refuse him? Even if what he was doing was making her uneasy, was that part of the game?

"Uh... Paul..." she asked, when he strode up and held out a silk sleep mask. "What's... that for?"

"I can't have you peeking now, can I?" he laughed, and she began to squirm at the strange hunger in his eyes. Especially when he dropped the bag on the bed, and she heard a jingling from within. He took two towels and wrapped them around her ankles, snaring each and tying them in place.

"Now... that's better. Can't have my little love slave getting away, when her Master wants to please and tease her," he chuckled. Trynia wasn't sure she liked the sound of that, especially when he reached for a few of the candles and began to position them around the bed. He turned off the lights, and then slipped the mask over her eyes, obscuring her vision.

"I feel really stupid," she muttered, hoping he wouldn't hear.

"What's that baby?" Paul asked, and she felt his body move toward her as something strange stroked over her body. She shivered and gritted her teeth, feeling the cuffs bite into her wrists.

"Nothing," she said, determined she would do what ever he wanted. Even if her heart was pounding with the fear of the unknown. Another strange texture, of sleek plastic bumps was being stroked over her bare thighs. Then she felt nothing for a time, and there was a strange prickling that tickled her stomach, followed by a softness.

"Strong silent lady tonight?" Paul's question came.

"I... suppose..." Trynia answered, feeling a strange choking in her throat. Was she disappointing him? She felt hopelessly lost; unsure of what game she was playing, knowing no rules but what she tried to guess.

"Tryn... are you okay?" Paul asked, suddenly. "Aren't you enjoying this?"

"I don't know... am I supposed to make some noise... or be doing something... I mean I..."

"You seem out of it baby, that's all..."

"I'm sorry... I just don't think I can do this," she sighed. "I don't have a freaking clue of what I'm supposed to do... and I just... I'm sorry if I'm a disappointment..."

"Hey now wait a minute," Paul shushed her. "What's wrong here..."

"I don't know what I'm supposed to do. I mean I'm trying to enjoy this, but I don't even know what I'm supposed to feel... and if I'm doing it right... I just..."

"Shh, calm down," Paul urged, and pulled the mask off her face. "Hey, don't cry... easy..."

"I'm sorry I really don't think this is me... I mean... I just don't know how to..."

"Now let's get one thing straight, sweetheart," Paul said, moving up beside her and kissing her forehead. "I want you to stop blaming yourself and please tell me if you don't like what I'm doing..."

"I don't want to disappoint you, but I just..."

"You're not disappointing me at all baby. Don't ever think that. Secondly, tell me what is going on in that pretty head of yours. I may be the Starchild but I'm no mind reader. Tell me what's bothering you... please."

"I must be the most neurotic woman you have been with," she sighed.

"No way. Now stop beating yourself up," he scolded her. "If you don't want to do this, just say no. That's something that you have to practice...."

"I don't even know what 'this' you want to do. I have no experience at this..."

"That's why I'm trying to introduce you to this," Paul said with a slight laugh. "I'm not expecting you to know what I do. Not at all. However, if I try something you don't like, you absolutely do NOT have to do it just to please me. But if you want to give it a try, we can take it slowly."

"I just don't want you to think I'm boring," Trynia said. "If you really want this I'll try it..."

"What? Are you kidding me?" Paul asked, surprised.

"I just... I feel so inadequate sometimes... compared to other partners you must have had..." Trynia laughed nervously.

"Honey, do you know how many one-night stands I've had?" Paul asked.

"No... I don't..." Trynia shook her head.

"Do you even know how long a typical groupie lay lasts?" he asked her.

"Perhaps five to ten minutes?" Trynia guessed.

"These girls.... If they are lucky, they get that. It was a damn revolving door in the 70's, and I was even the one with the supposed "morals"."
"It's just so hard for me to picture... it's like another world." Trynia shook her head, still shackled in place. "So lonely it must be..."

"So what you're telling me is that you should somehow be compared against 20 years of 10 minute groupie f**cks?" Paul asked, voice rising in pitch. "Baby, I LOVE you! There's no comparison. Ever."

Looking away Trynia felt her face flush with shame. Sighing she remained silent, and closed her eyes. Paul took her chin in his hand, and angled her face to look into his as he continued, "So just because someone could put her ankles behind her ears, as Gene would say, somehow that makes you a bad person because you don't do that? Or a bad lover?"

"I don't know. Society tells me and others so many things..." she said, still with her eyes squeezed shut.

"Tryn, look at me," Paul said softly, nudging her chin again. "Ninety percent of those girls, I wouldn't recognize if I tripped over them. You have to realize that I used plenty of girls for sex. And let's face it. They used me too."

"That's a damn shame for them... because you have so much passion..." Trynia said, opening her eyes to peer into his.

"And sitting here with you in 2002, none of it makes a damn bit of difference," Paul assured her.

"Aww damn... that's just too sweet," she sniffed with a smile.

"Good sex, to me, is finding the key to what two people want to do. When they want to do it. So far, I'm not disappointed in the least."

"I'm glad... so it's quality not quantity?" Trynia sighed with relief. "Like eating junk food, and then switching to healthy food?"

"Absolutely, even though I'm not adverse to an occasional all-nighter with you." he laughed.

"An occasional?" she cocked an eyebrow at him.

"Uh-oh. I think I may have underestimated there a tad." Paul laughed.

"I can't imagine being with anyone else Paul..."

"Tryn, I'm not going to kid you. I've got a pretty healthy appetite, in case you haven't noticed. Some of the stuff I ENJOY in bed is "junk food" as you put it, and some is "healthy".

"Very true..." she nodded. "An appetite for sin and a body built for passion eh?"

"But I don't want anything that you don't want." He reminded her, kissing her gently on the lips.

"It's not that I don't want it Paul, it's just that... I don't' know what to expect..." she explained.

"No pressure, baby, but if you want to try it, I'd be happy to play professor....oops....BAD choice of words. I'd be happy to play teacher."

"Because I don't want to have candle wax on me, or be whipped with a chain... Or be defecated or urinated on..."

He laughed, "Oh, good grief, Tryn. I'm not THAT far gone."

"And I don't want it up the butt either... it gets SORE back there!" she blushed, realizing she was FINALLY able to talk to him openly about what she doesn't want

"Darling, I'm not asking you to do anything that's against what you want."

"Well at least I know what I definitely don't want," she laughed with relief.

"That's a good start." Paul grinned, tweaking her nose.

"And the rest you'll have to teach me I guess..." she said. "And I'm sure there is a LOT to teach me..."

"Allow me to be the first to volunteer." Paul invited. "Do you want me to uncuff you? Or are you comfortable here with me? Take a deep breath, and tell me if you can relax."

"I will try...." Trynia nodded, chest rising and falling with her exhalation.

"First off, most of the time there's a code word for when you want to stop. You need to think of one."

"Oh man..." she says. "That's a hard one..."

"Now, Tryn, don't leave me again. Don't go "shy" on me.""How about...Uncle?" she suggested, courage returning.

"Perfect," Paul nodded.

"Or KNOCK IT OFF?" she laughed. "Or you GOTTA BE SHITTING ME!"

He laughed at these, "Anything will work, as long as it's not a swift kick to the family jewels."

"Oh no, we can't have that!" Trynia groaned. "You're gonna need them..."

"Then," he said, replacing the blindfold. "Tell me what YOU want..."

"Uh well..." she sighed.

"I want to know... no I NEED to know your desires, sweetheart. That's the whole point..."

"I just feel weird doing this," she laughed. "So many things.... I can't pick one..."

"Start small..." he urged. "We must be in synch, mentally, physically...."

"Awww..."

"What do you like best? Tell me..."

"Mmm I love it when you lick my neck...."

"Aaaand..."

"Slowly kiss down to my chest... and uh... this... is rather embarrassing to say..."

"What are you worried about, Hon? Are you afraid I'll laugh at you?"

"No," she laughed.

"Are you afraid I'll tell the world?"

"Oh, no way. Not Mr. Private"

"Well, then, remember it's just for my ears then," he whispered, nuzzling her ear as she felt fingers gently sliding down her belly, caressing her through the nightgown. "Ask me anything you want. Have I ever tried anything... or if you have ANY questions about things you might want to try, but aren't sure about... I'll be completely honest with you... after all, we're building a long-term relationship, not having some kind of weekend quickie, so she can confide in him."

"Paul, have you ever had a girl turn you down?"

"Hell, yeah. Are you kidding?" Paul laughed, somewhat unprepared for that sort of a question. "There are women who wouldn't give me the time of day. Don't kid yourself, Tryn. I've been slapped before. It comes with the territory."

"Paul, I can't imagine what sane woman would turn away a chance to have sex with you."

She heard him chuckle before he said, 'Oh, I don't know. Think your good friend Terri might be able to give you some insight on that?"

"Well... perhaps, you could forget ALL about Terri, and come on over here and let me whisper in your ear, what I want you to do next..."

"Mmm, now you're speaking my lingo sweets," he hummed.

"I want you, to take some of that strawberry gel there..."

"And..."

"Rub it all over my thighs.... and do what your first non makeup album says..."

"Ohhh, you want me to..."

"Use that talented tongue you put those guitar picks on... and lick it up," she whispered back.

Soon she felt the presence of strong fingers rubbing sticky and viscous liquid over her cleanly shaven legs. Soft suppleness began to stroke overtop, tracing ever more deliberately upwards. Fine hairs tickled her belly and she groaned with the flood of sensation that shivered over her, made even more intense now that sight was deprived. Other senses came into focus, the musk smell of Paul's body close to hers, the sensation of his warmth so close, cold puffs of his breath shivering into the silk of her lacey scarlet thongs.

"Show me what that mouth can do..." said Trynia in a hoarse whisper. "Undress me with more then your eyes..."

another chuckle came when the hair tickled her thighs, and she felt a warm set of lips kiss her hip and his tongue stroke over her waist. She groaned, laughing as moist heat fanned her bare flesh, and a vise clamped down on her thong's flimsy elastic. The force of it jerked her whole body, and she laughed again when lips and tongue slipped under the waistband and tugged it slowly off her hips. Thighs shivered with anticipation, her desire aching for his touch.

"Awwww...." Trynia groaned. "This is hard...."

"That's not the only thing that's hard," Paul chuckled. "Hard, and aching for hot moist reception..."

"Argh..." Trynia laughed, at the twinge in her lower belly that spread over her in a hot fast wave. The soft slap of underwear hitting sheets was all she heard in the impending silence. Only deep breaths followed, closer and closer till hot breath fanned her ear, and she guessed his body must again be close from the sudden warmth she felt a mere fraction of an inch away.

"Now what, my love slave?" he asked her.

"Show me what you have in that little bag of tricks?" she asked, lowering her voice to that same hoarseness.

"You have only to ask, my love slave," he chuckled back. There came the rustle of plastic, and the extraction of something that jingled. For a moment she flinched and lost her nerve.

"Relax..." he whispered. Up and down her thighs again another object traced, and she giggled at the weird, slick prickliness. Especially the strange wiggling within the rubbery plastic membrane that assaulted her belly when her nightgown was pulled upward and over her head.

Another strangeness followed the first, and she groaned at the intense chill that snowed onto her skin, one lump at a time followed by a torrent of them. Over her flaming skin the temperature plunged to icy cold, arresting her hot waves into the freezing chill. Goosebumps erupted over every inch and she trembled with the shock.

Up and down her chest heaved, and she panted with the extremes in temperature that she had felt that minute. One object among the rest separated itself and ran a cold trail up between her now bare breasts, where it hesitated. Wet drops slipped down and soaked the sheets under her until she was soaked in a thin film of water.

"Oh lord that's COLD!" she half laughed, half whimpered. Into her wrists the cold metal of the cuffs bit, her legs straining against the confining towels.

"Grab the chains baby," Paul whispered, breaking her quivering silence. "It's easier that way..."

"What else is in there?" she blurted out.

"Ohh a few more toys," he laughed. Vigorously an absorptive mass of tiny loops pressed over each inch of wet cold skin. Moisture was pulled away, and she guessed it must be a towel rubbing her down.

"And the grand finale," he announced. A raspberry noise made her laugh, especially when soft substance dribbled atop her belly, and the fingers pushed it out and over to a fine greasy sheen over her now dried skin.

Up her legs, higher and higher it rubbed. Fingers invaded her moist interior, rubbing and seeking their destination. Touching her, briefly they withdrew to run another pass to smooth the oily grease all over her calves. Wetness bathed and soaked her toes briefly, soft kisses raining on them before they slipped into a moist mouth that suckled them.

"What if I had athletes foot?" she scolded him.

"I'd find you the best damn dermatologist money could buy, sweets," came Paul's laugh. Up her hips and over her belly his hands traced the greasy sheen, toward her soft revealed breasts. The pace slowed, running in circular motions around and over her now erect nipples, skin tingling and burning for the touch to pass over them. Something within the lotion tingled and sent her body temperature down ten degrees once more, and her body jerked with one massive shiver when next the talented tongue invaded her hot interior.

"This isn't fair you know..." she gritted, head tossing back and forth with the massive overload of her nerve endings.

"I know, but who said life was fair, my little love slave," he laughed. Groaning, she strained against the towels that held her legs as she felt hands walking up the backs of her sensitive thighs, and curly hair tickling their interior. Hot breath fanned her proximity, the flexible sponginess of his tongue exploring as if for the first time. Each stroke elicited a cry or gasp from her lips, jolting hard fire through her screaming nerves. How badly she wanted to immerse her hands in that hair, short though it was. Moving her hands over those sculpted cheekbones and cleft chin with her own lips. Below he kissed her; mouth fastening onto a passionate feast that wrung the passionate juices she offered. Over the edge of madness she plummeted, into the blackness of her sensory deprived and overloaded brain. Her whole spine twisted with the spasms of pleasure, her scream ripping through the silence with the sweetness of an angel's cry. Purple energy buzzed at the base of her spine, and at the base of her skull in two sources that crashed into a cascade reaction into her core.

"Paul!" she screamed again, slamming back into the bed with the force of having fallen from a great height, when it was just an inch.

"Oh say my name again," Paul pleaded, ripping the sleep mask from her eyes. He showered her face with kisses, laying atop her as he wrapped his arms around her.

"Stanley... I... that was I can't describe it..." she stammered, kissing his cheeks as he sandwiched her under his weight. Soft kisses he traced down her neck and covered her face with.

"You called me Stanley," he laughed, shaking his head. "Any reason why?"

"I don't know. I just love the sound of it," she whispered, kissing his lips.

"Thank you," he whispered back.

"What for?"

"Letting me do this, trusting me..." he purred. "And... for the other thing..."

"That being..."

"You know..." he whispered, reaching up to undo the shackles.

"No, don't bother... I feel kind of comfortable here," she laughed. Paul continued to lay across her, straddling her bared body with his own.