Double Dealing

by Vulgar Argot

(MFFM, reluc)

"When did you get so good at poker?" muttered Sebastian as he stripped off his undershirt.

"I don't know," said Michelle, "When did you start working out?"

"About a year ago," said Sebastian, "as I recall, you accused me of becoming a musclehead at the time." As he said it, he looked over at Devon , Michelle's new beau, for any sign of a reaction. It was hard to tell by fire and lantern light, but there was no sign, positive or negative. He kept his head down, concentrating on shuffling the cards, an effort made more difficult by the three or four beers he had consumed during the night.

Sebastian liked Devon a lot, particularly for Michelle. He was strong and quiet and seemed to know how to handle her. When Sebastian had talked to him, he'd seemed whip smart. Normally, a guy like that wouldn't have a chance in hell with Michelle. She would fuck him once, then get bored, off to find the next dysfunctional psychopath who could screw up her life.

But, Devon was smart. Sebastian hadn't realized how smart he was until Michelle told him what Devon did that drove her so crazy.

"He won't fuck me," she'd exclaimed in frustration.

"Excuse me?" asked Sebastian. At the time, they were sitting on the front porch of Sebastian's family hunting lodge, sharing a cup of coffee and watching the sunrise. Devon and Sakura were still sound asleep in their respective beds.

"He's driving me crazy," said Michelle, "He's a virtuoso with his tongue. I know he's not impotent. I can get a rise out of him just by pressing my ass against him. But, he refuses to fuck me."

Sebastian thought about the idea. Michelle was damned near impossible to refuse anything. But, sex would be particularly difficult. She was not conventionally beautiful, her mouth being unusually wide and full-lipped, hinting at some African ancestry. And, while her body was thin and athletic, her breasts would barely be a handful. Still, she always seemed to have a horde of men gathered around her like puppy dogs, eager to do her bidding.

"Is he gay?" Sebastian asked. He knew how clichéd the question was, but it had actually been the problem the one time he could remember a man turning Michelle down.

"If he is, he's a lesbian," said Michelle, "Did I mention his tongue? It's amazing. He can actually lick my G spot and that's all the way.."

Sebastian raised his hands, "More information than I need."

"Sorry," said Michelle, taking a long sip of her coffee.

"Besides," admitted Sebastian, "I know where your G spot is. You talked about it at length when Jeff Majors found it."

"I didn't talk about it that much," protested Michelle.

"You wrote poetry about it," said Sebastian.

"I did?"

Sebastian nodded, "And read it to me over the phone. It was a rather formative moment in my adolescence."

"Why does he think I invited him to join me up here?" asked Michelle, switching back to the original topic.

Sebastian shrugged, "We've only been here one night."

"Yeah," said Michelle, "and he told me he was too tired from the drive."

"Well," said Sebastian, "It was a seven-hour drive."

"I wasn't too tired," said Michelle.

"So," asked Sebastian, "why are you still with him? It's been like six weeks already."

"I know," said Michelle, "He's just so sexy. And that tongue."

Sebastian didn't answer. He wasn't a connoisseur of such things, but he thought he could name at least a half dozen of Michelle's previous lovers who had been sexier.

Later, Sebastian had had a chance to talk to Devon alone. Michelle and Sakura were out taking a nature walk while Sebastian did a property inspection. Devon had volunteered to collect and cut firewood. When Sebastian came around the cabin to check the status of the generator, he'd seen that Devon had already collected and cut a fairly large number of round logs.

"That should be enough," said Sebastian, "if you want to start splitting it."

Devon took a flannel rag out of his back pocket and wiped the thin sheen of sweat off of his face, neck, and shoulders, "I think I'll take a break for a bit, then. I'd rather wait until the girls get back from their walk. It's more fun to split wood if you're being ogled."

"Shit," said Sebastian, crouching by a meter on the side of the cabin.

"What's up?" asked Devon .

"My brother," said Sebastian, "he must have come up here and used the cabin a few times without telling anyone. The tank for the generator is practically empty."

"How big a deal is that?" asked Devon .

"Not that big," said Sebastian, "I can get a truck up here by tomorrow to fill it. We'll just have to avoid using any unnecessary electricity until they get here. If the generator runs all the way to empty, it'll suck any sediment collected in the bottom of the tank into the fuel filter and that will be a real pain."

"Want me to go in and turn everything off?" asked Devon .

"I'll take care of it," said Sebastian, "We're probably going to need more firewood now. Those space heaters are fuel pigs. Shit. I just realized. If my brother didn't tell anyone he was here, the chimneys in the bedrooms are probably clogged with soot. It'll take hours to get them clean enough to use."

"Is there any reason we couldn't all sleep in the living room for one night?" asked Devon , "I imagine if you really built up the main fireplace, it would get quite toasty in there."

"Hmmm," said Sebastian, "Don't you and Michelle want some privacy?"

Devon laughed, "Putting her off one more night won't kill her. She'll probably blame me for arranging it, though."

Sebastian nodded thoughtfully. Devon laughed again, "Don't tell me this is news to you. I hadn't known Michelle for twenty-four hours before she warned me about you."

"Warned you about me?" Sebastian asked.

Devon 's voice rose to a falsetto and a passable impression of Michelle's cadences, "You have to understand about Sebastian. He's my best friend," He held up two crossed fingers, "Like this. Muy simpatico. We talk about everything. Everything."

Sebastian laughed, "She hasn't seen you do that, has she?"

"Dear God, no," said Devon , "Not yet, anyway."

Sebastian led Devon back into the house, "You seem really serious about her."

"Yeah," said Devon , "I like her a lot."

Sebastian didn't say anything as he went from room to room checking switches.

"Well," said Devon , "this is an uncomfortable silence. Is there something you want to ask me?"

"I was just wondering why..." Sebastian didn't know how to phrase it tactfully.

Devon mercifully said, "Tell me. You know her. If I'd slept with her the first chance I got, would I be here today?"

Sebastian shrugged, "I don't know. You might be."

Devon said, "Fair enough. I appreciate your desire not to tell tales out of school. But, I got the distinctive sense that I would never see her again if I took what she was offering. The funny thing was that I went to the party looking for a quick hook-up. But..."

Sebastian nodded, "She's been known to have that effect."

Up in the loft, Devon said, "Can I ask you a personal question?"

"Shoot," said Sebastian.

"Why didn't you ever..." Devon looked uncomfortable.

Sebastian chuckled, "I've known Michelle since I was twelve and she was eleven. It wasn't really an option at that point. She...matured a bit faster than I did. By the time I would have been ready, she was dating my big brother..."

"The one who used up all of the fuel and clogged the chimneys?" asked Devon .

"He's not that bad," said Sebastian, "He just has these bouts of irresponsibility sometimes. There was probably a woman involved. At least, I hope it was just one."

Devon chuckled, "So, what about after that? You and Michelle?"

"She's my brother's ex-girlfriend," said Sebastian, "That would be really weird. Could you imagine knowing that your brother had once slept with your wife?"

"Wife?" asked Devon , "Who said anything about a wife?"

"Anybody home?" called Michelle from downstairs.

"Let's go give them the bad news," said Sebastian, sliding down the ladder that led down from  the loft before Devon could comment.

As it turned out, Michelle and Sakura didn't seem bothered by the inconvenience."

"It will be like a slumber party," said Sakura.

Michelle frowned, "What about showers?"

Sebastian considered the question, "It should be fine to run one space heater in one of the smaller bathrooms for a while. The temperature is supposed to drop precipitously tonight, though. So, we should probably get started on those now."

"I'll go last," said Devon , "I'm liable to work up a sweat splitting those logs. I should get back to work on that."

"I still have to call for the fuel truck," said Sebastian.

"Why don't you go first, then," said Michelle to Sakura, "I'm going to enjoy the sunset."

While Sebastian arranged for the truck, he started making some stovetop coffee on the Franklin stove. By the time he was done, the coffee was, too. He made up a couple of mugs and brought one out to Michelle, sitting out on the back part of the wraparound porch. Tracing her line of sight, he saw Devon , outlined against the reds, purples, and pinks of the setting sun, the musculature of his arms and chest clear even in silhouette.

"Enjoying the sunset?" he asked Michelle as he handed her the mug of coffee.

"Definitely," said Michelle emphatically.

"I like Devon ," said Sebastian, sitting down next to her, "I realize that it's probably the kiss of death to say so, but I really do."

"Oh, yeah," asked Michelle, "So, is this fuel emergency something you boys cooked up between you to drive me into a sexual frenzy?"

"Yup," said Sebastian, "I get the international distribution rights for a fight we've set up later between you and a grizzly bear."

Michelle laughed, "Bring him on." She took a deep sip of the coffee, "This tastes different from what you usually make."

"I made it on the stove," said Sebastian.

Michelle made a face, "Not that recipe with the eggshells, I hope."

"Lord, no," said Sebastian, "I believe you made clear your feelings about that method the last time I tried it. I just used the strainers we have for loose tea."

Michelle eyed the coffee suspiciously before taking another sip. Then, she laughed, "God, that was a funny year. Who did I bring that year?"

"Veronica," said Sebastian without a pause, "You wanted to bring her and Jeff, but I insisted you pick one."

"Right," said Michelle, "And you brought...oh, the one whose name sounded like a candle."

"Petronella," said Sebastian.

"Oh, yeah," said Michelle, "the Valkyrie. Whatever happened to her?"

Sebastian shrugged, "We were never that serious. She wound up hooking up with a drummer in a speed metal band. We went out for a while after that, but the thrill of having her own real live accounting student seemed to pale a bit in comparison."

"See?" asked Michelle, "If she'd just held on two more years, she would have a real live accountant."

"And then," said Sebastian, chuckling, "the thrill ride would never end."

"So, CPA," said Michelle, "You think we can do this again next year?"

"I don't know," said Sebastian, "I don't think Proffet and Horton has a winter semester break. I'll have to see how the vacation time works out."

"Pshaw," said Michelle, "by this time next year, you'll probably have a wife and a passel of babies to spend your vacation with."

"I haven't done the math," said Sebastian, "but, I'm pretty sure it takes longer than a year to come up with a passel."

"Still," said Michelle, "This could be the last time we get to do this. Next year, you'll be in Austin . I'll still be in school. We'll be getting on with our lives."

Sebastian found himself getting a little bit choked up by the idea and quickly changed the subject, "So," he asked, "what do you think of Devon ?"

"He seems like a nice enough guy," said Michelle, shrugging, "But, I doubt we have much of a future. He's too much of a gentleman. Sometimes a girl just wants to feel like a slut, you know?"

"Erm," said Sebastian. He took a sip of his coffee before changing the subject, "So, what do you think of Sakura?"

"She's bi, you know?" said Michelle.

"Michelle, you didn't!" exclaimed Sebastian.

"With your little kewpie doll?" asked Michelle, "I'm sure you'd love the idea of the two of us having some hot, sweaty lesbo action during our nature walk. But, it's fucking cold. Besides, she's too shy and reserved, not at all your type. How do you put up with it?" She spun to face Sebastian, "And, doesn't she know that Japanese girls are not supposed to have blonde hair?"

Sebastian shrugged. "It's a ganguro thing. I don't try to understand it." At the same time, he chuckled. The chuckle was for Michelle's consistent inability to read people. Sebastian didn't have the heart to tell her that he hadn't been worried that Michelle would pounce on his new girlfriend during their nature walk, but just the opposite. Sakura may appear as shy and reserved if she didn't know you, but she was a whole different creature in private. Sebastian also knew Michelle might take sure a statement as a challenge and deliberately do something to demonstrate just how wild and unpredictable she could be, as if anyone needed reminding.

Inside, he knocked on the bathroom door, "It's me."

"Sebastian," called out Sakura, "Come on in."

"I just wanted to know if you were done," called Sebastian through the door, "No rush."

"You want to come wash my back?" asked Sakura.

Sebastian opened the door to the steam-filled room, made even hotter by the space heater, "If we do that, there won't be enough hot water for Michelle and Devon ."

"Spoilsport," said Sakura, stepping out of the shower into her little wooden sandals, "You get started. I get dressed. Too cold to dress in the bedroom."

Sebastian nodded. It was definitely getting colder. But, in here, it was so hot that he just wanted to get out of his clothes. So, he did. Just as he was about to step in the shower, Sakura came up behind him, placing a kiss in the middle of his back, reaching around his waist and stroking his cock with her fingertips. He stiffened instantly.

"Maybe I'll wash you back," she said hopefully.

"Gah," said Sebastian, not moving away, "Don't do that. If we're all sleeping in the living room tonight, I'm not going to be able to get my hands on you until tomorrow."

"I don't know," said Sakura, still stroking him, "We could get in a sleeping bag together. I could be real quiet."

Sebastian grabbed her wrist, then the other one. Pinning them both to the wall above her head in a single hand, he glared at her rakishly. As his hand went to her cleavage, Sakura closed her eyes and shivered. When Sebastian pinned her to the wall with his hips, his cock pressing against her belly, she gasped.

Then, the hand in her cleavage moved to her ribs and started to tickle. Sakura opened her eyes in shock and outrage.

"Nooo," she shrieked, "Stop."

"Scream all you want, little girl," said Sebastian wickedly, "No one can save you."

"Help," begged Sakura, "please."

Sebastian released her wrists and backed off, "Now, behave."

Sakura glowered at him, then stuck out her tongue. Sebastian leaned down and kissed her on the mouth. Then, he got in the shower.

Sebastian kept his shower as brief as possible. The hot water heater really wasn't meant to support four showers in a row. Once he was clean and dressed, he went outside to find Michelle.

He found her where he had left her. Now, Sakura was sitting with her. Chattering along like a couple of magpies, they were both watching Devon split logs. Sebastian could see it had gotten cold enough for condensation from Devon 's breath to be clearly visible, but he still worked without a shirt.

"Your turn," said Sebastian to Michelle.

" Devon ," called Michelle, "It's our turn for a shower."

Devon looked down at the axe in his hands. He had gotten a rhythm going and looked loathe to stop.

"You'd better go," called Sebastian, "The mercury's dropping fast and I don't know what do for frostbitten nipples."

Devon came bounding up the steps. He handed Sebastian the axe, "Would you store that, please?"

"Sure," said Sebastian. He stood up, opened the seat he'd been sitting on, and put the axe away. When he sat back down again, Devon and Michelle were gone.

"Shoot," said Sebastian, "I meant to tell them there wasn't a lot of hot water left."

Sakura sat down next to him, putting her arms around his neck and pulling her feet onto the bench, "It would just make them rush." She kissed him on the mouth, tangling her hand in his long, black hair. Sebastian's hands went to her bottom, stroking it. Sakura sighed contentedly and reached for his fly.

"Whoa," said Sebastian, "It's already too cold for that and it's just going to get colder."

Sakura pouted and pulled her hand away, "You're no fun today."

"Oh, yeah?" asked Sebastian. He spun her so that she was laying with her shoulders on his lap. His hand slid down her body, undoing the top button of her pants. Then, he slid it inside.

"I thought you said..." Sakura started to protest. But, then, Sebastian's finger was inside of her, stroking her clit. She closed her eyes and began to make little mewling sounds, raising and lowering her hips to increase the friction. Her whole body had just started trembling when Michelle's shriek came, loud and clear, from inside the cabin.

Sebastian withdrew his hand from Sakura's pants and kissed some of the light sheen of perspiration off of her forehead, "I think they just figured out the hot water situation."

Sakura looked up and nodded contentedly before burrowing a little deeper into Sebastian's arms.

"So," asked Sebastian, "were your parents really pissed when you told them you weren't coming home for Christmas this year?"

"Not really," said Sakura, "It will save them a ton of money and they'll see plenty of me once I come home in July to stay, at least until I get married."

"I need to get that fire going," said Sebastian, somewhat abruptly.

Sakura nodded without opening her eyes, "You're right. It's freezing."

When he came into the living room, Michelle was standing in the living room in a bathrobe, her long, black hair wet and bedraggled.

"You have...got...to get a bigger hot water heater," she said, scowling at Sebastian. As Sebastian walked past her, she held up her thumb and forefinger a quarter of an inch apart and mouthed, "I was this close."

"You should dry your hair," said Sebastian, "You don't want to get pneumonia."

"Can I use the hair dryer?" asked Michelle.

"I'd really prefer you didn't if you could help it," said Sebastian, "The refrigerator's running off of that tank. It's going to be pretty close, depending on what time of day the truck gets here."

"I'll help you," said Sakura, "Just let me get some towels."

"I can make dinner tonight if you like," said Devon .

"Sounds good," said Sebastian, already picking up logs to build up the fire.

When he looked up from the fireplace, Sebastian sat, transfixed by the sight of Sakura combing out Michelle's still-damp hair. Most of the sun had faded from the sky and all but one latern was being used in the kitchen to cook by. So, it was nearly pure firelight that flickered over the image of the Japanese girl slowly and skillfully combing out his old friend's hair, moving the comb at a slow, steady pace, her fingers raking behind, ready to catch and release knots. Michelle was leaning back against Sakura, eyes closed, mouth moving in such a way to suggest that she was enjoying the process on a much deeper level than the sort of pleasure one normally got from being well groomed. The way she lay, the front of her robe had fallen open, not to reveal anything she couldn't have shown on a busy thoroughfare. And, the dark shadows cast by the firelight hinted at far more than was revealed.

Sebastian glanced over at Devon , who appeared equally transfixed by the sight. Behind him, the big pasta pot looked ready to boil over. Sebastian circled the outside of the room, coming up next to Devon .

"You might want to stir once in a while," Sebastian chided gently as he took a wooden spoon and did just that.

"Sorry," said Devon , blinking, "I was...uh...Man, she is something, isn't she?"

"She sure is," said Sebastian.

"You're a lucky guy, there," said Devon .

"Wait," said Devon , "You were talking about Sakura?"

"No," admitted Devon , "I meant Michelle. I would give anything to be as close to her as you are."

"Ah," laughed Sebastian, "the impetuousness of youth. Be careful what you wish for."

Devon looked at him, "Aren't we the same age?"

"Perhaps," said Sebastian, "But, while I might be young in human years, I am ancient in the ways of Michelle."

Michelle came trotting over, "I need to borrow a lantern. My clothes are still in the bedroom."

Sebastian nodded, "Dinner should be ready in about five minutes."

When she came out, Michelle managed to change in one corner of the room, manipulating the bathrobe in such a way that she never exposed more flesh than decency allowed. Again, the play of light and shadows turned the process into a cabaret. Even Sakura watched the impromptu dance with keen interest.

Then, dinner was ready. They ate vacuum-packed gourmet crab ravioli and drank beer sitting on sleeping bags around a roaring fire. The lanterns were now arrayed on a long table behind the couches that made a semicircle around the fireplace and poker table.

After they'd finished eating and stacking the dishes in the sink, they sat staring into the fire, Sebastian and Devon with their backs against facing couches, Sakura and Michelle in their respective arms. For a long time, they just sat like that. no one speaking much, the occasional chaste kiss placed on a head or a shoulder. Twenty feet away, it was freezing and snow had started falling outside the windows. But, inside the circle of firelight, it was practically sweltering. All four nursed beers against the heat.

"So," asked Michelle, "What should we do?"

"Get some sleep?" suggested Devon .

"Oh, come on," said Michelle, "Don't be such an old man. It's not even ten p.m. "

"So," asked Devon , scowling darkly at the old man comment, "What do you suggest?"

"I know," said Michelle, leaping to her feet, "We could play strip poker."

No one spoke for a moment. Sebastian tried to cover up the awkward silence, "No fair," he said, "I've already seen you naked."

All three heads turned to face him. Michelle's looked puzzled, "No you haven't."

"Sure, I have," said Sebastian, "in those pictures your mother showed me. You were very cute."

"I was two," said Michelle, "I've changed a little since then. I have tits now."

"Such as they are," jousted Sebastian.

"Okay," said Sakura, "I'm game."

"Me, too," said Devon .

Michelle looked at Sebastian, her expression all-but-unreadable. Sebastian thought he saw some devilishness there, but it may just have been a trick of the firelight.

"Fine," said Sebastian, "I'll get the cards."

When Michelle recited the rules, Sebastian had the sneaking suspicion that she had played before.

"Everybody gets a stack of twenty chips. Ante is one chip. Blinds are one and two chips. You can bet as few as three chips or as much as you have in front of you whenever you bet. If you run out of chips, you can get another twenty by surrendering an article of clothing. Shoes are one article of clothing. Socks are one article of clothing. None of this 'one sock' crap."

"If you try to cover up after you lose an article of clothing or engaging in any other acts not in the spirit of strip poker, the other three players can decide that you need to be assessed a penalty. Each may suggest a penalty, but the ultimate form is dealer's choice. You can also accept a penalty for more chips if you run out of clothes, but it is again dealer's choice." Staring directly at Sakura, she said, "Anyone can chicken out at any time if they get too uncomfortable. We'll only mock you for the rest of your life."

"Deal the cards," said Sakura, her face defiant.

Somewhere along the line, Sakura lost the look of defiance. Sebastian had met her playing poker, but somehow the cards had not gone her way. She was down to pants and underpants, her firm, round breasts hidden behind her arms at the moment.

"And no covering up," said Michelle, smiling at Sakura, "Do it one more time and I'm calling for a penalty."

Sakura lowered her arms, "Don't get so cocky. You haven't won yet."

She hadn't but the rules she'd chosen had left Michelle almost fully clothed. Actually the first one to lose an article of clothing, she'd defiantly started with her shirt. It was the only article she'd lost. After that, she'd started accumulating chips and using them to bully the table. It looked like she would be impossible to unseat without a major reversal of fortune.

Devon , who had fared worst of all, being down to his boxers, said "The game is baseball." Michelle and Sebastian both groaned.

"What?" asked Devon .

"What's with all the girlie wild card games?" asked Michelle, "Didn't they play real poker where you grew up?"

"In Las Vegas ?" asked Devon , grinning, "I think they play a little."

The deal passed around the table. Sebastian, who had lost socks, shoes, and over shirt, accumulated a fair number of Michelle's chips when she tried to bluff a busted straight.

When the deal got back to Michelle, she looked up from the deck, "A-ha," she said, pointing at Sakura, "She's doing it again." Sakura guiltily dropped her arms.

"Too late," said Michelle, "I declare a penalty is to be assessed."

"Can you do that?" asked Sebastian.

"Not by fiat," said Michelle, "We have to vote, the three of us."

"What form can the penalty take?" asked Sebastian nervously.

"Dealer's choice," said Michelle, "But, as I said, anyone can back out at any time. So," she leaned towards Sebastian, "Say ye yeah or nay?"

"Nay," said Sebastian, not willing to look in her eyes.

"Blatant favoritism," opined Michelle, " Devon ?"

"Well," said Devon , his grin broad, "She did break the rules."

Sebastian glared at him, but there wasn't much malice behind it.

"I vote yeah," said Devon .

"The penalty you recommend?" asked Michelle.

"Um," said Devon , "she could forfeit an article of clothing."

"She hasn't got much left to spare," said Michelle, "Sebastian?"

"Um," said Sebastian, looking at Sakura. She seemed amused by the whole thing, "I guess she could forfeit half her stack."

"You both lack originality," said Michelle, "Sakura, as official representative of the People's Republic of Strip Poker and Lord High Dealer, I see that this is your first offense and will be merciful. I hereby sentence you to give me a lap dance."

Sakura gave a little squeal of protest, "That's so self-serving."

"That is the will of the court," said Michelle, "Get to it, girlie."

Sakura stood up, "I submit to the will of the court."

Michelle pulled her chair back, "Excellent."

Sakura strutted around the table, behind Devon , obviously aware that every eye in the room was rooted on her. Facing Michelle, she straddled the girl's lap. Her hips began to rock back and forth in tempo to some unheard music. Michelle's hands rested around her hips and bottom. When Michelle's hands rose to her ribs, Sakura squealed and jumped off of her lap.

Michelle looked up, "That was not long enough to be a lap dance."

"I know," said Sakura, "You just tickled me."

"Well," said Michelle, "just in case." She reached into the drawer underneath the dealer's area of the poker table and came out with a three-minute sand timer.

"Okay," said Sakura, "but no tickling this time." For some reason, she was glaring at Sebastian.

For the next three minutes, the only sounds were the crackle of the fire, the whisper of snow on the window, and the soft whoosh-whoosh of denim on denim as Sakura, turned away from Michelle now, undulated on her new friend's lap. About halfway through her alloted time, she leaned back, her head on Michelle's shoulder, her hips still rocking back and forth. Now, Michelle's hands were firmly on Sakura's belly, as far away as they could be from the sensitive ribs. With each undulation, they rose a little, though. Sebastian and Devon watched them, not daring to breath, until on hand crested the top of a breast, covering it.

Sakura reached up and slapped the hand away, "Don't make me call the bouncer, sweetie," she said, "Besides, your time is up."

Everyone turned to look at the hourglass. It appeared to have been empty for some time.

After that, the game turned much more serious. People played cutthroat.

"Shit," said Devon as he turned over the cards at the end of a game of seven-card stud he'd dealt, revealing an extra face-down card that had been stuck.

"That's definitely a penalty," said Sakura.

"Vote," said Michelle.

"Unquestionably," said Sebastian.

"My vote doesn't matter, then," said Michelle, "but I have to agree. Burn him."

"Is that your suggestion for a penalty?" asked Sakura, "Because it seems a little extreme."

"Hold on," said Devon , "I'm the dealer. Don't I get to pick the penalty?"

"You can't pick your own penalty," said Michelle, "Pass the deal. Let Sakura decide."

"That wasn't in the rules," said Devon , "You're making them up as you go along."

"It's common sense," said Michelle, "Give up the deck."

It was the first slur of the night. Sebastian reckoned that they were all probably pretty buzzed by right now. It was after one a.m. , but no one showed any signs of flagging. But, due to the heat of the fire, they'd all been drinking while they played and were pretty well buzzed.

Sakura took the deck, "All right. Suggestions?"

Sebastian said, "I want to see this tongue I've heard so much about."

Michelle actually had the good grace to blush when Devon glared at her, but she was also laughing, "I've got to go with that. It's truly a work of art."

Sakura laughed, "I have no idea what you two are talking about, but I am far too intrigued to avoid it, now. Devon , being that this is your first offense, I will go easy on you. I want to see this mystery tongue of yours, fully extended. Then, since it is the sacred duty of the court to serve its own self interest, I want you to lick me with said appendage, first from my navel to the tip of my chin, then from the base of my neck to the small of my back."

Michelle clapped, "Now, you're getting the hang of it."

Devon looked at Sebastian inquiringly. Sebastian shrugged. So, Devon stuck his tongue out and out...and out. It moved like a snake and, fully extended, seemed to be double-jointed.

Sakura stood up, her knees seeming a little wobbly, unless it was a trick of the light. Devon went down on one knee in front of her. Moving forward slowly, he extended the tip of his tongue deep inside her navel. Sakura sighed and arched her back. Devon chuckled and licked her, slowly, up her stomach, past her ribs, up between her breasts, to her neck. She leaned her head back and he worked his way all the way up to the tip of the chin.

Then, he stood behind her, again going down on one knee. Sakura gave Sebastian a meaningful stare. The question was obvious: Are you okay with this? Sebastian discovered that, not only was he okay with it, he was as aroused as he could ever remember being.

As Devon 's tongue worked its way down Sakura's spine, she leaned forward until her breasts were pressed firmly against the felt. When he stood up behind her, his hands still on her hips, Devon looked like he was mounting her, just for a second. Sebastian wanted to let him. With the firelight and the snow outside, it was like they were on another planet, untouchable by the consequences of anything that happened tonight.

The game wound on. Sakura lost her pants. As she was stripping out of them, Sebastian noticed something. In the chiaroscuro of the now-banked fire, he couldn't be sure, so he watched carefully for it. Then, he was sure.

He waited for the deal to get around to Michelle again. It was draw poker, so he waited until she was dealing his draw cards before he stopped her, catching her wrist.

"I think," he said menacingly, "that a penalty needs to be assessed."

"What?" asked Devon , suddenly alert.

"Michelle is dealing to herself from the bottom of the deck," said Sebastian, "That's why she suddenly got really good at poker all of a sudden."

"I am not," said Michelle indignantly.

"No?" said Sebastian, "Then, let's see your hand. And, let's see the three cards on the bottom of the deck."

"You're disrupting the hand," said Michelle, her tone desperate.

"Fine," said Sebastian, "If I'm wrong, I'll take a penalty myself. Your choice. But, I'm not wrong, am I?"

Devon reached over and flipped over Michelle's face-down hand. It was a pair of fours. Then, he took the deck from her hand. Flipping it over, he dropped the three bottom cards on the felt. They were the other two fours and a seven.

"Vote," said Sebastian, his voice ringing like a gavel.

"Guilty as hell," said Devon .

"No question," said Sakura, "Caught red handed."

"Sebastian, what penalty do you suggest?" asked Devon .

"I say she forfeits all her clothes," said Sebastian. He still hadn't let go of her wrist.

"Hey," said Sakura, "I had to give a lap dance. I say she forfeits all of her clothes and has to give each of us a timed lap dance."

"I can still back out, right?" asked Michelle, smiling nervously.

"No," said Sakura emphatically.

"It is the will of this court," said Devon gravely, "based on the heinous nature of your crimes, that you forfeit all of your clothes. You may removed your shoes and socks yourself. Each remaining article of clothing will be removed for you by one of us. Then, you will give each of us a timed lap dance."

Michelle looked back and forth among the three of them, "Guys..."

"Strip," said Devon .

Michelle sighed, then leaned down and stripped off her shoes and socks. When she stood back up, Devon was behind her. He undid the snap of her bra. As he pulled it off of her, his hands covered her small, firm breasts, massaging them a little before letting them go. Michelle closed her eyes and sighed with pleasure.

Then, Sakura slinked over to her. Standing in front of Michelle, so close they were almost kissing, she undid the snap of Michelle's pants and unzipped them. Then, her hands circled around Michelle's waist. When she slid the pants down, she did it with her whole body. her hands flowing over the curve of her. In the shadows, Sebastian couldn't see what she did with her mouth, but Michelle shuddered in pleasure and bit her fist.

"There will be no further fist biting," said Devon , "or additional penalties will be assessed."

Then, it was Sebastian's turn. He'd wanted Michelle for so long that it had become a dull, background ache. It flared up now. Trembling almost as much as she was, he stood directly in front of her, towering over her by almost a foot. She tilted her head back, staring up at him with liquid black eyes. Sebastian stared at them for a long moment, seeking any sign of betrayal or pain. But, all he saw was anticipation and maybe a little bit of fear.

Going down on one knee so that he was face-to-face with her, he grasped the sides of Michelle's panties. She closed her eyes. Emulating Sakura, he let his whole body move as he stripped them off, his hands cupping and kneading her ass and legs while he went, his face so close to her that his nostrils were filled with the scent of her excitement. After she had stepped out of the panties, he rose, trailing fingertips up the inside of her thigh, pressing them gently against the entrance to her flesh as he passed the apex of her legs with them. Michelle's knees gave way, but Devon was there to catch her.

"Now," said Devon , leading her over to an overstuffed recliner, "The lap dances."

Michelle sat on Devon 's lap and immediately started to kiss him. Devon grasped her hair, pulling her back away from the kiss and spinning her around so that she faced away from him.

"Kissing up to the judge is not going to reduce your sentence," growled Devon in her ear, "Now, dance for me."

Nodding, Michelle began to undulate, sliding up and down Devon 's lap. Sebastian began to realize that there was an art to the lapdance, one Michelle was clearly learning as she went along. He made a mental note to ask Sakura where she'd picked up such a skill.

Devon 's hands stroked Michelle's belly, her arms, her legs, and finally her breasts. Both were breathing shallowly now. Down to his boxer shorts, Devon was soon poking out of them, his glans rubbing against Michelle on each pass. She tried to impale herself on him, but he wiggled out of the way again and again.

When the hourglass had run out, Sakura said, "My turn."

Devon rose, picking up Michelle in his arms as he went. Michelle wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her head in his shoulder, like he was rescuing her. But, a minute later, she was lowered into Sakura's lap, again facing away.

As soon as she began to move, Sakura reached up and began to fondle Michelle's breasts. She was much less gentle than Devon , squeezing and even twisting the nipples, causing Michelle to cry out in pleasure.

"No," said Michelle, her body arching as Sakura pinched both nipples at once, "too much."

Sakura let one hand float down to Michelle's belly, the other drifting between her legs and stroking. Michelle began to moan loudly, writhing with pleasure as Sakura's fingers expertly probed her depths. Her whole body was shuddering now, the muscles in her legs and jaw taut, firelight reflecting off of the sweat she was covered with.

For a long time, Sakura expertly molested her, groping stroking and teasing. To Sebastian, it appeared that Michelle was having one continuous orgasm, her whole body shaking violently. Sebastian glanced at the empty hourglass, then at Devon . Devon put a finger to his lips and turned the hourglass over.

When Sakura finally rose from the chair, Michelle just slumped into it. Devon lifted her roughly into the air.

"Your turn, chief," said Devon to Sebastian. He indicated the chair with a head motion. Sebastian sat down. Devon placed Michelle almost delicately in Sebastian's lap, facing him.

By now, Michelle had really gotten the hang of lap dancing. She slid all over Sebastian's lap, her hands stroking his chest. Sebastian's own hands stroked her buttocks, her back, her shoulders, then ran down over her breasts before landing on her inner thighs.

Michelle wrapped an arm around Sebastian's head, putting her breasts in his face. She whispered his name, loudly enough for everyone in the room to hear. But Sebastian found he was paralyzed. He couldn't touch her the way she was begging to be touched. Michelle looked down at him. He looked up with pleading and fear in his eyes. There was a momentary flash of compassion in hers, then she pivoted on his lap, facing away from him.

Grinding herself into his groin, she reached up and very deliberately bit her fist at Devon .

Devon 's response was immediate, "Sakura, remove the prisoner's fist from her mouth."

Sakura climbed up on Sebastian's lap, facing him and Michelle. Taking Michelle's wrist, she pulled the hand to her side. Then, she leaned in and kissed Michelle full on the mouth, grinding up against her, a lap dance within a lap dance. As she did so, she took Sebastian's hand and guided it between Michelle's thighs. Sebastian plunged his fingers into Michelle, who spread her legs wider to allow them entrance.

"Oh, God," she cried out. Again and again, she cried it out. Sakura slid down from the chair, kneeling in front of it, kissing Michelle's thighs and Sebastian's hand until he moved it out of the way and she could slide her tongue deep inside of Michelle.

Michelle bucked again until Sebastian grabbed her hips with his hands, forcing her to hold still under the onslaught of Sakura's tongue. Michelle was coming so hard that tears were rolling down her cheeks now.

Devon stepped up, naked now. Standing next to the chair, he took the back of Michelle's head, driving it onto his cock. She sucked greedily, staring up at him as he thrust against her throat.

In the meantime, Sakura had reached under Michelle and managed to undo Sebastian's pants. Sebastian rose enough that she was able to strip them off of him. When he came down, Michelle was poised, trembling, on his glans. He grasped her hips again, driving her down onto him. Michelle arched like she had been struck by lightning. Sebastian drove her hips up and down on him. She cried out wordlessly at the pleasure of it.

Now, Sakura was sitting on Sebastian's lap again, balancing on his shoulder. She took Devon 's cock at the base and slid it out of Michelle's mouth, kissing her passionately. When she came up for air, she was still holding Devon 's cock. She looked at Sebastian, the question obvious in her eyes. Devon reached up with his free hand, taking the back of Sakura's head and guiding it down onto Devon . She sucked at him hungrily, her head rising and falling in a fast rhythm. Devon wrapped both arms around the back of her head, hugging her to him. It didn't take long for him to explode inside of her mouth, a strangled cry of pleasure emerging from his lips.

Sakura stood to plant kisses on Devon 's chest. When she did, Sebastian lifted Michelle off of his lap, stood up, carried her to where the sleeping bags were laid on the floor, and sat back down. When he lowered her onto himself, it was to take her anally this time. As much as he'd pleasured her so far, he knew from their long talks that this would break her.

Michelle came almost immediately as she sat, facing away from Sebastian, taking him completely inside. Sakura crawled over on her belly, sliding her tongue inside of Michelle from the front. Michelle clawed at the air as she came, like a cat who couldn't reach her prey.

Devon came up behind Sakura, crawling on his belly as well. From the look on her face and the mewling sounds she was making, Sebastian knew that Devon must be getting at her with that magic tongue. Soon, Sakura lost the ability to concentrate on what she was doing and sat up straighter, letting Devon ravish her with his tongue. The sight almost made Sebastian come, but he bore down and soon the urge had passed.

When Sakura finally rolled away, Devon slid forward. Spreading Michelle's legs out to the sides, he took her from the front while Sebastian continued to take her from the rear. As they whipsawed her back and forth, Sakura crept up shakily and began kissing all three in turn on the mouth.

Sebastian came inside of Michelle, a cry of pleasure ripping free from his throat. As he slid out, Devon laid her flat on her back and began to pound into her more vigorously. She wrapped her legs around his waist, pushing him even deeper.

Devon and Sakura sat, trembling and staring at each other across the void of three feet. Then, Sebastian reached out for her, drawing her to her feet, kissing her, licking and stroking her all over. He was still half-erect when she whispered in his ear, "Take me like you took her...both of you."

Sebastian pushed her back to the poker table, bent her over the felt, and entered her anally, fully erect as soon as Sakura had spoken. He'd had such mixed result with suggesting this act to other women in the past that he hadn't broached the subject yet. This was unexplored territory for him. He pounded into her, shaking the table and spilling chips onto the floor. Michelle was lying on her back, legs spread, too spent to even look up. Devon watched them hungrily. Sebastian waved him over. Again, they repeated their dance, this time with Sakura between them. She cried out over and over again, begging them to fuck her harder and faster. Sebastian and Devon came inside of her more or less simultaneously and the three sank to the floor together. Michelle dragged herself across the sleeping bags until she was wrapped around them too, one arm on Sebastian's neck, her mouth kissing his.

They fell asleep like that, naked, sprawled and tangled in front of the fire, each touching all of the others. None of them bothered to climb into a sleeping bag until well past dawn. None bothered to climb out until they heard the fuel truck pull up and a knock on the door from the driver. When Sebastian slid out of the bag and into his pants to stagger to the door, he couldn't say for sure who had been in the bag with him. Soon enough, he would have to figure it out. But, he decided that at least for today, it didn't matter so much.