Chapter 4

Warning - Explicit Content Ahead!

By: NictesWrath

The bus rattled along the dark highway, the hum of the engine a constant background noise that was still far from soothing. It had been a week since Ava had woken up next to Deborah in that tiny, albeit comfortable bed. Everything had gotten back to normal. So normal that she still had to try to will herself to sleep in her narrow bunk, not thinking about the way her boss's hands had felt on her body. 

Deborah had gone back to business as usual, as if that night hadn't completely altered the way Ava saw her, the way she felt about her. She was professional, charming, even funny at times, but there was this unspoken distance that made Ava feel like she was teetering on the edge of something she couldn't quite grasp. And the worst part was that Ava hadn't found a way to bring it up—not that Deborah had given her much opportunity to.

She glanced down the narrow aisle, where the door to Deborah's section was drawn shut, the faint light from Deborah's phone casting shadows under the doorframe.

Ava hesitated. 

She needed to see Deborah.

Quietly, Ava slipped out of her bunk, her bare feet hitting the cold floor of the bus as she tiptoed down the aisle. Her heart was racing, every step feeling heavier than the last as she approached Deborah's section. She stood there for a moment, staring at the closed door, wondering if this was a terrible idea. Maybe Deborah was asleep, maybe her phone light was something that was just left on.

But something in Ava wouldn't let her turn back.

She reached out, her fingers curling around the edge of the knob, and slowly, she pulled just enough to peek in.

Deborah was awake, her head propped up on a pillow as she scrolled through her phone, the soft glow illuminating her face. She looked up when she heard the door move, her expression unreadable for a moment before one of her eyebrows quirked upward.

"You're like a cat," Deborah muttered, her voice low and husky from the late hour. "Always creeping around at night. What's the matter, Ava? Can't sleep again?"

Ava shifted awkwardly, suddenly feeling foolish for disturbing her. "Uh, yeah. I guess not."

Deborah sighed softly, setting her phone down on the small table beside her. "You've been tossing and turning for the past week. I can hear you from across the bus."

Ava blinked, surprised. "You can hear that?"

Deborah gave her a knowing look. "I'm a light sleeper. Not as bad as your snoring, but still annoying."

Ava groaned, rubbing a hand over her face. "Oh my God, we're not doing the snoring thing again."

Deborah smirked, but there was a softness to her expression, a slight tilt of her head that made Ava's heart flip in a way she couldn't explain. "So, what is it this time? Trouble sleeping in that shoebox they call a bunk?"

Ava shrugged, trying to play it off as casual. "Yeah. That. And… other stuff."

Deborah's eyes narrowed slightly, her smirk fading as she studied Ava for a long moment. "Other stuff," she repeated, her tone curious but guarded. "What kind of other stuff?"

Ava shifted uncomfortably, the weight of everything she hadn't said hanging in the air between them. She wanted to be honest, wanted to just say it, but the words felt too heavy, too complicated. Instead, she shrugged again, this time more helplessly.

"Just… you know. Stress. Family stuff. Tour stuff. My brain won't shut off."

Deborah let out a slow breath, sitting up a little more in the bed. She didn't say anything right away, just watched Ava with that intense, unreadable expression, like she was trying to decide whether to push or let it go.

After a long pause, Deborah finally spoke. "You want to come in here?"

Ava's heart stuttered at the offer, her pulse quickening. "You sure?"

Deborah gave a half-shrug, her smirk returning. "It's a hell of a lot quieter than listening to you thrash around in that bunk. Besides, you'll probably just end up here anyway."

Ava couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips as she slipped into the small space next to Deborah. The bed wasn't that big, but the proximity to Deborah made everything feel different—warmer, more intimate. She settled in beside her, the familiar scent of Deborah's perfume filling the small space, and for the first time in days, Ava felt like she might actually be able to relax.

Deborah shifted slightly, pulling the blanket over both of them, her body heat radiating against Ava's side. "You know," Deborah said, her voice low and teasing again, "this better not start becoming a habit for you."

Ava chuckled softly, turning her head to look at Deborah. "Yeah, well, I'm full of bad habits."

Deborah's lips twitched into a smile, but her eyes were soft as she looked at Ava, like there was more she wanted to say but didn't. Instead, she reached out, her fingers brushing lightly over Ava's arm in a way that sent a shiver down her spine.

"You don't have to keep everything to yourself, you know," Deborah said, her tone quieter now, more serious. "If something's bothering you… you can talk to me."

Ava swallowed hard, the sudden vulnerability in Deborah's voice catching her off guard. It was rare for Deborah to show her cards like this, and Ava wasn't sure if she should press her luck or let it go.

But then Deborah's hand slid over to rest on Ava's thigh, her touch light but firm, and the words seemed to come without Ava even thinking about them.

"I've just been… thinking a lot about that night," Ava admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "About what it meant."

Deborah was silent for a long moment, her fingers gently tracing patterns on Ava's leg. When she finally spoke, her voice was steady but guarded. "And what have you decided it meant?"

Ava hesitated, biting her lip. "I don't know. That's the problem. I thought maybe you'd have an answer."

Deborah's hand stilled for a moment, then she let out a soft chuckle, her breath warm against Ava's shoulder. "I never claimed to have all the answers, kid."

Ava turned her head to look at Deborah, her heart racing. "So… what are we doing, then?"

Deborah's gaze was steady, her expression unreadable again. "We're doing what we've always done, Ava. We're getting through the tour, we're working together, and if we happen to share a bed every now and then…" She trailed off, a smirk playing on her lips. "Well, I don't see the harm in that."

Ava let out a soft laugh, but there was a nervous edge to it. "So, that's it? We just keep… not talking about it?"

Deborah's smirk faded slightly, her eyes softening as she looked at Ava. "What is there to talk about, really? We're here. We're figuring it out."

Ava swallowed, feeling a strange mix of frustration and relief. It wasn't a clear answer, but it was the closest thing Deborah had given her since that night.

"Okay," Ava said quietly. "I guess we are."

Deborah's hand slid up Ava's thigh again, her touch more deliberate this time. "Now, stop overthinking and try to sleep," she murmured, her voice taking on that familiar teasing tone. "Before you keep me up all night again."

Ava's breath hitched slightly at the way Deborah's fingers lingered, tracing lazy patterns over the soft skin of her thigh just below her sleep shorts. The touch was casual, but there was an undeniable heat behind it, a slow-burning tease that made Ava's heart race in her chest. She bit her lip, glancing up at Deborah with a half-smile, her nerves dancing under her skin.

"Well," Ava murmured, her voice quieter now, a little more playful, "it might be faster to just… help me get tired. You know, if you want to get some sleep tonight too."

Deborah's lips quirked into a smirk, and she raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by Ava's suggestion. "Oh? So now you're suggesting I wear you out to help you sleep? Interesting strategy."

Deborah's smirk deepened, and her hand slid higher until her fingers pressed exactly where Ava needed her. She could feel the molten heat through the thin fabric. Her precise fingers found the perfect spot, applying just enough pressure to make Ava gasp, her hips instinctively bucking against Deborah's hand.

"You've got a point," she said softly, her voice low and teasing, but there was a glint of something darker in her eyes now. "And you're just so needy when you don't get your rest."

Ava's breath hitched again, her body responding to the subtle pressure of Deborah's fingers, and she knew she was falling right into the trap Deborah was so good at setting. But she didn't care. Not right now. She needed this—needed the way Deborah made her feel like the rest of the world didn't matter, like she could lose herself in the moment and forget about everything else.

Deborah leaned in closer, her breath warm against Ava's ear. "You want me to help you sleep?" she whispered, her voice barely more than a breath. "Or is this just another excuse to get me to touch you?"

Ava swallowed hard, her hands instinctively gripping the edge of the blanket, her pulse pounding in her ears. "Maybe both," she admitted, her voice shaky but honest.

Deborah chuckled softly, her breath brushing against Ava's skin as her fingers continued their slow, deliberate teasing. "At least you're honest about it."

Without warning, Deborah shifted, pushing Ava back onto the bed, her body moving with that familiar, commanding grace that left no room for hesitation. Ava let out a soft gasp as her back hit the mattress, her eyes wide as Deborah loomed over her, her hand sliding between Ava's legs between her sleep shorts with a confidence that left Ava trembling.

Deborah smirked down at her, her fingers tracing the outline of Ava's damp folds, teasing but not giving her what she wanted just yet. "You're going to regret asking me for this," Deborah said, her tone playful but laced with that dark, dangerous edge. "Because I'm not going to let you sleep until I decide you're tired enough."

Ava's breath caught in her throat, her body already aching for more, but all she could do was nod, her hands clutching the sheets beneath her as she gave herself over to Deborah's control.

Let's see just how tired I can make you," she whispered, her voice sending shivers down Ava's spine. With a smooth, practiced motion, Deborah's fingers slipped inside of her. Her fingers were so long, longer than Ava's own larger digits. A soft moan pulled from Ava's lips as her body arched into the touch. The slow, deliberate rhythm Deborah set was maddening, each stroke dragging out the pleasure in a way that left Ava trembling, desperate for more but unable to do anything but follow Deborah's lead.

"You're so impatient," Deborah murmured, her lips brushing against Ava's neck, her voice soft but laced with that teasing edge. "Always so eager. But you'll take this slow. You'll go at my pace."

Ava whimpered, her hips instinctively rocking against Deborah's hand, but Deborah's free hand gripped her hip, keeping her pinned in place. "I said slow, Ava," Deborah warned, her voice low but firm. "Or do I need to remind you how to listen?"

Ava's breath came in short, ragged bursts as she struggled to keep herself from moving too quickly, her whole body trembling with the need to let go, to give in to the pleasure building inside her. But Deborah was relentless, keeping the pace slow, teasing, dragging it out until Ava was on the edge of desperation.

"You like this, don't you?" Deborah whispered, her voice soft but commanding. "You like how I make you wait."

Ava nodded, her eyes fluttering closed as she let out a shaky breath. "Yes," she breathed, her voice barely more than a whisper.

Deborah smirked, her fingers pressing a little deeper, drawing another moan from Ava's lips. "Good," she said softly, her breath hot against Ava's skin. 

The rhythm was maddening—slow, deliberate, and teasing. It was just enough to make Ava's breath hitch, her body arching slightly, but not enough to send her over the edge. Deborah was drawing it out, keeping Ava right on the cusp of release, and it was driving her insane.

Ava let out a whimper, her head tipping back against the pillow, her hands gripping the sheets so tightly her knuckles turned white. "Deborah, please…"

Deborah chuckled softly, her breath warm against Ava's neck as her fingers pressed deeper, her pace still agonizingly slow. "Please what?" she asked, her voice laced with amusement, but there was a dark edge to it, a teasing cruelty that made Ava's stomach twist with both desire and frustration. "I thought you wanted me to help you sleep. You should be relaxing right about now."

Ava's breath came in short, ragged bursts, her hips rocking against Deborah's hand as much as Deborah would allow. "I can't… relax when you're doing this."

Deborah hummed thoughtfully, adding another finger, enough to make Ava cry out softly at the stretch, her body trembling with the effort of holding back. "Then maybe I need to slow down even more," Deborah murmured, her lips brushing against Ava's earlobe, her voice so low it sent shivers down Ava's spine.

Ava gasped, her whole body tightening with frustration and need. "No—don't—"

But Deborah ignored her, her movements slowing even further despite the extra digit, every stroke, as if she had all the time in the world. It was torture, and Ava's body was on fire with it. She could feel the pleasure building inside her, coiling tight, but Deborah wouldn't let her go, wouldn't let her tip over the edge just yet.

Ava whimpered, her head shaking slightly against the pillow. "I… I can't—"

"Yes, you can," Deborah cut her off, her voice firm, but not unkind. "You're going to be patient for me, Ava. You're going to take it slow, just like I told you. Understand?"

Ava's breath hitched, her body trembling under Deborah's control. She wanted to beg, to plead for more, but she knew it wouldn't do any good. Deborah was in charge, and Ava would only get what she wanted when Deborah decided she was ready. 

"Good girl," Deborah murmured, her fingers pressing deeper again, her touch just enough to keep Ava on edge, but not enough to push her over. "You're going to come for me when I say so. Not a second before."

Ava whimpered, her body trembling as the tension inside her built higher and higher, the slow, deliberate strokes of Deborah's fingers driving her to the brink of madness. She was so close, she could feel it, but Deborah kept her right on the edge, refusing to let her have the release she so desperately needed.

"You're so close," Deborah whispered, her breath hot against Ava's ear. "I can feel how badly you want it. But you're going to wait until I'm ready for you. Until I tell you."

"Please," Ava finally gasped, her voice barely more than a breath. "Please, Deborah, I need—"

Deborah's lips curved into a smirk against Ava's skin. "Not yet," she murmured, her voice firm but gentle, her fingers continuing their slow, agonizing rhythm. "You'll come when I say so."

Ava's whole body was trembling now, her breath coming in short, shallow gasps as she fought to hold on, her mind spinning with the need for release. But Deborah's control was unyielding, and Ava knew she wouldn't get what she wanted until Deborah decided it was time.

Deborah's hand shifted slightly, her palm grinding into Ava's clit. "There," Deborah whispered, her voice soft but commanding. "Now."

Ava's body obeyed instantly, the tension inside her snapping as she came, her whole body shaking with the force of it. She gasped, her back arching off the bed as waves of pleasure crashed over her, her hands gripping the sheets tightly as she let herself go completely, her mind and body overwhelmed by the intensity of the release.

Deborah's fingers slowed but didn't stop, guiding Ava through the aftershocks, drawing out every last bit of pleasure until Ava was left trembling, her breath coming in ragged gasps, her mind hazy and blissfully blank.

Deborah chuckled softly, her hand sliding away as she leaned in, her lips brushing against Ava's ear. "Told you I'd tire you out."

Ava could barely respond, her whole body limp and spent, her head spinning from the intensity of what had just happened. She let out a soft, shaky breath, her eyes fluttering closed as she let herself sink into the warmth and comfort of the bed, her body finally giving in to the exhaustion that had been plaguing her all night.

Deborah's hand slid up to gently stroke Ava's hair, her touch soft and soothing now, a stark contrast to the commanding presence she'd held moments before. "Now, go to sleep," Deborah murmured, her voice low and gentle. "I need you rested for tomorrow."

Ava nodded weakly, her body still trembling slightly from the aftershocks, but she felt herself slipping into sleep, the weight of exhaustion finally pulling her under.

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Clara leaned in a little, her voice dropping to a playful whisper. "You're definitely interesting."

Ava blinked, momentarily caught off guard by how forward Clara was being. But before she could respond, a familiar voice cut through the air like a blade.

"Well, if you're so interested," Deborah's voice rang out from behind them, smooth and nonchalant, but with an unmistakable sharpness, "maybe Ava could show you her bunk. I'm sure she'd love to give you a tour of the finest sleeping quarters this bus has to offer."

Ava's stomach flipped at the sound of Deborah's voice, a mix of surprise and dread flooding through her as she turned to face her. Deborah was standing just a few feet away, arms crossed, her expression calm but her eyes… her eyes told a different story. She was playing it cool, but Ava knew her well enough by now to recognize the subtle signs. The tension in her posture, the way her smile didn't quite reach her eyes—it was jealousy, plain and simple.

Clara, oblivious to the undercurrent of Deborah's tone, grinned and glanced between the two of them. "The bunk, huh? Sounds cozy."

Ava winced internally, but forced a laugh, trying to smooth things over. "Yeah, um, it's not as cozy as it sounds. Trust me, it's like a coffin with curtains."

Deborah didn't take her eyes off Ava, her smirk still in place but her tone turning just a shade darker. "Oh, I don't know. It seems like you've been getting quite comfortable in there lately."

Ava's cheeks burned, and she quickly shot Deborah a warning look, silently begging her to dial it back. The tension was palpable now, and Clara, sensing something off, raised an eyebrow but didn't press any further.

"Well, I'll let you two handle your… bunk situation," Clara said, stepping back with a chuckle. "But if you want to grab a drink after you're done here, Ava, let me know. I'll be at the bar."