Lyanne and I lay together in a tangle of limbs and bodies on the large firm futon that I had shared with Mom on many occasions, temporarily exhausted by our efforts to satisfy each other and sharing the warm tingle of multiple orgasms still rippling though us. Suddenly, Lyanne stiffened slightly, presumably as some message from the automation was brought to her attention.

"Gotta go," she announced, bouncing up from the bed, "Dragon's calling."

She gripped my hand and helped me up from the futon. I swept up my dress from where it had fallen and slipped it over my head, relying on the automation to repair any damage to makeup or hairstyle caused by our energetic love-making.

"It's been real fun," Lyanne said, adding with a lusty smile, "Let's do it again sometime very soon."

I nodded in response, grinning naughtily, then picked up the leash and swiftly re-attached it to her collar. We emerged from the bedroom to see Mom and Dragon standing by the door, still deep in conversation. I held the end of the leash in my hand and led the now compliant pet-girl over to them.

"Now it's time for me to leave," Brandon said to Mom, seeing us approach, "Thanks for the invitation. I've enjoyed it."

He kissed Mom again, the unashamed affection of old friends unexpectedly re-acquainted. I handed the leash back to him and he moved towards the apartment door.

"On, I should have said; I may need to get in touch with you," Dragon said evenly, suddenly turning back to me almost as an afterthought, "I have a little job for you - one where your talents will be perfect for my needs."

He handed me a card, a small stiff rectangle alert with the glitter of automation. The PA recognized me immediately and flashing up a welter of information almost too fast to follow. I realized it was a dossier containing a fair degree of detailed information about me, and a lesser degree on Dragon himself. Before I could do more than blink, the card dissolved into nothingness as if it had never existed.

"Of course, if you're not busy right now, why not come home with me?" Dragon asked, still speaking in what I would come to learn as characteristically slow and even tones.

Mom was nodding, encouraging me to take up this most unexpected offer. Lyanne, too, grinned widely, encouraging me - I could tell she would like to have an opportunity for a repeat performance. I looked deep into Brandon's eyes for a moment, seeing a need I thought I recognized - one I was quite adept at satisfying.

"OK, why not?" I responded, nodding and grinning openly.

"Excellent," he said, "Ready to go?"

It took but a moment or two for me to locate and collect my purse. Then, Dragon held the door open for me, ushering me forward before following himself, Lyanne trailing along behind in her accustomed position. I glanced back to wave farewell to Mom. I could see that she was looking gleeful, even satisfied, as if some planned, expected outcome had finally been achieved - although I was entirely unsure just what that might be.

Part 4 Volume 9: Dungeons & Dragons