They lay in bed, comfortably relaxed. Alex was on his side, his chest against Maria's back. One arm was Loosely draped around her waist, the other trapped under her shoulder.

“Thank you," he whispered, his breath stirring wisps of her hair.

“No, thank you," she returned, gripping his hand. "I never knew it could be like that. When you told me what to do, I got so wet down there. And you were so sweet, even when you were being bossy," she smiled, turning her head to kiss him thoroughly.

"I thought there was something wrong with me," he said quietly.

“I'd fantasize about women, about ordering them around, maybe even tying them up. Having them be helpless while I pleasured them. I was disgusted with myself."

“Mmmmm," Maria sighed happily, placing his hand on her breast. He cupped the swelling mound, his fingers toying with the pebbled nipple.

She arched into him, her breast filling his palm even as her buttocks rubbed his hardening member.

“Do you want to do that to me, papi? Tie me to the bed and take me?" Her voice sank low, promising dark, forbidden pleasures.

“Maybe. Someday," he said, kissing her ear. "But I don't want that all the time. Just...sometimes." He groaned as his shaft nestled between her warm thighs, seeking out her cleft. He paused for a moment, panicking.

Crap. I didn't wear a rubber. Didn't even think about putting one on.

“Maria? Should we be using protection?"

“You can if you like," she sniffed dismissively, her hand came around, guiding him, and he muffled a groan as he slipped into her.

“Though a man I know once told me it is like washing your feet with your socks on." He muffled a snort of Laughter.

“Don't worry, mi lindo. I have the

IUD. I cannot give you a nino. Not yet.

“Now shut up, and love me."

His mother caught him later that night in the upstairs hallway. She had been quiet at supper, but he had felt her eyes on him, darkly speculative.

“Have a good rehearsal?" she asked. Her eyes were amused, as if she knew more than she was willing to admit.

“Very good," he mumbled, trying to brush past her. He was brought up short by an outstretched arm, barring his passage as effectively as a concrete barrier.

“I know what you did, Alex," she said. He looked down, startled. "A mother knows," she said with a smile. "You looked the same way the night you lost your virginity. Who was it, Alissa Fraser?" He nodded, caught off guard. "You had the same look on your face. Happy and stunned at the same time."

“Besides,” she continued, "I can smell it on you. The smell of sex. Of two horny human animals doing their best to please each other." Her eyes were warm with approval.

“I'm happy for you. Happy for you both.

Maria is a Lovely woman."

“I was worried you'd be angry," he said quietly, trying to keep their conversation from prying ears, even as he blushed at her forthright language. "I remember the Lecture you gave me when she started working for us. That if you even thought I was trying to hit on her you'd make castration look Like a day at the beach by comparison.”

His mother smiled. "That's before I got to know Maria," she said.