ALL MY DREAMS FULFILLED

Catherine came out of the bedroom and across the living room to pause at the doorway of the kitchen. Vincent sat elbows resting on the table absorbed in the newspaper he was reading. Her eyes took in the sight of his tousled hair as it flowed over his strong broad shoulders and back. He was wearing the light blue silk pyjamas that she had given him to wear, when he stayed overnight at her apartment. His feet were bare and rested on the rung of the stool he was seated on. She sighed at the normal domestic scene it portrayed. Catherine rested her hands on his shoulders and kissed the top of his head.

Vincent inclined his head back to get a better view of her and smiled up at her. She kissed his furry nose and stepped around him taking the stool opposite, sneaking a piece of toast off his plate. She took a bite before smiling at him and mouthing the words silently "I love you".

Responding he said "I love you too" as he tilted his head in the way Catherine loved so much, then picking up his tea, to take a sip, looking at her over the rim of his mug, with a look so intense it melted her heart. Placing his mug back on the table, he resumed the task of reading the newspaper.

Catherine took the opportunity to study him. He seemed so engrossed in the article he was reading. She loved to look at him but usually refrained from doing so because she knew it made him uncomfortable. Although he never said anything, she knew none the less. Picking up her mug of fragrant tea, she took a sip. Her eyes fell to his large strong hands that were curled around the newspaper he held. They were covered in soft amber fur. The claws she knew were sharp and lethal, but oh so gentle. The memory of his claws scraping lightly over her skin as they made love last night, sent goose bumps all along her spine. As if sensing her thoughts, he looked across to her, his look so intense, she felt herself blush and had to look away. He smiled shyly and lowered his eyes to the newspaper again.

Steadying her breathing, Catherine took another sip of tea, her eyes roving his broad magnificent chest. His pyjama top was loose and unbuttoned revealing a tantalising glimpse of amber hair that grew in thick profusion. Although it was thicker than she had ever seen on any other man, it was so soft and the thought of running her fingers through the silky mass made her go slightly warm and her heart beat faster. Willing her heart to beat to a more natural rhythm she looked up into his unique face. His eyes were the deepest blue she had ever seen. His eyebrows were of a soft golden colour that went high up on his brow, like the wings of a hawk. His catlike upper lip was more supple than it looked and the full lower lip was soft and sensual. His brow furrowed in concentration as he read the newspaper. His hand came up to brush the bangs from his eyes, instantly drawing her attention to his hair. Catherine loved everything about his hair - the colour, the length, the smell, the way it felt when she ran her fingers through it, how it looked freshly washed and brushed, wild and untamed, or how it was now, mussed and dishevelled from sleep.

Pushing the bangs out of his eyes again, Vincent looked across to her and smiled. "What?" he said, his eyes sparkling with mirth as he sensed her emotions.

"Oh, I was wondering who cuts your hair?" she said.

"Yes... it is getting long again. I was thinking of giving it a trim. Why Catherine?"

"Well would you trust me to cut your hair? - please - please Vincent, I will be careful. I love your hair". The pleading in her voice did not go unnoticed. He chuckled to himself in wonder at how such a small thing could give her pleasure. He would do anything to please her.

"Catherine, I trust you with my life".

Taking that as a yes, Catherine jumped off her stool and threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck. She smothered his face in small butterfly kisses. Vincent's stool teetered precariously as he caught her in his arms and sat her in his lap. He held her tightly as he laughed out loud, letting the happiness he felt radiating from her wash over him.

He laughed seldom, but more so now, since their relationship had become intimate, which she mussed began six weeks ago, six wonderful weeks ago.

It happened the night the watcher kidnapped her and left her for dead in the trunk of the car after he had pushed it into the lake. Vincent had rescued her and brought her back from the brink of death. There was such a desperation to be together that night, to hold each other. Vincent's fear of losing her brought down all his carefully erected barriers as they held each other tightly on her balcony. Before either had known what had happened, they were kissing each other passionately and on her bed making love. Even now, thinking about it made her pulse race. Pulling away from him, she jumped out of his lap and took out a pair of scissors from the drawer of one of her kitchen cupboards. Then grabbing his hand, pulled on it and said "Bring the stool into the living room Vincent, there is more room in there".

Placing the stool down near the coffee table, he sat down obediently at Catherine's request. Catherine had a light skip to her step as she crossed the living room to open the louvered doors of her bedroom to retrieve Vincent's hairbrush from her dressing table. With a feeling of anticipation she skipped lightly back again. All the lime Vincent had been watching her intently. He loved the way she moved, how she looked, what she wore, everything about her. He thanked God for the thousand time for bringing Catherine into his life.

She stood in front of him now, smiling down at him, she took his breath away. When she wore red it never failed to excite him, it was fast becoming his favourite colour. She wore a cherry red chemise that barely covered her thighs and dipped low at her breasts, with the thinnest straps that he had ever seen. It was amazing the straps held the garment up at all. It was silk and it clung to her in all the right places, which left nothing to the imagination and showed off her lovely rounded petite figure. Her hair shone in the reflected sunlight as it beat down through the sheer drapes, at her balcony doors. She wore no make-up and looked much younger than her thirty years, so innocent and breathtakingly sensual. He wondered absentmindedly how could anyone look both.

His breath caught in his throat. Since becoming lovers, Catherine could arouse him with a look or a touch and he fought a constant battle with himself to stop reaching for her. He did not want to frighten her with his lustful thoughts but he wanted her all the lime. He laced his fingers together and looked down into his lap, trying to keep his riotous thoughts under control.

Catherine thinking he was apprehensive about cutting his hair, gently held his chin encouraging him to look at her. "I won't hurt you Vincent! If you don't want me to?" Her voice trailed off, trying to keep the disappointment shielded.

"I know that!" he said emphatically, as he quickly tried to reassure her that it wasn't that, by lifting her fingers to his lips and kissing the tips.

Releasing the breath she hadn't realised she had been holding, she bent down and kissed him long and deep. Taking a deep breath Vincent struggled to keep his feelings under control and averted his eyes, as he glimpsed the soft swell of her breasts, when she bent to kiss him. Sliding her palms through the dense hair on his chest, the softness tantalising her senses as she lifted the silk pyjama top away from his shoulders and down the length of his arms, in one smooth movement. It landed on the back of the couch before sliding to a shimmering pool of blue on the floor. Vincent shuddered at the feel of Catherine's small hands and the cool crispness of the silk sliding from his body.

Feeling the tremor go through him she asked "Are you cold? I can turn the heating on if you like". Not trusting himself to speak, he shook his head, not wanting her to see the effect she was having on him. He was still unsure of how to handle these feelings that arose so suddenly with just the touch of her hands. They had been lovers for such a few short weeks and he had never initiated their lovemaking, always waiting for Catherine to make the first move. He was still frightened by this new intimacy and all the feelings this new found sharing evoked. But oh, how he loved her and how he wanted to learn. He wanted to take her to bed right now and bury himself inside of her and never leave her. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath to quell the tidal wave rising inside him.

Catherine stood behind him now brushing the unruly mass of his mane, every stroke an act of love. "I love your hair Vincent" she remarked. "Don't ever cut it short". With a small sigh she whispered "Beautiful... just like you". He felt his pulse race. No-one had ever made him feel beautiful, none until Catherine. She humbled him by the sincerity of her words. To her he truly was beautiful. He felt blessed.

Vincent felt the pressure of Catherine' s hand urging his head forward. He complied without complaint. "Can you keep still now Vincent? I won't be long". He felt the pressure of the scissors cut through his hair as Catherine trimmed the ends. A small smile curved his lips as he saw Catherine from the corner of his eye, gently place his hair into a glass dish on the coffee table, as if it was a valuable jewel. He knew instinctively that his hair was not meant for the trash. With a satisfied expression, Catherine smoothed down his tresses with the palms of her hands and said, "Well now that's the back finished" and with a little giggle she murmured "Now for the front".

Vincent looked up at Catherine as she stood in front of him now, her face a study of concentration. Her closeness was affecting him badly. He dropped his eyes to his lap and linked his fingers together again, feeling the sweat beginning to form on his palms. He was trying desperately to keep his hands to himself. All his senses were coming alive and he took a deep breath to try and clear his head. He knew his mistake immediately, Catherine's scent invaded his nostrils. Not just the shampoo she used, or her body lotion, but her own body scent, unique only to her. It was driving him crazy. He was becoming aroused by her nearness. All he wanted to do was take her in his arms, kiss her all over, taste her, make her his again. Visions of Catherine naked and in his arms, doing all the things he wanted to do and what he had read about ran amok through his mind, a never ending collage of erotic and sensual delight. He shook himself mentally remembering his late night visits to Father's library.

He was determined to please Catherine in their new found relationship. He wanted to be everything he could be to her, he did not want to feel like the fumbling teenager as he did now, so taking the bull by the horns, so to speak, he took to reading all he could on the subject of making love. Some of the books he had read were very explicit and had numerous diagrams of the many different positions of sexual intercourse. They made him blush right down to his toes. He cursed himself for his inexperience. Why couldn't he be more dominant, to take the lead. He knew Catherine would never say anything, always sensitive to his feelings. Still he sensed her disappointment sometimes. She would never press him, knowing he fought a constant battle with his inner demons. A sigh escaped his lips as he came back to reality. When he felt her hands in his hair again, she was taking segments from the crown of his head and layering the top, to give it more shape and tidy effect.

Putting her finger under his chin, she tilted his face towards hers. "That wasn't so bad was it?" God she was beautiful, he could not resist pulling her head down to kiss her full lips. He intended the kiss to be a brief thank you, but as soon as their lips met, his need for her exploded through his entire being. He slanted his mouth across hers, taking her lips fully with his. He nibbled and sucked along her bottom lip, using his tongue to nudge her lips apart. Vincent's tongue entered her mouth, tasting all the secret recesses. His tongue traced along her perfect white teeth. She tasted of nectar and a faint hint of mint from the toothpaste she had used earlier still lingered. Their tongues sparred provocatively in a sensual shared delight. His hand tightened at the back of her head as he deepened the kiss, both becoming lost with the rising need in them.

Vincent pulled away abruptly, his heart pounding with his need of her. Catherine looked down upon him, shaken by the intensity of the kiss. She could feel his turmoil. "I'm sorry Catherine, I didn't mean... to lose myself... lose control like that".

"Don't be," she replied "your kiss was most welcome". His head came up sharply, reading the expression in her green eyes. Knowing she spoke the truth, feeling her love and need of him through the bond, he was amazed at the tumult of emotions his kiss could evoke. "I think Vincent I should finish what I started, before we get sidetracked! don't you?"

She felt the chuckle rumble through him before she heard it, dissolving the tension between them. Catherine tilted his head towards her as she nudged his knees apart to stand between them, taking up the brush and scissors again from the coffee table she had placed them on when he had kissed her. Catherine brushed his bangs free of tangles and proceeded to cut the bangs out of his eyes. Her leg slipped over his leg and straddled his thigh, as she manoeuvred her body around to catch the stray wisps of hair that she had missed the first time round.

Vincent sat rigid on the stool, trying to keep the sensations cruising through his body at bay. His eyes were shut tight as he struggled to control the urges of his body. His sensitive hearing picked up the sound of silk as it whispered against her thighs. The heat from her body could be felt against his own, through his silk pyjama bottoms, arousing him in ways he had never felt before. Her body scent was intoxicating. He felt the pressure of her hands pull his head forward and he opened his tightly closed eyes to find his nose pressed between the valley of her breasts. Her even breathing caused her breasts to rise and fall in the most stimulating way. He was fast losing control of his tenuous hold on reason. Didn't she know what she was doing to him? He took short shallow breaths to try and control the raging need inside him and he pulled back slightly only to notice that her breasts were speckled with the small cuttings of hair from his bangs. He smiled inwardly at the determination of pride he felt from her, at what she perceived as a job well done.

Vincent blew gently across Catherine's breasts to remove the bits of his tresses that had fallen across them. He felt a small tremor go through her at his action. He looked up into her face and their eyes locked. He was stunned at the look of pure love and passion in her eyes. His hands of their own volition came up and grasped her hips, pulling her closer and he felt the silk under his hands move against her skin in a soft sensual manner. His head came forward to kiss between the valley of her breasts as his hands roamed over her hips, possessively. He kissed her again and again alternating each breast, his tongue flicking out and tasting her skin.

Catherine shivered, the scissors and brush were poised in mid air, afraid to move, not wanting to break the spell. His hands roamed tantalizingly slowly over her thighs and hips, all the time kissing the tops of her breasts. Lost in the feel and taste of her, he could feel the edge of her panties under the chemise she wore. The thought of what lay beneath excited him beyond measure. His hands traced the shape of her small rounded bottom. He could feel the heat of her under his hands. Slipping a clawed finger under the edge of her panties, he began tracing the outline back and forth.

Catherine held her breath, the brush and scissors dropping to the thick carpet with a soft thud. Her arms circled his shoulders pulling him closer. She knew something was different, it was in the way he touched her. His words came out in a low shaky whisper "Oh, Catherine... I love you so much". His sigh was deep, his voice almost a growl as he buried his face in her neck which he caressed with his tongue and lips. Moving up to her ear, tracing the scar with his tongue he whispered "you bewitch me". He trailed moist kisses down the column of her neck until he reached her breasts, then he nuzzled between them, noting the subtle change of the texture of her skin as she became more aroused. He could feel her nipples harden under her chemise as he brushed against them with his cheek and felt her need. Taking nipple and material into his mouth, he sucked first one, then the other, alternating every few seconds. The material felt strange in his mouth, but not unpleasant.

Catherine's hand grabbled handfuls of his hair, the sensations driving her wild. She pulled him to her tightly, not wanting him to stop. Vincent's hands were caressing her bottom, hips and thighs in long leisurely strokes. Slipping his hand under the material of her panties, he savoured the feel of her warm flesh in his calloused palm. She was so soft and pliant in his hands, fuelling the fife in his blood.

The straps of Catherine's chemise had slipped down her arms, so when Vincent pulled away to look at her the chemise slipped down revealing her breasts fully to his gaze. He could see that part of the material was wet and darker in colour from where his mouth had been and there was a rosy flush to her skin. He returned his attention back to her breasts. He nuzzled them, the soft fur on his nose tickling each nipple in turn. Vincent could feel Catherine's excitement mounting as the dampness against the back of his fingers increased as he rubbed them back and forth against the most sensitive area.

Catherine felt the tingle starting at the base of her spine and spread throughout her body and settle in her abdomen. The ache in her most womanly place was becoming difficult to ignore, the feel of his fingers rubbing against her elicited a groan of pure pleasure from her. She released her death grip on his hair and ran her hands along his shoulders and down his arms and up again, sliding her hands down his back luxuriating in the feel of the silky soft hair found there, although not so dense as on his chest but still wonderful to the touch. Her need to touch him overwhelmed her.

Vincent slipped her panties down over her hips, then down her thighs before letting them slip to the floor. Catherine kicked them off and away with as much grace as she could muster in the circumstances. Vincent's breathing was ragged as he took several deep breaths to get some vestige of control. Clasping her to his chest, he stood up and in doing so her chemise slipped down further revealing more of her to him. Vincent opened the bond fully between them, needing to know her every emotion. He had never felt so vibrant, more alive than he did now. The power he felt, surprisingly didn't frighten him now, there was no loss of control, no raging beast waiting to take over as he always thought he would if he allowed his feelings free reign. This new found knowledge astounded him. Why couldn't he have trusted the power of their love before, hadn't she always said there was no darkness in their love, that there could never be. What a fool he had been. He made a silent vow to himself that he would make it up to her, for all the lost opportunities, even if it took all this lifetime and the next. Catherine had never been swayed from the rightness of their love for each other. He remembered all the times he had tried to send her away, for her own protection to the happy life he felt sure she could only find Above. How could he have been so blind. Life without her would be unimaginable. Without a shadow of a doubt he knew he couldn't live without her - he would whither away and die inside.

Vincent could feel her love and pride for him at his acceptance of his masculinity and his right to accept and to give love. He could feel her excitement and anticipation at his new found confidence in himself which in turn gave him the strength to continue. He pulled Catherine to him and lifted her high against his chest, her feet leaving the floor, her face level with his. The intense look in his eyes as he looked into hers took her breath away. He had to be sure of her feelings and reactions, needing to know that she would not be repulsed in any way. To offend her would kill him. Relying on the bond fully, feeling a little ashamed at using his method to gauge her feelings in a voice that was a soft whisper and full of reverence he said "Catherine let me love you... I want to show you how much I love you." Taking another shuddering breath he continued. "I want to so desperately". Closing his eyes and swallowing hard "Catherine you are my life. The other half of my soul, I love you so much... so much, I want to love you with my hands, my body, my mouth: you are everything to me". His eyes never leaving her face, "Everything". He had to be sure this was right, that she wanted it too. His desperate need for her shining in his eyes.

So overcome with love for this gentle unique man, she could hardly speak. She knew how hard it was for him to reveal his innermost feelings to her, it made her heart swell with pride and adoration for him. "Love me" she said "love me the way only you have the right to do. Only you forever more", Vincent held her in a tight embrace, her name escaping his lips in a litany of love. Nuzzling her neck he carried her on slightly shaky legs to the bedroom. Placing her on the bed, he removed the chemise that had slipped even further down, then he gently turned her over onto her stomach and hastily removed his pyjama bottoms - they didn't need any barriers between them now.

He stood looking down on her, mesmerized by the sight. They had never made love in the daylight, he had usually left before dawn. The nights he had stayed over had been very few. The days then had usually be filled with Catherine catching up on her case files while he read. Afterwards they usually watched videos or listened to music. Looking down now on her nude form, her pale skin bloomed in the reflected sunlight that shone through the sheer drapes of her open balcony doors. The light warm breeze teased gently at the stray wisps of hair that lifted away from her neck, exposing the delicate skin to his gaze. His breath caught in his throat, she was a vision of loveliness lying there so trusting with her eyes closed, looking for all the world as if she was asleep.

Bracing one knee on the bed he bent over her to caress her body with the palms of his hands, then with the furred backs. Catherine felt as if she were being stroked with a velvet glove and she squirmed with delight under his delicious torture. Taking his weight on both of his hands he covered her body completely with his own, stroking his long legs along hers, Catherine gasped, the feel of Vincent's fur covered body stroking the entire length of hers as he moved sensually above her gave such pleasure. She felt as if her insides were liquefying and she would melt into a puddle and evaporate. Never had she felt anything like this. Vincent took Catherine's earlobe between his teeth and gently teased the skin with his tongue, then blew across the moist skin causing Catherine to shudder with delight. His warm breath against her damp skin enveloped her in such a feeling of warmth and lightness, she felt sure that if Vincent had not been anchoring her body to the bed with his own, she would have floated away. "I love you Catherine" he whispered, easing down her body, very slowly kissing every exposed inch, occasionally flicking out his tongue to taste her skin. He kissed his way down her spine and stopped at the small of her back. He spread his hands over the fine curve of her hips and bottom, leisurely tracing the outlines with his claws. Catherine's small moans of pleasure encouraged him to continue, sliding down to kiss her buttocks. He stroked her thighs with the furred backs of his hands, allowing a small smile as he felt her pleasure wash over him.

He was breathless; he just did not know it could be like this, letting his hands linger over the curves of her bottom and thighs, enjoying the feel of her muscles tensing under his palms. He had always admired her elegant stance and the way her bottom twitched as she walked. Speaking his mind, "Catherine you have lovely legs, so elegant, so supple, I could look at them forever." He bent down to kiss both legs until he reached the backs of her knees. Delicately he licked and kissed the flesh under his mouth, then gently blew across the damp skin. Catherine's whole body jolted, the muscles in her stomach clenched tightly together. The warmth that had been building, now became a raging inferno. Vincent smiled to himself, he would remember. His hands moved down over her calves to rest on her shapely ankles, his thumbs tracing her heels. She had such small feet. Sighing he released them and moved back up her body to slide his arm under her waist and gently turn her over onto her back to face him.

He sat back on his haunches and perused her body, committing every detail to memory. He moved closer, sliding his one leg over her hips. Sitting astride her, he closed his eyes, enjoying the feel of her warm body beneath him, setting his own aflame. Bending over her he took her face in the palms of his large hands and rubbed his thumbs against her parted lips. His piercing blue eyes locked with Catherine's, now glazed with passion. His velvet voice now a husky whisper sent tingles down her spine.

"You are so beautiful Catherine, how did I live without you." Catherine swallowed the lump in her throat, before he took her lips in a smouldering kiss, that left her breathless. Vincent broke the kiss reluctantly and moved his lips lightly over her face. Slipping his fingers in her soft shiny hair, delighting in the feel, as the silky strands slipped through and over his long tapered fingers. His lips brushed across her closed eyelids, he felt them flutter like a birds wing under his lips. He rubbed his down covered nose backwards and forwards against hers.

"That tickles".

"I know", he said.

Catherine opened her eyes and saw him smile broadly, his sharp canines clearly visible. He kissed the tip of her nose and nibbled her chin, then nuzzled her neck. Her pulse quickened under his lips as she gasped with undisguised pleasure. Tilting her head back into the pillows to give him better access, she stretched her arms up above her head. In doing so Vincent drew back to look at her. His eyes were hooded. Oh how he adored her. She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck to draw him down to her. He stopped her. He wanted to speak but could not articulate the words that were whirling around in his head. Exhaling loudly, he took her hands in his and kissed her fingertips. "Catherine you are the miracle of my life, you are everything to me, everything. Only with you is this possible... only you... forever you".

His tongue trailed along her fingers and slowly sucked, blessing each one in turn. Her eyes closed at the erotic sensations, the holt of electricity shot through her. He felt it through their connection, causing his own body to stir to her reactions. His kisses were feather light as he continued down her arm to the inside of her elbow. He licked, nibbled and sucked at her tender flesh, completely lost in the sensations emanating from her. His tongue trailed back up the length of her arm, until he reached her shoulder. He nipped the skin with his incisors, careful not to break the delicate surface. His tongue lingered, tasting the slight saltiness he found there. He travelled down to the valley between her breasts, burying his face between them.

Catherine shuddered and brought her arms up to hold him close. He gently prised her arms from his neck then looked up into her face, stunned to see the mixture of conflicting emotions flit across her face. She couldn't understand why he did not want her to hold him. His eyes bright with the sting from unshed tears and his heart brimming over with love for her, he gathered her to him. His voice was full of tenderness and reverence. "Catherine please let me love you... I want to so much". A single tear-drop escaped the corner of his eye to land in the softness of Catherine's hair. His breath was warm against the shell of her ear. "I want to cherish you". He swallowed the lump in his throat, struggling to form the words. "You deserve everything and I want to give you so much". His tongue licked across his bottom lip, his throat suddenly dry. "There is so much I know I can never give you, please let me give you this. I need to do this". His voice hardly audible "We both do!"

She removed her fingers from his grasp and raised her hands above her head in a gesture of total trust and surrender. She willed herself to relax, her excitement palpable. She smiled at him sending all her love and trust through their bond and settled back down amongst the pillows, the feeling of anticipation rising at the way he was looking at her.

Vincent let go of the breath he was holding, his heart rate accelerated to pound in his ears. He kissed her tenderly and looked down on the woman with whom he loved with all his heart. She lay there so trusting, looking so small and fragile, only he knew what strength that small body contained. He looked down on his own body that dwarfed hers. He was so big everywhere, his strength was immense. He could do the work of four men and often did, without breaking a sweat. The pectoral muscles in his broad chest were solid and strong, the corded muscles in his arms could lift rocks the size of boulders, that took several others to lift, the length of his legs and the well muscled thighs allowed him to run at break neck speeds to cover distances no normal man could do. He had never weighed himself, but knew he weighed much more than the average man, although he hadn't an ounce of fat on him. He knew his body was of a good shape, it was the hair or fur that caused him the most concern, he had so much of it. For so long he lived in fear of Catherine seeing him as he really was, less than human but his fears had been groundless all along, Catherine loved him; loved him and all his differences. Looking down upon her now their differences apparent, which in the end made no difference at all. They loved each-other, that's all that mattered. They came together perfectly, fitted together perfectly. Hadn't Catherine proved it so eloquently, several times over the last few weeks.

Her soft curves beckoned his attention, he bent down to kiss her lips, her mouth was warm and inviting, his tongue mapped the roof of her mouth, his tongue sparring with hers, delighting in the tingles running the length of his spine. As he pulled away, he sucked and nibbled her bottom lip, Catherine shuddered violently. Vincent had tasted nothing sweeter. He nibbled on her chin, then moved down the column of her elegant neck. Downward he travelled until he reached her breasts. He looked up momentarily to see Catherine panting, he looked down again allowing his eyes to devour her before he closed his eyes and took a deep breath to control the urge just to take her. All his senses were aflame. Opening his eyes to look upon her soft feminine curves, her breasts seemed to strain towards him, waiting for his touch. He lowered his body down to hers, straightening his legs and taking the weight on his elbows, always concerned for her welfare, he did not want to rush, he wanted to savour every moment.

He cupped her breast, flexing his fingers over the creamy smooth skin, his thumb caressing the rosy nipple until it bloomed under his insistent touch. His head bent down to take the nipple between his teeth, his tongue swirling around the nipple as he suckled. Gasping, she curled her fingers into the sheets, fighting the urge to grab handfuls of his mane. He continued his exquisite assault, the sound of Catherine's pleasure assailing his ears, intensifying his own. Opening his mouth wider, he took as much of her into his mouth as he could, his tongue caressing every inch. Catherine arched her back, the sensations overwhelming. Releasing her breast, he worshipped the other in the same way. He rubbed his face in between her breasts, stroking back and forth allowing the stubble of his chin to graze her skin. Stimulating her to near orgasm, she was unable to stop the groans of complete satisfaction escaping her lips. The joy he felt at this moment, knowing it was him that was pleasuring Catherine in this way, was beyond all comprehension.

Her skin was on fire, as his tongue and lips covetously blazed a trail to her stomach. His tongue probed the indentation of her navel, as his claws trailed across her flat soft stomach. Catherine went rigid, unable to believe how her body was responding to his gentle touch and how he knew just what to do to drive her crazy and completely wild. Vincent stopped, gauging her reactions. She whispered "Don't stop" and this told him all he needed to know. He felt her rapture, her pleasure was his also. His tongue circled her navel, before dipping inside, his mouth opened and sucked on the surrounding flesh as it quivered under his sweet assault. Never had she felt anything like this. She knew once Vincent had gained confidence in himself, he would be a wonderful and sensual lover, it was in his nature. After all, sensuality oozed from him, it was in his incredibly soft gravely voice, his exquisite cat like stealth when he moved, his powerful muscular frame, his touch, his caring sensitivity. The list was endless, but how could she have known just how good, or how sensual he would be. He had truly surpassed all that she could teach him. She closed her eyes as she floated to a place she had never been before.

Vincent manoeuvred his body around until he was kneeling between her legs as his hands flexed possessively over her hips. He turned his fingers inward so the furred backs scarcely glided over the insides of her thighs. She was so soft, so pliant, she bent to his every wish. He looked over her soft warm body, her femininity screamed out to him. He was trying desperately to ignore the tantalizing scent assaulting his nostrils, he was exulting in his own masculinity and the power it held over Catherine's body. Oh how he wanted to shout out to the world, Catherine made him feel like a man. Hadn't she always looked upon him as a man, a unique man yes, a man with differences, but a man none the less, the man Catherine loved. Her pleasure pulsed through his own veins and he wanted to please her in every way, to give back some of the joy she had given to him, by loving him. He leaned back, not taking his eyes from her face.

Catherine's eyelids opened slowly to reveal the passion in her darkened green eyes. He moved his work calloused hands lazily over and down her legs to grasp her ankles, to rub his thumbs along the sides of her feet. Her toes curled into the sheets, in an automatic reflex, she couldn't control the whimper she emitted. It warmed Vincent's heart to hear it as he slipped gracefully off the bed to his knees. He pulled Catherine down gently by her hips, until they rested near the end of the bed. He placed her feet flat down on the pale pink carpet and bent down to kiss the insides of her thighs, noticing for the first time the small brown birthmark on the inside of her left thigh. He studied it for a while making a mental note which would be stored away with all the other knowledge of her he kept locked away inside his heart. His tongue caressed the small imperfection before he kissed it in a loving caress. He moved on upwards, the scent from the core of her femininity beckoning him onwards.

He pressed his cheek into her springy softness, noticing the different texture to the hair on her head, slightly course and darker in colour. He turned his face inward, burying his nose in the springy curls. His control was slipping fast; Catherine was offering him everything. Every experience denied him all of his life because of who he was. He looked up, his eyes desperately searching hers for permission. He needed this. He had been starved for years, all his senses screamed out for this feast, this banquet that lay before him. If Catherine denied him now, would he be able to stop? Could he? In total awe, he watched as she raised her feet until they rested on the edge of the bed. Her knees bent upward before allowing them to fall open, giving him permission without words.

The blood thundered through his veins, he felt sure that his heart would come crashing through his chest, it was beating so fast. He took several deep breaths to steady his racing heart. His fingers ran up and down her legs. His lips and tongue soon followed. He could no longer stop himself from taking what he wanted, curling his long sharp claw inward, he gently slid his finger, knuckle first into Catherine's soft moist folds. Oh God, she was so wet and hot. He gently moved his finger inside of her with a rhythm that was sending her crazy. Bringing his finger to his lips, his pupils dilated, from the taste and scent of her. The small guttural sounds he made, only served to heighten Catherine's intense pleasure. Gently holding her open with thumb and forefinger he slowly entered her with the tip of his tongue. Nothing prepared him for this. The taste, the scent of her driving him onward. Immersing his tongue completely, he lapped at the small flow of wetness, she was nectar, wine for his parched throat. Then he felt it. Pain. He stopped immediately, completely distressed at causing her harm. He released her and looked up. Mounting the bed to take her in his arms, rocking her back and forth, uttering over and over, "Forgive me Catherine, I'm so sorry, please forgive me, what did I do?.. What did I do?"

When Catherine managed to calm her wildly racing heart, in a breathless voice, she said "Why did you stop?" Completely confused, Vincent looked down into her face. His eyes drawn to her lip, wide with shock, he gasped.

"Catherine your lip is bleeding, how did this happen? What did I do?" his tears blurring his vision.

Anxious to reassure him, "You did nothing Vincent, nothing". Brushing his tears away with the tips of her fingers, she tipped his face so she could see him clearly. She looked into his deep blue eyes, clouded with tears and said "You did nothing wrong, I must have bit my lip when... when you kissed me... down there, the sensations were so overwhelming... I felt myself start to scream, I had to stop it". She felt herself go warm and knew she was blushing. She averted her eyes, embarrassed, feeling very stupid.

Vincent shuddered forcibly, the shame and tension leaving his body, although not entirely convinced, but desperate to believe. Grasping her chin, he kissed her tenderly. His tongue lingering on the slight bruise already appearing on her lip. Holding her close he whispered "Don't suppress the sounds you make when I give you pleasure, you don't know what it means to me, what it does to me... the sounds of your joy, your rapture, is music to my ears. It's like a symphony written just for me, ... ME! Music I thought never to hear, ... don 't ever stop it, please... don't ever stop it". His voice trailed off as he buried his face in her hair, too overcome with emotion to continue. His kisses soft and delicate, as he brushed his lips over her face, stopping to kiss the bruise on her lip he asked, "Are you still in pain Catherine?"

"I did not feel any pain Vincent" she answered emphasising her words by holding his chin so he could not look away and with a slight nod of her head said "but you did, don't you see Vincent what I've been telling you all along." Her eyes never left his face, willing him to see. "You could never hurt me, never!" Catherine almost laughed out loud at the look of wonder on his face, as the proverbial penny dropped. "Do you see Vincent, you stopped as soon as you thought you had hurt me, your concern for me always comes first, always... don 't you see?"

She could almost see the thoughts whirl in his head, then he laughed out loud almost hysterically, as he pulled her into a tight embrace against his strong broad chest "Catherine... Catherine! What would my life be without you? You are my miracle, my light." How could he have thought he could ever hurt her. He would rather take his own life than harm a hair on her head. How could he have been so foolish. Catherine had always said he would never hurt her, that she could bring him back from the darkness, that there was no darkness when they were together. Why did he allow his own fears to keep him from her. Again the love of his life had shown him the error of his ways. She was truly remarkable. Never again would he allow his fears to rule him.

Vincent rubbed his cheek against Catherine's over and over, letting his whiskered chin graze her delicate skin. His beard was not abrasive, in fact it was not like a beard at all. She knew he didn't shave and she loved to stroke her fingers across the soft fuzz. "Mmmm that's nice," she almost purred, enjoying the tingling sensation running up and down her spine. He then stopped his delicious torture and looked at her with such utter tenderness, Catherine's heart melted.

His breath was warm against her mouth as he whispered, "Now where were we", before taking her mouth in a heart stopping kiss. He kissed his way slowly down her body, then slid off the bed onto his knees with the feline grace that belied his size and once again placed himself between her legs. Catherine resumed the position she had before. His large strong hands caressed her hips and thighs, his hair fell across her hips covering her in a halo of honeyed gold. The feathered softness of his hair stroked across her skin, heightening the sensations in her highly aroused state. His tongue entered her most feminine place already wet from her excitement. Vincent's pulse quickened at the taste of her. Her musky sexual scent urging him onward. His tongue drew circles around the little nub of her desire as her small moans and groans exciting him like never before. His tongue penetrated deeper, as he lapped at her essence like a man deprived of water for days. She was his oasis, his wellspring of life, never had he felt anything like this. He wanted to lose himself in her heat and softness. He had read that he could give her pleasure in this way of sharing her body. What he had failed to grasp was how deep and meaningful the pleasure would be for him. How could he have known, how could he have possibly known?

The sound of his guttural moans, sounds she had never heard before, sounds of his obvious enjoyment sent her spiralling upwards, her head moving from side to side as the pleasure engulfed her. She begged him in a voice barely audible. "Don't stop... don't stop". Vincent grasped her hips firmly as he held her down to the bed, trying desperately to keep her as still as possible while he plundered her depths. The little nub of desire bloomed to life as he loved her continuously with his mouth and tongue. As her flow of wetness increased he knew she was near completion.

Catherine buried her hands in his thick mane, her fingernails digging into his scalp as she lost all remnants of control. Vincent's tongue delved deeper, his lips sucking on the tender flesh, striving to bring her to completion. They were both lost in the utter fulfilment they gave to each other. Catherine couldn't take any more. She screamed his name as she crashed over the edge, a thousand fireworks going off in her head and she was bathed in the warm glow of all the colours of the rainbow. The heat in her blood thundered through her veins, her own heartbeat thumped loudly in her ears. She was panting heavily as she soared to a dimension known only to lovers. Feeling completely weightless as if floating on a cloud, the only sound was her own heartbeat as she struggled back to awareness, but not really wanting to. She had never known such a feeling of peace.

Catherine' s release shot through Vincent like a bolt from a crossbow, sending lightening along his spine to settle in his groin, he groaned with elation. To affect Catherine so, meant more than the world to him, goose bumps covered his entire body; her release triggered the need for his own. He fought against it, seeking only to calm Catherine with his soothing touch, as small tremors shook her body with the aftershocks from her orgasm. Her hands fell limply to her sides, his large strong hands were there instantly to entwine his fingers with hers. He kissed the insides of her thighs and moved up to lay gentle kisses along her stomach.

Vincent looked up just as Catherine opened her eyes, having to blink several times to focus on his face. Her face was flushed and she felt completely boneless. She wanted to kiss him, but hadn't the strength to move. Feeling her need, he raised up on his elbows and leaned over her providing a kiss that took her breath away. She felt him stir against her and as he broke the kiss, she looked down between their bodies. His erection strained against her, its tip moist, as a few drops of his life giving force seeped onto her stomach. Vincent fought to keep control, his own need for release raging through him. His mouth went dry and he licked his lips, then groaned as the taste of her still lingered.

Catherine's words were a breathless whisper as she pleaded with him. "Vincent can I touch you now? Please, I need to. I want to, please ... please".

"Oh Catherine, touch me, I need to feel your hands on me". His knees still rested on the floor, braced against the bed, he lay half over her, fingers still entwined. Releasing her fingers, he placed his hands flat down on the bed and locked his arms straight, giving Catherine free access to his chest. Catherine looked up at him with eyes still dazed from her orgasm, she had never seen a more magnificent sight. His hair was a wild golden mass, falling over his broad shoulders, his usually clear blue eyes were nearly black, dilated with passion, his lips were curled back into a snarl, revealing the gleaming whites of his canines, the muscles in his arms were taught with barely contained power and the veins protruded beneath the skin. She could feel the power emanating from him, straining to be released. Catherine felt privileged to be its recipient, also proud that she and only she would know the full force of his love. Her hands roamed over the strong pectoral muscles of his chest, running her fingers through the silky mass, which seemed to glow like burnished gold, as the sun shone down on him through the drapes.

Vincent flung back his head, a loud growl replacing the usual resonance of his soft gravely voice. It sounded harsh to his own ears, but accepted it as part of himself, something he would not have done a few weeks ago. He felt the fire building in his belly, fuelled by Catherine's small hands. His whole body trembled with his need of her, he wanted her to touch him everywhere, he knew he could hold on no longer, as the fire raged through him, threatening to consume him. His breath came in short gasps, he struggled against his all consuming need. His words came out in a husky growl, "Help me Catherine, I need you! I can' t hold back any longer, I can't"

Catherine reached up and held him around his shoulders, running her fingertips along the muscles that rippled under her touch. She whispered words of love, to sooth and calm his fragile hold on himself. The tenseness slowly left his body, as he began to relax under Catherine's gentle touch. Kissing every piece of flesh she could reach, her searching fingers found his sensitive nipple and teased it with her nimble fingers, her tongue circled its twin, then took it between her teeth and gently bit. Catherine was rewarded with his growl of pleasure, as his head was thrown back. She trailed her tongue along his neck, finding the pulse that beat in an erotic rhythm under her mesmerizing actions. Catherine heard a low rumble from his chest. Pressing her ear to the sound, it thumbed through him as his chest vibrated to the sound. She turned her face inward rubbing it into the soft silky hair or fur. She wasn't sure which, it did not matter. Burying her nose into his chest she breathed in his unique scent, he always smelled so good, a clean smell she could not define. He never wore colognes or aftershaves, the soap he used had a slight herbal scent she knew, but the scent he exuded when they made love had a hint of musk and spice that mingled together to create a powerful aphrodisiac that could not fail to heighten her level of arousal.

She breathed in deeply, as her nose pressed into the hair on his chest, rubbing her face back and forth. Her body reacted instantly, lighting streaking through her and centring in her groin. She moaned loudly. Her hands moved down to the taut muscles of his stomach, which clenched under her feather light touch. Her hand brushed lightly against his erection, he gasped and his head fell to explore her breasts. Running her finger along the length of him, caused his body to jolt and go rigid, she then took him in her hand and gently fondled him. The other hand slid down between them to cup his lightly furred scrotum in her warm hand.

Vincent's laboured breathing was warm against her breasts, as he nuzzled between them, running his tongue in between and nibbling the undersides with his lips. His grunts of pleasure mingled with hers, as they both became lost in the feel and touch of one another. Vincent arched his back deep into Catherine's touch, as she manipulated his throbbing manhood with her small fingers. The volcano building deep inside him was fast approaching eruption, as her fingers continued to ease his sensitive flesh to fever pitch. Grasping for control, he whispered in a raspy voice "Catherine, I don 't think... I can 't hold on... please!" She released his penis, that now throbbed with unreleased passion, then held him tightly, as his need shuddered through him.

He lowered himself over her, bracing his weight on one elbow and his knees against the bed, her hand slipped between them once again to grasp his throbbing flesh. A tremble ran through him, as he realised how large it had become. Never had he had an erection like this before. Wondering if it was going to be possible to join with her, the tremors shook his whole body as he fought to remain in control. "Catherine... I don 't think it is possible... I did not know that I could..." His voice trailed off, not sure what to do, then said "If it is not, you must tell me... Catherine help me please, I don 't want to hurt you", not sure now if he could stop.

Catherine kissed him. Her warm sweet breath caressed his lips "Shhh Vincent shhh: it will be alright, don't worry. You will know if you hurt me. Please don't stop… please ". He looked into her beautiful face so trusting, then took a deep breath as he scrutinised her lovely features for any sign of discomfort. He entered her slowly, ready to withdraw at the slightest sign of pain or discomfort then gasped as he slid in easily. Catherine arched her back to thrust her hips upward to take all of him, her inner muscles clenched around his hardened flesh, to draw him in deeper. He looked down between them, needing to see this miracle. He withdrew almost entirely, his penis glistened with Catherine's wetness. The sight highly erotic, he watched as he raised his hips, to thrust back down again into her soft welcoming warmth. His eyes closing at the delectable sensations. She drew her legs up to enfold them around his waist, her thighs cradled his hips as she pressed her ankles into his firm rump revelling in the feel of him, buried so deep inside her. She moulded herself to him, she couldn't get close enough.

"Oh Catherine, Catherine... how is this possible? You never cease to amaze me. Your love and trust in me know no bounds. I love you". He looked up, his eyes never leaving her face, as he emphasised his point. "I love you so much". His mouth descended on hers, crushing her lips. There was nothing gentle in his kiss. He demanded and received all she had to offer. His tongue plundered all the secret recesses of her mouth flickering to the back in a subconscious rhythm his lower body had set. Her mouth was hot. He was lost in the beauty of all that was Catherine. The shackles of a lifetime fell away, leaving him liberated in the light of Catherine's love, never to return to the aloneness of a solitary existence again. His thrusts were slow and leisurely, striving to prolong the building rapture, never wanting it to end. Catherine's small supple fingers were everywhere she could reach, taunting and inflaming him further. The flames licking higher, the heat building layer upon layer until his whole body was suffused into a smouldering heat that ran the length of his body. The tempo of his rhythm increased, the need to prolong this wonderful agony not an issue now. The need to finish came over him with a vengeance. The feel of Catherine's breasts against his chest, the taught nipples rubbing against his fur as he moved above her sent his already whirling emotions into a tail spin. His heart was pounding like a drum, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

Catherine was soaring with him all the way. She gasped as he angled her hips to meet his downward thrusts. She grasped his shoulders as his pace increased. Her legs tightened around his hips and pressed the heels of her feet harder into his rump, to drive him in deeper. His hips ground into hers, moving from side to side, determined to fill her completely, as he seemed to grow even longer inside of her. Oh God she thought "How was it possible to survive such pleasure," as she thrust her hips up to fuse her body to his.

Vincent growled deep in his throat, as he lost all control. Catherine's slippery wetness drawing him deeper, sending him over the edge. He was lost in a whirling vortex of dancing lights, as they exploded in his head. Catherine's writhing body , beneath him, catapulted him into another universe. His whole body tingling from head to toe, his seed spurting spasmodically into Catherine's willing body, the sound of his release, reverberating around the bedroom in a half roar, half shout of Catherine's name, her release was simultaneous, as wave after wave of pleasure washed over her, her head thrown back against the pillows as she took in large gulps of air, her body shaking from the intenseness of her orgasm. She held onto him tightly, as she floated back to awareness, the weight of him welcome as he collapsed on top of her.

As the fog cleared from her befuggled brain, she could still feel Vincent trembling, as the after shocks of his release pounded through him. Vincent tried to disentangle himself from Catherine, his body refused to co-operate. He was vanquished, completely drained of his strength by a mere slip of a woman. Catherine held him tighter as she felt him struggle.

"Oh Catherine" he said, in a shaky voice "I'm undone, what have you done to me?.. hold me". She kissed the top of his head, holding him as tight as she could, as the tremors continued. After a few moments he lifted himself away from her, beginning to withdraw, concerned for her comfort.

"No!" she gasped "not yet, don't leave".

"I'm too heavy" he said as he slipped his arms up the length of her back and his fingers enclosed over her shoulders to draw her close. Then pulling Catherine up to him, he slid from the bed, sitting back on his heels, taking Catherine with him, her legs stilt wrapped around his waist as she straddled him. He rocked both of them back and forth, the motion meant to sooth as he felt her exhaustion. He was astounded at the deluge of thoughts and the intensity of his feelings. He had to put his thoughts into words, needing to show that never again would he hold himself away from her. He was committed to her in every way, heart, soul and body. He was overcome with the surge of overwhelming love that washed over him through their bond. Catherine loved him with a passion that matched his own. His heart was bursting with joy and pride. This beautiful woman loved him. Oh how he loved her.

"Catherine... I love you... I love you... please forgive me. Can you ever forgive me" willing her with his voice to look at him. Catherine opened her grey green eyes to gaze on his beloved face. Her eyes locked onto the luminescent blue of his. The smile she gave him, lighting up her whole face. "I love you Catherine, forgive me for doubting, never will I doubt our love again. You are my world, my life, my light. You have shown me that miracles do happen. From the moment I found you my life changed." He kissed her tenderly on the lips, his breath mingled with hers as he pulled away to look into her face once more. "When I took you back, after you had healed and we stood beneath your apartment building, you put your head against my shoulder and your hand on my chest" sighing he said "I had never felt anything like that. Your touch, it changed me, then when I returned your embrace and you did not pull away, I knew then". Taking her chin in his hand he spoke softly, "that you would be ALL MY DREAMS FULFILLED." Taking a deep breath to compose himself, "You gave me your love unreservedly, you have given me something so precious, so priceless, you are everything to me, everything". He tried to breathe normally as his heart thudded in his chest. Too overcome to speak further, he dropped his head to her shoulder and kissed her there, tasting salt. He never felt so cherished, so loved, so safe, he felt cocooned in the warmth of her love. He looked up and smiled.

"What is it" she said, as she smiled back.

"Catherine you glow." She was covered in a fine film of perspiration and the sunlight was shining down on her caused her body to shimmer, as the small drops of moisture were caught and reflected in the sunlight.

"So do you" she whispered as she noticed the fine beads of moisture that had formed on his forehead. They held each other for a while, content to be in each others arms.

Vincent started to rise and stood up straight. Catherine tightened her hold around his waist as Vincent tried to withdraw. "Catherine you need to bathe, would you allow me to bathe you?" he asked hesitantly.

"Only if you allow me to return the favour" she replied as she wriggled against him.

Pulling away, he withdrew from her, feeling the loss instantly. He lowered her legs to the floor, she wobbled slightly. He was there instantly and lifted her up into his arms. As Catherine wrapped her arms around his neck, he kissed the top of her head, a familiar gesture, and walked towards the bathroom on slightly shaky legs hoping they would hold him up. On reaching the bathroom he lowered her to the floor and reached up to turn on the shower. They both jumped back in shock as the cold water hit their fevered bodies. Both laughed out loud as Catherine adjusted the temperature. Standing under the warm water, Vincent lathered the rose scented soap in his large strong hands. He glided the foamy lather over her flushed skin, soaping away the sweat and scent of their lovemaking. He gently cupped her breasts and then watched, fascinated as the water ran in little rivulets every which way over her wet glistening body. The water was cascading over her breasts as he bent his head to kiss their rosy tips. He lathered the soap again and ran his hands over her soft flat stomach then knelt to run his hands up each leg and around, to trace the soft curves of her buttocks. She trembled under his touch, he was so gentle, she loved his hands. He kissed her stomach and in one fluid movement, rose to take her in his arms. His hands glided over her back, his one hand resting on the back of her neck, fingers tangling in her hair. He kissed her deeply. Pulling away he looked at her and said, "Come let me dry you, I feel your fatigue, you need to rest."

"Oh no you don't Vincent, you're not getting away that easily. It's my turn." Vincent chuckled as he felt her determination.

Catherine lathered the soap in her small dainty hands and ran her fingers through his dense hair. She took her time. Even wet, he felt good, leisurely drawing patterns with her fingers across his chest and abdomen. She also took note that the shade of colour of his beautiful body was slightly darker when wet, but just as adorable. Vincent closed his eyes, her slender fingers arousing him again. She looked down as she felt his body stir against hers. She clasped his buttocks enjoying the way the muscles tensed, as she pulled him to her. Vincent's eyes flew open, he did not pull away. Instead he held her and kissed her passionately. He said he would never turn away from her under any circumstances. He always kept his promises. Squirming out of his embrace, she dropped to her knees before him, his eyes went wide with anticipation, as she let him know what her intentions were through their special connection. She looked up for an instant and said "This is for you. Only for you. Only with you is this possible... only you forever more," repeating almost word for word the same words he had said to her earlier.

She pressed her face into the springy curls at the base of his groin, her hand enclosed over his hardened flesh that stood proud and erect from his body. She moved her hand slowly up and down, as she rubbed her cheek against his abdomen, then lowering her head she took him in her mouth. She nibbled on the tip, letting her tongue trace the length of him. Vincent's whole body jolted, as the feel of her mouth on his most intimate part sent electric shocks throughout his entire body. His hands entangled in her hair drawing her closer in a reflex action, his back arched urging her to take more of him. Catherine slowly moved her mouth up and down over his engorged flesh, her tongue flicking over the tip as she did so, her other hand slid down to caress his slightly furred scrotum and felt the warm flesh lift to her touch. She flexed her fingers and fondled him lovingly, her other hand grasped his rump firmly, her nails digging into his taught muscles. He breathed rapidly, never never had he felt sensations like this. He felt he was coming apart. Her hot wet mouth and tongue were doing things to his body he had never imagined in his wildest fantasies, he couldn't believe this was really happening. He curled his toes inward in an effort to get a better grip on the tiled floor, his legs turning to jelly. "Catherine please" he gasped "please before it is too late". His breathing was laboured, his climax almost upon him. Catherine took no notice of his plea, her hand gripped firmly to his rump, pulled him more firmly to her. She quickened her rhythm, feeling him tense as he braced himself for his release. He felt himself explode and scatter to all the corners of the universe, pin pricks of light like a shower of shooting stars exploding in all directions. His blood surged through his veins, his own heartbeat echoing in his ears, eclipsing every sound around him. His body shuddered as his release came out in a full throated roar. All rational thought fled from his numbed mind.

Catherine released him from her mouth. She felt the force of his climax surge through him. Her arms came up to hold him around the waist, as she felt him sway against her, her ears still smarting as the sound of his release reverberated and bounced off the tiled walls of the small shower cubicle. Vincent fell to his knees, half collapsed over Catherine. She held him tightly, cushioning his head against her shoulder. His breathing was laboured, she felt his warm breath against her neck, as he sucked air into his starved lungs. She whispered words of love and stroked his mane, as she held him tightly. His vulnerability bringing out her motherly instincts to protect him at all cost. "Vincent... Vincent, are you alright?" His full weight rested against her, panic began to set in. She couldn't rouse him. She pulled away slightly to see his face, his head stilt buried on her shoulder. "Please Vincent, talk to me".

His arms came up from where they lay lifeless down by his side and circled her waist. Her fear had broken through his subconscious, bringing him back to reality. He was taking in deep breaths to fill his depleted lungs. His voice came out in a hoarse whisper "Oh... Catherine... Catherine! What did you do to me?" He lifted himself up and away from her, realising his full weight was being held by her small slight frame. He found it difficult to open his eyes, his eyelids felt as if they had been glued together from the inside. Finally he opened them and focused on her lovely face. His heart leapt at her look of concern, her teeth anchoring her lower lip, in an effort to stop the tears that threatened to fall. Misinterpreting her fear, he pulled her to him fiercely "I'm sorry Catherine, I didn't mean to frighten you... I'm so sorry, so sorry". She realised straight away his concern.

"No Vincent you didn't frighten me, I was frightened for you, please tell me what happened?"

Breathing deeply, relieved that what she felt was concern for him and not fear of him, he relaxed visibly, his eyes caressed her face. He held her chin in the palms of his hands. "Catherine, I don't really know what happened, I only know it was the most wonderful, the most exhilarating and the most exhausting experience of my life." He then smiled the most brilliant smile she had ever seen. "I liked it Catherine, I liked it very much."

Catherine couldn't believe it. Was this the same Vincent. Was that the look of smug satisfaction. She was about to say something but the look of contentment, joy, love, adoration, acceptance and confidence shining bright from his eyes stopped her. She held him tightly, kissed him passionately, trying to convey all her love for him through the kiss. This is what she had struggled for, for so long, for him to accept himself, to have the confidence to believe in the right to love and be loved in return, that they belonged together.

They were heedless of the water that cascaded down over them. It cleansed their bodies on the outside, at the same time as Catherine's love cleansed Vincent's heart and soul from the inside, as the insecurities and the aloneness of a lifetime were washed away forever…

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