BRANDY

by Eliza
elizawpg@shaw.ca

CATEGORY/RATING: Helm/Marta ADULT - Graphic sexual content
LEGAL STUFF: The Doc and Marta don't belong to me. Fireworks Entertainment has the paperwork. No copyright infringement intended. No money made.
DEDICATION: To everyone who has sent feedback and encouragement about these stories. It does have an effect, I couldn't have written this story when I started the series.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: Thanks to Jo and MnD, who have given the stories a home at Manzana Core. An extra wave to MnD, for helping to polish the rewrites. Also a big thank you to Rach, for laughing at the right spots and telling me when I wasn't making sense. I didn't always listen <g> so any mistakes found in these stories are all mine.
SUMMARY: The only thing better than a hot bath after a long day is sharing one. 9th in the series.

*-*-*-*-*

It had been a long day. Nothing serious or traumatic, just a series of treatable illnesses and minor injuries. However, it was sunset by the time Doctor Helm returned to his office. He wasn't looking forward to the list of chores that were necessary to finish the day, including finding some dinner, but then he could crawl into bed and sleep until it all started again tomorrow.

As soon as he opened the door he knew something was wrong. It was too warm, the day had been very pleasant but not hot enough to heat the building like this. Then he noticed the tub on the stove and the sound of water in the other room. He opened the door to the surgery and suddenly he wasn't tired anymore.

Marta was pouring water into the hip bath. She smiled at him as she emptied the bucket. "It's about time you showed up. Do you know how difficult it is keeping the water in one of these things warm?" She came toward him with the bucket in her hand and stopped just inches away. She looked him in the eye and said softly, "There is only one thing you have to do this night."

"And what is that?"

"Bar that door!"

Helm laughed as he turned to obey the order. He planned on carefully checking the windows as well as securely barring the door. He noticed Marta had followed him into the office but she had moved to the stove. She filled the empty bucket with hot water before adding more cold water to the tub to heat. She had returned to the surgery by the time he finished his task.

He leaned against the door frame, grinning, as she made a low curtsy and gestured to the bath. "All for me?" he asked.

"All for you. But that doesn't mean I can't help."

"Helping with a bath would likely soak that lovely dress."

"That's easily remedied." She reached behind her and loosened the laces. The dress slid off her shoulders and hips leaving her in her corset and muslins. With her petticoat almost reaching the floor there was no threat to her modesty, but it was a start.

Helm took in the sight; the white garments were a beautiful compliment to her dark colouring. "I am suddenly feeling very over dressed," he said huskily.

"Also easily remedied." She smiled and beckoned to him.

He moved into the room, closing the surgery door behind him, and she slowly walked toward him. He stood passive as she circled behind him to removed his coat. Her fingers lingered at the collar, caressing his neck, before she lifted the garment from his shoulders, slid it down his arms and placed it carefully over the back of a chair. The light touch had sensitized every nerve ending. Helm wanted to savour his time with Marta but now he was in doubt of his control.

Next came the waistcoat. She took her time with the buttons, deliberately teasing him. She ran her hands gently over the curve of his pectorals before pushing the garment from his shoulders. She had never touched him so deliberately before and he found himself fascinated by the sight of her fingers moving over the fabric. When she reached around him to catch the falling cloth, he felt the whalebone of her corset press against him. Vile thing. That will have to come off soon. The shirt followed and her hands followed a similar pattern while unfastening the buttons. This time the caress was firm, from his waist to his shoulders over his chest. He was anticipating a repeat of the gesture against his skin as she removed the undershirt, until he saw the grin.

She pushed him into the room's lone chair with a single finger and reached down to his waistband to pull out his undershirt. She had started at the back, but as she moved her hands around his torso she slowed her progress, brushing his skin with the backs of her fingers. This was as unnerving as the caresses at his collar had been. The action had the added effect of bringing her near enough for him to catch the scent in her hair, jasmine this time. She was too close not to touch. However, just as he reached for her, she stepped away, pulling the undershirt off over his head as she went. Helm was left in the straight back chair half naked and very aroused.

The smirk that she wore as she placed the shirt aside told him that she knew exactly what reaction she had provoked. She didn't come back within arms reach, all she said was, "Boots," and gestured for him to lift a foot.

While she was bent over, pulling off one of his boots, he had the childish urge to spoil the spotless white fabric in front of him with a print from the other.

"Don't you dare!" she said, looking over her shoulder. The quick glance to his other foot showed that she knew exactly what he had been thinking.

"Marta, there are times you truly frighten me."

"Good. A little fear heightens the senses. It gets the blood moving." She had removed both boots by now and had risen after removing his socks.

This time he managed to catch her around the waist and pulled her between his legs. "I don't need fear to do that. Now you're the one that seems overdressed." He reached behind her and loosened the laces to the corset. He began unfastening the hooks in front one by one, starting at the top. He had no intension of touching anything but the garment until he had completed the job. When he reached the fastenings at her waist, he put his hands around her rib cage and gently squeezed until the hook popped free. He watched her carefully for any signs of discomfort but what he saw was the opposite. Every time he applied pressure, her eyes would briefly close and her lips would part. By the time he had reached the last few hooks, he was sure he had heard a few soft moans. When he finished he set the corset by the chair then returned his hands to her waist to bring her toward him. The warmth of her skin, now so close under his hand, was trying his patience.

"Your bath is getting cold again. Go. Get in. I'll find you something to eat." This gentle scolding was delivered with a smile, as Marta moved determinedly out of his grasp. Helm turned to watch as she walked quickly to the table. On it was a large basket, from which she began to remove an assortment of food and something that looked suspiciously like a bottle of brandy.

He came up behind her, intent on continuing what had started in the chair, but then he noticed her hands were shaking. Instead, he dropped a kiss on her shoulder as he passed behind her, on his way to the bath. He would do as he had been told, for he knew she would not appreciate him commenting on whatever emotions she was trying to hide. But he was not worried, he was sure that she was here because she wanted to be. Also, the smile she had given him in response to the kiss had been genuine.

*-*-*-*-*

Dios mio, the man is sweet! I don't think he realizes that I'm shaking because I would like to rip off the rest of his clothes and throw him to the floor. Why am I putting myself through this tantalizing torture? Marta heard the sound of splashing water as Helm entered the bath. I am not going to jump in after him. I am not. At least not yet. Heavens, he is beautiful.

Helm had stretched himself out in hedonistic bliss. He was sitting a little higher than the last time, so he left his elbows hanging outside the bath with only his wrists perched on the rim leaving his hands relaxed. His head had fallen back, inviting a kiss or a nibble on the long throat. He foot didn't reach the end of the tub so he had his whole calf resting on the edge. That brought an indecent amount of thigh out of the water. But then the water was not full of soap this time so decency was not really an issue.

Marta stood by the foot of the bath and studied the form before her. Helm accepted the perusal for a few minutes then looked at her and asked, "We've done this before, haven't we? Or is it just me having a moment of deja vu?"

She smiled at him. "This time though I am wondering if it's the bath the turns you into a sensualist or is it just being nude?"

"I think you should follow the scientific method. Pick a theory and then repeat the experiment with slight changes in the situation."

Marta could easily guess at the changes that he would make. She gave her suggestion with an expression of pure innocence. "For example, I could dunk you in the horse trough to see if this tub is special or if any container of water causes this reaction."

"You're funny." The exaggerated sarcasm caused Marta to chuckle. Then Helm realized exactly what she had said. "This time? What were you thinking about the last time you spied on my bath?"

"I was pondering a question that I now know the answer too. Have a dumpling."

The force feeding of his dinner effectively halted any further questions from Helm. Marta had taken a seat on a stool that was placed so that he could run his fingers along her leg but could not travel along her thigh more than a hands length past her knee. Marta wasn't sure he even noticed what she fed him, for his hand never stopped moving and he didn't take his eyes off of her. He finally convinced her that he had eaten enough and she took the plate back to the table. She returned with a generous snifter of the liquor from the basket and took a sip.

"Mmmm, very nice. This was found in Don Alvarado's wine cellar. It has aged very well."

"You didn't bring any for me?" Helm put on his best pout.

Marta giggled and said consolingly, "I'll share."

Helm must have expected to drink from the glass, for when she took another tiny sip and set the snifter on the stool, his brow wrinkled in a frown. This quickly disappeared as Marta leaned toward him for a kiss. As their lips met, she slowly parted hers, releasing a small amount of brandy into his mouth. He pulled her closer and she had to brace herself on the edge of the tub to prevent a headlong plunge.

Her hands on the rim of the tub may have prevented her from literally falling into the kiss, but she did in every other way. Again she was lost to the sensations of his mouth on hers. The tickle as the tip of his tongue caressed the inside of her lips. The sharpness of his teeth when she tested them with her own tongue. The change in the flavour of the brandy as she tasted it again in his mouth. Then she noticed a new sensation, fingertips tracing circles over her bare nipples.

She looked down at her open chemise, then back into Helm's laughing eyes, and said, "Now, how did that happen? Since you have such a talent for laces why don't you undo the others as well." She needed to lean forward for him to reach the back of her petticoat, which would bring her breasts within easy reach of his mouth. She could tell that was exactly what he was waiting for. So, of course, she dropped her shoulder bringing their cheeks brushing past each other.

Marta heard a soft whisper in her ear. "You take delight in torturing me, don't you?"

"But you suffer it so well," she replied. She was braced on the arm placed on the far side of the tub so with her free hand she started a slow decent down his chest. It traveled below the waterline brushed hot, firm flesh. She had traced one finger along the length of his erection when she felt the laces loosen. She was sure she heard a growl from him as she stood up, but then she gave a shrug and a little shake. All of her underclothes fell in a pile at her feet.

*-*-*-*-*

My God, she is beautiful. Helm completely forgot about the most recent round of teasing. She stood poised, confident; which reminded him of what had attracted him to this woman in the first place. He let his eyes wander slowly over the sight. Long limbs, curves and arcs in all the right places, and such lovely skin. He was sure it would be an enticing contrast to his own pale flesh. There is a theory that must be tested. Now.

Marta must have seen that he had come to some conclusion, for she narrowed her eyes at him for a moment, then she sat on the rim of the tub with one thigh resting along the edge. He saw his chance. He wrapped one long arm around her hips and pulled her into the water -- onto his lap to be precise. Helm didn't understand the stream of words that followed but their meaning was crystal clear. He muffled his laughter against her shoulder, trying to disguise the motion as kisses, but she must have detected the mirth.

"You're laughing at me!"

"Only at your temper. Never at you." He hugged her tighter and continued the kisses up the side of her neck. He could feel her relax, and when she tilted her head back to rest it on his shoulder he could see her small smile. As he watched, that smile developed traces of a wicked grin and she wiggled her hips.

He chuckled in her ear. "If you are finding your seat uncomfortable there are adjustments that can be made."

"Later. This is nice. Where's the rest of that brandy?"

Oh, no. No more stalling. Helm leaned forward and caught the leg of the stool. He pulled it close enough to reach the glass and handed it to Marta. She took a long sip and then gave another series of little wriggles, like a cat getting settled on someone's lap. It was only when she seemed satisfied that she handed him the glass. He drained the rest of the brandy in one swallow.

"It's gone."

She turned her whole body in surprise and he took advantage of her momentarily unstable position to lever himself out from under her and out of the tub. She just sat staring at him and he gave her a moment to sort out some kind of reaction. When none seemed forthcoming, he took her hand and pulled her to her feet. Then he swept her into his arms and out of the bath. That motion prompted a response but he cut her off. "If you are not going to move on your own, woman, this is the easiest way to solve the problem."

She was again cut off from replying by her less than soft landing on the flat end of the tilted examining table. She was looking toward the door to his office and his bed. Helm just smiled and situated himself between her knees, put his hands on her hips, and pulled her forward. Her eyes widened a moment in surprise and then she threaded her fingers through his hair as she smiled.

"You are such a bright boy," she said as she pulled him close for a kiss.

"So I've been told," he replied just before their lips met.

Marta's hands traveled from his head down his back. Helm took advantage of this change in position to bring his hands to her hair. He had wanted to do this for months. Finding all of the pins was not a problem and her hair fell down over her shoulders. At that moment, he was distracted from this small victory by a firm squeeze to his ass. He broke the gentle kiss they had been sharing to feign a shocked look. She just shrugged and grinned. "I've wanted to do that for months."

She continued fondling his buttocks in a circular, rhythmic pattern which encouraged his hips to a similar motion. She let her head fall back with a sigh, "Oh, that's good."

Helm watched Marta's enjoyment as he congratulated himself on seeing the possibilities for this table. He hadn't been sure that it was the right height until the moment he had pulled her toward him and his erection nestled between her labia.. He could tell that it would only take a slight adjustment to the angle to allow him to slip within her. Now the underside of his cock was sliding against her, in what looked like a very pleasurable manner from her point of view. From his as well, and his fragile control wouldn't allow him to do this for much longer. For the moment though he could find other distractions.

He focused on her exposed throat. He leaned forward and ran the tip of his tongue from her chin to the notch in her breastbone. She groaned and stretched out on the angled table. This movement also shifted her hips so that every slide now sent him through more moist heat. He kept his attention concentrated on the activities of his mouth. It moved over her breasts, his tongue teasing her nipples. Suckling, lightly nipping, tracing patterns as it roamed the soft skin. He thought he heard Marta say his name and then she put a hand in his hair. She said his name again and tightened her fingers to pull his head up to meet her eyes -- they were dark and frantic. "Damn it, Robert! Stop teasing!"

*-*-*-*-*

She watched the change in him happen almost instantly. The green eyes went from slightly unfocused to sharp and bright as he immediately cooperated with the movement of her hips and found her opening. He entered her in one easy stroke and claimed her mouth at the same time.

He hadn't kissed her like this before, almost bruising, and the duel sensations caused her to gasp. Immediately he retreated, but she pulled him back to her with the hand in his hair and her legs wrapped around his hips. With this clear sign, he set an easy rhythm but she encouraged him to a faster, harder pace, to help bring her over that edge that coming within reach.

Helm stopped completely, resting his forehead on her chest. Marta continued to writhe under him. Finally, he warned her, "If you don't stop that, this will be over before it begins."

"Before it begins?! What do you think we have been doing from the moment you walked in the door?"

Helm met her eyes, paused a beat, then his face lit in a grin. "Excellent point."

The next stroke was what she had been after and she arched off the table. It didn't take long for the wave of heat to build again, particularly with his lips on her throat and one hand teasing a nipple in maddeningly gentle counterpoint to the firm thrusts into her body. Suddenly, he claimed her mouth again in a fierce kiss.

Whether it was the kiss or just coincidence, she didn't know, but that was the moment that her body decided to end her torment. The orgasm stole her breath so it was Helm's groan that was muffled by their joined mouths. She had to break the kiss to gasp for air and he buried his face in her neck while he rode out the last spasms of his release. They were both still for a few minutes until Helm began to apologize as he noticed that he had taken a bruising grip on her breast.

Marta was far from concerned. "If you have left bruises you will just have to kiss them better."

"Three times a day until they are gone." The doctor promptly applied the first treatment.

Marta laughed at the thought of the reaction of the women in Santa Helena if news of this cure became known... bruises would abound. The laughter had the added result of forcing Helm's softening penis from her. He looked up, wounded. "That's what you think of me, is it?"

She chuckled again and kissed him. "That's what I think of you. Let's go to bed. As much as I enjoyed this table, it's difficult to cuddle on."

With a bath full of water in the room, washing was a simple matter. Marta collected their clothes to move to the bedroom while Helm poured another glass of the brandy. The house was starting to cool so they hurried to crawl under the blankets. They snuggled close; not that there was much choice, the bed was definitely made for only one.

Marta took a small sip of the brandy and gave Helm a kiss, she was sure she would never get enough of kissing this man, then she settled with her head on his chest.

"When do you have to leave?" Helm was nuzzling her forehead, running his cheek over the top of her head.

"There's no hurry. If it's all right with you, I thought I would leave at some reasonable hour in the morning, to make it look like I had made an early call. Not that I am worried about anyone finding out about us, but I don't like the idea of being the topic of the latest gossip."

"And the senorita? What will she think about this?"

Marta raised herself up on an elbow to look down at him. "Who do you think gave me the brandy?" she said as she leaned down to kiss him, again.

THE END