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Vesta Sweetwater leaned back in her crescent moon lift and smiled beatifically at the audience as the final lines of her song faded out. She gave herself a mental pat on the back as she was safely lowered down to the stage. Everything had gone swimmingly. The effects had gone off without a hitch, her Megalon dress had seamlessly flicked in and out of visibility just the way she’d wanted, and her backup dancers had been flawless.
She waved regally with one arm while the other cradled her ukulele, flashing a toothy media darling smile as she and her fellow performers basked in the roar of applause and the flash of innumerable cameras.
“Thank you, New Rome!!” She shouted even though she knew no one was listening anymore. She loved it when she got to play at the Garden. There was nowhere else she could shine bigger or brighter.
And now for the moment of truth.
“How much will you pledge?” the master of ceremonies beseeched, his booming voice reverberating throughout the arena. “Do I hear five million? Ten?”
Vesta fidgeted, face fixed, not daring to show her discomfort. Her squeaky clean image was worth big bucks. That was what they had told her when she was chosen. When the rich threw their money at her, it was a huge win for morals and decency. And if she didn’t like being a public institution, well, there were plenty of other girls where Vesta had come from.
So she smiled and smiled, half believing in what they’d made of her.
“A hundred million!! Yes! There we have it!” The emcee pointed gleefully and decisively in the direction of the VIP section, and as the accompanying round of applause began to quiet, Vesta realized it was a sum no one else would be topping that night.
Vesta looked up to see who had made the $100 million pledge. She was expecting to see the face of Nush Berman or one of the other members of the city’s elite looking chuffed at being able to throw their weight around. Instead, the paddle with the QR code was held aloft by a vaguely familiar-looking woman.
She felt a jolt through her nervous system, the shock freezing her in place mid-wave. The woman’s paddle wasn’t the usual blue square but instead red and heart-shaped.
In New Rome, everyone had a price. The scarlet paddle told Vesta she’s finally found someone willing to pay hers. Seeing she had caught her eye, the woman brandished it with a flourish and blew her a kiss.
Before she could process how to react, a stagehand came up to her, ready with Vesta’s own gauzy seafoam green wrap.
“Everything’s been taken care of. You’re going home with her.” They said matter-of-factly as they plucked her flower crown off of her head and walked her down.
Vesta peppered them with questions that were left unanswered as she was whisked out the performer’s exit and into the backseat of a waiting Rolls-Royce.
“No turning back, then,” she muttered as the door was shut behind her. Inside the car, her winning patron - no, bidder - she reminded herself, lifted her crimson lips in an enigmatic smile. Everything she wore was gold, from the gleaming laurel braided in her blonde hair to the glistening lines of her toga. The look she gave her was sparkling with anticipation, like a kid on Saturnalia, and it made Vesta feel like she was about to be eaten whole.
“Wow Platinum, by the way.” The name finally clicked, and Vesta recalled the sultry broadcaster who promised to “bring you the score from the trading room floor” on weekday mornings.
“Chill out,” the woman drawled as the driver pulled into traffic. “I don’t bite. Unless you want me to.”
Vesta turned away and remained silent for the rest of the ride. She hugged herself stiffly, reflecting on the fact that all she possessed now were the clothes on her back and a ukulele case.
“Well, here we are.” Vesta watched as her hostess chucked her designer clutch onto the counter in the entryway and bent over to do battle with the knee-high straps of her gladiator sandals. After pausing to follow suit with her own footwear, she put her things down in a calmer manner and followed silently as she was led inside her abode, their bare feet sinking into plush carpeting.
Wow Platinum’s apartment was more boudoir than resting place. She switched off the TV that had been left on, and Vesta absently noted the sight of Mayor Cicero making sweeping gestures at the model casino he unveiled before the press to the sound of distant booing. “That was my assignment originally,” the reporter commented breezily. “But I decided I would rather spend some quality time with you.”
“Where’d you get the cash?” Wow rounded and leveled her with a glare. Vesta knew it wasn’t the polite thing to say, but at this point she didn’t care. A lot of daytime announcers had money but not “Fuck you, I’m buying an idol to be my wife” kind of money.
“Let’s just say I know how to…negotiate.” Wow shrugged as she moved to make herself comfortable on her couch. “They don’t call me Money Bunny for nothing.” She’d seen clips of her program before, but up until tonight she had never seen the woman in the flesh. Ms. Platinum was gorgeous but in an intimidating, uninhibited way. Her attitude was sharp and unapologetically venal - the polar opposite of her stage persona.
“So you’re saying I should trust you?” Vesta sat herself down on an opposing chair, still at arm’s length.
“I’m saying this could be a huge boost for both of our profiles.” Wow leaned back and crossed her arms, daring her guest to defy her reasoning. “Vesta Sweetwater marries veteran Wall Street newshound. How refreshing! They might even put us on the cover of TEMPUS Magazine.” Her eyes seemed to shine at the thought. Vesta bit her lip, her mind grasping for an objection.
“I really hadn’t been considering marriage this early in my career…”
“Oh come off it!" Her patroness gave a derisive laugh. "Aren’t you feeling stifled by the whole virginal ‘little old me’ act? Never wanted to cut loose? There’s no need to hide anything from me, Vesta. I’ve done my due diligence. Trust me, no one believes that you’re actually sixteen.” Wow’s voice was only mildly contemptuous.
“Is this blackmail?” Vesta drew herself up, a hand tensing with the beginnings of outrage.
“What the fuck? No.” Wow drew back, seemingly insulted. “You can always turn me down. This is a one-time offer, though.” Vesta backed off, slouching into the chair with a pout.
“I just have to ask: What’s in it for you? You could get with any number of rich and powerful people. Why choose me?”
Wow sat up and angled towards her, a pleased look gracing her features. She gave her a smile with actual warmth this time, as if she were an interviewee who’d finally been asked the right question.
“I think the two of us go together nicely. You’re sacred, and I’m profane.”
She leaned forward ever so slightly, bringing her lips to cover hers, and time stopped.
Neither of them were fazed by the limelight, but Vesta could feel a creeping shyness as the magnitude of their contract began to sink in. Could it really be that she liked her for her and not for power or fame? It seemed silly to think so, but Wow’s back and forth between teasing and tenderness was throwing her for a loop. Reluctantly, she pulled back.
“Are you really serious about this?” She glared at her accusingly. “You’re not just going to dump me for a publicity stunt, are you?”
“Oh how you wound me, Vesta!” Wow placed a hand over her heart dramatically.
“How about this? I couldn’t stand hearing ‘My Pledge’ getting overplayed on the airwaves every damn day. You had to be stopped.” She smirked before lunging forward for another, more forceful kiss.
“Mmmph-, ?!” The surprise in Vesta’s voice put a look of triumph on Wow’s face. In her distress, she let the strap of her prized gown fall down her shoulder, and Wow took the opportunity to nip at the exposed skin.
“A see-through dress?” She scoffed. “What kind of fool came up with that idea? They’re looking through you when they should be looking at you.” Vesta could only whimper meekly as the precious material was rumpled and shoved off of her body. Strewn over the cushions, the glowing text announcing “The Megalon” continued to shine.
Wow stood back to appraise Vesta’s stripped form, a hand still on her shoulder.
“Oh Gods. You actually wear those! I thought it was just a marketing thing.”
Sure enough, Vesta’s remaining modesty was preserved by her brand’s signature panties, pristine white emblazoned with a silkscreen of her own serene visage and accented with a golden chain upon which dangled a matching set of lock and key charms.
“They’re limited edition,” Vesta explained in a businesslike tone. “Big hit with the fans.” Wow clicked her tongue at this.
“I’ll bet. Well Little Miss Virgin, are you ready to fuck?”
Vesta nodded, unable to take her eyes off of her. Gold bangles wound around both her biceps in a pair of glistening serpentine lines. Wow loved her jewelry, and there was fascination in her gaze as she toyed with Vesta’s chandelier earrings and jeweled bracelets. They’d both been frosted well for tonight's occasion.
“C’mere and let me show you how I really feel.”
She shook out her hair as she led Vesta into her messy, overly furnished bedroom that was dripping with reds and metallics.
Vesta watched admiringly as Wow unwrapped her toga and joined her in a state of undress. It felt so decadent, rolling around in Wow’s satiny bed sheets, clothed in nothing but gold and gems. They sparkled around her throat in the low light, and Vesta relished the weight around her wrists and fingers.
“My, don’t you look cute.” Wow’s voice was more enthusiastic than before, and Vesta was glad to hear her so appreciative.
“People are throwing money at you to ensure you don’t get laid,” Wow shuddered “Where’s the fun in that?”
“It’s part of my image!” Vesta squeaked in defense, but Wow did not appear to be listening. She toyed with her sensitive nipples as she kissed her neck, massaging the stiffening peaks. Meanwhile, with her other hand she peeled away those limited edition panties with skilled movements that Vesta helpfully raised her hips to accommodate. They joined Wow’s garments on a nearby haphazard pile.
“So much for chastity,” Wow purred with a relish as she slid her ringed fingers into Vesta’s warm, wet center, making her gasp aloud. “This is fun, isn’t it?” Vesta could only whimper, overwhelmed as she was.
“Yes,” she said it as a whisper.
“That’s what we like to hear!” Wow grinned down at her. “And now why don’t we continue this little ceremony…”
She spread her legs wide and welcomed Wow’s unhindered touch at the apex of her thighs.
Wow looked on intently as she let out a deep moan. There was a look of consternation that suggested she had been waiting for the right time to share a part of herself with Vesta, but something had always made her hesitate. Now it seemed she had no choice but to be honest.
“You may not believe me, but I want this to be good for you.”
Vesta’s eyes were wide but she did not back away.
“May I keep touching you?” she asked, voice soft as if with awe. The pop star nodded, lips trembling and about to brim over with emotion. Wow must find her so easy. To her surprise, a reassuring hand stroked her hair comfortingly, and the feeling of it made her relax. Who knew Wow Platinum had this side to her?
“Anything you need sweetheart. Let me help you.” Wow was ready to take advantage of the offer before her rational mind could intervene. Her fingers worked at Vesta and she pushed her further down onto the bed, curling gently and memorizing the shape of her.
Vesta had no complaints.
“Wow!” The blush on her cheeks and all over her body betrayed the pleasure she was feeling at being touched. She rode out her orgasm with her hands clinging to Wow. Even as she caught her breath, her partner was not done, mouth going for her breasts and every sensitive spot on her torso. Her lips suckled at Vesta while her dexterous fingers teased her inexperienced lover between the legs once again. The smooth coolness of her rings brushed against her partner’s sensitive folds and began spreading the moisture there.
“You're really great at this,” Vesta murmured breathlessly between kisses. "I know, thanks." For once, she couldn't fault Wow for sounding so smug. “Please, give me everything...” "Happy to oblige."
She adjusted their positions so that her head was bowed between her quivering thighs. With gentle hands, she spread them apart as she delved in with her mouth, acting feverish and greedy with desire. She savored the taste of her, clean and sweet, humming contentedly if she’d been fantasizing about it. Vesta moaned her name, and Wow moved as if she felt her own body respond in kind. The sleek metal of their golden ornaments curled around them, almost as if it had a life of their own, and proceeded to assist her in stimulating Vesta’s skin.
As if sensing her needs, Wow went even harder tongue laving her with broad, hungry strokes. Vesta closed her eyes as she whimpered in pleasure. She had been unprepared to be eaten out so forcefully, and her body was overwhelmed. As Vesta’s tongue quested further, she keened, unable to stop herself from grinding down against the mouth that explored her. At the feeling of Wow entering her with her tongue one last time, her mind went blank, and she could do nothing but moan and hold on tight to the woman beneath her as she experienced her next climax. Wow’s fingertips returned to move in Vesta after she came, tickling her clit and massaging her by turns until she couldn’t take it anymore. The head of bleached blonde hair finally came to rest against her leg, and Vesta was so dazed she could barely process the feeling of Wow pulling herself up so that she could flop onto the feather pillows beside her.
The next morning, stray sunlight peeped through the curtains, and Vesta blinked herself awake to look out the window upon a city that really did seem bright with possibility. When she made to move, she found herself weighed down by another set of limbs, and only then did she realize that her bedmate had moved to cuddle her in her sleep.
“You’re sweet, Wow.” Vesta sat up and beamed. "Last night was amazing." The other woman rolled her eyes at her bubbliness, groaning as she stole the sheets and rolled over to face the wall.
“I’m just an opportunist. Always wanted to be half of a power couple.”
Vesta looked back over her shoulder at the huddle that was now making a show of snoring loudly instead of paying any attention to her. There was an energy building inside her, unlike anything she’d felt when she’d gone up to sing her sweet and inoffensive songs in front of those crowds. It was excitement, the kind she’d only observed secondhand until now. She giggled quietly to herself and grinned at no one in particular.
“You know what? Maybe I did too.”