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3.
Judith sat; hunched over and more than a bit ashamed of what she had just participated in. Emily however, merely stood and stretched luxuriously. Judith caught herself staring. She had always felt she had a pleasing figure but alongside Emily's spectacular body she suddenly felt inadequate.
“Your talented little fingers have made me ravenous. Come along. We'll eat inside where it is cool.”
Judith followed her inside to a dayroom and a table by a large window looking out on the terrace. They had obviously been in plain view while Blackjack had been setting the table. A table that was set for three, Judith noticed. She had to wonder if her eccentric hostess was going to have the manservant sit down with them.
Blackjack was holding a chair and at a gesture from Emily, Judith allowed him to seat her. He then moved to a settee and retrieved a long silk robe which he held open. Emily slipped into it, belted it and then took the seat opposite Judith.
Judith felt her cheeks flush with the realization that she was purposely being left nude. Perhaps, she thought, if she complained of the room's air conditioning her clothes would be brought. Before she could utter the request she was startled speechless when a stunning redhead strode into the room smiling broadly. The woman was wearing a smart summer outfit similar to the one Judith should have had on. It took every ounce of her will to keep from covering her bareness as best she could and bolting from the room.
“Ah, there you are, Sophia! I was beginning to doubt you were coming. This is my new friend, Judy.”
“You know me, Em, always fashionably late. Hello, Judy.”
Judith managed to choke out a hello in return while trying to cover herself a bit without her distress appearing obvious.
“Sophia has just returned from Rome , Judy. Sit down and tell us all about your adventures, darling.”
Sophia launched into an account of her shopping spree along the exclusive Via Condotti. Emily appeared to be listening raptly while Blackjack quietly circled the table pouring wine. It was completely surreal. Instead of the delightful visit she had envisioned, Judith was living through a waking nightmare.
Angry and embarrassed at being forced to remain nude before yet another stranger, her only escape was to withdraw into a helpless funk. When a plate was placed before her, Judith gratefully concentrated on her food, using her knife and fork tightly in front of her to hide her traitorous nipples as best she could. She had become all too aware that her exposed feeling, coupled with the chill of the room, had made them hard as bullets. All week long Judith had been hoping to appear self-assured and worthy of attention but her poise had disappeared with her clothing. Now, naked and insecure, she was only too happy that she was seemingly being ignored.
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