Ilford Indulgence
"Spa owner Obiageli's new massage therapist—a thick Ethiopian named Almaz—has magic hands that do more than just release tension in their private after-hours sessions."
The Ilford spa was Obiageli's kingdom.
Hiring Almaz was supposed to be a business decision.
The thick Ethiopian therapist came with glowing references and hands that clients called "magical." What Obiageli didn't expect was the way Almaz looked at her.
"Would you like a demonstration?" Almaz offered after the interview. "I could show you my techniques."
"That's not necessary—"
"But wouldn't it be nice?"
Professional demonstration. Nothing more.
Almaz's hands found every knot in Obiageli's back, pressure firm and knowing.
"You carry your stress here," Almaz observed. "And here. When did you last let someone take care of you?"
"I own the business. I do the caring."
"Then let me care for you. As thanks for the job."
The massage evolved.
Almaz's hands traveled lower, working the tension from Obiageli's thick thighs. Her touches became strokes. Her professional distance dissolved.
"Tell me to stop," Almaz whispered. "If you want me to."
"I don't want you to stop."
"Good."
On the massage table, surrounded by the scent of eucalyptus, Almaz showed Obiageli her full technique.
Her fingers found places that no professional massage should reach. Her mouth followed.
"Oh God—"
"Relax. Let go. That's it."
Obiageli came on her own massage table, Almaz's name on her lips.
"We shouldn't have done that," Obiageli said afterwards.
"Did you enjoy it?"
"Immensely."
"Then we should do it again." Almaz's smile was pure temptation. "Private session. After hours. No clients. Just us."
"That's wildly inappropriate."
"I know." She leaned close. "Say yes anyway."
The after-hours sessions became ritual.
Massage that became touching. Touching that became love-making. A spa that became their private sanctuary.
"I think I'm falling for you," Obiageli admitted.
"Think?" Almaz's hands worked her back. "I know I'm falling for you. I have been since the interview."
"You were very professional."
"On the outside." Those magical hands dipped lower. "Inside, I was imagining exactly this."
Ilford's best spa gained a reputation for discretion.
What happened in the private rooms stayed private.
And the owner and her star therapist built a life together, one massage at a time.
"Best hire I ever made," Obiageli said.
"Best job I ever took," Almaz agreed.