And Those Who Trespass Against Us by Helen M MacPherson

never do anything to hurt you." Adele paused, as if searching for words, while not breaking her eyes from Catriona's. "That's why I must ask you something. You must know by now how I feel for you. But do you want this? Think carefully Catriona. What we've done so far is regarded by many as unspeakable, and would cause great pain to both your family and to us if we were found out. Do you understand what I'm asking you?"
    "I don't understand. I've never kissed anyone like I've just kissed you and it felt wonderful. What's so unspeakable about what I feel for you?"
    "It's wrong in the eyes of society. The way I feel for you, Catriona, is the way a man does about a woman. Love of the same sex is an abomination in the eyes of the church and society. I want to share my love with you, but not unless you want the same. The decision is yours."
    Catriona stood at a gateway in her life. To step through would mean a different path. Adele was right. What they had done wasn't socially acceptable, but neither was Catriona with her tomboy ways. It may be wrong, but she'd never felt at such peace with herself and this was something she liked. She took Adele's hand. "I want you to love me, and I want you to teach me how to love you in return."
    Adele's face lit up. She took Catriona's hand and placed a kiss in her palm. She guided her out of the water to where the blanket had earlier been spread and sat, pulling Catriona down beside her. She leant over and loosened the ties on Catriona's chemise.
    With tentative hands, Catriona followed Adele's lead.
    Adele slid her hands under Catriona's chemise. Her hands cupped Catriona's breasts. "Your skin is so soft," she whispered. Petite and firm, her breasts responded well to Adele's touch. Adele peeled the wet chemise from Catriona's shoulders.
    Catriona felt Adele's eyes on her. Suddenly afraid, she panicked and fumbled with Adele's chemise.
    Adele gently halted Catriona's hand. "Let me love you first." Leaning over, she placed a tender kiss on Catriona's mouth. She lowered Catriona to the blanket, softly leaving a trail of kisses from Catriona's eyes to her throat.
    Catriona had never experienced such sensations. Her breathing was ragged, and she heard the staccato beat of her heart. Yet soon all she could concentrate on were the light kisses Adele tenderly applied to her body.
    With Adele's hands cupping her breasts, Catriona feared her heart would burst. Adele's thumbs lightly traced Catriona's nipple as her kisses followed a path down Catriona's throat and across her shoulder. She gasped when Adele lowered her teasing lips to where her hand had been only moments ago. No longer able to contain herself, she grasped the thick tresses of Adele's hair. Adele's tongue played with Catriona's nipple until it blossomed in her mouth.
    Adele broke her connection and placed her cheek against Catriona's other breast. "You don't know how long I've waited for this to happen. I've watched you for so long, my love, fearful of what might occur, if you ever discovered my feelings for you."
    Catriona stroked Adele's hair. "I never knew, although you made me feel so strange sometimes, when you looked at me like you did. But this, between us now--I can't believe anything which feels so right could be judged so wrong."
    "It isn't, if there's love involved."
    Adele's tongue flicked Catriona's nipple and Catriona arched against Adele. "Oh Adele," she whispered.
    Adele kissed the hollow between Catriona's breasts, unhurriedly moving down till she reached the top of Catriona's bloomers. She slowly peeled the bloomers down and kissed the crown of dark hair.
    Catriona shuddered. "Oh God, how do you do that? How do you manage to make me feel this way?"
    Adele lightly laughed. "It's love, remember. There's so much more I want to share with you." Reaching down, she placed her hand on top of one of Catriona's legs and, ever so gently, her fingers traced a path to Catriona's inner thigh. She exerted a gentle pressure pulling her