Huh? “What are they?” I ask, pulling out a pair of leather strips from a pouch that was sitting on top of a pair of killer super high-heeled black Louboutin shoes.
“Ankle corsets. Once tied up, they’re sexy as hell,” Ciara explains.
“Kinky,” I say.
“Very,” she grins. I move to the third box. Okay. It contains a crisp white shirt that's clearly not my size. I'm a bit confused at first, but then my eyes zoom in on the B. B. initials on the cuff. “Brandon’s?” I ask.
Ciara nods. “I was told we might lose you in one of Holden’s, so they compromised on Brandon’s,” Ciara laughs. I join her. "I think it's a guy thing. They get a kick out of knowing you're wearing one of their shirts. My husband did the same thing. Trust me, you'll enjoy it as much as they do, even if you're swimming in it."
"Duly noted," I say, before moving my attention to the last box. “These are stunning,” I say when I pull out sheer white lace lingerie. The delicate bra is like a bustier and the cut out in the panties screams vixen. “I love them.” Those two are masterful players.
“At least you’re luckier than I was. Nikolaj had me walking around naked underneath his white shirt the first time we went to For Your Eyes Only. At least you get the luxury of wearing undies.”
“He did that?" I gasp.
“Yup."
"I would've died," I shriek.
"I know, right. I felt so exposed,” she says. “Dirty rascal,” she shakes her head. “But it was well worth it in the end,” she winks.
"I'm glad Brandon and Holden didn't push the envelope too far with me," I comment.
Prancing around without knickers is out of the question. The kind of gift I have for them requires wrapping.
I reach out for the bags, but Ciara stops me. “Not yet. It’s too early,” she reminds me.
“Oh, yeah, you did mention that. There’s a lot to take in,” I say apologetically.
My heart is pounding like crazy. With my eyes cast on all these luxury items, it hits me that my boys and I are really stepping things up tonight.
“I know and that’s why I’m here. Let’s get you all dolled up. I want to make sure your boys lose their ability to speak when they see you walk into the lounge.”
“That’s a tall order,” I joke.
“Tsk,” she reprimands with a frown. “With your stunning looks and my magic touch, it’s as good as done.”
We both laugh.
CHAPTER 58
Brandon
I look down at my watch for the tenth time. As much as I'm dying to text Amelia, I refrain. I don't want to distract her. I know she's in good hands. I'm sure Ciara will do everything in her power to make this experience less nerve-racking for our princess. Holden and I spent the last week in Dublin and in Berlin. Business is on fire, but being away from Amelia is quickly becoming insupportable. The nightly Skype three-way video calls were an acceptable surrogate because I was able to see her beautiful face before going to bed, but they did little to tame the growing need to have her little body nestled between my best friend’s and mine every single night of the week. Damn, I can't wait to see her.
"Brandon. Mate." Nikolaj’s voice shakes me out of my reverie.
"Sorry. Did you say something?"
"Where the hell were you?" Duke frowns. "Never mind," he continues without giving me a chance to answer. "I know exactly where you were,” he chuckles. “Stop worrying." He checks his expensive Patek Philippe watch. "My wife should deliver your precious princess within the next twenty minutes." His mocking eyes meet mine and I can't help but smile.
"Was I that obvious?" I ask.
"Yes," Nikolaj and Holden answer in unison.
"Shit,” I hiss. "It's been a really long and busy week," I attempt to explain.
“Sure, mate. You keep telling yourself that," Duke grins. "Keep lying about the fact that you can't wait for her to get here."
“I'm so busted," I shake my head.
"Yes," Nikolaj and Holden chime in together again.
"Why don’t you have another shot of WhistlePig and relax,” Nikolaj suggests.
“Good idea,” I reply.
I get up and stride to the credenza and pour myself three fingers of whiskey. “More?” I ask, lifting the bottle. They both nod. I do the rounds and top up their glasses. I drop the bottle and take a sip before returning to my seat.
"Better?" Nikolaj asks.
"Much. I can think straight again," I lie.
"Mate, from the way you've been distracted all evening, I doubt you'll be able to snap out of it until the two of you have her again.” Nikolaj von Henningsen has never been one to mince words. I open my mouth to retort, but he doesn’t give me a chance. “Hey, I'm not judging." He throws his hands up in truce. "I'm in the same boat. I haven't been in the same city as my wife for the past ten days. I'm fucking dying here," he laughs. Holden and I join him. Same here. I jerked off like crazy the first few days away from her, but it’s not nearly as satisfying as Amelia’s pussy or her mouth. I just gave up. “Why is it that Holden seems to be handling it better than you and I are?” Duke asks.
Holden chuckles. “Just because I hide it well doesn’t mean I’m faring better.”
Nikolaj, Holden and I met at Cremini’s at eight for dinner. Since the restaurant is close to our homes, it was perfect. After another delicious meal feasting on hearty Italian cuisine while overlooking Hyde Park, Nikolaj’s chauffeur dropped us in front of Nightfall at ten. We arrived at the same time as a wave of other patrons. Chris' strict dress code is very deceiving. From the outside, it looks like a group of people clad in the latest expensive fashion standing in line to enter a nondescript event. Once you pass the gatekeepers and security check, it's a whole other ball game. A lot of patrons change into something very risqué and raunchy. Nikolaj, Holden and I are still wearing our trademark bespoke tailored suits. Why mess with a good thing? We’re now kicking back in the swanky private lounge Duke reserved.
“Well, you were right,” I say to Nikolaj.
"About what?"
“Chris is cut from the same cloth Holden and I are," I respond.
"Changing the subject, Royal?" Duke teases.
"Damn right. If there are still twenty more minutes to go, the less we talk about her, the more I’ll be able to keep it together."
"Okay, I'll play along," Duke concedes. "I told you. I admire Chris’ courage and tenacity. It's easy to rise to the top when you're already halfway there. When you start at the bottom and you become king of the town, that's bloody admirable."
"He's definitely elevated sex clubs. I’ve never seen anything like this before," I admit.
"I'm fairly impressed,” Holden says. “I trust you implicitly, Duke, and I knew you'd never set foot in here if it wasn't up to your standards, but seeing it with my own eyes is mind-blowing."
Chris gave us a tour of his upscale sex club. We aren’t rookies at this. After all, Holden and I have been to many similar clubs on both sides of the Atlantic. That said, Chris’ club is the ultimate dirty experience. The combination of displayed perversions, overt satisfaction of kinks, the sultry music playing in the background, the lingering smell of sex and my own desperate need for Amelia left me horny as hell.
“After visiting the suite that's assigned to us, I understand why Martin is such a fan of this place," I say. “And specifically of those rooms,” I add.
"Brandon is right,” Holden says, “That’s the kind of setting that can turn the most levelheaded guy into a hardcore voyeur. You get an eyeful of everything you can possibly imagine. I might not be as committed as Martin, but since I've been tipping the scale for a long time, I'm not sure how I’ll hold back tonight." He combs his hands through his hair and fixates me with a knowing glance. I respond with a small nod. He shifts slightly in his seat. I do the same. Duke follows suit. Clearly, I’m not the only one who’s hard.
We sit in silence for a few long minutes before Duke speaks again. "It's not about holding back, Viking
—”
"It’s her first time, Nikolaj," Holden cautions.
"Yeah, we want to ease her into this," I say.
"That's one way of seeing it," Duke states.
"And what's your way?" Holden challenges.
"I was relentless with Ciara the first time I took her to For Your Eyes Only. I mean I was like a starved beast—she was the vulnerable lamb and I was the badass wolf. The idea of taking her in an illicit setting had me fucking hard the second I arrived. I was at it for hours without giving her any respite. I couldn’t get enough of her. She never complained. On the contrary. Before the end of the evening she was already begging to come back." Duke flashes Holden a row of perfect white teeth. "It's true that I don't know your princess, but I know you two very well. If she’s able to keep up with the pair of you, maybe you're underestimating her,” he pauses, shifting his gaze from me to Holden. “She's coming here willingly.” Another short pause. “Take advantage of that, mates." There’s that cocky grin again.
CHAPTER 59
Amelia
It wasn’t easy to convince my officers not to tail me. It’s not as if I could tell them that I was going to an upscale sex club. Holden came up with a white lie. He explained that we would be attending a private masquerade ball and that no one would recognize me. He promised that he wouldn’t leave my side. He also told them that Brandon would also be there for extra security. It wasn't an automatic yes. It had to go way up the rankings, but in the end Daddy approved it. Once I stepped out of my penthouse, Officer Stohler didn’t believe it was me until I spoke. Ciara planned the ruse down to the feathered mask, which I ditched the second we left the building.
At ten thirty, Ciara and I slide in the back of her silver Maserati and her chauffeur hits the road. We drive for a long while along familiar streets until he turns down roads in a remote part of London I’ve never ventured near. Ciara and I have been chatting leisurely while sipping on champagne. She’s been so patient at answering all my questions—even the silly ones. She said that she was more than happy to give me just enough info to settle my nerves without ruining the experience for me. I honestly doubt I could’ve managed on my own. Thank God, Brandon and Holden enlisted her as my chaperone. I laughed at the idea at first, stating that I was a big girl and I could get ready on my own. I’m glad they didn’t listen.
After a few minutes in silence contemplating the nightlife, I turn towards Ciara and ask, “Can I be honest?"
"Of course," she replies. "You don't like the look?" She waves a manicured finger at me.
"Oh, no. I love it. I can barely believe the transformation," I grin. "This has to do with when we first met."
"I'm all ears."
"I was fairly intimidated when I opened the door and saw you standing there," I reveal.
"Little ol’ me?" She asks with a dramatic hand gesture.
"Let's not kid ourselves. You’re incredibly gorgeous, tall, talented and smart. It's quite the lethal combination. It can easily crumble a girl's confidence. I really didn't expect you to be this easy going or this friendly."
"Thank you for saying that. That means a lot to me," she smiles. “Can I be honest?"
“Please.”
“When Nikolaj first told me about you, I expected you to be as snooty and arrogant as King Albert's granddaughters. I was certain it was going to be a nightmarish evening babysitting a brat. I'm glad I was wrong."
We both laugh.
“I know we only officially met a few hours ago, but I feel we’ve bonded like long-lost friends," I say.
"That's a huge compliment," she smiles. She grabs my hand and interlaces our fingers together. "I feel the same way."
"We're here, madam." The chauffeur’s announcement breaks the moment.
I turn to look out the window as he slows down in front of a fairly plain-looking building. This is upscale? I would be nervous were it not for the number of taxis and luxury cars dropping off other guests clad in dapper outfits.
"Thank you, Ian. That will be all for tonight. You can drive the car back to the house. Robert will drive my husband and I home."
“Very well, madam,” the chauffer replies, his eyes staring from the rearview mirror.
Ciara turns her attention back to me. “Ready?” she asks, squeezing my hand when the car comes to a complete stop in front of two tall men in uniform wearing white gloves.
“I’m not sure I’d go that far, but there’s no going back now,” I say, returning her smile.
“Just follow my lead until we get into the private lounge and you’ll be fine. Once there, your boys will take over,” she advises. “Do you remember your alias?”
“Yes,” I nod.
Ciara gave me the rundown on our pseudonyms. She’s James Bond girl, Elektra King. Nikolaj is Mr. Aston—as in Aston Martin. I honestly could’ve guessed my boys’ alias. Brandon is Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, and Holden is Steven Rogers, aka Captain America. Since Diana Prince is too close for comfort, my boys selected Carol Danvers for me. Yup, I’m Miss Marvel for tonight. This should be fun.
“Perfect. It’s show time. And don’t worry, no one will recognize you—not when you look like this,” she brushes her eyes down to my waist and back up. "Not to mention, we’re going through the private entrance," she adds.
“In that case, let’s do this.”
“That’s my girl,” Ciara cheers.
Right on cue, both back doors swing open.
“This is it,” I coax myself.
I accept the hand that’s extended to me and slide out of the car. Ciara does the same. I falter at first, but quickly find my footing when I step onto the pavement. Calm down. Nervously, I pull at my trench coat and smooth down the leather with the palm of my hand. I furtively look around to see if anyone is paying attention to me. Nope. I sigh with relief when it becomes apparent that guests are too busy making their way to the entrance to care. When Ciara waves me over, I follow her.
Nothing could have prepared me for what awaits once I walk through the heavy metal doors—not even all the research I did online at Charlie’s place. Holy amazing. Sultry club music is coming through the speakers and low lighting gives our surroundings a sensuous vibe. Wow. The unassuming exterior of the building is very deceiving. You’d never know this place hides a little hedonistic oasis in plain view.
There's so much to take in. My eyes bounce to every corner of the entrance soaking up the luxurious club’s atmosphere. To my surprise, it's not nearly as threatening as I expected it to be. I knew it beforehand, but I'm certain now that I'll walk out of here a changed person.
As I take in the couples embracing around us, an overwhelming longing engulfs me again. God, I’ve missed my boys. This week has proven to be far more challenging than I thought. Of course, I desperately miss the sex, but it’s much more than that. I also miss it just being the three of us. I can’t wait to see them again. My tummy tightens and my thighs clench at the anticipation of being with them. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that I’m already wet. This night promises to be beyond my wildest dreams.
Although Ciara did warn me, I'm stupefied by the lack of raunchy outfits. Instead, a crowd of fashionable-clad bodies queues in front of us. After a short wait, it's finally our turn. A tall bald man dressed in a sharp three-piece pinstripe navy blue suit posted behind the welcome desk is bobbing to the music. He stops in a diva-like pause when Ciara steps forward.
"If it isn't the gorgeous Elektra King," the man says before circling the desk to stand right in front of Ciara.
"Oh, Sphinx, you're always full of compliments," Ciara says, returning his air kisses.
"You look fierce, girl. Love, love, love the new hair,” Sphinx says.
“Really?” Ciara asks, touching her newly acquired short bob. It's amazing what a wig can do.
“Don't get me wrong, you look smashing as a blonde, but I must say red suits you. The color is fabulous with the violet eyes." Contact lenses are a beautiful thing. I just discovered that a few hours ag
o. "Then again, a bin bag would look fabulous on you as well," he adds before a boisterous laugh booms out him. When Sphinx finds his composure, he shifts his attention to me. “And who do we have here?” he asks tilting his head to the side. Shit, shit, shit. My heart jumps into my throat.
“I brought a friend along,” Ciara explains.
“Oh yes, Mr. Aston did mention that,” Sphinx says. He's looking straight at me, but he doesn’t seem to recognize me. "Too many faces and pseudonyms to remember," he explains in a pointed British accent. Phew. Thank God.
"Of course," Ciara sympathizes. “This is Carol Danvers.”
“It's a pleasure to meet you, Carol Danvers,” Sphinx parrots with a wink. “Welcome to Nightfall.”
“Thank you. Pleased to meet you too,” I say in a small voice, shaking the hand that’s extended to me.
“Carol is a little shy,” Ciara offers.
“Aren’t we all the first time?” Sphinx states.
Ciara and Sphinx both laugh.
I’m too petrified to crack a smile.
“Mr. Aston is here?” Ciara asks finally after a few mocking seconds that seem like an eternity.
“He’s in your usual room—the Honey Ryder. He’s waiting along with a sexy as fuck duo. I prayed that one of them was gay, but alas, they didn’t even glance my way,” Sphinx complains. “They look like warriors,” he adds. “Real beefy men.” He purrs that last part and I swear I just got wetter.
"Not that I’d know firsthand—because I'm a happily married woman—but rumor has it that they are quite the studs," Ciara waggles her eyebrows.
Even though Ciara isn't even looking my way, I still blush furiously.
"Girl, it's been too long. I missed you." Sphinx lets out another laugh. “Are we expecting another girl?” he asks, getting back into his role of host. Bollocks. “There are three men and only two of you.” His inquisitive eyes bounce from mine to Ciara’s. Shit, shit, shit.
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