The Hunt for Xanadu

by Elyse Salpeter

  What was he thinking? That was probably all adrenaline because they were inches away from getting caught. The girl was a professional, for god’s sake.

  The question begged, was he going to be able to get through the next assignment with the evident desire he felt for her? There was no doubt in his mind she’d be able to play her part well. Just the way she’d handled Gino and Chaz told him she was experienced. Normally it would have disturbed him, but for some reason he didn’t care. It was her past and none of his business. What he did care about was that she was also brilliant and fearless and those things fueled his desire for her, making him question his own resolve. And her hair smelled good, too, dammit.

  So much he still didn’t know. He thought about Ari, knowing there was no way they were blood relations with his dark Sephardic looks and her lily white complexion. More so than not, she had gone to live with him and his family after the deaths of her parents. Between that time and this, she’d become a powerhouse, and apparently, her brother as well. There was just too much to think about.

  He concentrated on his own brother and his son, imprinting those faces in his mind so if he started to get swayed while on assignment with Kelsey, he’d think of them. Maybe he could think of baseball.

  He just hoped all of it would be enough.

  Chapter 13

  SMOKE AND MIRRORS

  They checked into their rooms at a hotel in South Beach, Miami. It was a modest space for a suite--two bedrooms with queen-sized beds, a small living room, dining table and open kitchen.

  It was now ten o’clock in the evening and Desmond stood by his bathroom mirror, trying to tame his mane with hair gel. Freshly shaven and wearing expensive designer black slacks, a button down shirt and new black shoes, he could have passed for any of the fashionable men roaming the streets of Miami.

  He stared at his reflection and suddenly wondered what on God’s earth he was doing here? How in the hell was he going to pull this off? He realized he’d agreed to this assignment without fully thinking it through and now he was nervous as hell. To actually stand next to Raul Salazar, the man responsible for his family’s death, and not do anything about it? Turning, he moved into the adjoining room just as the other bedroom door opened. He froze, mid-step.

  Kelsey breezed into the living room and it was as if the very air had been electrified. She was breathtaking. Her hair, which she always seemed to keep tied back, was now down, cascading in deep, thick waves swaying to the middle of her back. She wore a sexy, glittering silver sequined mini-dress with a deep v-neck and mile high stiletto heels. Her face is what shook Desmond to his core. Expertly applied make-up made her navy blue eyes alluringly sexy. Her lips were wet and glossy and her porcelain skin was flawless. Exotic earrings sparkled from her ears and an intricate cuff bracelet graced her arm. She looked like a model or a movie star and he was stunned to silence.

  She paused at his expression and then rolled her eyes. “Easy, Desmond. It’s all just smoke and mirrors. A little pancake and nothing else.”

  Desmond found his breath. “No offense, but I’m not exactly sure what mirror you’re looking into.” He spread his hands wide and turned in a circle, a little embarrassed. “Um, is this okay?”

  She stared at him appreciatively, a light blush coming to her cheeks. “Yeah, you look great. I like what you did with your hair.” She leaned towards him and sniffed. “And you smell nice again, too. You put that on for me?”

  He grinned, both embarrassed and relieved. “Maybe a little. I guess we both clean up well. Just for the record, no matter what happens tonight, know I’ll only be thinking of your mind.”

  That made her laugh. It was so genuine, it released any tension in the room, the awkwardness for the moment disappearing.

  Chapter 14

  GARTERS

  It was eleven o’clock in the evening and it was hot and muggy on the strip. A sleek black limousine slowly pulled up to the entrance of the social club. A long line extended from the front of the building and around the block, packed tight with beautiful young things in slinky, glittery clothing. There was a mix of different types of couples ranging from older men with young women, to middle-aged couples looking for a good time. Two enormous bouncers stood at the head of the line, a velvet rope separating them from the crowd, slowly letting in those who fit the profile of the clientele they wished to entertain that evening.

  A hired driver climbed out of the car, resplendent in his chauffer’s uniform, and opened the door for his passengers. Desmond rolled out first. The bouncer glanced his way, but what he waited for was his guest. Desmond held out his hand and helped Kelsey out of the vehicle. One look exchanged between the two bouncers and the velvet line parted. Desmond and Kelsey breezed inside to the complaints of those still waiting on line.

  The club was mystical and intoxicating. Rose-colored filters played with the light and essential oils permeated the air. Deep, sexy music streamed through speakers hidden in the walls. They came first to the entrance lobby where they were served a glass of high quality champagne. Then they passed through a security check and turned over any cellphones and cameras. Once cleared, they were ushered through the thick tapestried curtain and into the vast open space which reminded one of an airline hanger. Throughout the club were multiple dance floors, high stage platforms for pole dancers to move provocatively for their partners, as well as multi-level seating areas, flush with couches, chairs and even communal king-sized beds. To the back of the building was a flight of steps which led up to a long hallway to the private rooms, for those guests who wanted to take their desires to the next level.

  Kelsey held Desmond’s hand as she negotiated him further into the club, past sumptuous booths occupied with people drinking and cavorting, now and again clicking the lamplights in front of them to indicate their needs and desires.

  He whispered in her ear. “What do all the different light colors mean?”

  She stopped walking and leaned her back against him, holding his arms about her waist. This feels nice. “They’re a guide to let others know what you’re seeking. There are three types of lights. Yellow if you’re looking for a man, red for a female, and green if you’re looking for a couple. You flick your light to show your desire and then interested parties will come over to you. If you like one of them, you hit a second light of the same color, but only if you see someone you would consider going into one of those back rooms with. At that point, they decide if they’re going to take you up on your offer and they’ll either come over or buy you a drink and you take it from there.”

  “Been here before?” he asked, sarcastically.

  She eyed him. “No, but Ari staked it out for me last month, thank you very much. Apparently, he had a very nice time.”

  She started walking again, aiming towards an open booth in the middle of the room. It had a clear view of the entrance to the club and they could observe anyone entering or leaving. A narrow, low table sat in front of an oversized couch, an unlit lamp resting on top of it.

  She moved in and Desmond joined her. A waitress appeared immediately. “May I get you something to drink?”

  Kelsey slid over to Desmond and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’ll have an appletini, please. And you, my love?” She turned and tilted her head so she could nuzzle his earlobe.

  “I’ll have a gin and tonic, thanks.”

  She could tell she was tickling him by the way he squirmed.

  The waitress sauntered away and Kelsey leaned back, watching her go.

  “How long before Raul shows up?” Desmond asked.

  Hopefully, soon. While teasing you is fun, seeing Raul and not killing him is the last thing I want to do. She cocked her head. “Could be an hour, maybe two.”

  The waitress was quick, their drinks placed on the low table. Desmond slipped her two twenties and she was gone. He took a sip of his drink, but Kelsey didn’t move towards hers. “You’re not drinking?”

  She shook her head. “I hate the stuff. Just ord
ered it for show.”

  They made small talk as they casually watched the decadent displays going on around them. To their right, an attractive middle-aged woman in a skin tight gold lame dress had jumped up on one of the platforms and gyrated for her husband and another couple- to great applause. On their other side, a lesbian couple kissed each other passionately. It was interesting to note the light in front of them was yellow. Waiting for a man.

  The other booths quickly filled with customers in various stages of undress or flirtations. Kelsey leaned over and flicked the yellow switch on their lamp, then turned back to Desmond and straddled his lap. Showtime. Let’s see if you can handle me. She leaned towards him and started nuzzling his neck.

  He exhaled, his hands resting gently on her waist. “Kelsey, is this really necessary?”

  She ran her lips and the tip of her nose up and down his throat. “Well, unless we want to look like complete voyeurs we could just sit back and talk, but that’s like going to a nude beach and never removing your towel. Look around, Desmond. We have to play the game or we’ll stand out. Don’t worry, I promise I won’t hurt you.” She teased, nibbling on his ear.

  An Asian man in his fifties strolled over to them and grinned. He wore a diamond ring bigger than the cherry in Kelsey’s drink. Kelsey glanced at him and then turned back to Desmond, ignoring the man completely.

  The guy took the hint and moved away.

  Desmond grabbed her wrist and held it up. “Nice bracelet.”

  “It’s a Kundalini cuff bracelet. Do you really like it or are you just trying to get me to stop messing with you?”

  Desmond swallowed hard. The image on the silver bracelet was of a serpant coiled three and a half times around a smokey grey lingam.

  “Maybe a little of both, though I can’t believe you’re wearing a bracelet with a phallus on it.”

  What a prude. “I thought it would be appropriate. We are in a sex club, Desmond. Actually, this is a charm bracelet which will supposedly give me the power of pure desire.” She leaned in and continued to nuzzle his neck, feeling Desmond’s pulse racing.

  “Just tell me what it is you like about places like this?”

  Like? She didn’t know if she liked them or not. Watching all the couples cavorting around her didn’t seem to affect her at all, though it did have a slight familiarity to it. She wondered about that. She moved to his jawbone and ran her lips across it, kissing it lightly. Man, he smelled good. “I don’t really care either way. People can do whatever they want, though personally, I see no reason to bring someone else into my relationships. I’d think one person who you care about would be enough to satisfy you, don’t you?”

  “Yeah, sure.”

  She tantalized him with her mouth, and she hadn’t even done anything more than playfully toy with his neck and ears.

  “So how would you like your first time with someone to be?” he said.

  What did he just say? Does he know? Kelsey pulled back and peered into Desmond’s eyes, searching. No, he can’t possibly know about my past. She leaned forwards and continued playing with his neck. “I’d want it to be special, fairy tale stuff. Have a decadent dinner, walk hand in hand in a garden with flowers and violins, and end up in a sumptuous, luxurious hotel room entangled in each other’s arms.” She started kissing him under his chin, running her lips across his neck.

  Desmond closed his eyes. “I didn’t know you were such a romantic.”

  “There’s a lot of things you don’t know about me.” Suddenly, she froze glancing towards the entranceway. Her blood felt like it had turned to ice. “He’s here, Desmond. Make it good.”

  With that, she sat up on her knees, faced Desmond and brought her face to his, kissing him. He responded and she felt him wrap his arms around her and give in, content to let her lead.

  Raul stepped into the room, moving slowly past the couples cavorting on the couches, searching for those couples seeking men only. He passed by Kelsey and Desmond and Kelsey turned to face him smiling coyly. Get a good look, you disgusting pile of scum, because I’m going to kill you one day.

  She eyed Raul and while she bit her bottom lip seductively, she didn’t hit her light for him to come over. Instead, she shrugged her shoulders, turned back to Desmond and began kissing him again. Raul squinted his eyes and laughed loudly, his back gold tooth glinting in the light, and moved past them towards the bar.

  When he was out of sight, Desmond pulled back. “Why did you do that?” he asked, slightly out of breath. “We had him.”

  “I’m toying with him. Trust me, he’ll be back.” With that, she planted her lips on him again before he could stop her and it was even more fiery than before.

  * * * * *

  Minutes later Raul sauntered back with a cognac in his hand and leaned against a column opposite Kelsey and Desmond. He watched them, appearing as if they had no desire for anyone else in the club but themselves.

  “Desmond, grab my bottom,” Kelsey breathed.

  “What?” he asked, startled.

  “Just grab my tush and don’t freak out,” she said, planting her mouth on him again and rising up on her knees slightly.

  Desmond ran his hands under her dress and froze. She wasn’t wearing any underwear.

  “Stay cool. Raul loves this. Just sealing the deal.”

  He pulled her towards him, running his hands up dress, holding her waist and for another few tantalizing seconds they both seemed to forget where they were until Desmond tore himself away from her mouth. “Kelsey… Raul.”

  What just happened? Did I just lose control? Kelsey blinked a few times to clear her head. She turned towards Raul, who now watched them from the opposite couch where he sipped his drink. He tipped his glass in her direction, his eyes flooded with lust. This time, without hesitation, she leaned over and flicked a second switch on her lamp.

  Yellow.

  Raul put down his drink and sauntered over to them. The scumbag was of medium height, dark complexioned and had a full head of slick, curly black hair. You could see the ends curling up on the nape of his neck, glistening from hair gel. When he smiled, his gold crown glinted amidst bleached white teeth. A two carat diamond earring pierced his left ear and a small gold hoop hung in the right ear. Two deep, jagged scars ran down both his pock-marked cheeks. My mother gave you those, you bastard.

  Kelsey slowly slid off Desmond’s lap and pulled down her dress. She grabbed Desmond’s hand and led him over to Raul like a puppy. Ignoring Desmond, Raul leaned over and grabbed the back of Kelsey’s head, bringing her forwards and kissing her.

  She tasted the cognac on his lips. It was all she could do not to vomit. Desmond, don’t do anything, please. Play your part.

  “Yes, you’ll do just fine,” Raul said, pulling back. His voice was deep, guttural and made her skin crawl. Together the three of them sauntered towards the rooms in the back of the club. Desmond took Kelsey’s hand as they moved through the cavernous space.

  He leaned towards her. “Your fingers are ice cold.”

  She shushed him, squeezing his hand as they proceeded up the steps and down the hallway where they were given one of the special private VIP rooms.

  Raul slid the door open and slipped inside the perfumed chamber, scented with musk and other essential oils. The space was the size of a small hotel room with a king-sized bed, a couch and sitting area. The walls were a dusky rose and the lights in the wall sconces exuded a soft yellow glow. There was approximately five feet of space before the bed, with a small upholstered armchair and petite side table flush against the wall.

  “Have a seat, my love,” Kelsey told Desmond, nodding towards the chair. Raul moved over to her and took her in his arms, grabbing her and rubbing her against him roughly. Kelsey casually reached her hands behind her back, pulled her dress off her left shoulder and as she kissed Raul, removed the syringe taped to her shoulder blade. She used her other hand to squeeze Raul’s neck and inserted the needle. Before he even knew what happened, he collapsed.


  Desmond grabbed him before he hit the ground and Kelsey shuddered, quickly moving away from Raul and up against the wall. Desmond laid him on the couch and turned to her. “You okay?”

  I will be. She nodded. “Let’s just get this over with.”

  Taking a deep breath, she moved over to Raul and took off his necklace. It was rawhide with the silver key attached to it. Desmond pulled up his own shirt and removed some modeling clay he had flattened and taped to his torso and began kneading it until it became pliable. Kelsey grabbed an ashtray and Desmond put the clay inside, using his fingers to work out any bubbles and making it as even as possible. Kelsey handed him the key. He pressed it into the clay with his thumbs to keep the pressure even before pulling it up. It was perfect. The clay now held an exact imprint of the key. He wrapped the top of the clay and ashtray with the tape and put it on the small table.

  Suddenly the door opened and a waitress stuck her head in, asking for drink orders. Desmond grabbed Kelsey and threw her onto the bed. She knew immediately what he was doing. She wrapped her legs and arms around him and started kissing him.

  The waitress nodded knowingly and closed the door, never noticing Raul on the couch on the opposite wall, hidden within the shadows of the room.

  When the lock clicked shut, Desmond pulled back. No, Desmond, don’t stop kissing me. Kelsey looked deeply into his beautiful eyes. They were misty with desire. She knew that look.

  Between the deep bass music, the scents in the air and the way they touched each other, Kelsey was overwhelmed. Even with Raul unconscious on the couch across the room, part of her wanted Desmond badly and she could swear he felt the same. The question was, how far would she let it go?