Jameson Hotel - The Dark Suite Series: Parts One, Two & Three

by Aven Jayce

  “So what was your plan when you left?” I ignore her neediness. “Or didn’t you have one?”

  “No plan. I was just pissed when I saw Daxton’s back. I wanted to hurt that woman.”

  “Dax is tough.”

  “That doesn’t make it any better.”

  “I’ll be handling Mera Calloway, no one else but me. You understand? Don’t be dumb or get in the way and fuck things up. I’ll know when the time is right.”

  “Like with Dayne?” she says under her breath, whispering while we’re in the corridor.

  “I never planned on taking care of him so quickly. I was hoping for more of a cat and mouse chase with the dickhead, but he left me no choice but to take him down. Mera will be different.”

  “What about your family? What if she follows them to St. Louis?”

  “I’ll make sure she knows I’m the man she wants to do business with, not anyone else.”

  “How?”

  “Like I said, let me take care of this,” I whisper. “You can’t rush these things. I’m not going to hunt her down over the next hour and put a knife in her chest then wipe my hands and walk away. That’s pussy shit. Plus, it’s personal... for her too. Besides, I need some drama in my life.”

  “So what’s been happening isn’t enough?”

  “Jules, I’m not the only one who feels this way. It was obvious by the way she treated Dax that she wants to play. I’m up or it, rain or shine, her playing field or mine.”

  We enter her suite and she picks up her purse, pulling the gun out and dangling it on her finger. I grab it with an evil eye and check the safety, while Jules continues to bitch as she changes her skirt.

  “Loving you is a bit overwhelming. My heart hurts when I think about you, in a good way, but my mind’s still unsure about what the fuck’s going on. I think we should break up.”

  “What? Where the fuck did that come from? And we’re not even...”

  “Dating. I know. Then I’ll change my words so you understand... I think we shouldn’t fuck anymore.”

  The barrel of my gun runs under my chin. She’s kidding, right?

  “Oh yeah?” I question.

  “Stop it,” she sighs and forces the gun away from my neck. “I need to be wined and dined every once in a while. I feel neglected.”

  “Really?” I make a mental note of today’s date. I guess this is what I’m in for whenever she’s ragging it.

  With her hands on her hips, she raises her voice. “I may love you, but I’m also losing interest, so you better do something quick if you want to keep me.”

  “Well, fuck. If you’re gonna be this much work...” I smirk. “I thought you liked this lifestyle. You said it was exciting. Now it’s not?”

  “Be serious for like two minutes, would you?”

  If my dick wasn’t happy I wouldn’t be able to deal with her menstrual moan. “Alright. We’ve got a long day and I know we’re both going to crash after work, but why don’t we go for a jog in the morning? That’s a good way to spend time together, and you could use the exercise.”

  “Huh.” Her mouth drops open. “Huh,” she expels again. “You know what? Give me back the gun. I feel like using it all of a sudden.”

  I smile and hide it playfully behind my back.

  “Jules, do I honestly have to give up control of everything in this relationship? Should I have my tat re-inked to read Property of Julia Barringer, instead of Property of Jameson Industries?”

  “Please?” she begs.

  “Begging’s good.”

  “Please?” she pleads with a sexy smile.

  “Okay.” I bow my head in defeat. “I forgot, I’m supposed to worship my princess, not just fuck her. Damn, you’ve captured my balls again.”

  I can tell I’m still high or I never would have agreed to... I don’t even know what I’ve agreed to yet. Thank fuck she’s not in high school or I’d find myself going to a dumbass prom.

  “How about tomorrow night?” I exhale. “We’ll do something special to celebrate your love for me.”

  “God, you’re such a bastard.” She drops her hands, presenting me with a more tranquil pose and a grin. “Fine, but no fucking again until after the date. Oh, and you have to use a condom. I know I can’t get preggo on my period, but I sure as fuck don’t want to pick up the hundreds of diseases you have.”

  I love this back and forth bantering shit. We’re both trying to have the last word.

  “Too late, unless your blood has some special disease fighting antibiotics to ward off my dirty flesh and semen bugs, you’re doomed.”

  “Uh!” She throws her hands in the air.

  “Ha!” I retort.

  Her hands are back on her hips and my arms are crossed. She scowls. I sneer. She steps forward. I step forward. She’s in my face. I’m in hers.

  “I hate it that I love you,” she says.

  “I love to be hated,” I reply.

  We stare.

  I lick my lips.

  We kiss.

  She sighs.

  I love her.

  AN OFFERING

  As expected, my family left in the middle of my busy workday, leaving no time for a long, drawn out goodbye, which I despise anyway. I hugged my sister, shook Cove’s hand, tousled the hair of Dax and Xav, and gave them my usual sendoff, “don’t get killed.”

  My nephews were still discussing tits when they got into the shuttle headed for Reno. I never heard the rest of the conversation in their suite, but I would say Mera either drugged Dax a second time before placing him in the box, or he was still coming off his first high when we found him. That would explain his confused and dazed state.

  Hell, I’m glad he didn’t suffocate.

  The rest of the day was shit. I could barely keep my eyes open, even after four cups of coffee. My hotel lobby resembled a stampede and the restaurant was packed with people who weren’t even registered guests. Tourists infested the place for the Marathon. I even had to call in a few extra workers to open the bar early. I was counting both dollar signs and sheep throughout the day.

  I was disappointed there were only a few moments to admire Jules. When her shift was over she went straight to her room and crashed. I worked a longer day, but stayed mostly in the downstairs office with my hotel manager, keeping my swollen nose hidden from the guests. The bump on my forehead is practically gone, and soon my good-looking boy face will reappear. I’ll have to enjoy my badass appearance while I can.

  I managed to get a lead on Mera from one of the owners of hotel in the downtown district. She might be staying in his place under the name, Fantasia Cocker. Yeah, Fantasia Cocker. No shit. Sounds like a fucking porn name if you ask me. That’s got to be her. Now I need to figure out what she wants. I’m guessing revenge over money, but who knows.

  Somehow, after nearly falling asleep at my desk, I was able to make it to my bed. I remember touching Jules’ door on my way to my suite, standing, listening, wanting to lie next to her... yet, I slept alone.

  I woke up a number of times; my usual 1am, 3am, 5am, staring at the ceiling for a while then getting out of bed to drink and pace. I kept thinking about dumbass shit like my dad and that fucking box. I doubt Mera had any clue it was one of my father’s favorite taming devices for Cove; she’s not that cunning. It was probably just an easy way to keep Daxton hidden from the outside world until we found him. But even so, it was more than disturbing for my brother-in-law.

  The amount of sleep I was able to get was plenty and after a morning jog, my dry toast and coffee, jerking off in the shower, and sending a text to my sister, I was ready for a better day.

  The second day of the Marathon was just as hectic, but tolerable, especially since I could view Jules’ ass from the hotel’s main office. She glowed... literally, whenever I saw her eyes, they reflected the dancing sparks from the lobby fireplace. And her cheeks were flush in adoration for me. Those moments caused my dick to twitch.

  With our workday finally over, my family on a plan
e to St. Louis after a day in Reno, Mera within reach and not much of a threat, and Dayne still at the bottom of the lake, I can spend the evening focusing on my woman.

  And Fuck, I sure look good for her.

  I’m sporting one of my finest black suits and a pair of Brunello Cucinelli Shoes, a brand that Cove drools over whenever he sees them on my feet. We share a love for collecting exquisite footwear and if he’s lucky, I’ll buy him a pair for Christmas, but only if I get a thank you for killing Dayne.

  I gaze into the rearview mirror while pulling out of my garage, checking my hair and teeth. My wrists are dabbed with my finest cologne and an extra splash was added to my groin for our fuck tonight. We will fuck. I’m not looking my best without getting pussy. Hell, I even slipped into a brand new pair of boxers for her.

  “Swanky, Mark. You look swanky,” I say to myself.

  I’m keeping the details of our date a secret. I sent Jules a text that I’d pick her up in front of the hotel at seven, and to dress erotic, yet elegant.

  Sure enough, she doesn’t disappoint. She appears in a black, off the shoulder, long sleeve, knee-length dress with black heels and holding a long double-breasted grey coat. Her hair is in a bun and she’s wearing just the right amount of makeup. Total perfection. “Very nice, Jules,” I whisper. “Sophisticated and fuckable.”

  I park and walk up to her with a grin, kissing her hand then leading the way to my truck.

  “Good evening, Ms. Barringer.” I wink, opening her door.

  “Good evening, Mr. Jameson.” She winks back then sees one of my signature lilies waiting for her on the passenger seat.

  No, I’m not buying a woman flowers when my hotel is full of them. Besides, it’s the thought that counts... and she seems delighted by the surprise.

  “Ohhh,” she says all starry-eyed, placing the lily on her lap after she gets inside. I guess she enjoys the ultimate cliché gift.

  A few staff members have their eyes on the truck as I start the engine and pull away. I’m sure they’re saying I’m a cradle robber, but I bet they won’t pass up young meat when they’re my age. No one would.

  “Does it feel like we’ve been apart for days?” I ask, as we head out to Route 50.

  “Yes, and we have.”

  She’s staring at me.

  “So you thought about me?” I ask.

  “You bet I did.”

  “And you’re happy that I’m taking you out?”

  “Ecstatic, Mark. And I’m amused that some of the staff are jealous of our relationship.”

  “They’re not being assholes to you, are they?” I catch a glimpse of her out of the corner of my eye.

  “No, just teasing... and I like it. It’s fun being the center of attention. I’ve never experienced that before.”

  She’s still staring, perhaps noticing all my prep work for the date.

  “You look beautiful.” I take her hand.

  “And you look like Paul Walker,” she says.

  “The actor who died?”

  “He was incredible, hotter than Hell, and he didn’t die. He’s like Elvis, Michael Jackson, and Princess Diana. They live on some quiet island because they wanted to escape the media. He’s with them.”

  “Why am I not surprised that you’re starting the evening by telling me I look like a guy who died in a tragic car wreck.”

  “He was handsome, like you.”

  “But tough, right? Not just handsome, but Paul Walker was threatening as well?”

  “Hmm, depends on what role he was in, maybe... no, he was pretty much just hot.” She turns away, commenting that my face looks better before asking where we’re going.

  I squeeze her hand. “It’s in town. A special place, like you wanted. I promise it will be a night you’ll always remember.”

  “I’m sure it will be fabulous... as long as it’s not the restaurant in your hotel or a graveyard.” She sniffs the flower as I laugh at her comment.

  “It’s not a graveyard.”

  “You know I grew up here, so I’ve been to every restaurant in town... can I guess?”

  “Go for it.”

  “Maxwells? The fancy restaurant on the water.”

  “Nope.”

  “Okay, so it’s Callie Kay’s or The Red Lounge.”

  “No, sorry. You disappointed?”

  “Chili’s? Mountain Steakhouse? Pasta Pete’s?” She looks at her outfit then shakes her head. “Am I overdressed?”

  “No. You’re perfect.”

  She’ll never be able to figure out what I’ve got up my sleeve. I don’t do anything half-heartedly and I sure as fuck don’t enjoy the standard, run of the mill, dinner date. “Jules, this won’t be some shitty evening in some shitty restaurant where we have to sit and listen to all the shitty tourists in town, talking shit.”

  She laughs, “Well, shit, Mark.”

  “The restaurants are booked solid anyway. I could buy my way in, but why? Dining with a hundred other people and being unable to hear one another isn’t how we should spend the evening. Right?” I glance over and see a nod then turn back to the road. “Now are you disappointed?”

  “No.” She pulls the bottom of her dress further down and fidgets in the seat. “But, why did you ask me to dress this way?”

  “For me.” I bring her hand to my lips and place a soft kiss on her flower-scented skin. “For us,” I whisper, turning into the Tahoe Mountain Pines Ski resort.

  “Oh nice, I forgot this place has a restaurant. It’s beautiful here, too bad there’s no snow. I would’ve loved to see the people skiing down the slopes.” She looks at me and asks, “Why isn’t this place packed like all the rest?”

  “It is.” I grin, motioning to the parked cars. “We’re not eating at the restaurant.” I drive past the lodge, along a dirt road and through the pines, coming to a stop next to a van owned by the resort. I help Jules out of my truck, smiling proudly that she still hasn’t a clue about our upcoming adventure.

  “What kind of surprise is this?”

  I stop myself from saying, the kind that will make you want to fuck me at the drop of a hat, and instead, respond like a pussy by saying, “the kind of surprise every good woman deserves.” It hurt, god that hurt, but by her blushing cheeks I can tell I said the right thing this time.

  “Wow.” She grabs my arm when she finally notices the gondola air lift ride before us. “Wow,” she says again. “Are you kidding me?”

  Good. She’s stunned. I was hoping for ‘shock and awe’ tonight.

  “Mark, wow. Are you serious?”

  A man in a dark wool coat and black leather gloves opens the door as we approach. I nod in appreciation when I see everything I’ve requested is in place. A table has been set up with a black tablecloth. On top is a basket of bread, white dinner plates filled with pasta, and an open bottle of red wine. Our glasses are already filled and the pasta sauce smells magnificent. The gondola is lit with two candles and two orange roses glow next to the flame. They remind me of her - a glowing sunset. They’re a nice touch and something I didn’t ask for. I’d say the outrageous cost of setting this up was worth it.

  “Mr. Jameson.” The man pulls me closer to talk in private. “It will be a forty-five minute ride up the mountain and another forty-five down. I’ll return at that time.”

  I nod and thank him as he shuts the door and locks us inside.

  Julia’s face is radiant.

  “Here’s your fairy tale,” I whisper, pulling her chair out.

  “This makes up for everything.”

  “I’m glad you’re pleased.”

  “And you’re being so nice. It’s sexy. I think you even deserve bonus points. Damn, this must’ve cost a fortune.”

  “It would seem that I believe you’re worth it.”

  “See, it’s hot when you say things like that. This is exactly what I wanted.”

  The car starts to move and she laughs in delight. “Mark, this is incredible. We actually get to have a nice meal together, just th
e two of us, riding up a mountain in a gondola lift, while viewing the mountains to the west, the lake to the north, and the lights of the city to the east? This is crazy!”

  I smile and take a gulp of wine then another. Yes, I must be insane.

  “You really do have a lot of money, don’t you?”

  That’s a new question for her. She never asks about my money. “Yes. My father left me quite a bit, but I earned him that money, so it was mine in the first place. Then I made a fortune selling his porn company. Even after my wife took a chunk in the divorce battle, I’m still set for life.”

  “Whoa.” She sets her elbow on the table with her chin in the palm of her hand and gawks. “So why do you have the hotel?”

  “I like to be in control of things, I enjoy keeping busy and having a job, and I’m very fond of money. It’s a good feeling knowing my bank account keeps growing each day. I don’t believe I’d be able to sleep if I knew money wasn’t coming in.”

  She nods, still gazing into my eyes.

  “Plus, I’ve never been fond of big city life. My wife and I had a house in the burbs back in Philly, same in Vegas, but even that was too crowded and suffocating for me.”

  “You don’t enjoy being around people, do you?”

  “I’d be in the wrong business if I didn’t enjoy being around people. I own a hotel after all. What I’m referring to is my private life. I have a few very close friends, including my family, but other than being around them, I enjoy seclusion. Jameson Hotel seems to be the right business and is in the picture-perfect setting for my lifestyle.”

  We begin our meal, admiring the scenic view. It’s dark, but the lights from the downtown area glitter and reflect into the shoreline of Lake Tahoe. I see a few cars curving along the mountain road then disappearing into the pines. Jules keeps repeating how romantic it is and that she never would’ve expected anything like this, especially from me.

  “Are you friends with the owner of this resort?”

  “Owners. There’re two, and yes. They rent boat slips down where my boats are docked. I met them a year ago at the lake. They’re brothers. A couple of potheads in their fifties. Good guys, laid back, and open-minded. The type who try and steer clear of the cops and who want to be left alone to live their lives in peace, like me.”