Dirty Dark Desire: A Dark Erotic Standalone

by Lacey Alpha

  “What?” I turn into her, releasing myself of the pain.

  I extract her hands from me but kiss each one, softening the blow.

  “My friend...Kat. She got engaged recently and she's having a party...” she trails off, a note of hope in her tone. “I'd like you to come with me. It's this weekend.”

  I stroke her cheek, frowning, unable to believe that she'd want me there.

  “Of course,” I find myself agreeing before I've given it any real thought.

  Stupid prick.

  I stifle the voice, grimacing.

  This is a step in a relationship. This is what I should be trying to avoid.

  “But...” She lifts a hand to her mouth, biting her nails.

  I extract her fingers, halting her.

  “But?” I question softly.

  “It's in Ireland.”

  I drop her hand, gazing at her like she's gone insane. Her eyes are still diverted to my chest.

  “You don't have to-” she backtracks quickly but I cut her off.

  “I'll come,” I blurt, unable to help myself.

  Shit. Is this a good idea?

  Of course it's not. But I want this. To escape this shitty world for a while. To pretend we're a real couple. A normal couple. The thought is so enticing, making my chest swell with so much happiness, I think I've gone mad.

  ANNALISE

  I know I acted completely insane by inviting Ethan on the trip to Ireland, but it just seemed so right. And having someone to accompany me will save me from the pity party I would have been subjected to.

  When I'm home the next morning and curled up on the sofa, I book our flight tickets online. Ethan insisted on paying for us both - of course I refused. But when I woke up this morning in his arms, he told me he went through my purse and used my bank account and sort code to deposit the money. I don't know how to feel about that. I'm grateful, of course. But it was incredibly forward of him.

  Things between the two of us seem so intense. Like I've known him my whole life. And yet it's been barely any time at all.

  Ultimately, I go with my gut feeling, telling me this is something real. And I need to hold on to it no matter what. Who cares if we're rushing things? If it all works out in the long run, what does it matter?

  Libby moved into Paul's place less than a month after they started seeing each other. Maybe the same will happen for us?

  I shake my head, my imagination running away with me again. I must learn to focus on the present moment. I've got to stop picturing this as some fairytale, panning out into the future, distant wedding bells already ringing. I always overthink things. I can't help it. I get it from my mum. She's a worrier though, forever imagining how things will work out for the worst. I've got the optimism of my dad, but the logic of my mother. Which keeps me in a constant state of battling my 'what if' scenarios.

  I thumb my phone, anxious to hear Ethan's voice. He's got the deepest voice, it goes right through my bones. And all his mystery just makes me so damn hot all the time. He's like an animal in bed, becoming completely carnal in his love-making.

  I stare at my phone for a full minute before snatching it up and calling him.

  “Hello?” he answers in that sexy voice of his. I get worked up at just one word from him. What's the matter with me?

  “Hi, I just thought I'd call and say hi.” Great. Now I've said hi twice.

  “Hi,” he laughs in a deep rumble that sends shivers through me. “What are you doing?”

  “I booked our flights. Now I'm thinking about you...and last night.” I blush a little at my admission but he brings out such a wildness in me. It's like the animal in him has taken up residence in me too.

  “What exactly about last night?”

  My blush deepens and I distract myself by picking at the arm on the sofa. “Oh ya know....you and me...”

  “Uhuh...go on,” he encourages, making me flustered

  “You know the rest.” I giggle and his soft laughter rolls down the line.

  “But I'd like to hear it from you.”

  “Oh I dunno – it's all such a blur,” I tease.

  “Maybe I should come over there and remind you.”

  I kick my heels against the sofa, my grin practically splitting my cheeks. “Maybe you should.”

  “Maybe you could show me one of those little romance films you like so much.”

  “Ethan!” I giggle, feeling completely girly as I sink lower in my seat.

  “Hm, I like the way you say my name. Especially when I'm inside you.”

  My blush turns into a full body rash and I dissolve into my seat, dragging a pillow over my head to hide. From what, I don't know - the world, his sexy voice, my own embarrassment.

  “Be there in ten.” He hangs up and I'm left smiling so hard my cheeks ache.

  Eventually, I roll off of the sofa and dash to the bathroom, fixing my hair and make-up in the mirror. My blood runs hot, my body thrumming with excitement. I gaze at the girl in the mirror. I barely recognise myself. What happened to mopey Friday nights and Rom-com Monday through Sundays?

  I dance out of the room, filled with an idea. Darting to the television, I fall to my knees, thumbing through the stack of DVDs on the unit beneath it. He asked to see one of my films, so that's what I'll give him.

  I pick out the cheesiest one I own and put it in the DVD player, switching on the TV.

  27 Dresses starts playing just as the buzzer sounds from downstairs. I squeal with excitement, running to the door and pressing the release button. I fluff my hair - though I know it won't do any good – and open the door, trying out a sexy, 'leaning against the door' pose.

  I feel like an idiot and quickly drop my arms to my sides as he appears upstairs. My heart does backflips and somersaults as he approaches, his grey eyes stormy and deep.

  I lose all bravado, becoming lost to my desire as he stalks toward me, his chin tilted down, his expression near-sinister.

  Without a word, he snatches my waist, pressing his lips to mine. I arch my spine, electricity pouring through me in wave after wonderful wave. Forget the spark, this is like being struck by lightning.

  When he releases me, I'm breathless.

  “I thought you wanted to watch a romance film.” The teasing remark leaves my lips with much less swagger than I intended on. He's completely rattled me, bringing me to my knees.

  His mouth lifts at one corner and he glances over my head toward the TV. “Come on then.” He grabs my hand, shutting the door with a swift kick and leading me to the sofa.

  He drops down, pulling me into his arms. I cosy up beside him, breathing in his manly musk. I try to focus on the film but feel his intense gaze travelling over me.

  It's like sitting next to a hungry wolf. I glance at him, fighting a grin and his eyes snap swiftly away from mine. I drop my eyes, feeling guilty, knowing it's hard for him. Despite that, I still wish I could study his eyes more closely, maybe I'd be able to read him better.

  I try to think of something to say, to break the heated tension between us. As I fix my gaze on the film, a question springs to mind.

  “Do you ever wanna get married?”

  I feel him go stiff beneath me and instantly regret the words. Why the hell did I ask that?! I sound like a desperate lunatic!

  He clears his throat. “I'm not sure it's in my future.”

  “Why?” I snap around, too curious to let it go.

  He drops his eyes to my mouth as usual, watching my lips move. “I don't think...” He shifts in his seat and I frown at how awkward I've made him feel. Shit. Why did I have to ask?

  “I don't think I'd be right for marriage,” he finishes.

  I cup his cheek, running my fingers over the rough stubble. “Why?”

  I can't stop. I'm like a dog with a bone. I long to understand him better. Where does all of this insecurity come from?

  “I'm too fucked in the head,” he says bluntly and my stomach rolls.

  I lean into him, winding my arms aroun
d his waist. “Everyone's got baggage, Ethan.”

  “Oh yeah? What's yours then?”

  I blink in surprise, not having expected him to turn the question back on me. As I think about the answer, I'm unravelled, my weaknesses rising to the surface. I feel embarrassed over my answer which only intensifies my guilt for asking him in the first place.

  “Hm?” he prompts gently, his hold around me tightening.

  “I guess I've been single for so long, I've got a bit caught up in...stuff.”

  “Stuff?”

  “Yeah- stuff,” I laugh but he remains quiet, waiting for me to elaborate.

  I sigh, sinking lower into his arms. “This stuff.” I wave at the television. “Romance and fairytales, that kind of thing.” A blush rushes up my neck to my cheeks. It's terrifying exposing myself like this.

  He lays a light kiss on my temple that evaporates the heat in my cheeks. “I think it's cute.”

  I cuddle him, overjoyed that he isn't mocking me. I don't know why, but it feels like I could say anything to him and he'd never judge me for it.

  He kisses me, holding my face in his hands, his tongue exploring mine in soft, patient strokes. A tingling grows in my chest, spreading through my body. I've never felt anything like it before but I know it's to do with him. And I know with a certainty that scares me, that I'm already falling for Ethan, harder and faster than I could ever have thought possible.

  ETHAN

  As we board the flight to Cork, I feel like a complete fucking fraud. What am I doing here? Why did I agree to this?

  “Are you okay?” Annalise murmurs to me as her friends take their seats.

  I nod stiffly, lifting her bag and putting it in the overhead hold. Annalise and I are seated near the back of the plane, having a whole row to ourselves.

  “Window or aisle?” she asks me.

  “What do you prefer?”

  “Window,” she admits.

  I gesture for her to sit and she sidles into it.

  I move into the middle seat, wanting to be close to her, taking her hand.

  She shoots a smile at me. “You mind flying?”

  I shrug. Nothing like this bothers me after being in the army. When your life's on the line on a daily basis, you kind of find peace with everyday dangers like this.

  “You?” I ask, eyeing her expression as she gazes out the window.

  “I like it. It's an escape. No phone, no emails, nothing. Just me and a thousand acres of sky.”

  I lift my brows, drawn to her. She sees the world with such optimism. It's hard to understand. My head's so fucked. But it reminds me that I used to be like that. I used to take pleasure in simple things, seeing the beauty in the world.

  The old me seems closer today. Like he's fighting his way up to the surface.

  I sigh, leaning back in my seat. I didn't tell Clarissa about this. She won't bother me unless I call her. So she'll never know this happened.

  The cabin crew run through the safety instructions before the plane taxis onto the runway. I haven't been on holiday for years. Before I was in the army. I went to Amsterdam with a group of friends, had a lads weekend. That seems like another life. Can that carefree man come back?

  We're soon soaring above the clouds at thirty thousand feet and I suddenly see what Annalise was talking about. The clouds reach out ahead of us like a valley of snowy peaks, stretching endlessly into the distance.

  We both gaze at the sky and she silently runs her thumb in circles over mine.

  “Have you been to Ireland before?” she asks.

  “No.”

  “It's beautiful,” she sighs. “You'll love it.”

  It doesn't really matter what it's like, I know I'm going to enjoy it. Because I'm with her.

  Her fingers tickle my wrist and she turns to me, desire sparking in her eyes.

  I try to hold her gaze for as long as I can, feeling choked. She drops her eyes to my chest and I lean across, placing a soft kiss of apology on her lips. She deserves a man who can look her in the eye. She shouldn't have to hide from me. It pains me that she has to.

  The seatbelt light goes off with a ding and Annalise releases hers, standing.

  I shift back in my seat, giving her room as she swings her leg over me, her hair falling forward.

  She leans in low, making my heart race and my cock jump to attention. “It's a short flight but there's enough time,” she whispers, kissing my ear.

  My eyes widen as she gives me a mischievous grin, heading into the aisle and walking to the bathroom behind us. This girl is wild. That's something I didn't pick up on before I met her. And if she wants her boundaries pushed, I can be totally savage.

  I glance around. The aisle adjacent is vacant and we're the last row at the back. No one's looking. No one's paying any attention at all.

  My cock strains against my jeans. Is this really what she wants?

  I'm a slave to the desire, unclipping my belt and sliding out of the seat. I release a slow breath as I approach the cubicle, gently rapping my knuckles on the door.

  It slides open and she grabs my shirt, dragging me inside.

  The space is tiny, there's barely enough room to move.

  I press hard against her, pushing the door closed behind us and sliding the lock across.

  She's panting, already tugging up her skirt, her fingers skating across her flawless thighs.

  She wriggles around in the space and a laugh rolls up my throat at the awkward movement.

  “This isn't like in the movies,” she laughs along with me.

  “We'll make it work,” I growl, too anxious for her to back out now.

  I press back against the door, letting her place her feet either side of the toilet.

  I free my throbbing length, running a condom down my shaft before reaching between her legs. She braces herself on the back wall.

  “This is exciting,” she whispers and I spank her ass, pulling her skirt up higher.

  “Ah!” she squeaks and I grin satisfactorily.

  “Quiet,” I order.

  I can't wipe the smile from my face as I tug her knickers aside. Shutting my eyes to focus, I feel her wetness, rubbing my hand in soft circles.

  “Fuck, Lise. You're so ready for me.”

  “It's all for you, Ethan.”

  Her words make me feel high.

  Removing my hand, I push into her hard and she sucks air through her teeth. I stifle my groans, knowing we need to be quiet but overcome by pleasure.

  I work fast, panting and sweating as I take her.

  “You're incredible,” I groan, her walls tightening perfectly around me.

  I grab her hips, pulling her onto me and filling her deeply. I lean my head back, getting lost in the feel of her warmth, her passion.

  She pushes back onto me, a small moan escaping her throat. Responding fervently, I drive into her, thrusting my hips, on the verge of exploding.

  She squeezes me hard and I know she's close too. As I slam into her once more, she gasps in climax, her back arching in pleasure. I come forcefully, ecstasy rolling through me in wave after wave.

  I rest one hand on the back wall, one on her spine as I push in deep, sighing my relief.

  She gasps as I pull out of her, tugging the condom off and chucking it in the toilet. She turns to me, wriggling around and laying a kiss on my lips. We're crushed together and I surround her, placing my hands on the wall behind her, kissing her deeply. I rub my nose to hers, placing a kiss on the tip.

  “Just give me a minute,” she breathes and I grin, a lightness filling me, reaching into my bones, banishing the dark.

  I pull her skirt down with a sharp tug, still grinning as I step out of the bathroom.

  I glance around but no one's looking. No one knows what I just did to her.

  Adrenaline slides through my veins, leaving me buzzing.

  I drop back into my seat and an air hostess appears. “Drink, sir?”

  “Sure,” I say, though normally I'd be careful due to m
y anxiety. Today, however, I''m not sure there's anything that could drag me down.

  ANNALISE

  I'm brimming with excitement as we land in Cork and exit the airport. The air is cool and fresh, the wind whipping wildly around us. I can't believe what I did with Ethan. I don't know why I'm behaving this way. In the past, I've only ever had regular run-of-the-mill sex. But something about him draws out a craziness in me I've never seen. And I love it.

  We wait with Libby and Paul whilst Kat and Eric pick up the keys for the hire cars. Ethan seems bright-eyed today. He stands at my side, his posture relaxed, his demeanour calm.

  “How far is it?” I ask Libby. She's been anxious ever since we left England, immediately turning her phone on the second we landed. She's been holding it ever since.

  “I think Kat said it's a couple of hours' drive. It's on a peninsular,” she says.

  Libby glances at her phone again and Paul takes her hand.

  “Lib, really. The kids are fine. Let's just enjoy ourselves this weekend. Your sister will look after them.”

  Libby tucks her phone away with a sigh. “I guess you're right. I just worry-”

  He cuts her off with a kiss and I'm momentarily drawn to them. They're so perfect for each other those two. He's the strong, never wavering rock of the relationship, grounding Libby when her emotions lift too high.

  Kat appears, flanked by the ever-silent Eric. “Let's get going.”

  She leads the way up a concrete path into a large car park, sitting beneath the grey sky.

  Kat chucks a key at me and I flap my arms as I try to catch it. I miss but Ethan swoops low, catching it before it hits the ground. His mouth quirks up at the corner, his expression making me giddy.

  Kat snorts at me. “Nice one, Lise.”

  I scowl at her, irritated.

  “I think your throw was off,” Ethan steps in, his arm dropping over my shoulders. It's such a casual gesture that I'm forced to look up at him, assessing.

  He looks so easy-going today like there isn't a thousand things troubling him. It fills me with a glow. And now he's jumped to my defence. It's just so damn sexy!

  I snuggle under his arm, escaping the cool wind rushing at us.

  “Lib, Paul, you can come with us. Our car's bigger,” Kat says, glancing at me and Ethan. “That okay?”