by S. Valentine
“Going back to your little honey?” she said, sneering.
“You jealous?” he asked outright. Gina always had to be the centre of attention.
“Should I be?” She straightened, obviously testing the water. Gina hated competition. He knew she wanted more from him. Then again, he also knew that she was bisexual and confused. Maybe she just wanted to be loved. But he couldn’t offer her love. No way. He offered love to no one.
“Gina,” he soothed, cupping her face with his hands, careful not to burn her with the cigar. “You know it’s never gonna happen with us, right?” He’d told her many times.
“I know.” She shrugged. “If you need some company later…” She paused for a moment before continuing. “You know where I am.”
His lips met hers. She was reluctant to respond at first. He gripped her ass, pulling her closer to him, and within seconds she was all over him. He enjoyed sleeping with Gina; besides his ex-wife, Eva, she was one of the naughtiest women he had slept with. She was exciting, fun, experimental, and would do pretty much anything he suggested. He loved that about her.
He pulled away, eager to get back to Gabi. “I’m gonna get a drink.”
He stepped back into the noisy bar and ordered another whisky. He knew he’d had too many, but he couldn’t stop himself. He downed it quickly, and walked to the corner where they had been sitting, where he had fallen on top of Gabi and instantly gotten aroused. He knew that she felt it too. Her mouth had dropped like she hadn’t known where to put herself. She was in for a big surprise.
He stopped dead in his tracks when he noticed that the seats were empty. Surely she hadn’t bailed on him? He rarely experienced women leaving him. He raised his eyebrows in surprise, then shrugged. He had really wanted to get her back to his office. He sighed. There was no way he would be able to sleep that night without some action. He had worked himself up, got all hot and bothered.
He sauntered back to the corridor where Gina was stubbing her cigarette into the metal bin. He nodded his head toward his office, indicating for her to follow. He was sure he saw a small smile teasing her lips. He heard the clacking sound of her heels as she followed him. At least he could always count on her.
Darion allowed her to enter the room first, examining her from head to toe in delight. He slammed the door behind him. She licked her lips, a smug expression forming on her face. He yanked his shirt over his head and made his way toward her. After a few moments of passionate kissing and tearing at one another’s clothes, they were both naked, and everything on his desk was scattered to the floor. They spent hours exploring one another’s bodies, as if they were new to each other. They liked to take it slow, sensual at first. And then they would ravage one another brutally—rough, hard, sweaty sex.
But for the first time in his life, Darion closed his eyes and thought of someone else.
Gabriella Woods.
After he and Gina reached a satisfying climax, an exhausted Darion lay on the leather couch, panting. Gina joined him, pulling a cover over their naked bodies. He allowed her to rest her head on his chest, her arms draped around him. After an hour of staring at the ceiling, listening to Gina’s gentle snores, he closed his now heavy lids.
There were a few things about Darion Milano not everyone knew.
One was that he hated sleeping alone.
Chapter Four
Gabi
“Gabi, I was literally in the middle of important paperwork, and you’ve interrupted me,” Lawrence snapped. “If I didn’t answer the first two times, surely you’d assume I was busy and not call a third time?”
“I’m sorry,” Gabi mumbled, sinking further into the couch. “I just wanted to see how work was going.”
“Busy, as usual.” He sighed heavily. “What did you get up to last night?”
“Not much, watched a bit of TV, and had an early night.” She felt bad for not being truthful, but she didn’t want him to know that she’d been in a strip club, snooping around, doubting his fidelity.
“Well, I’ve got to go. I’ve got a lot going on, Gabi,” he said drily, as if what she was saying disinterested him. “I’ll be working all weekend, so I’ll see you Sunday night.”
“Okay, bye.”
Pompous prick. Annoyed, she shoved her mobile into her bag. Before she started to dwell on the way that Lawrence sometimes spoke to her, she surveyed the room instead. The whole living room could have fit into the bathroom of her five-bedroom house. And unlike hers, it wasn’t adorned with expensive furnishings, which were colour coordinated with everything in its perfect place. She noticed a rack spewing out DVDs, shoes strewn across the floor, several photographs in mismatched frames. Regardless of the untidiness, it felt like a proper home. Not like hers, a show home. It was comfortable. As she was about to stand up and look at the photographs, Lexi appeared, startling her.
“Hey,” she greeted Gabi warmly, pulling her hair into a messy topknot.
“Morning.” Gabi turned to face her.
“I wasn’t eavesdropping or anything, but these walls are paper-thin, so I caught the gist of your conversation. Your fiancé sounds like a tosser.” She lit a cigarette. “No offence.” She flopped onto an armchair.
“He can be,” Gabi agreed with a giggle.
“What’s his problem?”
“He was working, and I interrupted him.” Gabi pulled her knees up to her chest, hugging them.
“So what?”
“He’s just a little uptight about work at the moment. Deadlines. Possible redundancies. He works away most weekends. I should be more understanding really, but I just get all these crazy ideas that he’s cheating.” She studied the floor. “I get so lonely sometimes.” She felt the burn of oncoming tears. “Anyway.” She rose to her feet, her cheeks pink with embarrassment. “I suppose I better head back. Thanks for letting me stay. I appreciate it.”
Lexi stood up, pushing her fringe out of her face. “Wait a minute, is he working away all weekend?”
Gabi nodded.
“Then why are you rushing back? Stay here a little longer.”
“I wouldn’t want to impose, I…”
“Impose?” Lexi cut her off. “You’re not imposing. Come on.” She headed into the kitchen. “Besides, you promised you’d make me a coffee, remember?”
Gabi got the impression that maybe Lexi was just as lonely as she was, and enjoyed the company. In the kitchen, they took a seat at the breakfast bar, drinking coffee and talking like old friends. Gabi was really taking to Lexi. Other than Mallory and Suzie, she didn’t have many friends. Ever since she had gotten with Lawrence, her social life had plummeted.
“So, you’re a barmaid as well as a dancer?”
“Yeah.” She grinned. “We dancers like a bit of variety.”
Gabi sipped her drink. “How did you get into dancing?”
“I had uni debts a few years back, and my friend was making a lot of money, so I thought I’d give it a go. I’ve been doing it ever since. Amazing money.”
“It must have its disadvantages.”
“Well yeah, you have to deal with drunks, losers, stalkers.” She drained the last of her drink. “But security is pretty tight at The Black Door.” She shrugged. “It’s a job, you know. Besides, it’s boosted my confidence so much.”
“That’s great.”
“I get such an adrenaline rush, it’s like I’m a star up there or something.” She laughed. “When you’re dancing, you’re so focused on not fucking it up that the nerves you get from being watched kinda vanish. Performing feels really good.”
“You, Gina, and Marnie look amazing.”
“Well, Gina’s usually off her face,” she bitched. “Whatever she can get her hands on, she’ll take. She’s so insecure when she’s sober. She’s like a different person.”
“That’s a shame.”
“She’s had bad experiences though, been stripping about ten years, seen it all. One guy followed her for weeks, scared the shit out of her. She’s been attac
ked, treated like some whore by so many men. Just because you dance nude, they think they’re entitled to touch you.” She shook her head in disgust. “But Gina feels much safer, now that she works for Darion.”
Gabi stiffened at the mention of his name.
“So, do you have anything planned for later?”
“Not that I can think of.”
“You fancy coming back to the club, make a night of it? It’ll be fun.” Lexi walked to the sink, and rinsed her cup under the tap.
“It’s not a good idea…”
“You were upset a moment ago, and you said that you get lonely. Perhaps you should start thinking of yourself for once.”
Gabi was silent.
“C’mon. It’ll cheer you up.”
“Did anyone ever tell you you’re a bad influence?” There was a hint of amusement in her voice.
“All the time.” Lexi beamed.
Gabi bit her lip. Finally, she sighed, giving in. “Okay. But I’m not drinking. I’ve got to drive home tomorrow.”
“Whatever you say, Gabi.”
She felt butterflies in her stomach at just the thought of being back at The Black Door. What would Lawrence think? The rebellious side of her was excited, and didn’t care.
***
When midnight came, Gabi was sitting at the bar of the club, a glass of sparkling water in hand. She felt refreshed after taking a long shower at Lexi’s, and she’d found herself applying more make-up than she usually would have. The smoky grey shadow accentuated her brown eyes, and the pearly gloss made her lips shimmer. Her hair hung perfectly straight down her back, like it almost always did.
She gave a dancing Lexi a quick wave, and turned her attention to the bar. Gina was wiping the surfaces and arranging glasses on the shelves. Gabi got the impression something was up; Gina seemed quieter than yesterday, barely making eye contact when serving customers. Gabi guessed she was sober because she was acting so different.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
Gina nodded. She pulled a bottle from the shelf, popped the lid off, and then drank the contents until it was empty. “You try getting up there sober as a judge.”
“Oh, I wasn’t judging you.”
When she felt someone else’s presence, Gabi looked up. It was Darion. Although she had half suspected he’d make an appearance, she hadn’t thought it’d be so soon. Oblivious to anyone around him, he poured a drink and sat at the corner of the bar. Gabi’s heart began racing frantically. She took a deep breath, trying to stop the nerves that had overcome her.
“Hey, boss.” Gina headed toward him.
He greeted her by pulling her in for a kiss. Gina grabbed a handful of his hair as he hooked his arms tightly around her waist. They kissed passionately, like nobody else was in the room, before they pulled apart, giggling.
Gabi, feeling uncomfortable, found an empty table and sat down to watch Lexi dance. She took in her friend’s flawless body, the way that she held her shoulders back, head high, a dazzling smile on her face. Gabi was unsure she’d ever have that much confidence again. It wasn’t that she was unattractive, far from it, but not hearing any compliments or praise for a long time had made her a shell of her former self. On the outside, she portrayed someone who was content with herself, with her designer clothes, perfect make-up, well-kept hair and nails, but realistically it was all just a mask she was hiding behind.
Gabi wasn’t surprised when Lexi was motioned to a booth to give a private dance. Who wouldn’t want to see everything she had to offer up close and personal? She felt a little alone and out of place when Lexi joined the bald man and drew the curtain after them. Marnie then proceeded to take the stage, garnering looks of admiration with every sofa she passed.
Gabi lifted her drink to her lips and took several gulps. Shifting in her chair until she was comfortable, she decided she’d appreciate the music and make the most of her night. Who knew when she’d get to go out again? Feeling an unexplainable envy twist her heart for a man she barely knew, Gabi found herself glancing over her shoulder at Darion. He laughed hysterically as he joked and flirted with the bar staff.
“Is this seat taken?” a man slurred, breaking her focus.
She shook her head, thinking he wanted to take the chair. She was taken aback when he sat down.
“You look bored.” He hiccupped, staring at her cleavage.
“I’m okay.”
“You sure? I could entertain you.”
“No, thanks.” She interlaced her fingers, silently wishing he’d go away.
“You think you’re better than me, you snotty little bitch?”
Gabi opened her mouth to speak, but it was no use trying to reason with a drunk. Unexpectedly, he yanked the top of her dress down, exposing her bra.
“If I want someone like you, I can have them.” His voice took on a vicious tone, specks of spit landing on her face.
“Get off me,” she shrieked. Gabi attempted to push him off, but since he was stronger than her, he pulled her legs apart, running his hands up her dress. Terrified, Gabi slapped him. She instantly regretted it when she saw the anger flash in his eyes. He clenched his fist, and his knuckles met her cheek. Her vision went blurry for a split second. She blinked several times. She had never been hit with such force before. Well, except one time with Lawrence, but she tried to block that out.
Before she knew it, Darion had raced over. He forcefully yanked the man from his chair by the collar of his jacket. The offender’s knees buckled, which sent him crashing to the floor with a thud. Darion’s hand was curled into a tight ball, his jaw twitching with rage.
Before he could land a blow to the man’s stomach, Gabi found herself pulling him away from the scene. She didn’t know if she was worried or if she was trying to protect him. Lennie caught sight of the commotion, and rushed over.
“I’ll get him out, boss.”
“Fuck you,” the man drawled, rising to his feet. He grabbed his drink and tossed the remainder over Darion and Lennie.
“What the fuck?” Darion growled, rage and disbelief showing on his face. He looked like he wanted to kill the offender there and then.
Lennie quickly dragged the man away as he screamed and swore, his glass smashing to the floor.
“Don’t you ever fucking come back to this club, you hear me?” Darion’s yell was cold, his glare murderous. When it was safe to do so, Gabi released the tight grip she had on his arm.
He stood for a second, his chest rising and falling with deep, heavy breaths. His white t-shirt was covered in spots of alcohol. He scanned the crowd, noticing the customers staring. “What?” he shouted. “It’s nothing you ain’t seen before.” They looked away, continuing what they were doing. Darion turned his attention to Gabi. “Come to my office. You’re bleeding.”
“I’m fine.”
Darion interlaced his fingers with hers, and she had to practically sprint to keep up with his quick strides. Her palm grew clammy in his, the closeness making her stomach flip. She hated the fact that she was shy around him when she wasn’t intoxicated.
When she entered his plush office, she took in as much of it as she could before Darion ordered her to sit on the counter. It was modern, everything either black or red in colour. A black leather sofa occupied one side, and a large oak desk and leather chair stood before a window, which overlooked the street. A circular mini-bar and fridge took up another corner, the shelves stocked with a selection of fine and expensive spirits. One wall was decorated with silver framed photographs, which Gabi was unable to make out from a distance. Overall, just like the club, the room screamed elegant and expensive. Darion had obviously done very well for himself.
He stood before her and jerked her face sideways, tending to her cheek with an antiseptic wipe. The attacker’s signet ring had caught her skin, causing a small cut.
“Thanks for helping me out.”
“No problem.” He threw the wipe in the bin and gently stroked her face. “If he’d have tried that somewhere d
eserted, and you were alone with him, I don’t think he would have stopped,” he said. “I’ve seen his type many times.”
Gabi remained silent, admiring Darion’s features. With both hands, he brushed her hair back from her face.
“You be careful, darlin’.”
She nodded, pleased that he had come to her rescue. She wasn’t used to feeling protected. Darion seemed like a real man’s man, not afraid to get his hands dirty. Lawrence was the type to avoid fights, get the police involved, and hide in the crowd.
“Here, drink this.” He passed her a bottled water from the fridge.
Gabi drained half of it, not realising how thirsty she actually was. As she screwed the lid back on, she was unable to refrain from watching as Darion pulled his damp t-shirt over his head, revealing his strong shoulders, firm body, and muscular back. Gabi’s stomach somersaulted, desire surging through her bloodstream. He was every bit as hot as she’d envisioned he’d be. She was insanely attracted to him. There was something about Darion. Something dangerous. Mysterious. Intriguing.
He approached the sink at a leisurely pace, washed his hands, and splashed water on his face. When he returned to stand in front of Gabi, she watched the water droplets trickle down his face. He took a towel and slowly dabbed at the wetness. He remained standing over her, silent, his gaze lingering on hers. Darion’s face was expressionless, making it difficult for her to tell what he was thinking. He glanced down at her engagement ring, and his brow lifted a little, as if noticing it for the first time. A flicker of disappointment passed over his face. He looked so strong, tough on the outside, but Gabi sensed there was much more to Darion. “Right, all finished.”
He didn’t move as she stood up to leave, her body slightly brushing past his. As they made contact, they looked at each other, locked in the moment, slaves to the attraction that existed between them. His expression was dark and needy, and he took a deep breath as if trying to pull himself together.
Gabi grabbed her bag. “Bye,” she mumbled, scurrying out of the office awkwardly.