by S. Valentine
“How do you like this?” he grunted. “You want more?”
He slammed into her again, making her whole body jerk forward. She winced at the slight pain of the depth of him. He rocked his hips, every forward motion making her build toward climax, almost sending her over the edge. Gabi squeezed her lids tightly shut.
His mouth sucked on her neck hard, making blood rush to that area. She shook her head, trying to protest. He was trying to mark her. She cried out, but he covered her mouth again, and continued to suck on her neck. A part of her wanted him to stop, and a part of her didn’t. The sharpness of his mouth on her tender skin sent waves of arousal through her.
He continued to slam into her, just as the tension was building, the pressure became almost unbearable, and she was close to coming. And then he pulled out. Gabi stilled, waiting for his next move. But nothing.
“What are you doing?” she asked incredulously, desperate for release, her insides throbbing and aching.
“You want more?” he teased.
She turned around. “Get here, Darion,” she ordered, grabbing hold of his top and pulling him toward her.
“Impatient, are we?” He chuckled.
“Don’t keep me hanging,” she pleaded, as he took a step backwards. “Darion.”
He lifted her in his strong arms, and carried her toward the sink, where he set her down. He parted her legs and thrust into her again. Gabi groaned. She began stroking her clit simultaneously, massaging soft circles. Her mouth fell open with her heavy breathing. She knew it wouldn’t take long. She felt the desire in the pit of her stomach, and leant her head back against the mirror.
“Darion…” she said breathlessly.
He grimaced as he pounded away, hitting her sensitive spot. Her breathing grew heavier, her heartbeat raced wildly. She writhed in pleasure at the tingle and vibrations of her fingertips on her engorged clit. She circled it faster, moaning softly as Darion continued to pleasure her. Full of pent-up tension, it didn’t take long until they came together violently, shaking, with strangled sobs. When the shivering subsided, and their limp bodies returned to normal, they disentangled themselves.
Darion kissed her gently on the mouth. “Sorry for taunting you, darlin’.” He grinned. “I love seeing you mad.”
“Don’t do that again,” she warned, smiling.
He stroked her hair out of her face. “And I’m sorry I can’t talk about Eva,” he said softly. “Not now.”
Eva? Gabi tensed at the sound of her name. He must still love her. She readjusted her breasts in her bra, and smoothed her dress down.
“It’s okay,” she told him. “I shouldn’t have intruded.”
He took hold of her hand, and pressed his face into her hair. “You’re so fuckin’ sexy,” he mumbled. “What are you doing to me, Gabi?”
She ignored him. What are you doing to me, more like?
“Don’t hate me for losing it in there with Nick. He was Marnie’s ex, up until recently. He knocked her about a lot, broke her wrist before. He had it coming.” His gaze met hers. “I’m not a bad person, Gabi.” The sincerity was apparent in his eyes. “I only hurt people that deserve it.”
Do I deserve it? Gabi kept her mouth tightly closed.
Chapter Eighteen
Gabi and Darion were sat in the VIP section of the club, a small section in the corner near the stage, separated by two red ropes. It held several black tables and chairs, and buckets holding bottles of champagne. There was also a small, private bar, which was occupied by a few regular rich clients. Gina was on the main stage, impressing the audience as always. Darion appeared mesmerised by her. Gabi tried her hardest to push the feelings of jealousy aside. Although he looked at her the same way, for some reason she wanted him to look at only her that way. What did she want? Did she want him to be hers? Or was it because she couldn’t have him exclusively that these things bothered her? She shook her head as if to erase the thoughts.
She grabbed the bottle of champagne and filled two glasses.
Darion clinked his glass with hers. “To living life.” He beamed, as if he didn’t have a care in the world.
His mobile rang, causing him to stand up, and answer it a few feet away. “Gabi, I need to do something. Wait here, I won’t be long,” he said when the call had ended.
Gabi saw him head toward the main entrance. Maybe he was meeting clients. She took a sip of the refreshing champagne and watched Gina strut her stuff. Sometimes she felt out of her depth in the club, with Darion, and the girls, but it still exhilarated her.
“Hi, babe, you cool?” Marnie approached her, sitting down and filling a glass with champagne. “Darion pisses me off so much sometimes,” she said, anger showing itself on her face.
“Does he usually react like that?” Gabi pried.
“Not unless me or the girls are in some sort of danger.”
“He must really care about you all.” It was out of Gabi’s mouth before she could stop it.
“Too much.” She rolled her eyes.
Gabi twisted her mouth in annoyance. What was that supposed to mean?
Marnie gulped back her drink. “I’m up next. See you later.” With that, she disappeared behind the curtain.
Gabi felt the frustration building inside. I can’t compete with all of these girls.
***
Darion
Darion met his old work colleague at the door. He hadn’t seen Carl Johnson in years. Carl had contacted him online last week, and they had been speaking since. He gave the tall, blond man a pat on the shoulder, pleased as punch to see his friend. They had always gotten on well. He looked at the petite brunette that was with Carl. She was pretty, slim, with pert breasts. Darion kissed her on the cheek, greeting her.
“So.” He clapped his hands together. “I told you all about the club, wanna see it in action?”
“I want to be in the middle of the action.” Carl laughed loudly.
“Good. It’s busy tonight, loads of women, and I mean loads.” Darion grimaced, remembering the girl. “Sorry, darlin’. Forgot you were there for a second.”
She giggled nervously.
He led them both up the stairs and into the more glamorous club. Carl handed the brunette a fifty-pound note, and sent her to the bar to order drinks. Darion grinned at Tiana, his employee who was sitting at a desk observing the door, dealing with membership identification and whatnot. “You okay, T?” he asked her.
“Yeah,” she chirped. “I’m great, Daz.”
Tiana managed the upstairs of the club, so he could concentrate on downstairs. He led Carl to the VIP section, and both of them sat at a round table. One of his scantily clad employees quickly joined them, pouring champagne into the glasses that were on the perfectly made up table.
“So.” Carl looked around the club, impressed. “You’ve done well, Daz. Always knew you would. It was only the strip joint the last time I was in town.”
“I know.” Darion licked his lips. “Come a long way since then.”
“I’m in town on business.”
“Who’s the brunette?”
“I forgot her name.” Carl sighed, waving a hand in the air dismissively. “Carrie or something. Only seen her three times. You’re welcome to have a piece.” He roared with laughter.
“I’ll bear it in mind.” Darion shot her a look. She was beautiful. Nowhere near as sexy as Gabi though. No one was as hot as Gabi, not even Eva. She was naturally pretty, and her heart was pure. He thought it rare to find a woman like that.
“How’s the wife?” He returned his attention to Carl.
“Same old.” Carl groaned. “Moaning, bitching, boring.”
“Ha.” Darion tilted his head back with a laugh. “Dirty weekend, huh?”
“Something like that. So, tell me, what you got back there?” He nodded toward the black door at the back of the club, which was guarded by a bouncer. “Do you need all this security?”
“You’d be surprised at how many drunks try and force the women i
nto things they don’t wanna do, or cause trouble, or trash my fuckin’ place. So, yeah, it’s necessary.”
Carl nodded.
“And I have everything back there to suit your needs, Carl. Me, of all people, don’t leave nothing out.” He winked. “Come on, I’ll show you.”
***
Gabi
Gabi glanced at her watch and sighed. Darion had been gone for half an hour. She stood up, anger consuming her. She wasn’t waiting around for a man, let alone him. How dare he invite me here, and then leave me sitting on my own? She swigged the last of her champagne, picked up her bag, and made her way across the room. She’d dealt with enough bullshit from Lawrence. She wouldn’t go there again.
When she found that he wasn’t in his office, Gabi exited the club. Making her way across the street, she pulled her coat on. The air was cold and bitter in her lungs. She looked back toward the club. The lights were on upstairs. The windows were tinted black, except for one, which had the red, glowing light. She could make out the bar, bottles lined near the window, and one of the barmaids pouring drinks. Gabi contemplated going upstairs, finding out for herself what was up there. It’s probably just another strip club, or a brothel. She felt uneasy.
Gabi climbed into her car, started the engine, and waited for it to warm up so that she could switch the heaters on. She could see her breath in the air, it was that cold. She was glad she’d only had less than half a glass of champagne, so she was still capable of driving. She needed to get out of there.
Her mobile rang, making her jump. She felt through her bag and took it out. Darion. She pressed the reject button and threw it back into her bag. She wasn’t about to go running back to him.
When she was finally lying in the single bed in Mallory’s guest room, she felt sad. She had been so used to sleeping and waking up next to Lawrence. Now it was all over. She wondered if she ever would regret it, whether she had made the wrong decision. She hoped not. She yawned and pulled the covers up to her chin. Closing her eyes, it didn’t take long until she drifted into a deep sleep.
An hour later, Gabi sat up quickly. Beads of sweat covered her forehead, her breathing heavy. She had had a bad dream. She tried to replay it back in her head, but couldn’t remember what it was about. She got out of bed, stepped onto the fluffy carpet, and made her way quietly and slowly to the bathroom. Upon passing Mallory’s door, she heard soft moans. She was jealous, but pleased for Mallory at the same time. Why couldn’t she have an exclusive relationship that she was happy in?
In the bathroom, she splashed her face with cold water. Gabi looked at her reflection in the mirror. She was wearing a flimsy peach nightie. She felt attractive, she felt pretty. She didn’t feel sexy, though. I don’t have that aura about me. She needed to get sexy again. When she was in her teens, she had felt sexy. Had she let herself go since she had been with Lawrence? Dressed older than she was, become plain? She made up her mind to go shopping tomorrow. Retail therapy always cheered her up. She could buy whatever she wanted without a fiancé to whine at everything she picked up, telling her that it was too revealing.
Back in the bedroom, she picked up her phone, staring at the screen. No more missed calls from Darion. No texts, nothing.
Chapter Nineteen
Gabi scanned through the racks of clothing. She felt the material of several dresses, liking the soft feel of the silk. She wondered which clothes to go for. She picked up a backless, short, red dress, a navy bodycon dress, a blue silk, wrap-over dress, and a gold, sparkly dress that shimmered under the lights. She quickly tried them on, loving the way that they clung to her body, so she purchased them. Gabi then headed to a shoe shop and bought some high black stilettos—the bigger the heel, the better.
Next, she needed some sexy underwear. The sets she usually wore were more for comfort than for how they looked. She purchased several sets in all different colours, and bras to boost her cleavage. Feeling exhausted, and in need of a drink, she made her way to a coffee shop.
She still hadn’t heard from Darion. There was no way that she would text or call him. If he wanted her, he knew where she was. She’d be a fool to chase him after he had left her alone last night.
“Gabi?”
She looked up. Suzie. “Hi!” She grinned, standing up to hug her blonde friend. “I haven’t seen you in so long.”
“Can I sit?” Suzie asked, looking around to see if Gabi had company.
“Sure.”
Suzie pulled the chair out and sat down. “Gabi, you look amazing.”
“Thank you. So do you.”
“What have you been up to?”
“I just had a dance lesson. And I’ve done a bit of shopping.” She glanced down at the shopping bags at her feet.
“Oooh. Nice. So, tell me…” She crossed her arms across her chest. “Where have you been hiding? I sent you a few messages online, didn’t hear a thing back.”
“I’m sorry. I haven’t been online much lately. How have you been?”
“Marvellous.” She ordered a hot chocolate from the waiter who had approached them. Gabi ordered a cappuccino. “I’ve been working so much.” A hint of a smile played on her lips. “And,” she lowered her voice, “me and Marcus are trying for a baby.”
“Wow.” Gabi beamed, but she was a little envious that everyone was in happy loving relationships that seemed to be going somewhere. “That’s great.”
“I know,” she said in a low, sing-song voice. “So, no going out to Sasha’s anymore.”
Sasha’s was a bar that she, Mallory, Steve, Lawrence, Suzie, and Marcus used to go socialising. It was always busy in there, great music, a bit pretentious, but a good place to dance and gossip over wine.
“I haven’t been in a while,” Gabi admitted.
“Why not?”
“Well.” She fiddled with her hair. “Me and Lawrence aren’t together anymore.”
“Oh no.” Suzie held a manicured hand to her mouth. “I hope you work things out. You pair were so well suited.”
“Really?” Bewilderment showed itself on her face.
“Yes. You brought out the relaxed, fun side in him. He needed a crazy, chirpy girl like you.”
“Me, crazy? Lawrence, fun?” She laughed.
“Oh come on, Gabi. You were always rebellious as a teenager.”
“I was not,” she exclaimed. “I was good as gold. I was the girl stuck with her nose in a book whilst everyone else was out partying.”
“Oh, that’s right.” Suzie paused and thought for a moment. “I was thinking of Dianne.” She giggled. “That’s right, you were always so well behaved. Perhaps you weren’t suited, then.”
Gabi shook her head. “Oh, Suzie.” She chuckled. “I’ve missed you.”
“Well, come and see me more often.” She thanked the waiter who placed their drinks on the table.
“I will, I’ve just been busy.”
“Sleeping with another man already?” She tutted.
Gabi’s mouth was agape.
“Relax, I’m kidding. Although I wouldn’t blame you, with that gorgeous hair, I bet you certainly break some hearts.”
I wish.
She spent the afternoon catching up with Suzie. Everything about her friend’s life made Gabi’s own life now feel crappy. Suzie rattled on about how they were having so much fun trying for a baby, how very much in love they were, how their house had been completely redecorated. Gabi remembered that she could have had that life with Lawrence, minus the fun, though.
When she received a text from Darion inviting her over, she found herself perking up. Perhaps she was the one having all the fun. She could bet money that none of her friends had as much fun as she and Darion did.
***
Darion
Darion put his phone on the side and headed back into the living room. Carl was sleeping on the sofa with Charlie, not Carrie, as he had called her. There were beer bottles, cans, rizlas, and cigarette butts strewn over the tabletop. The apartment needed a serious clean. It h
ad been a good night though.
He had been so occupied with Carl in the club that he had completely forgotten Gabi had been downstairs. When he had returned, she had gone. He had been surprised by her departure. He wasn’t used to women leaving him, and Gabi was making quite a habit of it. He wasn’t sure whether he hated it, or whether he liked that she kept him on his toes. He had tried to call her, but she had cut him off, so he’d decided to give her time to calm down. He knew what women could be like. He had remained in the club upstairs, got stupidly drunk, and then continued the party at his place.
He still hadn’t heard from Gabi. She’s playing hard to get. He had met several women like her, pretending that they didn’t care when they did. He couldn’t wait to see her again, though. For some crazy reason, he missed her.
He made his way back to the bedroom. Gina was sprawled stark naked across his bed. Her body was smooth, tanned, inviting. She softly murmured as she opened her eyes. She caught sight of him, unable to refrain from grinning.
“Morning.” He stretched. “Sleep well?”
“Sure did.” She rolled over and sat up. “I can’t remember much about last night.” She rubbed her forehead. “What did I do?”
“Maybe him.” Darion jerked his head to the left for Gina to look beside her.
She averted her gaze and took in the naked man sleeping. “Oh, shit.” She groaned.
Darion put a cigarette in his mouth and lit it. “I was out cold.” He blew out smoke. “I’m gonna take a shower. I’ll leave you pair to it.” He winked.
He dodged the pillow that Gina threw at him.
***
Gabi
Gabi was lying in the bath, enjoying the feel of the bubbles and warmth surrounding her. It was bliss. Mallory was out grocery shopping, and she had the house to herself. Submerging her head, she swilled out the conditioner, massaging her scalp with her fingers. She breathed in the scent of the vanilla bath oils, and closed her lids. She hadn’t bothered sending Darion a text back. Make him stew. Men like him need to be put in their place.