by Faith Starr
“Unfortunately, we see many like him here. It’s par for the course.” Not that I agreed or would ever act like Sloan, it’s just the way things were.
“How can you condone such poor behavior?” Her nose crinkled in agitation.
Now I was being scolded? I put my palm forward. I didn’t understand how this had suddenly become my fault. “I’m not the one behaving that way. Members make requests and reservations. We don’t get into specifics about who they’re engaging in them with. Our job is to have security measures in place and to make sure all members and guests are prescreened. My staff and I keep our judgments to ourselves. Just like I’m sure you do with the clients you see at the women’s clinic.” I could tell she understood my point by her heavy sigh. “Hey.” I tilted her chin up to meet my gaze. “I’m not the guilty party here. Please don’t punish me for something I didn’t do.”
“I know. I know. It’s going to be so awkward for me to see him at the university.”
Slowly she was getting back to herself and thinking more rationally.
“All you have to do is act like you normally do.”
“That’s not going to be easy.” She shook her head. “I’m totally disgusted by him right now.”
“Listen, by agreeing to come here these past few weeks, bumping into someone you know was bound to happen sooner or later. It’s a small town.”
“This place is expensive, though. Casey’s family isn’t well off. I want to know how he affords the dues. I saw how much it is to join when I browsed through the handbook. His family doesn’t have that kind of money.”
“As harsh as this may sound, that’s really none of your business. You need to let go of this. It’s not your issue.”
“That’s easy for you to say.” She crossed her arms in front of her, her lips pressed together.
Shit, I found it difficult to take her adolescent behavior seriously. It truly was entertaining, in a good way.
“No. It’s not.”
“Really, Mr. Compassionate?”
Wow. She was a cornucopia of emotions. I raised my brows in amusement, my lips curling up ever so slightly.
“Ooh. The fangs are coming out.” I couldn’t help but to chuckle. I had held it in long enough. Her feelings were all over the place.
“I’m not laughing.” She made a poor effort to stifle the smile beginning to appear in the corners of her lips.
“I can see that.” I acknowledged her feelings with a nod. “When we first opened the club, Derek and I engaged in scenes with members when requested. We were trying to build the business and did what was needed in order to increase membership. Submissives came to the club requesting play. On one particular occasion, Derek and I were engaged in a scene with a female member, similar to the one you witnessed with Lacy. There were a few members watching the scene.”
She peered down at the floor.
“Do you want me to continue or not?”
“Yes, please continue.” Her tone was a one-hundred-and-eighty-degree turnaround from a minute ago.
“In those days we were a bit less restrictive than we are today. Anyway, while I was playing with the sub”—I gestured—”Again, no penetration and no sexual interaction between me and Derek whatsoever, so we’re clear on that point, I happened to glance over into the viewing area and saw my girlfriend sitting in there.”
Her eyes opened wide as did her mouth in surprise. “Your girlfriend liked to watch you with other women?”
“Quite the opposite. She was opposed to me working at the club.”
Her brow went down in confusion. “Then why was she watching?”
“Patience, my dear girl.” My hand signaled for her to slow down. “In all our time together, she never made it past the lobby. But on that one night she had a sudden urge to explore the premises while members were engaged in play.”
“Wait a minute, I’m confused. I thought all guests were prescreened before entering the club. How did she get in?”
“You’re very perceptive. She’d already been cleared to enter the club. She used to voluntarily help out at the front desk when needed.”
Jordin stood frozen. “I thought she was opposed to your involvement with it?”
“She was, but she really didn’t have a choice in the matter. I’m a part owner.”
“And you never told her you were screwing around with other women?”
Why did she have such a negative impression of me? I didn’t get it. I never viewed scenes I engaged in as screwing around on Abby. Work was just that—work.
“Umm, not in those specific terms. The truth is, I hated acting out scenes with members and still do to this day. It may not seem like it to you, but I’m an exceptionally private person. When you said I isolate myself in a cocoon, you were right. I’m perfectly content sitting in either one of my offices doing what I love, or being upstairs in my apartment.”
She sighed in understanding. I was glad. I didn’t like to come off as a bad guy. I wasn’t and hopefully she would learn that about me.
“So what happened with the girlfriend?”
“She became my ex.”
“I don’t blame her.” Her brows rose in agreement with her comment.
“Neither do I, which is why I told Mitch and Derek I’d only do scenes if absolutely necessary.”
Her shoulders relaxed. She appeared relieved by my response.
“At least you have a conscience. It doesn’t seem like Dr. Sloan cared one bit that his poor wife is sitting at home alone while he’s here getting his kicks with a grad student in his department. The only thing he probably cares about is keeping me quiet so he can continue to screw around with her.”
“I bet she’s getting a good grade.” I had to lighten the mood. Things had gotten way too intense.
“That’s so not funny.” She punched me in the arm, shaking her head in disapproval while smiling.
“Ouch.” I rubbed it. “That hurt. I think you need to kiss it and make it better.”
“Do you think of nothing else?”
Hey, I was a man. Was she really surprised?
“Not when you’re around.”
“Excuse me, Mr. Dorian, I’m sorry to interrupt, but Mitch needs you for a minute in the dungeon.” Bo stood in front of us, his foot tapping impatiently.
Fuck. What did Mitch do now?
“Please stay with Jordin for a minute.”
“Will do.” Bo nodded.
My gaze went to Jordin. “I’ll be right back. Sorry for all the interruptions.”
“No need for apologies. You’re working.”
During my walk to the dungeon, I checked the time on my watch. Another hour and a half and I’d be able to bolt. I couldn’t wait. I needed to be alone with Jordin.
19
Jordin
Dr. Sloan. At Hilltops nonetheless. I still couldn’t believe we bumped into each other. I had a good reason to be here. Sure, I was pretty much done with my research as far as the club was concerned, but that wasn’t the point. At least I wasn’t screwing around on my spouse, which made me think about what Noah had told me about his ex-girlfriend watching him participate in a scene. For some reason, it bothered me, jealousy filling me, even though I had absolutely no reason to feel that way.
It only reiterated how his work wasn’t something I could ever get used to. Sure, he didn’t engage in scenes often, but he still engaged in them. I would never be able to accept that. In addition, I was basically the missionary-position type. I could never fulfill his need for all the kinky stuff his club could provide him with.
“Sorry. I hope I wasn’t gone too long.”
Noah looked a bit flustered. A woman dressed professionally in a pencil skirt and button-down stood next to him. This place was filled with pretty women. My jealousy heightened. Reel it in. You’re the one he keeps giving compliments to.
“See ya later, boss.” Bo waved then left us.
“Is everything okay?” Not that Noah would necessarily tell me, but
it didn’t hurt to ask. After all, it was the polite thing to do.
“Yes, all taken care of. Taryn, I’m taking off. Here’s my walkie-talkie. If you need anything, please call my cell. Come, Jordin.”
Well, I guess she was the reason for the tagalong.
He extended his arm, offering me his hand. I slipped mine into it. Taryn gave me a once-over, which made me feel good and brought a smile to my face.
“Where’re we going?” I spoke quietly in the hallway.
“Upstairs. I think you’ve had enough fun at the club for one evening.”
“To your apartment?”
My palms started to sweat. I pulled my hand from his. I didn’t want him to feel how clammy they had suddenly become. I also didn’t think I was ready for this, and the faux confidence from the alcohol had left the building with Dr. Sloan. Upstairs meant one thing and one thing only—trouble.
“Yes, to my apartment.”
At least one of us gave off the impression of being at ease. He seemed cool as a cucumber. And why wouldn’t he? He knew he was going to get lucky.
“I thought you had to man the fantasy suites?” There had to be something more we could do downstairs to help delay the inevitable.
“Sometimes it’s good to be the boss.”
Then again, maybe not. I frowned. Luckily, he didn’t see.
My breath rose along with the elevator. He had my hand in his during our silent ride. This was the calm before the storm. I sensed and felt his predatory glances every few seconds.
The door opened, and he escorted me out. We walked hand in hand to his apartment. I took a deep breath prior to stepping inside, knowing damn well I wouldn’t be the same woman walking out.
He closed the door behind us and pinned me against it. I had to give it to the man. He certainly worked fast. His lips were on mine before I could even speak.
My heavy breathing from nerves changed gears to those of arousal. I hated to admit how turned-on he already had me with just a simple kiss.
“I’ve been waiting all day to have you up here all to myself.”
His declaration only caused me to breathe deeper.
“And what is it you plan to do with me now that you have me up here?” Why even bother to ask? I already knew the answer.
His luscious attack with his lips answered my question. They slowly moved down my neck.
“Anything and everything.”
Shit. This was it. I couldn’t hold back any longer. I was completely and wholly lost in this man.
“I’ve been thinking about these beauties since the minute you stepped into my office the first time.”
He peered downward toward my cleavage. Appears I had picked a good day to wear a V-neck.
His eyes caught mine. He took my hands in his, raising them above my head, the feel of his strong, large hands holding my small, delicate ones a metaphor that was me and Noah, except for the minor detail that I didn’t consider myself small.
He rested them against the door behind me. I didn’t know how long I could keep them up there, my limbs already weak with desire.
With his eyes fixed on mine, he reached for the bottom of my shirt, gripping the fabric and tugging it upward. The backs of his fingers grazed my skin while he did so.
My eyes closed. That simple touch had my insides going haywire. At this point, he could do with me as he pleased.
When I opened them, the intensity in his had me practically melting on the floor beneath us.
His opened wider, his expression full of wonder and amazement the higher the fabric lifted until it rested above my breasts. He paused, taking me in.
My natural instinct was to cover myself, but I refrained because he resonated approval. He took in my body. What a feeling! It was a first for me. I had the notion there were going to be many with Noah Dorian.
“You’re beautiful, Jordin.” He didn’t look at my full cleavage or wide hips when he spoke. Rather, his eyes penetrated into mine.
I consciously focused on breathing because I desperately needed air.
It was good I’d chosen to wear a bra with a front closure. It made it easy for him to unsnap, which he promptly did.
His focus went down which made me feel bare and vulnerable, my breasts out and about for the world to see.
Noah was a man on a mission, and right now that mission was me.
He took the bundled material huddled over my breasts and brought it over my head, being mindful not to hit my face. Once my shirt was off, my hands went straight to my boobs, covering them.
“Oh no.” He smiled. “That’s not how we’re doing this tonight.”
“It’s not?” I sounded like an inexperienced schoolgirl. How embarrassing. Apparently, he didn’t think so, because he pulled my hands away and instead placed his on my skin. He cupped my breast and flicked my nipple with his tongue.
Oh my gosh. It had been so long since I’d been touched by a man, and never like this. I was going to lose it from this solitary act alone.
Sensing my heightened state, he removed his mouth from my flesh. “No, it’s not. We’re going to do things my way tonight. And that includes taking things nice and slow. We have all night.”
Maybe you have all night, but I haven’t been touched in forever.
“It…it’s been a long time for me.” How humbling, and I hated every second of saying it.
“Which is all the more reason not to rush. I’ll make it good for you, Jordin.”
He already was. I didn’t think it could get any better.
Breathe.
There was so much promise in his words.
“That’s what I’m afraid of.”
He paused, his hands now at my waist. “What? What’re you afraid of?” He laid a trail of sweet kisses up my neck and behind my ear. My body was light as if floating. And it was a spectacular view down below.
“That one time with you won’t be enough.” There. I had said it and couldn’t take it back.
He smiled against my neck then nipped at my flesh. I could barely catch my breath. I angled my head back, giving him easier access. I was all about being a team player.
Whoa! In one swift motion he had me up in his arms. I straddled my legs around him, which my thighs didn’t agree with. The jeans were cutting off my circulation. Whatever. They would have to deal. At least the fabric had a bit of spandex in it.
His tongue took charge of my mouth as he blindly led us into a bedroom, which I assumed was his.
He carefully placed me on the large bed, his eyes on mine until we were in a horizontal position. If he could only see how fast my heart was racing. He’d probably feel it. That was how much it, as well as the rest of my mind and body, responded to him.
He climbed over my body, straddling me this time, his knees supporting his weight on the bed beneath us.
The outline of his hardness in his slacks made its presence known, causing me to swallow hard. I wanted some of that, desperately.
“All in good time, Jordin.”
Crap. He had caught me staring. How mortifying.
“Tsk tsk tsk.” He shook his head in disappointment at the part of my body still clothed, as though it wasn’t acceptable.
It was as though time moved in slow motion while his fingers came down to unclasp my jeans. Of course there were like four buttons, which made the process that much more agonizing.
He paused to speak, his fingers on button number two. “You’re thinking too much.” His warm breath against my ear instantly silenced my thoughts. “You’re exquisite.” It distracted them too. I was solely focused on him again.
He proceeded with the rest of the buttons. I felt both excited and nervous. What if he didn’t like what he saw? What if I wasn’t experienced enough for him? What if I didn’t live up to his expectations? What if… Enough!
The bonus was at least I’d thought ahead and worn a cute pair of Victoria’s Secret underpants, if one could call them that.
He pulled the jeans down my legs, tak
ing every opportunity to touch them while sliding the denims down.
My breathing pattern became erratic. My desperation for him knew no bounds.
When the jeans got to my ankles, he paused. My shoes were in the way. He methodically unbuckled each one of my platform sandals then removed them, again, taking full advantage of my exposed skin by caressing the tops of both feet. Ah! This was becoming cruel already.
The pants were off, and here I was, flat on his bed, my breasts exposed, and my little pink G-string screaming, “Look at me.”
I covered myself, my feelings of insecurity seizing control of me again. I didn’t understand my sudden bout of shyness. But then again, he did have me almost naked on his bed.
The lights are on.
Yes, that had to be the reason. I had never let a man see me with the lights on before.
“Jordin, I already told you this is not how we’re going to do things tonight.”
Maybe I had forgotten in all the hoopla.
The bed sank down by my feet. He opened my legs wide enough so he could kneel in between them.
Oh jeez. I bit my lip, peering over at the wall. There was a beautiful picture hanging on it with lots of color.
He guided my chin forward so I would look at him. He had hunger in his eyes which became more intense the wider apart he spread my thighs.
Shit. At least my underpants were still on, or I would’ve totally died. Not that there was much fabric to them, but it was better than nothing.
“Don’t be shy. You’re stunning, every single inch of you.”
Did he really feel that way, or was he just saying that so I wouldn’t stop him?
“It’s time for this to go.” Being there was only one garment left on my body, he focused his attention solely on it.
Talk about feeling vulnerable. His gaze drifted up to meet mine, away from the tiny underwear.
“It is?” Hey, I needed a play-by-play. I was new at this.
He lifted me enough to get the panties off. I held my breath, his thumbs now looping each side of fabric and bringing the undies down my legs, his other fingers joining the fun by skimming my skin with feather-like touches. It amazed me I was still conscious with my lack of breath control.