Penthouse of pleasure - uncertain desire (German Edition)

by Blue, A. J.

  “Ouch.”

  Liam laughs. You two are hilarious. What did you do, Marcus? Did you take her parachute jumping?”

  Marcus grins and nods.

  “I thought it was about time for Kate to show some grit!”

  “About time to show some grit? I’d say it’s pretty courageous of me to spend time with weirdoes like you,” is my disgruntled comment.

  Liam places his finger on his lips and points to the stage. “Shush, it’s starting!”

  “Scrapping with you really turns me on,” Marcus whispers in my ear and strokes my thigh. “I’d much rather be in bed with you now and fuck you senseless.”

  I have to smile. He’s right. I’m also enjoying myself. It would presumably be quite annoying if I was going steady with Marcus, but this way it turns me on, too. I also wouldn’t mind exchanging this room full of people for a bed with Marcus and Liam in it. Thinking about last night triggers a pleasant tingling sensation in my nether regions. Jesus, I’m becoming a sex addict.

  What are we actually still doing here if we could spend the evening much more pleasantly. After all I don’t have all that much time left with these crazy but pretty appealing freaks.

  Before I can ask what we’re really doing here, the stage comes to life. A man, presumably the boss of the games company, tells us a few things about the Spirit World game. I yawn. I’m not all interested in video games. I didn’t spot any consoles in the guys’ apartment either. And they don’t really strike me like people who waste their evenings playing video games. So what are we doing here?

  The questions answers itself when a second man in a suit suddenly appears on the stage and sits down at the grand piano. Isn’t that… Alex!

  “Is that Alex?” I whisper into Liam’s ear.

  “Of course, it is. That’s why we are here,” he whispers back. “Alex composed the music for the Spirit World game.”

  Right, I think. My hunch that Alex is somehow involved with music was correct so.

  I’m glad to see him. He was very nice to me. Let’s see how good he is, I think, lean back and relax. The screen now shows scenes from the game and Alex starts to play.

  I close my eyes and enjoy the music. Beautiful, I think.

  Alex’s music is so expressive, it touches my soul and gives me goose bumps.

  “Beautiful, isn’t it?” Liam whispers.

  “Yes, absolutely wonderful,” I agree.

  “That’s why we wanted to take you here. So you can hear him. Alex feels the music. He’s the most marvelous and sensitive person I know.”

  20

  I know very well why Liam brought me to this party and why he left me alone with Marcus for the whole day. I’m not stupid. He wanted to present his friends at their best and I have to admit it worked. It’s an incredible feeling that I don’t have to settle for just one man, but that I can have them all. I would have never imagined it before, but now I feel as strong and attractive as I haven’t for a long time. The last few months Andrew and I were together, he hardly noticed me. I now enjoy the guys’ attention all the more.

  “Here, this is for you,” Liam says and hands me a glass of Prosecco.

  The performance is over and we are now in another room with a gigantic buffet. We’ve found a table in a quiet corner where we nibble on a few delicacies.

  Alexander’s appearance was a hit. There was no end of applause. Of course, the standing ovation was also for the Spirit World game, but, in passing, I did overhear the audience raving about the beautiful music.

  “Hi, you lot. Did you like it?” Suddenly Alex’s standing in front of us. He doesn’t seem to be particularly surprised to see me.

  “It was wonderful,” I say.

  Alex gives me a kiss on the cheek. “How lovely that you came. I was hoping to see you again. I’m glad that you are considering to move in with us.”

  Where did he get his information? I think. I arch one of my eyebrows and look at Liam.

  “I told Alex that you’re living with us for the time being. I had to ask him if that was okay with him. And you promised to reconsider our proposition.”

  I feel slightly uneasy. I still don’t know where I am going to live, but it’s obvious that I can’t run away from a decision forever. I either accept the boys’ rules and stay with them or take my boxes and move into a hotel. Or, what’s even worse, back in with my parents.

  “You have to make up your mind,” Marcus also insists. “Preferably tonight.”

  It’s mean to put the pressure on like that, I think. The idea of parking myself and my belongings at a cheap hotel tomorrow and to desperately look for a job does my head in. Especially since I’ve only just begun to feel really good and to build up my bruised ego again. I can’t leave yet.

  “But what about us two?” I turn to Alex for help. “We don’t really know each other at all. Perhaps we wouldn’t get on in the long run. Can’t I simply stay with you for another three or four days?”

  Liam shakes his head. “No, that’s impossible. We’ve already broken far too many of our rules. And the getting to know each other part is easily remedied.”

  He holds up a smart card.

  “What is that?” I ask.

  “The key to a room I’ve booked in this hotel.”

  I gulp. “Are we going to stay here tonight?”

  “Not the whole night. We just want to celebrate here and perhaps fuck a little,” Liam says.

  I feel cheated. The bastards had planned it all! And I walked right into the trap like a stupid little mouse.

  But havn’t I done it all voluntarily? None of the men has forced me to do anything. How skillfully Liam has manipulated me. He has actually managed to make the idea of spending the next few weeks on my own less appealing than staying with the three of them.

  I’ve never experienced as much in my entire life as I have in the last few days. And I haven’t felt as good in a long time. I nearly feel as if I’m on some kind of a permanent happy pill. I doubt I could cope with the withdrawal symptoms right now.

  “What do you say, Kate?” Liam looks right into my eyes. “Have you made up your mind? If you accept this card, it means you’ll promise to stay with us and sign our contract. If you don’t, we’ll look for a hotel for you first thing in the morning.”

  “But I haven’t even seen the contract,” I reply slightly desperate. I feel like everyone around us can hear what we are saying. But that’s impossible, of course. We’re too far away from anyone.

  “We’ll give you a chance to read it so. Take the card and have a look around the room. The contract is right there on the desk. We’ll leave you to it for a bit. Alex has to talk to a few people here anyway. You’ve got an hour. Then we’ll come up to hear your decision.”

  I look at Liam with eyes as big as saucers. Now I understand that he must be very successful in business. He seems so cold and calculating. Not at all as nice and considerate as usual.

  “So?” he asks, and waves the card under my nose.

  Hesitating, I stretch out my hand. “Give it to me!”

  I’ll have a look at the contract. I can still scram after.

  21

  My heart’s racing like crazy when I cross the room with the keycard in my hand. I can feel the three men staring at my back.

  “Do you really think she’ll go to the room? She could also be doing a runner,” Marcus whispers with his hand over his mouth.

  But I heard him.

  I would love to walk faster so I’ll be out of their field of vision. But I force myself to keep a steady pace, head held high. I can’t let them see how confused I am. Let me just deal with this as quickly as possible and take a look at the contract before my courage deserts me and I bolt. How did it happen that I now seriously consider moving into their whacky commune? When Liam enlightened me about the purpose of their peculiar arrangements, I was horrified. Now I’m equally curious to find out how the whole set-up might work. I’ve long gone past the limits of normality. Nothing has been no
rmal since I’ve known the three guys. And that is exactly what I’m now starting to enjoy.

  I look at the room number on the card, step into the elevator and push the button for the fourth floor. The door’s already closing when a young couple storms into the in at the last minute. They are presumably employed by the games company. Both sport “EpochGames” badges.

  “Great party, isn’t it?” says the man.

  I nod.

  “That music...,” his pretty, dark-haired companion swoons. “Alexander Gabriel is a genius. It was great fun working with him.”

  “Do you fancy him?” the young man teases her.

  “Well, I wouldn’t throw him out of my bed. He’s incredible charisma. Don’t you agree?” she addresses me.

  I shrug my shoulders.

  “You can’t be serious.” Her boyfriend pokes her in the ribs. “Are you trying to make me jealous?”

  “Of course not,” his girlfriend laughs. “I just wanted to tease you a little. He’s not at all interested in me. I think he only lives for his music. ”

  If you only knew, I think and step out of the elevator.

  But she’s right. Alex really has incredible charisma when he’s in his element. I wonder what she would say if she knew that he wants me. And not just he...

  And what would my girlfriends say? I actually prefer not to know.

  I briefly consider calling one of them and telling her everything. But then what? I still have to make my own decision and it may just be better if nobody else knows

  I stop outside room 311 and take a deep breath. Then I straighten myself, open the door with the chip-card and enter.

  The room is very stylishly furnished with a king-size bed, a large flat-screen TV, a little sitting area and a writing desk with a black envelope, a ballpoint pen and a small black box. I ignore the envelope and make for the bathroom where I scrutinize myself in the large mirror.

  Relax, you look fine, I think.

  The dress I bought with Liam yesterday to annoy Andrew really suits me. A few red spots on my cleavage betray my anxiety; other than that my inner tension doesn’t show. At least not outwardly.

  I relieve my bladder. Then I decide to inspect the minibar before opening the envelope.

  Oh, man! That tastes disgusting. I screw up my face.

  Who actually likes Bourbon?

  The little bottle was over 80 percent proof. That’s why I selected it. But it tasted horrible. Right, Kate, don’t get sidetracked. Open the envelope.

  I feel slightly nauseous when I walk over to the desk to pick it up. It’s not very heavy.

  My fingers trembling, I tear it open and extract the content.

  Take a deep breath, Kate!

  I briefly close my eyes before reading the first page. It’s a hand-written note from Liam.

  Dear Kate,

  I’m delighted that you opened the envelope.

  Take your time reading. We’re not forcing you to do anything.

  But if you should decide to sign the contract, I promise you won’t regret it.

  Liam

  P.S. I know you find it difficult to accept payment (you mentioned it often enough), that’s why I slightly adjusted the relevant section. We would pay you for taking care of the apartment and perhaps do some grocery shopping, but not for the other thing (although that’s obviously also part of the arrangement;-)) Perhaps you find that easier to live with. The little black box is a gift. But only if you sign.

  I put the letter aside, sit down on the bed and start reading the contract.

  22

  Phew! I feel dizzy. I need more alcohol, so I toddle over to the minibar for a miniature bottle of white wine. I open the screw cap and down it by the neck.

  The contract is more substantial than expected with heavy emphasis on absolute secrecy. I can’t tell anyone about the three men, their names or whatever they would do with me. Of course, I understand. None of them can afford negative publicity.

  I would also be obliged to sleep with them whenever they wish, but I do have the right to say “no” if I don’t feel too well for example. Fortunately, I didn’t find a clause concerned with S&M games. Once I sign, I commit to stay for four weeks. A premature cancellation of the contract is possible under extremely adverse circumstances and if both parties are in agreement. The next clause nearly takes my breath away. When the four weeks are up, I receive 40,000 Dollars for “maintenance of the apartment”. That’s 10,000 Dollars a week for living in luxury and sleeping with the most attractive and interesting men I know.

  I would have to be a complete idiot not to sign.

  The money would actually get rid of all my problems. I could rent a new place, look for a job and start over. My pulse is racing. I take a deep breath and pick up the pen.

  Damn! I’ll do it! I think, turn to the last page and add my signature.

  Jesus! I actually did it.

  With trembling hands I take the little black box from the desk, sit down on the bed again and take another large swig of wine.

  Then I open the it.

  It reveals a beautiful silver ring with a blue stone displayed on a white cushion. And another letter. I unfold it and begin to read:

  Dear Kate,

  You made up your mind, so. We can’t tell you how happy we are!

  The stone set into the ring is a blue diamond and extremely unusual. Just as unusual as the women we choose. Wear the ring as long as you live with us and after that whenever you like. You’re very special. Always remember that!

  Liam, Marcus and Alex

  I can’t help but smile. The boys are really sweet in their own quirky qay. I carefully extract the ring from its casket and slip it on my finger. It fits perfectly. I wonder how many women may have been given a ring like that by the three men. Better not think about it, I decide.

  Did they select this particular item of jewelry on purpose?

  I remember a quote from ‘The Lord of the Rings’:

  One Ring to rule them all,

  One Ring to find them,

  One Ring to bring them all

  and in the darkness bind them.

  (Source: The Lord of the Rings)

  Have I also sold my soul? Would it be better to put the ring back, tear up the contract and bail out?

  A loud knock brings me back to reality.

  Too late! No more time to think it over. Oh, God, I signed the contract. Shouldn’t I have read it more carefully? What’s going to happen now? Whatever did I let myself in for?

  Adrenaline shoots through my veins and makes my heart pound.

  Before I can get up to go to the door it already opens.

  Emotionally completely confused I first look at the ring and then at the door.

  “You okay?” Three men in dark suits study me with concern

  Liam holds up a smart card. “Spare key,” he mumbles. Then he spots the ring on my finger

  “Did you actually sign?” he asks incredulously.

  I nod.

  He walks over and gives me a big hug. “That’s absolutely brilliant.”

  “You won,” I mutter, my voice all hoarse.

  “You won’t regret it,” he replies. “I promise.”

  I’m not so sure, but I’m still thinking it’s wonderful that they’re all so happy with my decision.

  Marcus and Alex hug me as well. Then Marcus produces a bottle of Champagne. “Let’s have a toast,” he says. “To Alex’s fabulous performance and our new housemate.”

  23

  “Good morning, sweetheart.” Liam’s stroking my back. “Did you sleep well?”

  “Um,” I mumble. I really didn’t expect being able to sleep after all that happened last night, but my body must have been so exhausted that I instantly did.

  After we had finished the Champagne, I was suddenly so jaded, Liam called the limo to take us home. Luckily my roomies agreed that the day had been exciting enough for me and it would be better if I just went to bed. Out of habit I decided to sleep in Liam�
�s room again.

  Now he’s smiling at me and stretching his muscles. “I can’t wait ‘til this evening,” he whispers in my ear.

  “Why?” I enquire cautiously.

  “Then we’ll celebrate your initiation.”

  “My what?”

  “Well, your introduction to our little commune.”

  “And what exactly does that mean?” I ask in alarm.

  “It’s all in the contract. Perhaps you should have read it more carefully,” an amused looking Liam replies.

  Oh no, I think. What could possibly be next?

  “Would you be so kind as to enlighten me what exactly you mean by ‘initiation’?” I probe. “You innocence is adorable,” Liam says, kisses my forehead and, ignoring my question, disappears in the direction of the bathroom.

  Damn it, I think and get out of the bed. I grab my bag and start to rummage through it. The contract must be buried somewhere deep in its innards. I vaguely remember stuffing it into the bag last night.

  Ha! There it is!

  I pull out the envelope, extract the contract and search for the part Liam referred to. Right, it only says something about the ‘housemate’s initiation into the apartment’, but I can’t find anything more elaborate.

  What did Liam mean? I bite my lips and ponder.

  “Hey, you little minx. Why are you frowning? Did Liam annoy you?” Marcus is leaning in the doorframe with a cup of coffee, watching me. His blond hair is still slightly damp. He must have had a shower. A drop of water trickles down his muscular, naked chest and lands on his pants.

  I gasp. He looks like a model in a commercial for blue jeans. Sooo sexy.

  “I’m looking for something in the contract. Liam said he was looking forward to my initiation this evening. I want to know what that means,” I answer in the hope that Marcus might be more forthcoming with the information.