Friends with Benefits

by Anne Lange

  A massive, dark cherry desk, at least fifty years newer than the architecture of the house, faced both the door and the stunning view.

  “Can I get you anything? A drink?” Gabe asked.

  Tyler looked to the others. “No, I think we’re fine. Thanks for offering.”

  “So…” Gabe settled down into one of the chairs, crossed one leg over the other, and clasped his hands together, resting them against his stomach. “You want to know about my club. Are you interested in joining?”

  “I am.” Tyler again glanced to the others. “We are.”

  Gabe took a few moments to consider Connor and then Angela. “Mrs. O’Neil, do you want to be here?”

  Angela looked surprised Gabe had singled her out. “Angela, please. And, I’m certainly interested in finding out more about it. What, precisely does your establishment offer, Gabe?”

  Tyler reached over to take her cold, clammy hand in his. He gave it a tiny squeeze.

  “Well,” Gabe said, “I offer a secure, private location where couples or groups of people can spend time, without being judged by others. You can enjoy a simple evening out with your partner, listening to music, dancing, talking with others. Or you can explore some of your other desires.”

  “Is this a sex club?” Connor spoke up for the first time.

  “People don’t walk through the door, drop their clothes, and crawl into an orgy, if that’s what you’re asking.” Gabe chuckled. “Quite the opposite in fact.”

  “How so?” Scott hadn’t told him too much, but Tyler had already guessed this place wasn’t a free-for-all.

  Gabe cleared his throat before continuing. “The main portion of The Vault is an upscale dance club. The difference is that you pay for the privilege of coming here, and the dancing can often lead to sex in some form. Sex with your partner,” with a nod, he acknowledged Connor, “or partners. Or others, if that interests you and if there’s an invitation. Some couples attend this particular club simply for the opportunity to dress sexily, to dance sexily, and to be seen as sexy by others. Nothing more than that. But I also provide the means for those who wish to explore more erotic fantasies, a safe environment in which to do so.”

  “In front of everyone?” Tyler watched a blush steal up Angela’s neck.

  Gabe chuckled. “Not in the ballroom. Although dancing can be very erotic to watch, there are rooms available—some private, some with viewing—where sexual exploration takes place. It doesn’t have to lead to actual intercourse. It all depends on the participants. There are also a few theme rooms for those with very specific tastes. And, of course, every room is monitored for safety and security reasons.”

  “So there’s always somebody watching?” Connor’s question mirrored Tyler’s thoughts exactly. He didn’t know how he felt about peeping toms.

  “Yes, but it’s not televised for a crowd of people. There are discreet cameras in the rooms, and I have two men whom I trust implicitly keeping tabs on the monitors. Should they detect any questionable behavior, they alert me, my brothers or other members of my security team.”

  “What do you mean by questionable?” Angela’s query brought Gabe’s gaze around to her.

  “In this environment, no means no, Angela. That’s my number one rule, and it’s non-negotiable. I don’t care who says it. If a friend, a stranger, or even your spouse tells you no and you don’t cease what you are doing immediately, my men will step in and secure the situation. You will be removed from the premises, and not permitted back.”

  Tyler had been watching Angela’s reaction to Gabe’s words. At first, she’d appeared surprised at the vehemence in his voice. Then she seemed to relax as her body settled more comfortably in the chair. Gabe’s rules sat fine with him, too.

  “People come here from all walks of life. Some hold prominent positions, others are responsible for minors. No matter what you do outside these walls, I’m sure you don’t want to risk your reputation, or that of your family. I have no plans to risk mine. My members expect privacy, discretion and security.”

  “How much does a membership cost?” Tyler expected the fee to be exorbitant. He may own his own company, but he wasn’t a rich man. He hoped he could afford it.

  “My club is private and rather elite, but I don’t want to be unreasonably exclusive. I offer a range of prices, depending on the type of member you’d like to be. A gold membership is five thousand a year per couple, silver is twenty-five hundred, and a bronze is one thousand. The bronze is a limited membership. The level depends on the frequency with which you plan to attend. We also have a platinum membership for certain clients, which I’ll explain later.” Gabe glanced at each of them in turn. “How does it sound, so far?”

  Tyler turned to look at his wife. “Well, honey, what do you think?”

  Angela’s eyes sparkled with curious excitement. Tyler darted a quick glance to Connor. They shared a knowing look.

  “I’m curious. I’d like to see more,” Tyler said.

  Angela’s tongue slipped out to lick along her bottom lip. Tyler swallowed a groan.

  Gabe stood, walked over to his desk, and picked up three sheets of paper sitting in the center of the uncluttered surface. He grabbed a pen from a marble holder on the corner. “Before we go, I’ll need each of you to sign a non-disclosure agreement. It’s very simple. It requires that you will not take photos, nor will you relay, in any fashion to inquiring minds, what you’ve seen inside this building. You cannot give out any information about the members, the activities, the décor or the layout. To the unaware, this is simply my family’s home. I just happen to throw a lot of parties.”

  Gabe did not smile, but his tone held a hint of amusement.

  “Is this really necessary?” Angela asked.

  “Yes, it is. If you decide to join, it will be one less piece of paper to fill out.”

  Tyler watched the curious expressions on the faces of the others, but they all signed the agreements and handed them back to Gabe.

  “Let’s go then. I’ll take you through the house.”

  They stood and followed Gabe out of the office.

  * * *

  Angela tucked her hand into Tyler’s as she turned to follow Gabe and Connor out of the office. Talk about drop-dead gorgeous. The man made you melt. When he’d opened the door to greet them, she’d had to clench her thighs together. He had to be six five, with short, dark hair and the most stunning blue eyes, in a T-shirt tailor-made to hug his physique. And that Mr. Serious look, it seriously worked for him. Tammy had been privy to this and hadn’t mentioned him to Angela. Not once. She deserved a scolding.

  Gabe stopped just outside his office and pointed to a door on his left. “There’s a powder room here.” He then indicated an archway next to it, which led into a room with sliding doors running the full length of one wall. “This is the entrance you’ll use on weekends. Parking is right outside. There’s plenty of closet space for coats and boots in the colder seasons. The room opposite here,” he pointed across the hall to another closed door, “is a change room with two private shower stalls and lockers.”

  Gabe started walking down the hall back toward the main entrance. “My security office is on the other side of the building. I have one man situated there and another in the basement at all times.”

  “What happens if you have an incident?” asked Tyler. “With a place this large, there’s no way a couple of people could cover all areas.”

  “I have a small security team who canvass the building. They’ll respond to any threats.”

  “Was this a residence before, Gabe?” Connor asked. “It’s spectacular.”

  “Yes. Years ago it belonged to a wealthy family from the area. They’re long gone. My brothers and I bought it about five years ago and spent a year remodeling.”

  Angela was captivated by the architecture. She was taken with every aspect of the place, and she hadn’t yet gone beyond the main entrance.

  The foyer opened to the second level. She peered up. From h
ere, she could make out the doors to rooms beyond the railed landings.

  They followed Gabe back to the main entrance and stopped at the bottom of the stairs.

  “I’ll take you upstairs momentarily, but across from the stairs,” he pointed behind him, “you’ll find another powder room. Beyond here, access to the other side of the building is private.”

  Angela took note of the “staff only” sign on the door at the end of the hall. She trailed along behind Gabe as they walked back to the large double doors at the back of the foyer, opposite the door they’d come in.

  “You’ll also find facilities distinctly for women and men on each floor, as well as in the main ballroom.” Gabe pushed the doors open with a flourish and moved aside, allowing Angela to enter ahead of him.

  “Oh my,” she exclaimed.

  The room they entered was empty and silent, but not eerie, and not overly large for a ballroom. Angela pictured many an event taking place in this room years ago. A bar took up a good portion of the back wall. Dark paneling covered the walls, hardwood the floor. A number of private booths were placed strategically around the perimeter. Round tables that sat four were scattered throughout. The center of the floor lay open, leaving space for dancing. The one thing that appeared out-of-place were the two stripper poles, one each side of the dance area. Small sparkling lights embedded in the ceiling gave the look and feel of a star-studded night sky.

  “This is the main area. Many people never move beyond this room. Light snacks are provided. There’s a full-service bar, and a DJ provides music each night. But I must warn you, there is a two-drink limit. I understand some people need a little alcohol to release their inhibitions, but too much can create undesirable situations and lead to trouble. And no food or drink is permitted beyond the ballroom doors.”

  “It’s beautiful in here. How often are you open for business?”

  “Thank you.” The barest hint of a smile tilted the corners of Gabe’s lips, the first she’d seen since he opened the door to them. “We’re open Thursday to Saturday night and the first Wednesday of every month. Wednesdays are for dancing only, and the other levels are off limits on those nights. It’s a good way for me to observe potential members without putting my regulars at risk. Thursdays are restricted to Platinum members.”

  “Now, if you’ll follow me, I’ll show you the upstairs.” He looked over his shoulder as he ascended the wide staircase. “You may have noticed we passed an elevator just outside the guest entrance. It will take you to the second level and the basement if you are unable or don’t want to take the stairs.”

  Angela caught Connor passing Tyler an “I’m impressed” look. Gabe McBride had thought of everything.

  Up on the second floor landing, Gabe paused. They could go to the left or the right. “There are six rooms up here,” he said. “The large room in the center is split down the middle with a viewing window. There are three play areas at this end and three private rooms at the other end, one larger. If you are in a viewing room you can see back and forth, should you want to watch or be watched. Beds, lounges, chairs, and other equipment can be found throughout the premises. Clean towels, lubricant, and condoms are available in each room. That’s my second rule. Unless you are with your spouse, condoms must be worn.” He shared a glance with Connor. “Even if you’re in a relationship with another person, you are free to not use condoms when you are in your own home. When you’re in mine, you’ll follow my rules.

  “My third rule is that I don’t provide toys. You are welcome to bring them with you, but please take them home with you. I don’t expect my cleaning staff to handle used toys.”

  Gabe allowed them to peek into each room. One room had a bench of some sort, and what looked like a swing hanging from the ceiling. Another had a massage table and some oils. The large room had two double beds, and the rooms on either side had big panes of two-way glass and drapes that could be pulled closed. A back corner room had seating available, like the seats in a casual movie theater.

  People actually watched somebody’s private moments? Angela wondered if she would be able to do that without feeling like an intruder. But she couldn’t ignore the fact that the mere suggestion aroused her.

  “You’ll find a full bathroom in each of the private rooms.” Gabe led them back to the stairs.”

  “What’s on the third level?” Tyler asked.

  “A private residence, which, obviously, is off-limits.”

  “You mentioned a few private rooms,” Connor said. “What are those for?”

  “They are for private bookings. First-come, first-serve. With the bronze membership you have to pay extra for their use—one hundred dollars for an hour or five hundred for the evening.”

  Angela wondered why anyone would leave their home, go to a private club, and then book a private room for the night. She couldn’t see the logic in that. She shrugged.

  They followed Gabe back down the stairs. When they reached the main landing he stopped, turning to face them. “So, what do you think?”

  “I’m impressed with the layout, and the measures you’ve taken to ensure people’s privacy and safety.” Angela looked up at Tyler as he spoke. Would he like to have people watch them have sex? She glanced at Connor. As though sensing her focus, his dark gaze found hers. The heat in his eyes sparked a flame low in her belly. Her pussy swelled, and moisture slipped into her panties. Oh yeah, he’d be all over this. A tremor flowed through her.

  “Why don’t we go back to my office?” Gabe said.

  They followed him back down the hall to his office. This time he took a seat behind the big desk, gesturing to the pair of chairs in front of it. Tyler let Angela and Connor claim the seats, while he took a stance behind his wife, placing his hands on her shoulders and squeezing gently.

  “Saturdays are the busiest. If you’re interested, you’re welcome to come this weekend, check the place out. My treat. We open the doors at 9:30 and they close around three a.m. Dress as sexy as you want. But we don’t allow jeans, T-shirts, runners, leisure, or workout wear. Dress as though you’re going out for a night on the town. Once you’re here, you’ll see everything from business suits to sports coats, and sexy dresses to lingerie, strips of leather, or even nothing at all. Though, the latter is usually only seen on the upper level or lower level.”

  Angela’s mind shot to a scene in a novel that she had read, where the woman’s outfit was nothing more than inch-wide strips of black leather and buckles, crisscrossing her body.

  “The one place I didn’t take you to today was The Vault. The Vault is the basement level and is for those interested in bondage, domination, and submission. As I mentioned earlier, my other security office is located there. The Vault can be a little more extreme, though it’s not over the top. It’s by no means a dungeon.”

  Angela’s mind conjured up a dark place with racks and chains, benches and hooded men. She refocused as Gabe continued.

  “The people who play down there are generally more serious about their lifestyle choices. Those are our Platinum members. Membership at that level requires a thorough background check. I will not allow anybody to use their membership here as a means to purposefully abuse others. Security ensures nobody goes down there who shouldn’t.

  “In fact, if you plan to go down to The Vault, you need to be pre-approved with either myself or one of my brothers. I’ll allow a guided tour on certain nights, but to be an actual visitor down there you need to have at least a Silver membership, and even then it will be assumed you’re not highly active in the scene. Platinum members like to know when non-active participants are in their midst so they don’t inadvertently engage in play that may not be welcome.”

  Angela shivered as various scenarios played out in her mind. Could some of those things she had read about be happening down there? A low flame stirred and burned in the pit of her stomach. Maybe those particular fantasies were best kept to herself.

  “Your brothers run this place with you?” Connor asked.<
br />
  “Two of them, yes, though I’m the only one here full-time. We have another business they attend to on a full-time basis. But when they’re around, they can help you with anything you need. If you join, I’ll introduce you at the first opportunity.” He looked back to Tyler. “As I was saying, check it out this weekend, and we can go from there. If you’re interested, I’ll give you my business card, and you can call me any time to come in and complete the paperwork before your next visit.”

  “What kind of paperwork?” Tyler asked.

  “It’s more of a contract. I’ll need the typical information—full names, address, phone number—your likes and dislikes in this type of environment, and any medical conditions we need to be aware of, substantiated by a recent medical evaluation. You’ve already signed the non-disclosure agreement.” Gabe actually laughed at the look of shock that must have passed across their faces. “We require privacy, just as you do. I don’t want people to discuss out there,” he pointed out the window, “what happens in here. And neither do you. It protects your privacy and ours. The medical is obvious…people have sex here, and not always with their partners. Unfortunately, we sometimes need to protect our members from other people’s indiscretions. As members, we require, at a minimum, yearly medicals.”

  “And the likes and dislikes?” Angela ventured. She could only imagine.

  “A general description of what your expectations are from the club. Are you here for the social aspect in the dance club alone? Are you a look-but-don’t-touch couple? Do you play only among yourselves or with others? Will you be a regular visitor to The Vault? And if you are, are you a Dom or a sub? Are you looking for a Dom or a sub? Is BDSM a serious lifestyle choice for you, or are you simply testing the waters? Limits are dealt with by the individuals involved in any relationship.”