Layers

by Sigal Ehrlich

  “Surprisingly busy. Well, surprising should be the key word of the day.” I reward him with a teasingly arched brow.

  He looks at me from under his lashes with a sweet, wicked pout of his lips.

  “I liked it that you came,” I mutter coyly.

  “I liked it that I came.” His smile broadens as he mirrors my words.

  “I wanted to take you with me when I left,” he adds under his breath.

  I would have liked that.

  He opens a takeaway box decorated with Japanese calligraphy revealing rows of fresh, mouthwatering sushi rolls. Hence the answer to his question about what I like to eat earlier today. I beam to myself, sighing content.

  Handing me a small, warm sake cup, he lifts his in a silent gesture, mouthing “cheers.” “Speaking of work, are you aware of the fact that that boss of yours has a thing for you?” he asks, looking occupied with fixing our dinner.

  “A thing for me? What do you mean?”

  “You want me to be more graphic?” He raises an eyebrow. “And here I did my best to try and sound subtle.” He snorts, shakes his head and continues, “He wants to get inside your, I believe given your bra color, red thong. I hope …” This last part is more of a murmur.

  I shift in my chair. Yes it’s a thong and it is red and the only person I want inside of it is you.

  “I can spot a fellow predator when I see one,” he adds, dryly.

  “I think he’s too in love with his preppy self to even notice anyone else.”

  Daniel laughs and I join him.

  He fetches a couple of glasses from the top cabinet and soy sauce from the fridge. From the side I gape at that terribly sexy scar on his upper lip as he arranges the food on plates. What I want to do to that scarred lush lip. I can’t take my eyes off it.

  “What is it, Hayley?” he asks softly, his head tilted to the side.

  Hypnotized, I mutter something without actually noticing what comes out of my mouth. “That scar on your upper lip, the things I want to do to it.”

  HAYLEY!

  At once he stops pouring the sauce and lifts his eyes to meet mine, looking at me surprised, still holding the dark bottle in his hand. Our stares lock and slowly, his eyes narrow. I can feel my face warm up.

  “Oh, for fuck’s sake with this sushi,” he breathes anxiously, thumping the bottle down. I jolt at the noise, and before I know it, he’s by my side lifting me by my thighs. Instinctively I wrap my legs around him for support. As he heads toward the corridor, holding me firmly, his eyes darting with determination, I ask, perplexed, “Where are you taking me?”

  “My bedroom.” He says casually in a low voice, leaving no place for any debate. And debate will definitely not be coming from my side. As he passes the doorframe, the roughness dissolves from his actions and he gently lays me on the big, inviting bed with himself on top of me. My legs are still wrapped around him and he pins his lower body against mine, turning every fiber from my waist down to liquid. His left arm props him slightly above me. I can see a corner of his tattoo peeking out of the stretched fabric that wraps his cut muscles and find it extremely provoking. With his right hand he caresses the side of my face, looking at me with an intense, lustful gaze. I look back at him, anxious for his touch, for him. Those scars …

  “Lower your mouth to me,” I ask, almost inaudibly. “I want to kiss that scar.”

  His eyes deepen with feral glee as he bends slowly toward me, allowing me to reach his full lips. I kiss his upper one right where the scar is, my lips slightly parted, circling it, I move the tip of my tongue against the mark, feeling the deep cut. My body responds to the notion with a sweet warm pain that is boiling at my core. His tongue invades my mouth with a breath of Sake and him; mine meets it eager to touch, to unite. His weight on me is just perfect and makes me quiver with yearning. I want your skin on mine. As though reading my mind, he takes off his shirt and helps me get rid of mine. My chest heaves to the sensation of his warm, tight skin against me. He turns his body to lie sideways, his leg between my legs, parting them slightly while pressing my middle gently. I groan softly, looking at him; his eyes gleam in the dim light of the room. He pulls me closer against him, positioning me to face him. His mouth is on mine again as his hand easily releases me from my bra. He scratches my skin, gently pulling down the straps, giving me goosebumps. Revealing my breasts, he bends slowly to taste me with his warm, moist mouth, attending one breast and then the other, while sliding his hand inside the back of my jeans, squeezing softly, pulling me closer to him. I am breathless.

  Reaching for his jeans, I slowly unbutton the first three buttons, allowing my hand to slide inside. As I touch him, a low, sensual groan reverberates from his throat, in tandem he deepens the intensity of the movement of his mouth around my breast. Next, with his palm spread flat on my navel, he pushes me until I lie adjacent to him against the bed and shifts to reach my face. Kissing my mouth with a long, warm, eager kiss, he descends to attend my neck, between my breasts, then farther, the tip of his tongue sending electric waves to my groin from the base of my navel. He slowly plants moist, warm kisses from one side of my jeans’ waistband to the other. I tremble.

  I run my fingers through his soft hair as he removes my pants and underwear at once. He takes his off, too. He runs his palm over my thighs and in between my legs. To my complete reluctance, he turns to the side and I hear a faint rip. He comes back between my parted legs and in no time, into me. I gasp at the feeling of him filling me; every part of me is enthralled by the sensation.

  In slow, sliding movements he makes me burn inside and out. I grab his face with unadulterated desire and consume his mouth. As I do, he returns my gesture, thrusting slowly yet forcefully. I moan, my body heated with electrifying sensations. I wrap my legs tighter and in response his movements become more intense. As they do, I feel myself explode into thousands of pieces of ecstasy; shortly afterwards, I hear him pant loudly as he joins me.

  Daniel lies on me, breathing heavily. I indulge in the feeling of being warped by his weight. Inhaling the scent of sex and Daniel, I want him to stay here, right where he is. He finds my mouth and kisses me with feather-like kisses, then slides his head down to nestle on my stomach.

  “That was great,” I whisper.

  “Indeed it was,” he says, running his fingers across my waist.

  “It was the greatest thing since coffee came in lidded cups.”

  He chuckles and raises his head to look at me, radiating amusement. “That good?” he says, feigning shock, then laughs.

  I join him, giggling. As soon as he rests his head on my navel again, my empty stomach starts to rumble. He raises his messy head to face me with the widest grin and a raised eyebrow. “Now that’s charmingly sweet,” he chuckles, and kisses me at the source of the noise. “Hey, I said I was hungry,” I say in my own defense.

  Inching up, he rubs his nose on mine. “Now that we’re done projecting each other’s brains off, shall we get some food in you?”

  I nod and look for my clothes. As I follow him to the kitchen, I think to myself how our first time was just a pale prelude of now.

  Daniel settles himself on the stool next to mine, shirtless and glorious with a just-got-laid aura that echoes my own look.

  “More sake?”

  “No, thanks. I need to drive home later.”

  “You can sleep over.”

  I smile. You want me to sleep over? “I can’t, I have nothing with me and I need to go to work tomorrow.”

  “Too bad,” he says under his breath, looking utterly disappointed. “Here, try this one: my favorite. It’s a bit spicy.” He brings a roll tweezed between two chopsticks to my lips.

  It itches my tongue, but in a good way. “It’s really good. Mmm, I like it.” My lips pull up. I like you. He’s staring at me intensely. I am so glad to be here, secluded with him, in his place. Which reminds me of the disturbing surveillance gadgets at the gate. “So what’s up with the security cameras?” I say, hoping he ca
n’t read my thoughts about him.

  “What do you mean?” he questions.

  “Why do you need them?”

  “Robbers. You know, they usually like this kind of house,” he says, his mouth twisted in humor.

  “Come on, it can’t just be because of that.”

  “No, it isn’t just that. Being in the public eye sometimes brings trouble.” He sighs and licks some wasabi from the side of his thumb. “What kind of trouble?” concern clearly heard in my voice.

  “All sorts. Some people want to get near me. Some want to see me suffer.”

  A painful flutter makes its way down my spine when I think that someone could hurt him.

  “Did anybody threaten you or try to get in here?”

  “I had some unwelcome incidents, but not lately, don’t worry about it.” He doesn’t elaborate much. He turns to look at me under his lashes, asking, “Are you worried about me?”

  I wince and he kisses me.

  “So, are you on the pill?”

  Ah?

  I almost choke on my next bite. “Talk about a change of subject.” I stare at him, somewhat surprised. “You sure do know how to carry on a proper dinner table conversation,” I chuckle nervously, fairly embarrassed.

  “Well, are you?” he insists, solemn, disregarding my previous reply.

  Will we be a party of three? Is Mr. Hyde joining us tonight? “Yes, I’m on the pill. Why?”

  “I detest condoms,” he says, deadpan.

  Could you be more blunt? This conversation is getting better by the minute. “I think we should get tested before getting rid of those.” I wrinkle my nose as I add my two cents.

  “I couldn’t agree more. H, always the girl scout,” he chuckles, taking another mouthful of wasabi-dipped salmon sashimi. I shake my head, smiling.

  “Can you do that tomorrow?” His voice couldn’t be firmer.

  “I’m not sure I’ll have time, boss. You do know I started a new job today, right? And clinics, as far as I know, aren’t open in the evenings.”

  “It’s important.” He frowns.

  Okay, calm down. No need to go to the emergency room right now … “I’ll do it once I get the chance, perhaps this weekend,” I respond affirmatively. Even if I tried hard, I wouldn’t be able to come up with a better topic to discuss over sushi, I think, amused.

  “And what about you?” I ask. Why should I be the only one urged to do the test?

  “As soon as possible.” Not a shred of humor to his voice. And as though we didn’t discuss any uncomfortably serious STD-related topic just a minute ago, he asks, his eyes lighting up, “Do you want to continue watching that movie we left the other day?”

  Here you are, Dr. Jekyll. I missed you.

  “What’s the time?” I’m feeling a tad tired, satiated in all possible ways, but tired.

  He cocks his head to check the clock on the stove. “Half past midnight.”

  “I think I should be heading home now.”

  He takes my hand and kisses each of my knuckles.

  “Are you sure about that sleep over?”

  “Yes, D.” I lean to kiss him and he counters eagerly. “I should be going. I have the drive back,” I say, before this innocent kiss starts round two of projecting. Not that I would mind, but I’m tired and expected to perform tomorrow at work.

  “What are you driving? That scooter of yours?” he questions rhetorically, with a touch of irritation.

  “Yes, it’s my vehicle thus what I drive.” What’s wrong with it?

  “I don’t want you to drive it now, it’s cold and really late. I hate the thought of you driving it home,” he says, looking somewhat concerned. “Take one of my cars.”

  One of? “No, I couldn’t, Daniel. I’ve been driving this scooter forever, it’s very reliable,” I try, smiling.

  “Listen, this matter is not up for discussion.” He almost flares. Chill …

  I send him a semi-annoyed glare. “I …” I don’t even manage to articulate a full word when he cuts me off, cupping my chin, tilting my face to absorb the full intent of his solemn look.

  “I don’t want another visit to the hospital in the middle of the night.” His jaw tics. “God knows what could be the outcome next time. I. Want. You. Safe. So, yes, you can, and you are,” he says harshly.

  Not waiting for my reply, he stands and strides toward the corridor leading to his bedroom and his study. “I’ll be right back,” he calls from the hallway.

  “Here,” he says, waving a pair of keys as he returns.

  “You don’t need it?”

  “I have more than enough. Don’t worry, sweet Hayley, I’ll be able to get myself to work tomorrow.” He winks.

  “I’m not sure this is a good idea.”

  “Well, I’m sure for us both. It’s not an open discussion.” I roll my eyes.

  “Okay then, I’ll get going now.” I’m too tired to be arguing this.

  “I’ll walk you to the garage. Come on.” He embraces me.

  There are five luxurious sports cars parked parallel to each other in the indoor garage, each more extravagant than the next.

  “Here, take the Z4. My mom usually uses it when she’s around,” he says idly. A Beemer Z4? What if I scratch it, or worse, wreck it?

  Sensing my distress, he says flatly, “Don’t worry, it has insurance. Come here, you.” He pulls me into a bear hug, squeezing me tightly against him. “Too bad you aren’t staying.”

  I nod, utterly in agreement, silently sighing into his chest as he kisses my head with airy kisses; I take the chance to inhale more of his drug-like scent. When I raise my head to kiss him, we end up indulging in a prolonged, deep kiss.

  “Go home, I don’t want you to drive too tired,” he says with his forehead resting on mine. He opens the door for me, waiting till I get settled, then kisses me yet again as he gives me the keys.

  “Good night, Daniel.”

  “Good night, Hayley.”

  ~~~

  This car reels so smoothly, some change from a scooter. The open roads and the night’s murky spectacle put me in such a serene state of mind. I wonder what kind of music Daniel has in here? And then I think to myself: I ‘m in Daniel’s car, after I had dinner with him and made the most intoxicating love to him. I have a strong urge to pull a u-turn and go back for some more. As soon as I start the car’s iPod, Bob Dylan’s rough voice sings about one more cup of coffee, adding the last needed piece to complete the euphoric drive. D, even from afar you can please me. I smile, content.

  ~~~

  When I’m already in bed, my phone beeps once. I grab it, smiling, knowing exactly who the message will be from.

  Daniel: tucked in bed safe and sound, sweet H? I can’t help the smirk spreading on my face.

  Am, D, would rather be tucked with you.

  Daniel: same here H, G’night. I snuggle deeper into my comforter and close my eyes.

  Chapter 15: Just Another Day at the Office

  I’m a bit upset that I didn’t get to see Tasha before going to work. She left before I was even up. I text her.

  hope you had a good evening, see you tonight—heart.

  Tasha: hope YOU had a good night, Hales, gory details on my desk TONIGHT.

  My phone beeps again, another clever remark to add, Tasha?

  Daniel: Drop by my office at noon, D.

  And good morning to you, too, domineering Mr. Hyde. I decide to call him.

  “Hayley.” He sounds slightly impatient and occupied.

  “Hey, are you busy?”

  “Yes, I’m in the middle of a meeting.”

  “So why did you answer, then?”

  “Because it was you.” His voice is flat. Because it was you … I can’t help the wildly expending smile on my lips.

  “Talk to me later, it’s not urgent,” I mutter casually.

  “What is it, Hayley?” he says, in a low, firm, bossy voice.

  “Just, about noon …”

  “Just be here, okay? I need
to go now.” And he’s gone.

  Argh.

  I shake my head, irritated. Luckily for you, D, your overall gorgeous self compensates for those psycho mannerisms of yours …

  ~~~

  “Morning, Hayley.” Colgate Ken doll welcomes me with a smile.

  “Good morning, Josh. What’s up?” I say, smiling back, thinking about Daniel’s remark from last night about him.

  “I want you to join me in a meeting we’re having with the extended content team now.”

  “Sure.” I grab my tablet and follow him.

  The meeting lasts longer than expected and finally ends close to noon.

  “Did you take notes?” Josh asks as we step out of the meeting room. I nod.

  “Can you send me a summary?”

  “Of course, as soon as I get to my seat.”

  “Would you like to join me for lunch?” he asks.

  “Oh, thanks, but not this time. I’m going out for lunch in twenty.”

  He raises an eyebrow questioningly. “Somewhere interesting?” He observes me, waiting for my reply.

  I tap my fingers on the tablet in my hand. “Just here in the bay area.” I am not about to start briefing you about my personal life.

  “Okay, enjoy.” He gives me a healthy grin.

  I send Josh the required summary and take my borrowed Beemer to meet its owner.

  ~~~

  Miss Bally, Daniel’s PA, jumps my way as I approach the entrance hall next to his office. “Hello, Miss Grace, nice to see you again.”

  “Hello Miss Bally. It’s Hayley.” I smile at her, wondering if she could be any more tense than she already is.

  “Miss Grace,” she continues, and I stop her.

  “Hayley,” I repeat, still smiling.

  “Hayley,” she replies, though awkwardly. It seems hard for her to call me by my first name.

  “Your appointment is waiting for you in Mr. Stark’s office. Can I get you anything?”

  Come again? “You mean Daniel is waiting for me?” I ask, confused.

  “Oh no, Mr. Stark is currently in another meeting. Shall I call him?”

  I try to make sense of what she’s saying. “No, don’t bother him,” I raise my hand in dismissal and add, “Who did you say was waiting for me then?”