Mutually Exclusive
Page 2
Sincerely,
Alexandra
2
Alexandra stood in front of the nondescript wooden door with the black placard that read Serious Inquiries Only. She would have thought she was in the wrong place except it seemed to fit the elusive man she’d been conversing with via email over the last couple days.
I got your serious inquiry, Alexandra thought, knocking on the door. She looked over her shoulder, watching the people pass by in a blur of color, trying not to stare too hard at anyone’s face. This wasn’t small-town America, but it wasn’t a thriving metropolis either, and the chances of seeing someone connected to the firm she worked for was too high, especially given the clientele Roman seemed to cater to.
She had changed from her shark suit—the name Karen dubbed the outfits Alexandra wore when she was ready to make someone her prey—into jeans, heeled boots, and a soft pink sweater. Her hair, normally tied up in some immaculate up-do to give off a confident air, yet professional, was falling in waves down her back. She turned back toward the door, leaning her head forward so her long, brown hair covered part of her face, and knocked again. She was about to leave, her anxiety at being recognized ratcheting up every second she stood there on the street, when the door opened to reveal the biggest guy she’d ever seen. His arms were stacked, his legs looked like tree trunks, and his neck was nonexistent.
Hello, sir. The bodybuilding competition called; your cue is in ten. She was unimpressed when he folded his arms over his chest in what he probably considered intimidating. I met with a murderer before lunch. You don’t scare me, Alexandra thought, folding her arms over her chest to mimic his pose. Guys like him tended to be mostly just talk. At least she hoped.
“Name?” he growled.
“No name.” Alexandra shook her head. There was no way she was telling him her real name. She was dealing with Roman, not his security guard. “I’m here to see—”
“No name, no entrance. We can do this all night, lady, but you don’t pay me. And there’s nothing special about a little woman who looks like she could be eaten for breakfast that would make me let you in.” He smirked, unamused at her reluctance to give him her name while continuing with her demands.
“Roman called for me,” she said forcefully, watching the look of recognition set in on his face.
The smirk fell and the eyebrows rose. “I’m sure he did. We’re done here.” He went to shut the door, but she slammed her hand against it, the force creating a resounding crack as loud as a cannon in the quiet night.
“Why don’t you call him and ask him for yourself?” The man rolled his eyes, holding up his finger, and going to the phone hanging on the wall. He turned his back, speaking in low tones, glancing back at her.
Muscle hung up the phone and gestured her inside. “Follow the hallway, and make a right at the end. His office is the second on your right.” She walked inside, breathing a sigh of relief when the door shut and desperately hoped no one had recognized her while she stood outside. The hallway he referred to was long and dark, with an occasional light, and silent except for the click of her heels making it seem creepy as opposed to reassuring, silence. It was like a bad omen, but she’d come too far to turn back. She had sacrificed her life for her career, and this was one way to maintain some semblance of normalcy, despite how fucked-up the relationship could be.
“Come in,” yelled the voice on the other side of the room after she knocked on the door. She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders. Here goes nothing. Not often nervous, she was surprised to see the slight shake in her hand as she turned the knob. Oh fuck. Did he have to be that gorgeous? Beautiful, tanned skin bespoke spent time outdoors. Black hair cut shorter on the sides and longer on top. Pale green eyes beckoned her closer like a beacon. His white dress shirt was fitted, promising muscles she wanted to run her tongue across. Especially the V he was sure to be packing, which led straight to her own personal playground. His eyes roved over her as though undressing her, causing a flash of desire to run through her. If they came to an agreement, she would be his after that night.
“Alexandra.” She held her hand out for him to shake. She was surprised when he didn’t shake it, instead turned it over in his palm, rubbed his thumbs over her knuckles before he kissed the back of her hand. He released her hand, and she could feel the heat burning her face.
The wolfish smile showed a perfect set of pearly whites. “I must admit I was intrigued enough by your offer to meet you, but as I said, I don’t sleep with my clients.”
She smiled. “Not ever? I can assure you I’ll make it worth your while. You credit yourself on discretion, but can you say that about the rest of your clients? I work in a high-stakes job, and I need to ensure my reputation remains intact when it’s over with. The only way I see it happening is by dealing directly with the source. You.”
“Touché,” he acknowledged, gesturing for her to have a seat. “Although, if you believe I have any client in my club who’s going to give away any information, you aren’t giving me enough credit. Besides, there are people in here with a lot more to lose than you.”
“I’m sure. But I’m not interested in other people. Name your price.”
Roman chuckled, shaking his head at her suggestion. “You think you can buy me? I make enough money nightly. Money doesn’t interest me. Give me something else.”
She considered his request, but what she had to bargain with was the one thing she didn’t want to use. A connection she didn’t realize they had until she began searching the other night. “What if I told you I could get you access to the Richardson property?”
The glint in his eye was the only indication he’d heard her. “You don’t even know if I want that bag of bones on the edge of this town. And if I did, which I’m not saying I do, it’s not on the market.”
“The beautiful cabin situated on the lake? How do you know it’s not on the market if you’re not interested?” He stared at her, not answering her question. It was unnerving, as though he had all night, and she wanted to break the silence. Part of her role at work meant staring people down. Frequently. She knew she was good at it, but something about this role reversal—something about Roman—made her uneasy. Not something she was used to. Like he was going to unwrap all her secrets and leave her exposed and wanting. “I know the heir, and am more than willing to sign an agreement that you can purchase the property. After a three-month wait, it could be yours.”
He mulled it over before answering. “I don’t know if I believe you, but everything we do will be in writing. I’m not a stud to be mounted but I’m considering your proposition.”
Studying the man in front of her, a quick thrill ran through her at the prospect of having his hands on her, and she was surprised by her attraction to him. She wasn’t sexually attracted to many men, but something about him drew her in and held her by the throat. Anticipating what he could do for her, she sat, crossed one leg over the other to create some friction and ease the ache she felt between her legs.
“Don’t even think about it,” he commanded. His voice slashed like a knife, causing her to immediately comply. With his intense green eyes, he looked down at her legs, gesturing for her to uncross them. What the hell Alexandra? “If we agree to this, your orgasms are mine.”
She raised her brow, not wanting him to get the upper hand despite her quick response to his command. “And if we don’t? You’re not too eager to begin this relationship.”
He shrugged as though it didn’t matter to him either way, but she’d bet all the money in her bank account he was hard as a rock and knew what he wanted. “Doesn’t matter to me. I’ve considered your proposition, and I believe we could be of use to each other. Either we do or we don’t, but I can guarantee no one, and I do mean no one is going to be able to get you off like I will. You know it or you wouldn’t be here.” He’s got that right. I can’t wait to get his hands on me.
Panties wet, she squirmed in her seat. This man was going to own her if she let hi
m, and she craved it in a way she never had before. Someone who was going to give her what she wanted when she needed it. She pulled her legs together, needing to rub herself but unwilling to fail what seemed like the first test.
“So, what happens now?” she asked, not acknowledging his statement about her motive.
“What happens is up to you. You’re the one who reached out to me for my expertise and discretion.” The last word rolled off his lips, his voice dropping an octave, causing her to lean closer. If she thought Roman Valentine was gorgeous seated, seeing his tall, broad-shouldered physique standing was more than swoon-worthy. Heat flashed within her as she imagined her fingers raking down his back as he filled her. She longed to grab his taut ass, staring as he walked to the table where a decanter with brown liquid rested. He poured a generous amount in two glasses, took both, came back, handing her one. He didn’t return to his seat, rather leaned back against his desk and crossed his legs at his ankles. She drank it, enjoying the burn as the whisky coated her throat. It helped her solidify whatever nerves she may have had coming there, and allowed her to approach the deal as she would if she was in the courtroom.
“As I already said, I contacted you because I am in need of a certain service I’m unable to get somewhere else.”
“They all do,” he interrupted, holding his hand out for her to take. She threw back the rest of her drink, then accepted his hand. Leading her toward the side of his office, hand on the small of her back, they moved toward a plain white screen. He flipped a switch, causing it to move and open up to a wall of televisions. Multiple, rousing sex scenes played out in Technicolor behind the glass in front of her, causing her to want to press her nose to the glass like a person who saw something in the store window they craved. Her already wet panties were drenched, and she needed relief immediately. As if knowing exactly what she needed, Roman wrapped his arm around her stomach, pulling her so she was flush against him with his front to her back, erection poking into her spine.
He leaned his head closer, kissing the side of her neck before he whispered in her ear. “You see these people?”
“Yes,” she replied, rubbing her hands to alleviate some of the moisture. This was insane; she knew next to nothing about this man, but was so starved for male contact she leaned back, pushing closer into his erection.
“You like that?” He bit her ear, causing goose bumps to form on her arm. She exhaled, her breath sounding ragged.
“All these people…” His hand traveled to the front of her pants, patting her thighs so she would spread her legs. He continued his movements, stopping at the clasp, waiting for her permission. She nodded, spurring him into action. He unbuckled her pants, opening them enough to trace his finger along the edge of her panties. She held her breath, hoping he would continue.
“All these people have eclectic tastes, and they all have a secret to hide. You’re no different than any of them, except you want someone who’s not on the menu.” He dipped one finger in her panties, tracing her slit, causing her to shiver. She tried to move her hips forward to increase the pressure, but he seemed to know what she was up to because he pulled his finger back.
“What did I tell you before? If we agree to this, your orgasms are mine.” He sunk his finger into her, making her moan and lean back into him, her hands grasping his arm.
“Watch the screens,” he told her. He pushed in and out while she observed the sex going on around her before adding another finger. There was a woman tied up, being serviced by two men, giving one a blowjob while the other fucked her from behind. Another couple engaged in missionary on top of a platform, and what looked to be an orgy of four front and center. She squeezed her eyes shut, focusing on the feel of his fingers. Thrusting her hips forward, she matched his movements, loving the friction their bodies created. Her walls clenched, ready to go, before Roman pressed his thumb to her clit with enough pressure to make her fall apart. She came with a hiss, his chest the only thing preventing her from collapsing in a heap on the floor. Riding out the orgasm, she allowed her body to settle before she disentangled herself from him. He’d already removed his fingers but she stepped away to give herself space. She straightened out her pants, trying to get over her mortification. He just got her off in his office quicker than she’d ever gotten off before. The man certainly knew what he was doing.
Roman stuck his fingers in his mouth and sucked, maintaining eye contact while she watched. She was seconds away from leaping on top of him and begging him to fill her, the orgasm he’d given her doing nothing but creating more want.
“You taste amazing.” He left her by the televisions and went to sit behind his desk, grabbing a tissue to clean his hand. She mentally counted to ten before she strolled to the chair, pretending like her core wasn’t still buzzing and aching from his attention.
Damn tease.
He leaned back, seemingly unfazed by what they’d just done. “You need two things from me: orgasms and anonymity. I want two things from you: exclusivity and discretion.” He made it very clear through their email exchange that if she expected discretion, she would have to provide discretion. Alexandra knew all about confidentiality, and too much was riding on the line to mess this up. She needed this, like an addict needed their next fix.
Despite her wishes, his terms were interesting. Unexpected and not unwelcome, but any first-year law student worth his salt would tell you every offer needed a counteroffer.
“If you want exclusivity from me, I want it from you as well.” There was no way she was going to promise to have no other sexual relationships while he went around having sex with everybody. Not that she had anyone knocking down the door to have sex with her, but he didn’t need to know that.
His eyebrow lifted. “You believe I would have sex with others in my club?”
“No. You made it clear several times you don’t have sex with clients. But if you expect me to not have sex with someone else then I expect the same from you.”
“I’ll consider it.”
“No.” She shook her head. They weren’t in a relationship, but she needed his agreement. This was a hard limit for her. She refused to have abstain from other sexual relationships if he was having sex with other women. “Either you agree, or there’s no deal.”
“If you expect exclusivity, I expect to see you at least three times a week.”
“That works for me,” she admitted, but the thought sent a shiver racing up her spine. In fear or excitement, she didn’t know, because it was taboo. I may have agreed, but can I really risk coming here three times a week? I’ll have to be extra vigilant to keep my presence her as quiet as possible.
“I’m crazy for doing this, but I’ll agree to it provided I’m able to purchase the Richardson property after the initial ninety days, the probationary period for new members. I’ll have my assistant email you a contract outlining our agreement, three months with the option to renew. I’ll provide you with the standard nondisclosure agreement and the membership application right now. After the paperwork is complete, you’ll visit our physician for testing before we can proceed.” She’d known about the application and the STD testing, one of the reasons she used him, but the NDA was new.
She tried not to act like he’d granted her biggest wish. Rather, attempted to play it cool by asking the one question she had after seeing the screens. “Will we be having sex in the main room of your club? I contacted you for a regular sexual partner, not to be put on display.” Plus she wanted to keep her presence here as quiet as possible. She took the papers he held out for her. He glanced at the televisions before turning back in her direction.
“I’m not going to lie. I have before, but I would never do something you aren’t comfortable doing.”
“Okay.” She breathed a sigh of relief.
“However,” he added, “I would like you to be willing to step outside your comfort zone. You trust me to take care of your sexual needs, but I will push you to your limits.”
“Push my limits? I
’m not into BSDM, and that’s not why I contacted you.”
“I didn’t imply you were. I will stretch your sexual limits. If it makes you feel better, even though you don’t need one, you can always pick a safe word so I’ll know when I’ve gone too far.”
“Why? I want sex. Uncomplicated sex. I don’t need whips and chains.”
“I know and I won’t use them, but you’re as jittery as a virgin at a male review. I’m trying to make you feel comfortable.”
“Green,” she replied, before she thought it through. She stared into his fathomless eyes, feeling like she may have bitten off more than she could chew when she demanded he be the one to assist her. She liked sex, who didn’t? But he seemed like he was turning this into something more. Then she remembered the countless sexual liaisons she’d had over the years, and the pile of work sitting on her desk, and reaffirmed her decision to be here.
He smiled like he knew a secret she wasn’t privy to. “Perfect. There’s nothing more to discuss tonight unless you want to go ahead and sign the paperwork I gave you. I’ll send you the agreement in the morning.”
“I never sign any paperwork without reading it.” Law school 101, and she didn’t graduate top of her class for nothing.
“I’m not surprised.” He stood behind the desk, prompting her to get up, as well. She didn’t want to leave, but there was no reason to stay. “Look over our agreement, make sure it works for you, and then get back to me within a week. If you contact me, I’ll take it as your agreement, and we’ll set up a time to get you tested so we can begin. If you don’t, we’ll just chalk it up to incompatibility.”
“Why within a week?”
He led her toward the door with his hand on the small of her back. His breath was warm as he leaned in close, kissing her neck. “Because if you want it, you’ll be back soon.”