Her Confession

by S. Valentine

  “I suppose I better get some work done.”

  Before he had chance to retire from the room, Gina surprised him by hooking her arms around his waist. Darion could feel the heat of her breath on his neck. He hated himself for becoming a little aroused. He’d yet to see the day when Gina failed to seduce a man with her beauty and bold personality. Gina, with her full lips, womanly body, and blonde waves cascading down her back was tempting.

  Reluctantly, he embraced her back for a moment. His head fell into her hair as he breathed in the fruity scent of her shampoo. He screwed his lids shut. For a second he was unsure of whether he was comforting her or seeking comfort himself.

  He tensed when he heard a creaking sound coming from upstairs.

  “Oh, Eva’s here,” Gina informed him.

  He swallowed, his mouth going dry. He had never felt uneasy at the club before. Regaining his composure, he disentangled himself from Gina. He told her that he’d be in his office should she need him.

  When he was eventually inside, he locked the door. He didn’t want any disturbances. Striding across the room, he collapsed in the leather chair in front of his desk. A whirling sound came from the computer’s fan as he switched it on.

  After an hour of sifting through new membership applications online, his mobile rang. He snatched it up. He glanced at the image on the screen before he answered. It was Gabi’s naturally beautiful face smiling up at him, and for a moment, he forgot about everything but her.

  “Hey, darlin’,” he drawled coolly. “You okay?”

  “Yeah. What are you doing?”

  Was she asking out of mistrust, or because she was interested? “I’m in the office.” He propped his legs on the desk.

  “I’ll be a bit late tonight,” she began. “I just remembered I’ve got dance class.” She paused. “What’s this surprise?”

  Oh. He’d almost forgotten about that. “If I told you then it wouldn’t be a surprise.”

  Gabi laughed, but it sounded more uncomfortable than happy.

  “You’ll have to wait and find out.”

  “You know I hate surprises.”

  “Get used to them. There will always be surprises as long as I’m around.”

  “I’ll see you later then.”

  “See ya, Gabi.”

  “Bye.”

  Darion placed the mobile on the table and twisted his body around to face the computer. A loud knock at the door reverberated through the room. He froze, his heartbeat quickening. He felt a hot flush spread up his chest. Slowly rising to his feet, he caught sight of the bottle of rum on his desk. He quickly poured himself a glass and necked it back.

  “Who is it?” he dared to ask, although he had an inkling of who it was.

  “Darion…it’s me…Eva.”

  Chapter Five

  A wash of anticipation spread through Darion’s gut as he made his way toward the door. His heart leapt in his chest as he unlocked it. Slowly pulling it open, he took a few tentative steps backwards. His focus remained on the desk as Eva walked in, her heels clacking against the floor. His nostrils were filled with the scent of her sweet perfume, the familiar smell that he used to inhale when he buried his head in the crook of her neck, kissing and biting her passionately. His knuckles turned white as he gripped the door handle. Get a fucking grip, Darion.

  Without asking, Eva flopped down on a chair at his desk and began pouring herself a drink. By the time Darion sat opposite her, she had finished it. Going by her relaxed demeanor, one would never think that the woman before him was someone he despised. He watched her take in the surroundings, a small smile on her face. It felt as if he had been miraculously transported back to the past. His rubbed the tense muscles in his neck. He didn’t like the hurricane of feelings revolving in his brain.

  “Just what I needed,” Eva’s voice brought him back to the present. She wiped her mouth, studying him. “So, Darion.” She leant back, smiling a slow, inscrutable smile. “It’s been a long time.”

  “Yeah, it has.” He reached for a cigarette.

  “How’s life?”

  His jaw tightened as he clenched his teeth. His patience was wearing thin. “Cut the small talk, Eva. Let’s get on with it.”

  “Sure, if you wanna play it that way.” She flicked her hair back. “I’m sorry about our little run-in the other night,” she said, although her eyes didn’t appear to be in the least bit sincere. “I didn’t mean to barge into the playrooms. I got your message from my lawyer, and what can I say.” She shrugged. “I was fucked off, Daz.”

  Darion lit the cigarette and took a long puff. He blew the smoke out slowly. If he remembered correctly he had told Eva’s lawyer to tell her to ‘fuck herself,’ and to see him if she wanted to discuss the club. He didn’t actually think she’d show up.

  He watched as Eva removed her black jacket. He got a full view of her impressive cleavage and petite arms, decorated with tattoos. That body. That body he knew so well, that he’d pleasured, worshipped, and brought to intensifying orgasms. The body that used to belong to him. Those piercing green eyes that had always stared at him full of addiction, lust. That long black glossy hair that he’d wrapped around his wrist more times than he could remember. He swallowed the lump that appeared in his throat and averted his stare.

  “I’ve changed my mind about the club.” Resting her hands on the table, she leant forward slightly, pushing out her chest and arching her back. “I don’t want to sell it.” Her penetrating eyes held his.

  He didn’t look away this time. If the bitch thought she could intimidate him, she was mistaken. He doused his cigarette in the ashtray. “I don’t understand what you mean.” He smiled widely, to appear outwardly unaffected. “For months, you’ve wanted the club sold.”

  She rose to her feet and sashayed toward him, standing at his side of the desk. Perching on the edge, a mischievous smile crawled across her face. “I’ve been thinking about the agreement we’ve had up until now.”

  Darion folded his arms across his chest, leaning back in his chair. “You mean splitting the club’s profit fifty-fifty?”

  She nodded. “I think I’m happy to stick to that arrangement.”

  What? “Why the sudden change of heart?”

  Leaning toward him to create a bond of intimacy, Eva lowered her voice. “Oh, there’s never been a change of heart, Darion…ever.”

  He knew she wasn’t talking about the club. He begged to differ. “Well.” He pushed to his feet abruptly. “The club has been fine without you here, so the agreement can continue as it was—me running things, and your half going straight to your account.”

  She shook her head slowly. “I’m back in town now.” She stood up. She was so close he could feel the heat radiating from her body. “And as partner, I’ve decided I want to be more hands on this time around.”

  “I’d rather sell the club,” he responded quickly.

  “Now that’s not very nice, is it?” She pouted, pretending to look offended.

  Darion tapped his foot anxiously on the floor. “I’m not gonna put up a fight any more.” He decided there and then that he would sell The Black Door. He didn’t want to. It pained him, but he felt he had no other option. It was easier than having to face her every day. He needed her gone. There would be nothing but trouble with her in town, complications he didn’t need. Besides, her being before him made him feel uneasy. She brought back emotions he’d tried to bury.

  “Don’t let personal issues affect business,” she said sternly. “For starters, you aren’t pulling in enough money.”

  “What would you know about my finances?” He cocked his head. “You’re a fine one to talk.”

  “I’ve been speaking with Tiana. I wanna fix it, Daz.”

  Darion glared at her, although his confidence was diminishing rapidly. He couldn’t deny that Eva was hard working and had a fine eye for detail. She seemed to know what the clients wanted, and a long time ago, the club had been bringing in money faster than he could spend i
t. He’d never admit he could probably use the help. His bank balance could use some extra zeros. The sooner he paid off his beloved vehicles, which he could never bring himself to sell, the better.

  Fuck. Why did it have to be Eva, of all people, to give the club a boost? As long as she stayed out of his way, he supposed he could just about live with it.

  Clenching his fists, he stepped closer to her, so his nose was a small fraction away from hers. “Okay,” he said through gritted teeth. “You can take on the upstairs, and I’ll continue running the downstairs. But I’m warning you now, Eva, when I use the upstairs facilities, I don’t want you around. Do you understand?”

  She giggled. “Don’t worry. I wouldn’t wanna ruin your fun.”

  Darion sidestepped her and poured himself another drink. He tried his hardest to stop the shaking of his fingers. “Are we done?”

  She grabbed her handbag and strolled leisurely toward the door, pausing to say, “We’re far from done, Darion.”

  When she left, his fingers curled around the glass. Unable to stop the rage that engulfed him, he threw the glass to the wall with force, watching as it smashed into a million little pieces.

  Chapter Six

  Gabi

  Gabi was sat in her Mercedes convertible, nodding her head along to “Undisclosed Desires” by Muse. Glancing in the rear-view mirror, her chest tightened, her breathing suspending. She was almost certain that a silver Toyota Yaris had been behind her for quite some time. She craned her neck, trying to get a better look, however there were two other cars separating them. Turning another corner, she sighed in relief as the car took a different direction. Stop being paranoid, Gabi, she told herself.

  Now stationary at the traffic lights, her mobile rang. She snatched it from the passenger seat. With a perfectly manicured finger, she swiped to answer, pressing the speaker icon.

  “Hi, Gabi.”

  “Suzie!” She beamed, turning the music down a notch. “How are you?”

  “I’m good,” she replied. “Better than good, in fact. How are you, Gab?”

  “I’m great. I’ve just come from dance class.”

  “How’s that going?”

  “It’s great. I really like it. What are you up to?”

  “Well…I literally just got off the phone to Mallory. I’ve got some news…”

  Gabi felt excitement building, knowing what was coming next.

  “I’m pregnant,” she squealed in delight. “Me and Marcus are having a baby.”

  “Congratulations, Suze. I’m so happy for you. We have to celebrate soon.”

  “Absolutely…Marcus is calling me…I’ll call you soon, sweetie.”

  “Bye, honey.”

  Gabi placed the mobile in her lap and pressed her foot on the accelerator as the lights turned green. As the car smoothly veered around the corner, she was unable to stop smiling. She couldn’t have been more pleased for her friend.

  She was about to turn the volume on the stereo higher when her mobile rang again. She predicted it would be Mallory to share her own excitement over their friend’s news. Glancing down, she saw the screen displayed Darion’s name.

  “Hello,” she breezed cheerily.

  “Gabi.”

  “Everything okay?”

  “Can we cancel tonight?” An exasperated puff of air filled the line. “I’ve had a long day at the club. I’m exhausted.”

  Gabi’s shoulders sagged as she felt herself deflate. Darion rarely ever cancelled arrangements. She instantly expected the worse. “Is something wrong?”

  “Nothings wrong, darlin’,” he responded, although the uncertainty to his tone made her think otherwise.

  She was silent, expecting him to explain further. When he didn’t, she said, “Are you sure?”

  “Eva’s changed her mind about wanting the club sold.”

  “Well, isn’t that good news?”

  “She wants back in on the business.”

  Gabi swallowed. Her suspicions being confirmed caused her stomach to somersault. She gripped the steering wheel.

  “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  “Sure,” she responded quickly, wanting the conversation terminated. “Bye.”

  A heavy ache rose in her chest as she ended the call. She wound down the window and sucked in a breath of cool air, willing herself not to get worked up. She knew she was being stupid and way too sensitive, but something wasn’t right. Eva was up to something. She knew it. Darion had only been back at the club a day and the drama had already begun.

  She swerved the car around, changing direction, and headed for her apartment. Once she was in the comfort of her living room, she kicked off her heels, and collapsed on the sofa. She lay there for a moment, staring at the television absentmindedly.

  If only she could figure Darion out. If only she knew what he was thinking, then she could maybe help him. She had no idea what he wanted―now, or in the future. She knew for certain he had a passion for what he did though—he loved his club. As much as Gabi hated it, she hadn’t wanted to give him an ultimatum and make him sell it, regardless of what he’d said when she’d almost left him previously.

  Unable to take on all the obstacles that came with Darion, Gabi was close to leaving him less than a week ago. She couldn’t handle it all: the club, his ex-wife, the dancers, his head-fuck issues, and damaged past. To win her back, he’d told her that he’d do anything. She wondered if he even remembered saying it, and whether it was said purely out of desperation to win her back.

  She sighed heavily, deciding not to dwell on things. She climbed to her feet, heated up a ready-made meal in the microwave, and settled in front of the television to watch an episode of Sons Of Anarchy.

  When it finished, she had a long hot soak in the bath, instantly feeling her muscles relax, and her worries begin to ebb. The sweet smell of the aromatherapy oils hung in the air, and she breathed it in, smiling in contentment. Closing her eyes, she lay there, enjoying the peace and quiet until the water turned lukewarm, and her hands went wrinkly.

  As she dried and changed into a pink silk night dress, she contemplated reading a magazine in bed, or perhaps even start a new manuscript. She was literally under the bed covers for two seconds when the doorbell rang.

  Who the hell would be calling so late? It wasn’t like she knew any of her neighbours yet. She hadn’t lived in the apartment for that long. It couldn’t be Mallory, she usually rang first. She climbed out of bed hastily. Trudging down the hallway barefoot, she peered through the peephole. It was black. Whoever was on the other side must have had their hand against it.

  “Who is it?” she asked, knotting her hands together.

  No answer.

  Fuck. She hooked the chain across the door and gripped the handle. She pulled the door open, leaving a small gap, big enough to see out of. She sighed in relief, and smiled. It was Darion.

  “I thought I wasn’t seeing you tonight.” She unhooked the chain and allowed him to enter.

  “I changed my mind.”

  He booted the door shut behind him and picked her up. He caught her mouth in a kiss, his lips moving desperately over hers. Gabi responded to his firm kisses, feeling an excited shiver run up her spine. He pulled back to kiss her neck greedily, repeatedly, groaning as he did so. Gabi could feel the tension coiling in her stomach. She grabbed fistfuls of his hair, closing her lids, savoring every single second.

  Backing her up against the wall for support, his hands buried under her nightie before he yanked it over her head. She felt exposed and vulnerable being naked, on display for him, a little shy. It was the way he looked at her—his eyes raw and glowing, the animalistic smirk that crept across his face.

  His mouth met her breast, his hand cupping the other one simultaneously. Heat surged through Gabi’s body when he tongued her nipple, causing it to harden and tingle. She felt her internal muscles spasm, a needy ache persisting between her legs. It felt so good.

  “Darion…” she moaned softly. “Shall we go to
the bedroom?”

  He shook his head, and lay her down on the soft carpet. “I can’t wait any longer,” he said huskily, his stare fierce on her. He unzipped his jeans.

  Gabi seized his face, bringing it down to hers. Her tongue darted inside his mouth, roaming inside. She then freed his erection, her hand sliding up and down the shaft. Darion ran his tongue across his top lip seductively.

  His hand buried between her legs as he rubbed her clit in circular movements. Gabi felt the pleasured vibrations shoot through her as her sensitive clit swelled, responding to his touch. When his index finger probed inside her, she threw her head back, arching her spine. Desire bloomed in her stomach.

  “Gabi…” he murmured against her breast before sucking it into his mouth. “I can’t get enough of you.”

  She found herself giggling softly. As she slid her hands up and down his length, Darion’s features screwed up, his lips parting. She could see the rapid rising and falling of his chest, he was obviously as aroused as she was.

  His wet tongue lapped at her breast, then he tugged on it with his teeth. Gabi gasped, gripping his cock firmer, pumping it faster in her hand. She rolled her thumb over the lubricated tip, eliciting a sharp growl from him. She desperately wanted to feel him inside her. She needed to be filled, to rid herself of the teasing ache in her body.

  She rocked her hips onto his hand, feeling his finger slide deeper into her wetness, filling her satisfactorily. His thumb circled her engorged clit at the same time. She sucked in air. A hot flush spread through her body. Her heart raced wildly as her inner muscles ached and clenched around his finger.

  “Darion…” she murmured breathlessly.

  Darion pulled back for a moment whilst he slowly slid down her body. He left a trail of firm, rough kisses down her chest and over her smooth stomach before finally settling between her legs. He lifted them over his shoulders, giving him full and easy access.

  Gabi squirmed when the tip of his tongue teasingly flicked her clit. His wickedly gleaming irises burned into hers, as he watched her. She felt her cheeks warm even more, however she was unable to look away. As he sucked with abandon, she gripped his muscular shoulders, greedily thrusting herself upwards onto his stubbled face.