by S. Valentine
Gabi couldn’t help but retaliate to Eva’s bitchiness. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
“Sweetheart, I have been on every surface, worn every outfit, used every whip, and experienced more with Darion in those rooms than you ever will.” She licked her lips. “You might want to remember that.”
“Wow.” Gabi shot her a look. “You almost sound proud of that.”
“Your boyfriend was.”
Gabi drew in a breath.
“I will get Darion back.” Eva pushed herself to her feet. She swigged back the remains of her drink, and added, “It may be taking longer than expected, but he will see sense, and when he does, he will return to me.”
“You’re so sad that you have to use the club as a weapon.”
“He loves the club, Gabi. So do I. You don’t.” She pointed a finger. “With me, Darion doesn’t have to make sacrifices. He won’t be restricted from enjoying the playrooms. He can have everything with me.”
“Whatever,” Gabi mumbled, not having the energy to fight.
“May the best woman win.”
Gabi didn’t even watch as Eva sashayed off. Conniving bitch, she thought, a sour taste appearing in her mouth. Maybe Eva would win once Darion found out the truth about Lawrence.
“Gabi.”
She perked up at the sound of Darion’s voice. He stood confidently, towering over her, his green eyes sparkling. A slow, wicked smile formed on his face. The muscles in her stomach clenched. He was wearing black jeans, a white top, and black blazer. She guessed he must have met a client earlier.
“Hi.”
Sauntering toward her, he cupped her face in his hands and pressed his lips against her mouth. They were gentle, lingering kisses that caused her stomach to somersault, and tingles to shoot through her body.
“Look at these lovebirds.”
Gabi pulled away with a soft giggle, to see Lexi approach the bar and help herself to a drink. She took a sip before saying, “So, when’s the wedding?” she teased.
“Lexi,” Darion’s tone was stern.
“Any babies on the horizon?” She laughed. “Okay. At least tell me you’ve met each other’s families?”
Gabi stared into her wine…anything but meet Darion’s stare. Was she worthy of meeting his family? Did she even want him to meet her family when she wasn’t sure if they’d even last when all was revealed?
“C’mon. I’m a woman, Darion.” Lexi placed her glass down. “If I were Gabi and I’d been hooking up with a dude for a while, I’d be driving myself crazy, wondering where it was headed, or whether I was just some booty call, and—”
“Do you want me to meet your family, Gabi?” Darion asked her outright. His expression was devoid of emotion.
“Um…” she spluttered, at a loss for words. Did she? Before the Lawrence situation, she wouldn’t have liked anything more than to introduce him to her parents. She was certain she saw a slight frown crease his forehead and so said, “Yes, I’d like that.” But did he want to meet her family, as Lexi had put him on the spot, or because he wanted the relationship to reach the next stage?
She remained staring at him, waiting for her invitation to meet his family, but there was none. Her heart sank, as she wondered if he was ashamed of her for some particular reason.
“Follow me,” he said, his voice low and husky.
Gabi finished her drink and followed him toward the office. He stroked her buttocks, causing her body to fill with heat.
“You look fuckin’ amazing, Gabi.” His predatory stare swept over her.
“Thank you.” She tucked a strand behind her ear. “You look good too.”
In the office, he placed a palm on her stomach and backed her against the counter. Gabi slid onto it. She felt a fluttering of nerves in her stomach, feeling the magnetic pull between them. She swallowed the lump in her throat and inhaled audibly.
Darion’s gaze lingered on her lips for a moment. A slow, salacious grin surfaced on his face. He reached around and slowly unzipped her dress. In one swift movement, he lifted it over her head, tossing it to the floor. Gabi was about to playfully complain at the cost of that dress when he caught her mouth in a firm, demanding kiss. His tongue darted out, finding hers, massaging it with an overwhelming urgency. His hands cupped her face as he possessed her with his mouth.
Tearing away, breathless, she noticed his lips were red, swollen. He wet them with his tongue. Gabi swallowed. His hands fell to her chest, where he peeled her bra down, exposing her full breasts. His mouth captured a hardened nipple; his warm, wet mouth awakening every nerve ending. Gabi’s head rolled backwards as she closed her eyes and moaned softly. Darion pulled back to kiss the pink peak gently. His breath was hot on her skin. His lips landed several more tender kisses on it.
Lifting her into his arms, he carried her to the other side of the room. Gabi felt herself being lowered onto the sofa. As he removed his blazer and t-shirt, she waited with bated breath for his next move, her tummy tightening in both excitement and anticipation. Could he be any hotter?
Spreading her legs, he tore her thong down her legs, the material tickling her, until they came off her ankles. His gaze took her in, glinting naughtily, as if he was wondering what to do first with his prize.
As he ran his hands up her legs, Gabi felt herself getting moist, aroused…throbbing for contact. She lay back, balancing herself on her elbows. As he placed firm kisses along her thighs, she felt her inner muscles clenching. She arched her back when he began to circle her clit with the tips of his fingers. Vibrations shot through her, making her tremble.
“Hmmmm…” she moaned softly.
Languidly inserting a finger, he slid in and out. The way his blazing eyes cast down, watching what he was doing intently, aiming to please her, aroused her further. As he continued to penetrate her with his fingers, he unzipped his jeans with his free hand and released his erection. Gabi could see he was hard, thick, and ready for her.
Climbing onto the sofa, he spread her legs further, and kneeled between them. He slapped his cock on her entrance a couple of times, causing her sex to throb. As he circled the moist tip of it against her, she clenched her teeth. With his hand around his penis, he stroked up and down the length a few times. Gabi could see the desperate hunger on his face. His body must have been pulsing with the same needy ache she felt.
“Get a condom,” she said softly.
Darion’s eyes darted around the room frantically. “I don’t have one in here.”
“We can’t risk it…” she panted as he continued to stroke his tip against her, causing her to wriggle impatiently.
“Just this once,” he murmured, his voice thick with longing.
Before she could deny him, Darion slowly guided himself, easing into her slowly. As he went in deeper, Gabi gasped, delirious with lust. The feel of him bare was sensational. He moved in and out of her at a slow pace, knowing by now that she needed her body to get familiar with his. When he was in all the way, the rhythm increased.
Gabi watched as Darion screwed up his face in what must have been in pleasure. A sigh left his lips as he closed his eyes and threw his head back. Pounding into her quickly, she cried out, overwhelmed with emotions.
She breathed in the scent of him, the smell of his intoxicating aftershave. She gripped his biceps, loving the way they felt, how muscular and firm they were. She then traced her palms along his smooth chest before reaching around for his buttocks, pulling him as close as possible. Faster. Deeper. Harder, she silently begged, needing more, wanting everything he had to offer. All of him.
Darion returned his fierce stare on her, his irises darkening as if he could read her thoughts.
“You want me to be rough?” he asked, challenging her with a lift of his brows.
Gabi looked down, feeling her heartbeat build. “Yes.”
His dirty sounding laugh made her inner muscles tighten as the exquisite feelings increased. His left hand moved to cup her behind where he lifted her into his thrusts,
which were now fast, deep, and hard. He captured her ear in his mouth and tongued it, slowly, swirling it around inside. His breath was hot, tickling, and exciting her. She’d never known it could be such a turn-on. Her abdomen tightened as pleasure engulfed her.
His mouth trailed down her cheek with firm kisses. When he got to her neck, he sunk his teeth in roughly. Ow! She tensed her legs, digging the heels of her feet into the sofa. He nibbled down her neck and bit her again roughly.
She was surprised when he clamped his right hand tightly around her throat. His wicked eyes bored into hers. He continued to jerk his hips into her, his cock hitting her sensitive areas, his balls slapping against her rear.
“Gabi…” He panted. “You’re…so…fuckin’…sexy.” His expression now looked dazed, drunken, his eyes half closed, as he allowed the sensations to take over.
Her breathing was shallow as his fingers squeezed even further around her neck. She liked the way he dominated her, took charge. His mouth curled back into a snarl. His hips bucked upwards relentlessly, driving her closer and closer to an orgasm. Tension coiled in her stomach as she felt herself building. When he released her neck, she sucked in air.
Without thinking of her actions first, she slapped him across the face. The sharp sound of the hit, and his eyes widening, told her that she may have lashed out too hard. She expected Darion to throw daggers in her direction, however he grinned slowly. Before she knew it, he tugged her nipple roughly with his teeth. She grabbed fistfuls of his hair, wondering how pain could bring pleasure at the same time.
“Darion,” she moaned out as he repeated the assault on her nipple.
Swivelling his hips teasingly, he let out a low, sinister laugh, knowing exactly the effect he was having on her, almost sending her over the edge. Her nails clawed at his buttocks. She felt him throbbing inside her. Gripping her shoulders, he pounded away endlessly. Gabi rocked upwards, mirroring his frantic movements. How she wished it would never stop, that they could go for hours and hours.
Her chest tightened, her pulse increasing, her breaths short and shallow. He dipped his thumb into her wet mouth, his pupils raw and glowing, intent on her. She flicked her tongue over it and sucked it softly. Satisfied grunts escaped from his lips.
“Oh, Gabi…” his voice was rough. “I’m close…” His face looked tired, but devilish with his darkening expression. She could see the perspiration glistening on his forehead.
“And me,” she mumbled, clenching her teeth, craving release.
She felt her chest expanding, her breathing having become erratic. With one last breath, Gabi felt her inner muscles tensing, quivering, as an orgasm exploded through her. She shuddered, convulsing around him, gasping and crying out. She clung onto him tightly. Her heart slammed rapidly in her chest as she desperately sucked in air.
Darion began to tremble and writhe. With his lids squeezed shut, his groans filled the air, and he exploded inside her. He filled her completely, making her body sink further into the sofa. Then he stilled for a moment before his rigid body went limp and he dropped onto her. She could feel the rising and falling of his chest with his heavy panting.
Gabi wasn’t sure how long they remained on the sofa, her stroking his hair, and him tracing his thumb gently along her arm. Her breathing had resumed to normal, and her muscles had gained strength again. Lifting his head, Darion pressed his lips against her temple tenderly, and climbed to his feet.
Gabi scanned the floor for her dress, desperate to get to the bathroom and clean herself up.
“So, it looks like I’ll be getting to know a lot more about you, Gabriella Woods.”
“Yep.” It wasn’t fair. Why should Darion learn about her upbringing, meet her family, hear about her past, and she learn nothing about him in return? She was sick of being kept in the dark when it came to his past. Maybe if she met his parents too, it would strengthen their bond, make her confession a little easier, and add hope to him perhaps forgiving her. She gathered the courage and asked, “Will I be meeting your parents?”
She noticed him straighten his posture, his hand buried in his hair. “I don’t think you’ll like them.”
She eased herself off the sofa. “I’d still like to meet them. I want to know everything about you too.”
With a little nod he said, “If that’s what you want.”
“What happened to your arm?” she asked, noticing the inch cut to his skin.
Darion looked down at it. “Some drunk was throwing glasses around. Scared Lexi.” He yanked on his top. “He caught my arm.”
“Darion, you need to be careful,” she said firmly. “What if he caught your stomach, or…” She shrugged. “I don’t know…your neck.” It didn’t even bear thinking about.
“I’ll never let anything happen to those girls, Gabi.” When he brought his face up to look at her, his eyes darkened, his stare menacing. “And god help anyone who ever tries to hurt you.”
She felt a cold chill run up her spine, unsure of what Darion was capable of. But as he stepped toward her, claiming her mouth with his own, she knew he was just protective over them all. He was scared of losing people in his life. He was afraid of being alone. But then again, he was also afraid of being with someone.
Now she knew why. Her little secret flashed in her mind once more.
Chapter
Thirty-Seven
“I like these gifts,” Suzie squealed happily. She was sat cross-legged on the floor with presents before her: a cream fleece blanket, dressing gown, a tiny hat and gloves, picture albums, teddy bears, and toys. “Thank you, girls.”
It was Thursday evening. The week had flown by. Work and dance class had been going well for Gabi. She was up to date on her workload at the office, and had managed to pick up on all of the new moves in her dance lesson. She was also reading a lot more at home, and practicing her cooking. She wasn’t sure whether she was doing it out of enjoyment, or to occupy her mind.
“You really didn’t have to get me all of this,” Suzie’s voice dragged her back to the present.
“We wanted to.” Gabi smiled. “We got everything cream, as we still don’t know the sex of the baby.”
“I have a scan in a couple of weeks, so fingers crossed I’ll find out then.”
“Have you thought of any names yet?” Mallory cradled her cup of coffee.
“I’ve been looking online, but nothing has jumped out at me.”
“You’ll get there,” Mallory reassured her. “Anyway, where’s Marcus?”
“He should be home soon. He’s been working overtime lately. He wants everything to be perfect for the baby.”
“Bless.”
“So.” Suzie looked from Gabi to Mallory. “Enough about me and the baby. What’s going on in your lives?”
“Well.” Mallory beamed. “As you know, I’ve booked a holiday. Me and Steve go to the Maldives soon.” She clapped her hands in excitement.
“You lucky cow.” Suzie laughed.
“It’s all right for some,” Gabi teased with a laugh.
“So, Gabi. How are things going with Darion?”
She clamped her hands together, and paused before saying, “Good. For now. We’re meeting each other’s families soon.”
Mallory’s eyes danced with merriment. She was clearly pleased for her. “I’m so glad the relationship is reaching another level, Gab.” She nudged her with her elbow.
“Lexi put us both on the spot, so we couldn’t back out, really.”
“I’m sure everything will be okay.”
“I guess time will tell.”
She decided not to reveal her drunken mistake to the girls. Although they were likely to give her advice rather than lecture her, she was ashamed.
“So.” Suzie stood up. “Who wants more coffee?”
***
Darion
Darion smiled as he took in the bustling crowd surrounding him. He was standing near the door, holding a flute of champagne, speaking with Tiana. There was laughter and chatt
er all around, and he noticed everybody seemed to be at ease, enjoying themselves. Eva had managed to pull off a successful masked theme night. Everywhere he looked he saw eye-masks in almost every colour. Even the men had donned plain black ones. It added excitement. People could keep their identities hidden whilst doing whatever they pleased.
“She’s really given the club a lift, Daz,” Tiana said, nodding toward Eva.
Darion focused on Eva. She was standing amongst a group of men, talking, giggling, and flicking back her hair flirtatiously. They tapped their flutes together, obviously in a toast to something.
“I suppose. Although it wasn’t in bad shape before.” He wasn’t about to let Eva take all of the credit.
“How’s Gina?”
He shrugged a shoulder. “She messaged Lexi stating that she’s fine, and that surgery went well for her mom.” He sipped his drink. “I haven’t heard from her.”
“It’s probably Johnny preventing her from calling. He knows you pair had quite a past.”
He turned to face Tiana. “Is she happy with him?”
She nodded. “I think so.”
“That’s all that matters.”
He missed Gina like crazy. If she was happy though, then no way would he intervene. It was about time she had a steady relationship. She’d dated losers most of her life.
He set his flute on the side and meandered through the dancing bodies. The smell of alcohol and perfume wafted through his nostrils. He noticed looks of admiration from women he passed, and felt his ego swell. Who didn’t want to feel worthy, appreciated even?
“Where’s Eva?” he asked the barmaid, noticing that Eva was no longer in the room. He wanted to be civil, do the right thing and congratulate her on the event. He knew they weren’t easy to organise.
“As in your ex-wife?”
“Do you know any other Evas?” he asked.
“Actually, I don’t.” She giggled. “Not like her, anyway.”
He remained tight-lipped.
“She’s back there.” She jerked her head in the direction of the playrooms.