"Go on, try it," he urged, finally sinking into his chair. She smiled in return and started cutting the perfectly grilled chicken. The grilled crust broke and her knife sunk into tender meat. After breathing in the succulent scent, she lifted the fork to her lips like some starving, desperate soul. "Oh," she blurted, her gaze shifting to James.
Magic, definitely magic, Agnes was right.
She couldn't make out any words, letting the blend of spices spiral into life. She took a sip of the wine they served, and the lovely taste intensified.
"Good, huh?" James said from across from her before he took a bite himself.
Sophia nodded, dabbing a napkin against her lips, trying to regain herself. "I didn't expect that. I mean I've heard of their food, of course, but still," she said, shaking her head, feeling docile. "How can I go back to eating mortal food after this? You've ruined me."
James laughed. "Don't underestimate mortal food."
Sophia sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Thank you," she said with meaning, "that was amazing. Arielle is absolutely fantastic."
"Don't mention it." His eyes glinted and a small barely-there smile pushed at the corners of his lips. "I hope the food was to your liking. I took the liberty to discuss it with Agnes before ordering, and we both agreed you'd enjoy this."
One of Sophia's brows quirked; there was something about that subtle smile dancing on his face, the playful reflection in his eyes. "You and Agnes, huh?" she asked, watching him from her seat. "Was food all that you discussed?"
He smiled, a slow teasing smile, and his gaze didn't waver. "Of course. It wasn't like I tried to pry information about your life before me out of her."
She stared at him. "I would hope not. That would be despicable."
"Yes," he put his chin onto his overlapped hands, "that would leave you with a very vile creature."
Sophia swallowed. "I have a dark history, one you'd want to stay clear of, and, and Agnes's lips should — are sealed for safety reasons."
"So they seem." The candles flickered. A whisper the color of burnt ember brushed his face, heating the deep brown in his eyes.
Focus Sophia. What had he lured out of Agnes? Something embarrassing like the time her brand spanking new skirt was eaten by the revolving doors at work and the security footage ending up on YouTube? Nope, it couldn't be. This was something he'd find pleasure in teasing her with, and the skirt incident was just beyond painful. Not his style to bring it up.
"My career." No question to it. "You're a messed up man, James," she spoke lowly.
His lips peeled into a grin, and she knew she hit jackpot. "I'm very curious how a virgin ended up working in an adult shop in the middle of New York."
"It was just for three months between jobs," she said hurriedly.
"I would have paid to see that."
"That's exactly what Agnes said when she found out," Sophia added with a frown. She didn't know Agnes at the time she worked there, but managed to mention it after a few too many drinks two months ago. "I was even employee of the month because of my sales figures."
"That's hilarious." James shook his head.
"So you have amazing skills getting people to spill their guts," Sophia said, holding his gaze. "Agnes never shares unless it's okay with the other part."
James took a moment to taste his wine. "I was about to say you shouldn't be mad at your friend for telling me. Sometimes people don't even know what they're telling me before it is too late. I have no control over it." He shrugged.
"I feel so sorry for you," she said, her voice flat.
"It's all right. I just have to try live with it."
Sophia saw through his false drama. "I'll help you."
He lifted his glass. "For Marilyn Monroe."
Sophia reached for hers and lifted it in salute. "For Marilyn Monroe."
"And adult shops."
Sophia pursed her lips. "You're not going to let this one go, are you?
"Nope."
When Sophia moved to clear the table, James was there in an instant, prying her hands away from the table before she could reach for her plate. His hands tightened around her wrists.
"Tsk."
"James," she laughed, looking over her shoulder at him.
"No, Sophia," he said by her ear. "I have everything taken care of. You're not going to lift one finger."
"But—" she protested, but shut up when he moved to draw the back of his hand down the arch of her spine, erupting heat in her flesh, and sending pleasurable shivers throughout her body. She gasped, and just like that, he took her voice and had her soaking up his touch. James lured his hands beneath the hem of her dress, grasped the back of her thighs and hoisted her up to loop her legs around his waist, then carried her up the stairs to the bedroom. He introduced her to a room dressed in white with a king-sized bed in the middle, set with a black canopy. He walked a few strides and they both tumbled into bed. She marveled at the cool silk beneath her body, softer than any material she'd ever touched.
She'd never guess this was how her long day would end; with a dinner and wine that made her knees go weak, and with him catching her fall. And what a lovely fall it was. He peeled her clothes off her body, slow and leisured and damn determined all together until all that remained were her panties. The way his gaze swept over her made her tremble and she couldn't stop herself when she reached up to him, even though his expression told her not to. She undid his tie and threw it to the side before restlessly unbuttoning his shirt. James caught her wrists in one hand and pinned them to the bed above her head, making her body arch and push her breasts upward. She squirmed, wanting more of him.
"Behave," he said, stilling her with a strong hand on her waist. When she did, finally, he rewarded her with a kiss on her neck. He moved to her panties and slipped them off her before parting her legs for him.
"Please," she whimpered, her breath quickening, feeling him trace her ribs with whisper-light pressure, moving to touch her breasts only to change paths. She was soaking wet already, before they even reached the bed, but she had to endure his slow progress, building her up with one teasing touch after the other, avoiding where she needed him the most.
"I won't be cruel tonight." The rough timbre of his voice set her skin ablaze, his hand dipping between her legs and making her breathing stop. "You'll come hard and fast, Sophia." He toyed with her arousal with lazy movements, and then slipped two fingers inside her. Her muscles clamped around him and she moaned. Instinctively, she pushed her legs further apart and arched her hips. He held still and let her ride his fingers at her own pace and the wicked, dark look he gave her almost had her climaxing. He withdrew shortly, letting go of her hands above her head and adjusted his position so that her thighs cradled his shoulders and next his lips came in contact with her heat. He licked her with soft flutters, driving her crazy. Sophia buckled when his tongue stroked over the bundle of nerves just a little harder, bringing her closer to release. His fingers thrust inside her, this time faster and in addition to his tongue applying constant pressure on her clit, he coaxed her over the edge, knowing her body better than she did. She shook for what seemed like ages, the bliss of her climax strengthened by each little twitch of his fingers, each added lick of his tongue.
"I love how easily you come for me," he murmured against her sensitive flesh, and then he softly bit her thigh, causing a small squeal to break past her lips. He chuckled, the sound vibrating through her bones. He was so wickedly dark — so scarily addictive.
When finding strength to open her eyes, she found James by her side, watching her and his lips curved in a damn sexy smile. He did this to her; he left her boneless, shivering, and unable to utter a word. It had taken the last of her energy, and even though her eyelids threatened to close, she turned and began unbuttoning his shirt, determined to please the hell out of him.
He grasped her hands in one of his, keeping them locked there against his chest. He shook his head no, leaning in for a firm kiss. "We have tomorrow," he
promised, "and you're in no position to argue." His thumb grazed her cheek, and her eyelids fluttered in a last attempt to keep awake but she lost.
---
The morning after might've been the most relaxed she'd ever felt. She smiled, turned to her side only to have the smile slide right off when meeting an empty bed. A note lay on the pillow next to her and she reached for it.
I'm sorry you're waking up alone. There's a problem at work I have to take care of. Breakfast will arrive at eight thirty.
James.
Sophia stretched her arms out, not even close to reaching the edge. She sighed, smiling up at the ceiling. She managed to shower and get dressed in good time before breakfast arrived. She went for the cute mini-croissants at once. She moaned, wanting to savor every second of her stay.
She reached for her phone on the table and typed in a quick message for James.
You're completely insane, but I'm enjoying the insanity. Thank you. I hope everything is fine at work.
A message ticked in a few minutes later.
I'm glad to hear because you're just seeing the start of it. Be ready by ten tonight. I'm taking you to Nova.
Sophia reread the message, wondering what he was planning. Nova. She recalled the name of that club the twins talked about. They seemed so mysterious about it. James was a god in-between the sheets, easily running the race, but she knew he was going easy on her. Was he going to show her now? The curious part of her was too prominent, and before she could think, she'd sent a message.
Yes, sir.
8.
NOVA
Agnes blinked at her. "You're going to a sex club? Well, that escalated quickly. A week ago you'd never even seen a real life penis and now you're about to swap lovers!"
Sophia rolled her eyes. "I don't plan to swap anything. I've never been there before and can't really comment on it. It's a place hot rich people go to live out their fantasies or something."
"A secret place for rich people."
Sophia pointed at her, knowing where that warped mind of hers was going. "It has nothing to do with the Illuminati." She was obsessed with the idea. "They don't wear cloaks!" Well, at least she guessed they didn't.
"It just sounds strange. Careful, Soph. Hey, I think James is a cool guy, but do you really know him?"
"Yes," she said, exasperated. "So, he's a little kinky. Out of all people, I'd thought you'd be okay with that."
"I can understand your curiosity," Agnes decided at last and sighed. "I'm glad you told me."
"Always. If I call you and freak out, you know why."
"Take pictures."
"No, Agnes," Sophia tossed over her shoulder and walked away from the bar where they just had a drink. "I'll see you later!"
"Have fun, but not too much fun!"
James waited outside, talking on his phone. He ended the conversation quickly and smiled at her.
Sophia decided on a black dress and matching heels. She wasn't sure about the place, and figured it was a safe choice no matter what. James wrapped an arm about her when she shivered from the cold, and they made their way to his car on the other side of the road.
"Everything okay at work?" Sophia asked, remembering the note he left her. He glanced at her.
"There was a paper I had to sign and deliver," he said. "I think everything's all right now."
Sophia smiled. She hadn't seen him stressed out, and she could only imagine the amount of responsibility he had running a business. He always appeared strong, like nothing could faze him.
James took them away from Times Square. She wondered briefly if they were going to his place, but then he set the course in another direction. Sophia looked up at the large buildings housing the richest in the city. She wouldn't dare complain about the apartment she was lucky enough to stay in, but damn did this part of town enthrall her.
James squeezed her thigh and she flashed him smile, averting her gaze from the buildings.
He slowed down and waited until traffic cleared before winding down a street between tall buildings. Submerged in light, a grand building came into view and Sophia looked up at the monstrosity with apprehension. Its intricate façade, further dramatized by beams of bright lights shooting upward, made it quite the sight. They walked up the stairs to a wide set of double doors. Inside, music met her, and the warmer atmosphere made her relax somewhat. James kissed her hand, bringing her focus back to him and she gave a nervous smile in return. He seemed calm, at ease, perhaps at home.
The design of the building continued inside to a huge circular room with looping floral arrangements, and bursting into full life in the most spectacular set of stairs. On the first floor people mingled, talked, flirted, and hung out by the bar.
Sophia's gaze moved to the second floor with several rooms, all closed with thick drapes of red and gold, as well as a few with simple black drapes. A couple who seemed unable to keep their hands off each other disappeared behind one of the red and gold drapes. Further down, a woman peeked into a room before stepping inside.
"Are the rooms open?" Sophia asked curiously.
"People aren't really that uptight around here."
Sophia nodded; just her then.
"People either come here as a couple, or they find someone compatible for the night — or both."
"I see," she said, her gaze on the rooms.
"Do you want to continue?"
"Huh?" She jerked her head toward James. "Uh, I think I can," she said with a nod.
"Do you want to?" he asked again, his expression turning serious.
Sophia couldn't quite grasp the longing for this place and the openness of everything. She thought lovemaking was personal. She promised herself to give it a try, to give him a try. Their first night together was slow, skin against skin, introducing her to a new world. She could at least let him give her a tour, and if after that she still felt out of place then she could always back out.
"Yes." Sophia met his eyes. "Show me."
He sighed, drawing her hand up to kiss her palm.
"James," a voice interrupted them, and James acknowledged the man standing by them.
"Nicholas," he greeted casually.
"A newcomer?" Nicholas flashed a smile at Sophia. He was tall, with dark hair sleeked back. His deep green gaze met hers.
"This is Sophia," James said. "I'm giving her a tour."
Nicholas still held her gaze. "Be sure to show her the dungeons."
"D — dungeons?"
James leaned in and kissed her cheek softly. "I have to discuss something with Nicholas here." He distanced and squeezed her hand. "I'll be back in a moment."
She nodded, seeing him wait for a signal she was all right and then the two men walked away. She glanced around the place, across the lush sofas with groups of people. On the second floor, people stood leaning against the banisters, chatting, taking in the environment, having a drink. Two women dressed in fishnet stockings, tulle, lace, and corsets stood flirting, uncaring of the people who watched them. A pair of twins met her gaze and she recognized them at once from Irony. They were dressed in dark suits with white details. One of them lifted his hand and crooked his index finger, beckoning her to them. Sophia shook her head, moving backward until she collided with someone.
"I'm so sorry," she apologized when she jerked around, meeting a blonde dressed in a short latex dress holding a plate filled with drinks.
"Oh, don't think about it!" she said, a southern tint to her words, and then held out a drink for her. One corner of her lips curled. "You look like a scared lil' kitten; I thought you'd like to hold onto this."
She accepted the drink and flashed a nervous smile. "Oh, thank you."
"You smell really good," the bartender said, leaning close, making Sophia jump. The woman breathed in her scent. "I love your perfume."
Sophia waited until she leaned away before letting her breath out. "It's Dior, I believe." Sophia hated the way her voice shook. Perhaps the drink was a good idea. "I can't remember the name
of it." The perfume was one Agnes had slipped into her bag for her Monroe stay.
"I love Dior. Please, if there's anything else you want, let me know at once." She patted Sophia's shoulder and flashed one last smile before she moved toward a table surrounded by people.
"Thanks!" Sophia added in afterthought, and then shook her head, thinking herself an idiot. On a lush couch a few feet away, a skirt and corset clad woman sat with her back against a man's chest. Another woman kissed her, her hand moving to the woman's corset before gliding behind her back to tug the strings. The woman moaned and nodded her head, and they all stood up and moved toward the stairs to take them to a room. Sophia swallowed, her grip on her drink tightening. The drink was a good idea. She took a few sips.
"Hey, calm down," a voice spoke, and a hand touched her back.
"That's what I'm trying to," she muttered before acknowledging the man. "Oh." It was one of the hot twins. Someone brushed by her shoulder and she jerked toward the other twin who had turned up.
"Drinking away your fears, kitten?" Eric asked.
Sophia rolled her eyes. "I'm not scared."
"Who in their right mind would let you stand here so unprotected? Where's James?"
"No one lets me do anything. I'm standing wherever I want."
"Hmm. You're a dominatrix?" Lucas, the other twin, asked with a dark eyebrow cocked, one of his hands touching her hip. She shook him off at once. He chuckled. "I doubt that's the case."
"Nope," his green-eyed brother, Eric, said, "this one's a submissive." The back of his hand drew down her ribs to the dip of her waist. "I can smell them."
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