by Sasha White
She stood up and prowled toward him. She came close and perched on the corner of his desk. This time, when she crossed her legs, her foot brushed against his leg in a deliberate caress. “I want to invest in Risqué.”
He pushed his chair back and stood, crossing his arms over his chest. “I’m not looking for investors.”
“Oh? Have you paid off the bank loan then?”
“You know I haven’t.”
“Then why not let me invest? I can certainly afford it.”
“You’ve never had an interest in the bar. No reason for you to start now.”
“Oh, but there is a reason.” She leaned forward, resting her hand on his arm. “I want to fix things between us, to make it all up to you.”
“Let it go, Vera. You don’t want to make it up to me. You hate that I was the one to call our marriage off. It pisses you off that a lowly club owner, a thug I believe you called me, would have the nerve to walk away from you.” He gave a derisive snort. “You want to control me, and it’s not going to happen.”
She slid off his desk and smiled viscously. “You’re going to lose this club, and then you’re going to regret being so stubborn with me. It’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind, and I might not want you, or the club, anymore.”
Val bit his tongue to keep from reminding her that he knew from experience just how fickle she was. Instead, he watched her hips swing from side to side as she walked out of his office.
He sat down, pulled out a legal pad, and grabbed his pencil. She was playing with him, and he couldn’t let it get to him. Samair was coming down to talk about the fashion show and he had several ideas to run by her.
Pencil poised over paper, and all he could see was Vera’s vicious smile. He leaned back against his chair, closed his eyes and counted to ten.
And when he opened his eyes, he glanced out the wall of windows when he straightened up…and saw Vera talking to Samair.
25
Samair recognized the brunette heading toward her right away. They locked stares when Samair hit the top of the steps on her way to Val’s office, and Samair was shocked when the stranger smiled at her.
Then again, it wasn’t exactly a friendly smile.
“I don’t think Valentine wants any visitors right now. He’s in a bit of a mood,” she said when they were only a couple of feet apart.
Both women stopped, and Samair gave a small smile. “Really? He was in a great mood when I spoke to him a short time ago.”
“I have that effect on him.” The woman laughed and held out her hand. “I’m Vera Duggin, Valentine’s ex-wife. I don’t think I’ve met you before.”
“Samair Jones. Val’s friend.” Oh, how tempting it was to say lover, but—oh, hell. “And lover.”
Vera’s smile softened, her tongue darted out to smooth across her lips and her hand held Samair’s for a moment longer. “I’m not surprised. You’re a very beautiful woman.”
A tingle of awareness ran through Samair. “Thank you.”
“Not many women embrace their curves anymore, and it’s a shame. A lush figure like yours just brings all sorts of possibilities to mind.”
A telling silence fell as they gazed at each other. Vera’s gaze darkened and she shifted closer.
“I thought you were done here, Vera.”
Samair started at Val’s voice. For a minute there she’d been completely absorbed by the invisible tension between herself and Vera as the woman hit on her.
He stepped around Vera and put a hand on Samair’s back. As if she needed protection.
“We were just chatting, Valentine.” Vera smirked and stepped back. “I’m surprised you allow your lovers to visit you here. You have changed.”
Val’s lips tightened and his body stiffened. Samair leaned into his side comfortingly as she spoke. “I’m here on business actually. Risqué is hosting a fashion show for my new design label and there are some things we needed to go over.”
“You’re a fashion designer?”
“Yes, mostly lingerie and costumes. You seem like a woman who loves sexy lingerie, you should be sure to come to the show…spend some money.” She flashed her a cheeky grin.
Vera chuckled and slid a glance at Val. “I do love sexy things. Thank you for the invitation, I’ll make it a point to attend. For now, I’ll leave you two to your work.” She stepped around them. “Bye for now, lovers.”
Neither of them moved until Vera was out of earshot then Samair turned to Val. He was stiff and still, with the same completely blank yet somehow furious expression that he’d had the last time she’d seen Vera walking away from him.
Her chest tightened. He’d been married. And he was still in contact with his ex. There was so much about him that she didn’t know, but there was one thing she did know; she didn’t like to see him like that.
So, she stood on tiptoe, braced her hands on Val’s stiff shoulders and pressed her lips to his. When she pulled back, the frost had eased from his features. Decision made, she took his hand in hers, turned, and led the way into his office where she pushed him gently onto the leather sofa.
Neither of them spoke. She didn’t want to talk, she didn’t want to know what had happened to his marriage, or what his ex-wife was doing there. All she wanted was to make his tension disappear, and make them both feel very, very good.
Her fingers lifted and she started to unbutton her blouse. “I wanted to show you one of my designs. It’s a few years old, but I think you’ll like it just the same.”
His eyes turned to molten chocolate as he held her stare. He didn’t watch her fingers or look at the slowly appearing nakedness, his focus was on her.
And it revved her engine into high gear in no time flat.
Her blouse dropped to the floor with her skirt only a split second behind it. Feet shoulder width apart, she stood proud, dressed in a pink satin push-up bra that barely held her breasts, and a matching garter belt and stockings that framed the blonde nest of her curls like a picture.
She licked her lips and met his gaze boldly. “Do you like?”
He stood and prowled toward her. When he was inches from her, his breath whispering across her lips, he cupped her head in both hands and slammed his mouth down on hers.
It was as if all they couldn’t say to each other was put into that kiss. Mouths opened and his tongue delved and dominated while his hands held her still and she surrendered.
Every bone in her body melted under the heat of passion as he took what she offered freely. He stepped forward, walking her backward until she hit the wall and his body pressed full length against her. Pinning her there and holding her upright under his onslaught.
Samair clutched at his shoulders and whimpered. He released her mouth and dragged his lips across her jaw, and down her neck while his hands slid over her shoulders, down her arms to her waist. One hand skimmed up her rib cage to cup a breast for his traveling lips while the other continued down, over her belly until he was dipping between her thighs.
A moan slid from her throat as she arched into his hands. Hot blood pounded through her veins on it’s way to her sex. Val tugged the edge of her bra and sucked a rigid nipple into his mouth at the same time a long finger traced the length of her slit. “Please,” she begged.
The finger skimmed across her wetness again and he lifted his head. He looked down into her eyes. “Please what?”
She opened her mouth but no words came out. Her chest rose and fell as she panted and her hips pressed forward, wordlessly telling him what she wanted. What she needed.
His fingers tickled over her pussy, lightly brushing her clit and disappearing. “Tell me,” he demanded. “Tell me what you want.”
“Touch me.” She pushed the words out between gasps for more oxygen.
As soon as the words left her lips his hand cupped her core and a finger entered her body. He rocked his hand, the palm rubbing against her clit while another finger joined the first and she whimpered again. Using his teeth he tugged th
e edge of her bra over her other breast and sucked that nipple into his mouth.
There was no gentleness as he suckled at her. His teeth worried the rigid tip and his hand rocked against her with strength and purpose. Suddenly, pleasure ripped through her and she cried out, clutching at Val and bucking against him as her insides clenched and she came.
Before she could recover, Val unzipped his pants, wedged his hips between her legs, grabbed her hands and pinned them to the wall above her head. He buried his head in the crook of her neck and entered her with one swift thrust.
Chest to chest, belly to belly, he held both her wrists in one hand and hooked her leg over his hip with the other. They both groaned at the deeper penetration.
He cupped her ass and Samair lifted her other leg and hooked her heels together behind his back. “Yes,” he grunted. His hips pumped, his cock shafted in and out, hitting her deep and chasing passion sounds from her with every stroke.
Pressure build rapidly and she tightened her inner muscles, wrenching a groan from Val. His hand tightened on her ass, holding her still as he picked up speed and fucked her harder. He bent his knees and angled deeper, hitting her pleasure spot and making her cry out. Her body tensed and she went over the edge into another orgasm, pleasure expanding from her sex to every nerve center in her body. Her orgasm set off Val’s and he bit her neck as a guttural cry wrenched from him.
Minutes later he released her wrists and her arms went around him. She stroked rubbed his back and shoulders with one hand while the other stroked his hair, keeping his head at her shoulder as they both caught their breath.
Slowly, his hand left her ass and he lowered her so her feet touched the floor. He eased away and straightened her bra, tucking her breasts back in carefully before bending to kiss each satin-covered tip.
Samair raised a hand and cupped his cheek in her hand. He met her gaze and they both smiled.
“I like the lingerie,” he said with a straight face.
She laughed softly and nodded. Things were good.
26
In general, Samair wouldn’t want to live anywhere but Vancouver, but there were certainly days when it sucked. Days when it felt like the rain would never let up.
Whatever Val’s reason for letting her do a show at Risqué, Samair wasn’t going to question it again. It didn’t really matter what the reason was. What mattered was this was her chance to launch Trouble in a way that could really make a difference.
She’d spent some time the night before on the computer looking at fetish websites, as well as lingerie ones. Her designs were unique, but not out of this world, and to make them work for what had become the Fetish and Fantasy show, the right material for each piece was essential.
So far, leather, PVC, and various types of lace were on here list, but not everything was making it into her basket. Prices were high and she wasn’t sure she was going to be able to get everything she needed.
Panic was starting to get a grip when her phone rang. She snatched it out of her pocket before the second peal could sound. While she enjoyed the convenience of a cell phone, and knew it was smart thing to have, she hated the sound of them ringing in public.
“Hello,” she said without checking the caller ID.
“Samair,” a voice sing-songed. “I’ve been looking for you.”
Remembering that she now gave out business cards with that number she refrained from snapping. Instead, she rolled her eyes and focused on the bolt of netting in front of her. “How can I help you?”
“Well for starters you can tell me why my favorite sales girl isn’t at Rosa’s anymore, and why I had to read on a flyer that my girl is having a fashion show!”
“Ginger?” A grin split Samair’s face. “Oh my God, it’s great to hear your voice! How are you?”
“I’m fantastic as always. And it seems like you are, too. Fetish and Fantasy show, hmmm. You are full of surprises.”
Samair quick walked out the front door of the fabric warehouse to stand outside and talk. The rain had turned to a light drizzle so she stayed under the door awning.
Ginger had been her coworker at Rosa’s for years. When Samair was part time in college, Ginger was the full time girl. She’d quit just before Bethany got pregnant and left, and while she’d drop by and say hi to Samair every now and then, Samair had never really thought of her as a close friend.
But there was no denying the sound of Ginger’s voice hit a certain button for her. “Things change. Rosa’s place sucked without you and Bethany, and the opportunity for the show came at just the right time so I went for it. Or I should say I’m trying to go for it.”
“What do you mean try? If I remember correctly that word isn’t part of your vocabulary.”
“Well, starting up this design label was a bit of a spur of the moment thing, and while I do have a savings, it’s nowhere near as much as it should be.”
“Ohhh. Money issues huh, doll?”
There was a rustling sound and Ginger’s voice faded behind running water. “Ginger?”
“I’m here, sorry. Had to rinse this film or I’d lose it.”
Samair felt like an idiot. Here she’d been going on about herself and she’d never even thought to ask how Ginger’s new business was going. It seemed like everyone wanted to work for themselves these days. “How’s the photography going?”
“Doing good. Life is good.”
“Still with Jason, eh?” Samair laughed.
“Yeah, the man o’ my dreams. Listen, hun, I have to run right now but I had to track you down and tell you Bethany and I are coming to your show. We wouldn’t miss it for the world. If you need anything, anything at all, you call okay?”
Emotion clogged Samair’s throat. “I will.”
“And, Samair…”
“Yes?”
“One thing I learned when starting up my thing was that if you have a decent limit on your credit card, which I know you do, a lot of places will let you set up a business account to pay monthly, and you can barter for discounts.”
“Thank you.”
Samair hung up the phone and had to stand outside for a few extra minutes. When she’d walked in on Kevin and Lisa, she’d thought she had no friends other than Joey, who she’d turned away from slowly over the years. And the phone call was Ginger was proof that she had been wrong.
Sometimes, being wrong was a beautiful thing.
27
“Roll over,” Samair commanded.
A dark eyebrow winged upward. “You said on my back.”
“And now I’ve changed my mind.” She climbed off the bed. “You better be on your front when I get back.”
Samair went straight for the front room where she’d left her backpack when she’d arrived earlier that night. Or morning. Whatever. She’d been working day and night on her designs and when she’d glanced at the clock to see it was almost two in the morning and she was still wide awake, she’d made her first booty call ever.
Val had picked her up on his way home after closing the club, and taken her home with him. As soon as they’d walked in the door Val had taken complete control, stripped her naked and bent her over for a good hard fuck that had left them both breathless.
Now it was her turn.
Shaking her head she picked up the bag she was always leaving in his hallway and headed back to the bedroom. She’d come prepared to make her fantasy come true, but she’d been so distracted by Val himself that she’d forgotten her plan.
Focused on what she’d wanted all along she was happy to see Val had rolled over and folded his arms under his chin when she got back to the bedroom. She dropped her bag on the foot of the bed and started rooting through it.
Pouring some of the coconut oil she’d brought with her into her hands, she rubbed them together to heat it, and straddled his hips. Val’s head was cradled on his arms, his hair spread out and his eyes closed. He smiled when she leaned forward and brushed his hair out of the way, but didn’t open his eyes.
With long, smooth strokes she spread the oil over his back and shoulders. She started with a light, soothing touch, spreading the oil and enjoying the feel of his muscles softening beneath her touch.
“That’s it,” she murmured as she worked. “Relax for me, baby. I just want to get to know your body better. You seem to know mine extraordinarily well and turnabout is fair play.”
“Just remember you said that,” he growled.
She laughed. He was relaxing, and she was loving the freedom to touch wherever she wanted. Tenderness welled inside her as she worked the tension out of his neck, then started down his back, digging her fingers into the muscles between his shoulders. Val wasn’t a big muscle-bound guy. He was long and lean, with a layer of tight strength throughout. Lethal. That’s what he was.
Sliding lower, she worked the middle of his back. Then she was on his ass. God, what an ass. Tight and firm and completely bitable.
She put a little more oil in her hands and started to massage his buttocks. His legs shifted beneath her as she kneaded and squeezed. Remembering what he’d done to her that night in the bachelor room, she spread his cheeks and ran an oiled thumb over his puckered anus.
A seductive groan echoed through the room and he shivered. Excitement flared deep in her belly and she passed her thumb over the area again, before quickly moving down to his thigh.
He hadn’t told her to stop. He even seemed to like the sensation her light touch had caused, but she’d felt the slight tensing of his body when she’d touched him the second time. She massaged his left leg, working her thumbs into the muscles of his thigh and continuing down his lightly furred calf. When she touched his foot, he jerked it out of her reach silently.
“Are you ticklish?” Her delight evident in her voice, she reached for his foot again.
Again he jerked it out of her hand the second her fingers touched the bottom of his foot. A growl sounded from the top of the bed and she giggled. “Okay, okay, I won’t touch your feet.”