The Invitation 2: Surrender

by Roxy Sloane

  “The point is, JJ, I really wanted to call you. But by the time things settled down, and I could, it was too late.”

  I catch my breath. He looks so sincere but I don’t know if I can trust him. It’s been too long.

  “It’s in the past,” I finally say. “We’ve both moved on.”

  “I guess we have,” he murmurs. For a second, I almost think he’s disappointed in my response.

  The miles slip past. I stare out the window.

  “Did you ever think about me?” His question breaks the silence.

  I glance at him. He’s still staring out at the road ahead. He looks disinterested in the answer but the white-knuckle grip on the steering wheel makes me wonder.

  The truth is simple. Admitting to it, though? Not so much.

  I think hard. Can I tell him the truth? Does he deserve it?

  “Yes.”

  I glance at him just in time to see a flash of something - relief? - pass over his face before he gives me a sweet smile and replies, “I’ve thought about you too, JJ. In case that wasn’t clear.”

  Our eyes lock for a split second and I know we can both feel it - the regret of missed opportunities, the loss of what we once shared. In that moment, I think we might be able to rebuild our friendship and find each other again.

  Then his phone rings and the moment is lost.

  Ashton hits a hands-free answer button on his dashboard. “Yes?” he demands.

  “It’s me,” the female voice is apologetic, and I recognize his secretary from back at the office. “I know you said not to disturb you this afternoon, but there’s a situation. With the Castleford case,” she adds hesitantly.

  Ash curses under his breath. He yanks the wheel, suddenly pulling off the highway and into a gas station parking lot. I jolt against my seatbelt as he screeches to a stop.

  “I have to take this,” he says abruptly, then gets out of the car and slams the door behind him.

  I flinch. Whoever this Castleford guy is, Ash isn’t happy.

  I watch as he paces away from the car and begins to argue with the caller. His back is tense and he looks furious as he starts to yell into the phone. I can’t hear anything through the glass, but I can tell how angry he is just by his body language.

  As I wait, I check my own phone to see if I’m behind on calls. There’s an unread text message waiting, I didn’t even hear it arrive.

  It’s from a blocked number. My mystery man.

  I want to touch you.

  In an instant, I’m transported miles away, back to the dark, sexy room in the club. Touching myself, him watching me. His voice, urging me on.

  My nipples stiffen. I feel a rush of heat between my thighs.

  I type back, Name the time and place. I’ll be there.

  Right as I press Send, the car door opens. Ashton slides back into his seat, his movements sharp with barely restrained aggression.

  “Everything OK?” I ask politely.

  He ignores my question. “Do you want to get dinner with me tonight?”

  I blink in shock. “What?”

  Ash looks at me directly. “Dinner. You, me. I know a great dim sum place on the edge of Chinatown. You’ll love it.”

  My head is spinning. What is he playing at? Is he asking me on a date?

  Then my phone vibrates in my hand. A new message flashes on the screen.

  Tonight.

  My heart stops.

  “JJ?” Ash prompts me, still waiting for my reply. “What do you say?”

  “I, um….” I race for an answer. Part of me wants to say yes to dinner. But I need Mr. X. I need to know who he is and why he’s playing this delicious game.

  “Oh.” Ashton catches on before I have a chance to say anything. “Do you have other plans?”

  “Actually, yes,” I admit.

  “Then some other night, perhaps?” he suggests smoothly.

  Relief crashes through me. “Sure. I mean, maybe.”

  “Who’s the lucky guy?” Ash asks, starting the engine again.

  I hide a smile. “You wouldn’t know him.”

  Because neither do I.

  Yet.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  I spend the rest of the afternoon in a tangle of anticipation and nerves. I can’t believe the wait is nearly over. I’m finally going to meet my mystery man.

  Tonight…

  I just wish his invitation hadn’t clashed with Ash’s invite to dinner. Then again, was it just a manipulation tactic? No. There were times today at the racetrack where it felt we were rebuilding the bridge between us. Healing old wounds. Once we stopped talking about the case, it was like we were our old selves again: friends, just hanging out and having fun.

  Admit it, you felt more than just friends…

  I push down the voice reminding me about our explosive chemistry, and how damn sexy Ash looked today. It’s a dead-end street even wondering about that. Our circumstances haven’t changed, the problems that kept us apart back then still exist. Now, they’re bigger than ever. It’s not just our different lives standing between us, but the fact we’re on opposite sides of the lawsuit that could change my career.

  But I have enough on my mind with my mysterious date tonight.

  I take my time dressing. I want to please him – seduce him this time. From the lingerie he sent me, I can tell he has good taste. I pick out silk stockings and a lacy garter belt, and slip into a black lace bra and matching panties.

  My body is tight with anticipation. I can imagine how good it’ll feel to have him finally touching me, teasing me. The lace scratches softly against my peaked nipples; the silk slides against my waxed smooth pussy.

  I’m already so hot, getting more turned on by the minute, and the night hasn’t even started yet.

  Visions dance before my eyes, all the things I’ve been waiting for. I need him to touch me. I need him to fuck me. I need his hard cock plunging deep inside me, filling me up. I need to hear that devil’s voice as he taunts me with every dirty thing he wants to do to me.

  I’ve already had the strongest orgasms of my life without him laying a single hand on me. How amazing will it be when he actually touches me? I shiver at the thought.

  I sit at the armoire and stroke on a few coats of mascara and eyeliner. When I’m done, I look in the mirror and see a woman ready to be taken. My skin is flushed. My eyes are bright with lust.

  I’m ready.

  I’m reaching for my dress when my cell phone rings. “Hello?” I answer.

  “Stop letting him use you,” the voice on the other end of the phone is angry, and I’m shocked out of my lust-fueled haze.

  “Who is this?” I pull the phone away from my ear to read the display. “Adam? What are you talking about?”

  “I heard about your trip to the race track with Ashton Pierce,” Adam continues, sounding upset. “Kellan left me a voicemail gloating about it.”

  I exhale with relief. “Is that all? You don’t need to worry—“ I start, but Adam cuts me off.

  “I am worried! That guy is a total snake. He lures you in and then when you think you’re safe - wham! - he bites you with his poisonous teeth.”

  I try not to laugh. “Don’t you think you’re being just a little dramatic?”

  “Not really,” he grumbles. “You’re not the one with your whole future on the line.”

  I realize he’s right. “It’s OK, Adam,” I say soothingly. “I’m not getting lured in by anyone, I promise. But you need to trust me to do my job and not let Kellan get under your skin.”

  There’s silence on the other end and then a heavy sigh.

  “You’re right. I’m sorry,” he says. “I’m just worried. He’s trying to charm you into letting your guard down,” Adam warns me. “He’s just waiting for the opportunity to pull the rug out from under us and win. And I do trust you, but it’s obvious there’s something going on between you. I don’t want you to get fooled. There’s too much at stake.”

  I open my mouth to deny i
t, but then I stop. There’s some truth in what he’s saying: I would never put up with Ash’s field trips and fancy dinners if he was anyone else.

  Is Ashton really taking me for a ride? Is my attraction for him so obvious? Am I failing my client? Jeopardizing my career?

  “Justine?” Adam breaks the silence. “Are you still there?”

  I take a deep breath. I need to figure out what’s going on with Ash, but my number one priority right now is damage control with Adam: before he walks off and finds another lawyer.

  “Did you ever think that I’m the one playing him?” I ask. “We’re old friends from law school, I know how his mind works. If I can stay close, then maybe I’ll find a gap in his armor.”

  The silence tells me that thought hadn’t occurred to him.

  “You’re right,” Adam apologizes. “I’m sorry. It’s just... things are getting tight, money-wise. Everything’s on the line here.”

  “I understand that. Just let me do my job, OK?” I request.

  “Got it. I feel like such an asshole,” he replies.

  “Hey, I deal with assholes every day, and trust me, you’re nowhere near the top of the list.” We laugh. “It’s going to be OK.”

  I hang up and think about what he said. I know I calmed his fears, but maybe he has a point.

  Is Ashton trying to trick me into letting down my guard? Is he that ruthless? He seemed sincere when we talked today, but can I trust what he said? Can I trust him? Do I really know him anymore?

  My phone beeps with a new text from the blocked number. My mystery date. In an instant, all worries of Adam and Ashton and the lawsuit disappear.

  This is it. My hand shakes with adrenaline as I open the message.

  Leave your door unlocked. Put on the blindfold and wait for me.

  I want you naked on the bed on your hands and knees.

  Holy shit!

  A bolt of lust strikes through me, so hard my legs go weak.

  Let him inside my apartment? Wait here, naked and exposed, for him to do whatever he wants?

  My pulse races at the thought. But I hoped tonight I’d finally meet the man behind the invitations. He’s ordered me to wear a blindfold, which means I still won’t know who he is.

  Do I want to give up that control?

  Who are you? I text back.

  A moment, then his reply comes.

  No more questions.

  Think carefully before you leave the latch up.

  Once I walk through that door, you will do everything I say.

  I catch my breath, and then another message arrives.

  Your safeword is peaches.

  A safeword.

  Just the idea makes my heart pound in my chest and a torrent of heat rush to my pussy. I’ve never used a safeword before. I’ve never done anything extreme enough to need one.

  Just what is this guy planning?

  I think back to the club, and all the sexy, wild things I saw. Spanking… Bondage… Toys…

  The thought makes me wet, but still, I hesitate. If I let him inside my apartment, it means that I agree to do anything and everything he says.

  He wants me to wear the blindfold, so I still won’t know who he is. I won’t be able to guess what he’ll do next. I won’t know how he’ll touch me until his hands are already there.

  He’ll have complete control.

  Can I do this? Can I trust him to keep me safe?

  I remember how he instructed me to touch myself at the club. How his voice washed over me and put me into a hazy trance of pleasure as I followed his instructions. He was so commanding, so masterful at pushing me to the edge.

  Everything he has done has brought me pleasure. Amazing, mind-blowing pleasure.

  He’s shown me again and again that he knows me and my body better than anyone I’ve ever been with. He knows what turns me on. He knows my deepest, darkest desires.

  And he’s never pushed me too far.

  The thought reassures me. It might be crazy, but I feel like I can trust him. And he wouldn’t have sent the safeword if he wasn’t going to respect my limits. He’s put the power in my hands to stop him any time I like.

  In an instant, I decide.

  I want this. I don’t care how crazy it is, I need to feel this man’s hands on me before I lose my mind.

  I walk over to the door and lift the latch.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Oh my god, this is really happening.

  My heart is racing as I double check to make sure the door is unlocked. I dim the lights in the living room and light some candles along the hall to show him where to find me.

  The bedroom is waiting: crisp linens on the huge king size bed, and recessed lights that glow softly. I open my nightstand and find the box he sent earlier, the one holding the black silky blindfold.

  My gaze goes to the other gifts nestled in the drawer: the butterfly vibrator and the diamond key to the club.

  I shiver with excitement. Each experience has been better than the last. The butterfly vibrator at the bar was thrilling and playful. The night at the club pushed me way out of my comfort zone – and showed me a wild and illicit pleasure. I can’t imagine anything better, but I know, tonight is going to top both of them.

  I can’t wait.

  He asked me to be naked, so I undress, filled with anticipation. I slide off my bra, my breasts already so sensitive that my nipples pucker at the cool night air. I strip my panties off and slide my fingers over my skin, down between my thighs.

  I’m wet and aching for him.

  I stroke myself slowly, but then I stop. I want him to be the one to touch me, his hands caressing my naked body.

  My garter belt and stockings are the last garments left. I reach to unclasp them, then pause, feeling a flash of wicked disobedience. He’s in control tonight, but I still want to show him I don’t surrender easily.

  I leave them on. I have a feeling I’ll enjoy my punishment.

  Now there’s nothing left to do. My pulse kicks as I climb onto the bed and crawl to the center of the huge, plush mattress. The sheets are cool on my skin as pick up the blindfold and carefully tie it over my eyes.

  My world goes dark.

  Damn, this is sexy. I lean forward and balance my weight on my hands and knees. The apartment is silent, the only sound I can hear is my heart as it pounds in my chest. Soon he’ll be here. This is the wildest thing I’ve ever done.

  The seconds tick past, adding to my anticipation. Somehow, the wait just makes me more excited. This isn’t some crazy experiment in the heat of passion. It’s deliberate and planned. And hot as hell.

  Here in the dark behind the blindfold, all my other senses are heightened. I can feel the cool softness of the sheets beneath my skin, and the whisper of night air from the open window in the next room. My body is tense, wound tight, every part of me screaming out for his touch.

  My breasts hang heavy, swaying with every small movement. My nipples are stiff, waiting for his fingers to pluck them, his mouth to close around them in a sharp suck.

  I shift my weight, spreading my knees wider and pushing my ass up in the air. I can’t see a thing, but I know I’m on display, everything bared to whoever walks into this room.

  God, I can’t take this much longer. I’m hot, wet, aching. Desire pulses through me, stronger with every breath, throbbing at my core. I’ve been waiting for this moment ever since I unwrapped that first invitation, and now it’s driving me crazy. He told me to be patient, back at the club, but I’m tired of waiting.

  I want him so bad.

  I wonder what he has planned for me tonight in that kinky mind of his. From what I saw at the club, the possibilities are limitless.

  I’m already blindfolded. Will he gag me? Or tie me up?

  My mind races with images of silk scarves, tight leather straps, or the cold unyielding metal of handcuffs holding me bound to the bed.

  What if he wants to spank me? Do I want him to? My pulse kicks at the idea.

  Y
es.

  Maybe he’ll have toys? A dildo that he pumps into me again and again until I can’t take it anymore and pass out from pleasure. Or he could have nipple clamps that he holds onto as he fucks me deep and hard from behind.

  God yes.

  My breath goes shallow. I’m inhaling in short gasps. My skin feels hot and prickling, and that ache between my thighs is crying out for more.

  A hand. A mouth.

  A hard driving cock.

  My imagination runs wild with the possibilities. The seconds stretch into minutes and I soon lose track of time, lost in a trance of sensuous anticipation. I wait in the darkness, listening for every creak and thump in the apartment, any sign that he’s arrived.

  Silence.

  Goosebumps prickle my skin. I clench, needing release so bad. How much longer will he make me wait? How long will he keep me in this state of torturous arousal?

  Then, out of the darkness, I suddenly hear his voice.

  “That’s right, darling. Spread your knees wider. Show me your sweet, juicy cunt.”

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  My heart stops.

  Oh my God.

  He’s here. In this room, just inches away from me.

  The reality crashes in around me in a tidal wave of hot desire and illicit thrill. I can’t believe I’m really doing this: waiting naked on my hands and knees while a total stranger looks at me – examines every inch of my bared flesh.

  “How long have you been watching me?” I ask, fighting to keep my voice steady. But inside, I’m a mess of excitement and nerves.

  “Long enough.”

  His voice is behind me. I instinctively turn to where I think he is in the room.

  “Did I say you could move?” his voice comes sharply.

  I freeze. My heart pounds. He’s not messing around.

  I wait, not daring to move a muscle, hanging on his next words.

  “The first rule of tonight is that you only move when I say you can. Do you understand?”

  I start to nod, then realize it would be disobeying him. “Yes,” I say quickly. “I understand.”

  His voice turns silky. “Good girl. Now, spread those legs wider. I want to get a better look at your delicious pussy.”

  The words flood me with heat. This is different from the night at the club. Then, there was distance between us. The grille keeping him out of reach. Now, he’s so close he could touch me.