Eraser Blue

by Megan Keith

  As the time neared, his heart beat wildly in his chest. He had never felt this kind of anticipation before. He made sure the flower delivery had gone smoothly and that the envelope had been placed directly in her hand. His driver had collected her and they were due to arrive any minute now. Dinner was cooking. The room was set with candles and the like. His staff were good, and even though they weren’t used to these kinds of requests from him, they had complied obediently and set the dining room up exquisitely. He’d requested a romantic candlelit dinner early that morning and had been met by blank looks on his staff’s faces.

  “A candlelit dinner? For two?” Hilda had asked in shock.

  “Yes. That’s what I said.”

  “Yes, Sir.” She had smiled when she left the room.

  And now it was hours later, the smell from the kitchen was making his stomach rumble. His thoughts of Mackenzie, and her perfectly delectable body, made his blood flow quickly as his heart raced. He could barely contain his excitement at seeing her again while he paced the length of the room, smoking a cigarette.

  Last night had been a mistake. It had not gone according to plan at all. He didn’t like when things didn’t go his way. That bastard Greg must have followed him to the bar. Surely he couldn’t have just stumbled across his car at one a.m. Simon, his body guard and driver, was taken by surprise when Greg had shown up. Simon had thrown the first punch before he had a chance to reach them. Then his fist automatically connected with Greg’s face, giving the ass his second blow. Normally he wouldn’t have done something like that in the middle of a city street. It hadn’t taken long to draw a crowd and the last thing he wanted was a photo of the incident. He didn’t want to drag Mackenzie into it either. Leaving her last night had been a difficult, but necessary, decision.

  Finally the knock on the dining room door came. He blew the last of the smoke out of his mouth while stubbing the cigarette in the ashtray on the side table.

  “Enter,” he called.

  Simon gave him a polite nod when he opened the door for Mackenzie. She waltzed in like a breath of fresh air. She was wearing a long, royal blue, evening gown. Her milky white cleavage was begging to be freed from the formfitting dress. Her dark hair flowed down her back and over her shoulders in shiny waves of silk. He met her gorgeous green eyes and blinked his dark ones back at her.

  “Mackenzie.”

  She gave him a polite nod but didn’t speak. He took a couple of long strides in her direction. Taking hold of her hand, he placed a gentle kiss on the back of it, his eyes never leaving hers. She seemed nervous.

  Mackenzie’s heart was racing and her cheeks were flushed. She momentarily lost her ability to speak. She was completely in awe of the man in front of her, his looks were so stunning. He wore a tailored black suit but no tie. The first few buttons of his crisp white shirt were undone, revealing skin that she ached to touch. Her whole body tingled when his hand wrapped around hers, his eyes on her. Just his presence alone, felt so much stronger away from The Blue Room, and from other people.

  “Sir,” she eventually greeted him softly, with a small nod.

  He liked the sound of her voice, especially when she called him that. He had big plans for her. Plans that, as much as he wanted to act out straight away, could wait until after dinner.

  “I hope you’re hungry,” he said, keeping hold of her hand and leading her toward the large dining room table. It was big enough to seat fourteen people but it only had two place settings at the head of it. He pulled a chair out for her and she gracefully took a seat.

  “Thank you,” she murmured politely.

  Leaning over her from behind, he collected the carafe of water, her eyes focused on his hand and his hold on the crystal. It didn’t take much for her to be even more turned on around this man, the view of his hand tightly holding on was enough. He poured her a drink, then filled his own glass, before sitting in the chair opposite her. Leaning back casually in his seat, he steepled his hands under his chin, just as he had on that night. Mackenzie let out a contented sigh at the familiarity of it. The strong focus of his eyes on hers, held her in place and made her feel wanted, and that was not an unwelcome feeling at all.

  “Did you like your flowers?”

  “Yes… Sir… thank you,” she answered a little unsurely, feeling like she was drowning in the opulent surroundings and still not sure how to address the man. She was thrown off too, by how much her body pulsated just being near him and hearing his voice again. It was disarming.

  “Good.” He loved the way she said Sir and decided, then and there, not to put a stop to that. There was no need for her to address him as anything else.

  He looked at her quizzically. He made her feel like she was being scrutinized, like she was under examination. He made her feel uneasy with just that look alone. She felt so weak, her feelings flitting from desire to unease and back again, with only a look or a word. He held too much power over her. It scared her.

  When Simon collected her from her apartment she had expected to be driven to a restaurant, not a private residence. The view of the monstrosity as they pulled in the long drive had instantly put her on edge. She didn’t belong in such a place. It was not the residence he had taken her to before. That had been a sky-rise building in the city. This was far more decadent. Was this his home? Or was the apartment? She couldn’t look at the man in front of her, she felt her composure slipping.

  Mackenzie took in the huge dining room. It had the highest ceilings she had ever seen and it made her feel small. The walls were painted a warm cream and the dark wood furniture reminded her of the bar where she worked. It was classy and sophisticated. The expensive antique furniture that filled the room, and the heavy golden hued drapes that adorned the large windows, all added appeal. But it was the gigantic displays of white roses, jip and ivy, and the forty or so candles dotting the room, which made it feel like something from a fairy tale. The white linen table cloth, the polished silverware, and the way the candlelight was reflected in the crystal glasses on the table, all adding to the opulence. It was overwhelming.

  His eyes were on her, she could feel them, and eventually hers made their way back to him. He was beyond gorgeous - he was dark and dangerous. She could feel the sexual pull from across the table. The situation she was in was not one she had been in before - and she still didn’t even know his name. He had told her previously she was only entitled to one night and now she was in front of him, here, with all of this. What did he expect of her? He’d come back and … now? Who is this man?

  “What is your name?” she asked.

  “What do you think it is?”

  She gave him a pointed look and waited while he had a sip of water. He removed the glass from his lips for only a moment before drinking more.

  “Please just tell me.”

  “Why are names so important? They’re just labels. Ask another question.”

  She glanced around the room of what she guessed was his home. “Why here?” she asked. He didn’t answer. The more his eyes penetrated her the more uncomfortable she felt. She waited a moment but only got a smirk from him. The silence added to her unease, causing her to throw another question his way. “Why me?”

  “Why not?”

  “You’re enjoying this.” Mackenzie shifted in her seat.

  “Enjoying what?” His lips curled up a notch.

  “Making me uncomfortable.”

  “Are you uncomfortable? Would you like another chair, perhaps?”

  She couldn’t help smiling at his joke. “You know very well that’s not what I meant.”

  He stared at her a moment, before responding, “Yes.”

  His answer was too vague for Mackenzie. Yes, he knows what I meant? Or yes, he’s enjoying making me uncomfortable? Probably both.

  “Dinner is served,” he said, a moment before the door burst open and two women came in holding trays.

  How did he do that?

  Mackenzie watched the women in silence as they set dow
n bowls of soup, before leaving the room.

  “Wine?” he asked, lifting a bottle from the ice bucket beside the table. He filled her glass before she answered. He passed it to her and she gratefully took it.

  Alcohol. Exactly what I need. She took a gulp of the cold liquid and let out a small ah, before placing it back on the table.

  “Eat,” he said, motioning to the bowl in front of her.

  He waited until she collected her spoon before picking up his own. She gingerly placed a spoonful in her mouth and moaned in appreciation when the soup touched her tongue – potato and leek, she assumed. He watched her closely. She picked up her napkin, wiping her mouth.

  “Sorry.”

  “For? I’ve seen you naked and done things to your body that, I’m guessing, not too many men have had the pleasure of, so please, don’t be coy with me. If it feels good, by all means moan.”

  With just those few words, Mackenzie’s mood was altered, again. The frustration was now coupled with desire as it coursed through her body. His eyes twinkled with amusement.

  “Exactly. You’ve done things to me that no one else has and I don’t even know your name! Who are you?” she asked again, this time through a filter of frustration.

  “I’m whoever you want me to be.” The stern look on his face annoyed her further.

  “Seriously? You aren’t going to tell me?”

  “It’s only a name. It has no bearing on who I am. I can be-”

  “It’s a simple question,” she interrupted, her aggravation reaching new heights. “The answer should be simple too.”

  “I assure you, there is nothing simple about me.” He smirked.

  “Well, that much is obvious!”

  She watched him return to his soup. After a couple of mouthfuls he looked up at her with a devilish smile. What an arrogant ass! This is ridiculous – he won’t even tell me his name?

  “You know what? Screw this! You sent for me and I came, didn’t I? Doesn’t that afford me some basic courtesies?” He stared back at her with zero expression and it infuriated her. “I didn’t come here to play games with you.” She groaned and threw her napkin down on the table beside her bowl. Maybe Alex was right to tell me to stay away from him. She pushed her chair back and stood. Her stomach churned at the thought of actually leaving, so she was relieved when he spoke again.

  “Mackenzie,” he warned and she froze. He stood from his chair too. “Please sit back down,” he said sternly. The authority in his voice did something she remembered from Friday night – it aroused her.

  She hesitated for only a moment, before placing her bottom back on the chair. He took his time getting comfortable. The fire in her eyes when she glared at him only made him feel victorious. He chuckled. She is going to be so much fun!

  “I thought you liked my games,” he said, picking up his spoon again.

  He looked as sexy as sin with the smug look on his face. Memories of ‘his games’ last Friday night came to mind. Yes, I like his games… Gah! He is as infuriating as all hell! She pinned him with her stare, waiting for him to respond with his name.

  “Okay, I’m sorry…” He looked at her, a sly smile reappearing on his face, before adding, “Please call me Sir.”

  The corners of her mouth involuntarily rose. How does he do that? One look and my guard comes crashing down. He made her head spin for so many reasons. As annoying as he was, when he looked at her it sent pleasure through her body. Every. Damn. Time. She decided to rise above her annoyance and moved the conversation forward. He wouldn’t be the victor here. A name is just a label after all. I can move on.

  In an attempt to let go of her frustration, she asked, “What do you do?”

  He licked his lips thoughtfully, his eyes focused on hers. They were voluptuous lips, with a shiny red gloss on them. He couldn’t wait until she wrapped those around him. He envisioned her on her knees, in that dress, lavishing his cock with that mouth. He decided then – that was what she would do first tonight, right here at the table. He refocused on her ostentatious green eyes. They really were the most amazing things he had ever seen – too large for her face, flawless coloring, the dark, long lashes framing them – just impeccable. Exquisite jewels.

  “I’m a business man,” he answered vaguely, knowing that it would piss her off. He loved to see her riled, it was too easy.

  “What kind of business man?” she asked, before sliding the soup filled spoon into her mouth, extra slow. She batted those lush lashes at him.

  Is she deliberately teasing me? She licked her lips slowly and he saw the glint in her eye. Oh yes, she is. She’ll pay for that. He took a slow sip of wine as he watched her.

  “I see you’ve lost your apprehension. That’s good. There’s no room for shyness tonight.” He loved her shocked face.

  Mackenzie didn’t know how to respond to his comment. She had been trying to get a reaction from him, by flirting, but he never responded quite how she expected. He always one-upped her in some way. She was still trying to come up with something when he spoke next.

  “Tell me about yourself.”

  “What would you like to know?” she asked.

  “Everything.” He shrugged his shoulders casually, continuing to eat his soup, as if it was the most logical answer in the world.

  “Everything?” she asked and he nodded. “Well, I work at The Blue Room but you already know that. I live in an apartment on West Adams, you know that too. I’ve lived there for about two years.”

  “You live alone,” he stated factually.

  “Yes, I like being on my own.” She shrugged. “I prefer it.”

  He looked at her thoughtfully for a moment, before returning his attention to the bowl in front of him. He already knew that she was on her own. He’d made sure of that months ago, when he’d first spotted her, and had been keeping a close watch over her ever since. But the notion that she preferred it that way surprised him. She rarely seemed to have male company and he had to wonder what she did for fun. He could barely go a few days without sexual release but she seemed content enough. Also, as she preferred her solitude, it made him wonder what kind of fight she may put up when he told her what he wanted. Not that he was completely opposed to a fight, of course.

  “You prefer to be alone?” he asked and she nodded in response.

  With his head down, he looked up at her through dark lashes, his almost black eyes made her breath hitch. She wriggled slightly in her seat when her internal muscles clenched in anticipation of what may come later in the evening. The power he held was overwhelming her again. Pull yourself together! She chastised herself and returned her attention to the soup just to distract herself from his eyes.

  He could tell he was affecting her. He sensed she was beginning to understand. Her body language was deceiving her. She was uncomfortable with the conversation, yes, but there was no mistaking the beauty sitting opposite him was as turned on as he was. He needed to push her boundaries more, get her to open up. Test her.

  “Do you pleasure yourself often?” he asked.

  She was glad she’d swallowed her mouthful, before those words were thrown at her, or she would have surely spit soup all over the table. As it was she was choking on air.

  “Excuse me?” she asked, red-faced, thinking back to last night’s adventure with gloved hands and a butterfly vibrator. And the fantasy where he was the star.

  “You heard me, Mackenzie.” His reply was calm and calculated.

  “Yes, I did.” She paused for a moment. “I cannot believe you just asked me that!”

  “There are no boundaries I won’t cross. It will serve you well to remember that. Now, answer the question.” His expression was serious, but there was a hint of mischief on his lips and in his eyes.

  Mackenzie sipped her wine, biding her time to think of a comeback. It is kind of refreshing to find someone so straightforward, I suppose. Placing the glass back on the table, she leaned forward.

  “How much is ‘often’? I mean, could you p
lease clarify?” She smirked at him and he returned the smile. His was genuine, he was amused. That made Mackenzie happier than it probably should.

  “I’d say seven times a week would be often.” He spoke seriously, as if the topic was not about masturbation but something more conservative. “Though with a body like yours, I’m thinking once a day wouldn’t be enough for me.” He winked.

  Mackenzie’s face heated again with his words, but before she could even comprehend that statement, he continued and threw her for a loop again.

  “I want an answer, and please be honest. Honesty is the most important thing in any relationship.”

  Relationship? Mackenzie’s head was spinning with the turn in conversation. From masturbation to relationships, this guy was unlike anyone she had ever met. And just what kind of relationship is he expecting with me?

  “Mackenzie?” he prompted.

  I love when he says my name. Oh, um, answer, yes… She blinked. “Maybe two or three times a week,” she stammered a lie, thinking to herself how much more she had done it since last Friday. She shook her head. Why did I answer him at all?

  “Really?” he asked with genuine surprise. Images of her with a hand between her legs, moaning in ecstasy, flooded his mind and he fought the urge to adjust himself. “Is that all?” She nodded. “Maybe you’re not doing it right.” He chuckled and watched her face flush again.

  Hilda and Jasmin came in then, halting their conversation. They professionally swept away the soup bowls and replaced them with main meals, before leaving through the double doors. He caught Mackenzie eyeing the food warily.