Hot Couture

by Greene, Tilly

  Once inside, she turned off the alarm, set the bag holding her naughty schoolgirl things by the door, and hung up her coat. Pulling the note from the pocket, she looked at the name Cassandra neatly written across the envelope and suddenly felt unsure. Maybe it would be best if she read it with a cup of tea at the ready.

  Making her way into the kitchen, she turned on the lights, then started the kettle. Once her cup had been chosen and a bag of chamomile tea dropped into the bottom, the water had boiled. Pouring the hot water, she let it steep and couldn't keep from checking out the note resting on the counter beside her. Giving the tea bag a stir, Gabby found she couldn't wait any longer. With the envelope in hand, she used her finger to break the seal.

  Holding her breath, she quickly read what he'd written, then again. After the third time through, she set it down, finished making her cuppa, and took them both into the living room to sit down and go through it all again.

  My Dear Cassandra.

  I ask for you to forget your other notation and go out on a date with me, Sunday night at 7:00 for dinner at The Dorchester.

  Max

  Max. The name suited him. In her mind, greatness and power surrounded him, as did control and gentleness. He was also sexy as sin. She wanted to call him by name and have him call her Gabby, not the moniker.

  Picking up her cup, she took a sip and wondered if his full name was Maximilian, or maybe it was Maxwell. Of course she wanted to meet him in the real world. He called to her on a level that had never been touched by another. Just reading the request had her heart pounding and pussy throbbing, despite having been thoroughly fucked by the same man not more than a few hours ago.

  But, the problem was if it didn't work out between them, there would be a chance the perfect dominant for her at Succulent wouldn't be available, and if she took that thought a step further, the club might also become an uncomfortable place to visit.

  As she carried her empty cup back into the kitchen, she couldn't help but wonder why he'd left a note rather than asking her in person. Actually, she'd been nervous about what the note said, because when she woke up in the room they'd played in, he hadn't been there. The fact she'd slept at all had been a miracle, and entirely due to his ability to thoroughly work her over.

  Her time had already been set aside to prepare for the big meeting with the curators. There were lists, details, and her portfolio to double check, and a client to try and contact again to see if they'd made up their mind and would be willing to loan a necklace if requested. Her nerves were a wreck and she needed to keep calm.

  She wasn't sure this was possible, but after spending two nights at the club under the attention of Max, the odds were in her favor. Gabby smiled as she walked up the stairs to the bathroom. Thinking of him put her at ease and sent her desire skyrocketing.

  Although she still wondered if she could meet him for dinner the night before something so important. Would it all be too much for her to handle?

  Preparing her black pepper bath for a second night in a row, she busied herself until it was finished, then slowly sank in to the heat.

  What did she want? A place in a major art exhibition in a world renowned museum, or a spectacular man who satisfied her on many different levels and could possibly be her partner in life? Those were her choices.

  Less than a half hour later, she was settled between the sheets, ready to drift off. Maybe there was a chance she could have them both. * * * * Time flew by, and with each swing of the hour hand, she felt more confident and prepared to meet with the curators. When she looked up and saw the clock said fivethirty, she knew exactly what she was going to do. Repacking her portfolio and briefcase for a final time, she went upstairs and took a hot shower.

  An hour later she was on Cromwell Road hailing a cab to take her to The Dorchester.

  Before she finished paying the driver, a doorman came out to open her door. He was holding an umbrella to protect her from the drizzle as she made her way into the posh lobby. Thanking him, she suddenly realized how nervous she was. In fact, she couldn't remember where in the hotel she was supposed to meet him. There were a few places to eat and, there he was.

  The man looked calm, gorgeous, and he stood only a few feet away from where she'd stopped. Shifting the shawl from straightened forward.

  "Hello Max, I'm Gabby." She held out her hand and felt her stomach drop out when he lifted it to his lips. Giving her real name was a risk, one she hoped she wouldn't regret. Looking into his intense, light blue orbs, without a mask to distract or hinder her view, she felt in her gut it had been the right decision. There were many things reflecting back at her from his beautiful gaze, although one seemed as if it shined brighter than all the others, patience.

  "Gabby, suits you. As do the beautiful golden brown eyes."

  "Thank you." She blushed, suddenly unsure of what to say or how to act with this man who had the incredible ability to send her screaming into a climax. With him for less than a minute, and she was there, ready to go to her knees and beg to take his cock in her mouth. Before the image had fully settled in her mind, she reminded herself she was trying to walk a careful line tonight. She didn't want to jeopardize their play at the club if the personal thing didn't work.

  covering her head to her shoulders, she up, sucked in her breath, and stepped "Shall we go in?" "Yes, that's a good idea. I'm afraid I can't stay out too

  late, I have a big meeting tomorrow morning." "Don't worry, I'd planned on dinner only this

  evening." "Oh, okay." "Please, baby girl, don't sound so disappointed. I'm trying very hard to keep our previous play at the club out of my thoughts, and trust me, it's difficult." "Okay, I'm glad it isn't as easy for you as it looks." "Trust me, it definitely isn't easy." They stopped in front of the maitre'd, who asked for their coats. She pulled her shawl off, holding it out for the man to take, only to catch her breath. Max had stepped up behind her and put one arm around her waist, spreading his hand across her stomach, and with the other held out his coat. When he moved in closer, his hard-on nudged her lower back, and now she had proof exactly how this meeting was affecting him. "Table for Stephenson." "Yes, sir, right this way." Despite being in a large hotel, the restaurant had an intimate feel to it, made even more so when they were shown to a secluded table. With a bottle of sparkling water between them, they took their time looking over the menu. Discussing various options, Gabby had to smile when it became clear they had similar tastes in yet another area.

  Any discomfort she might have felt slowly slipped away. She felt ready to dip into getting to know him, but he beat her to it.

  "So, tell me what you do and about this big meeting tomorrow."

  "I'm a jeweler and the Victoria & Albert are thinking of including a few of my pieces in a retrospective they are organizing." "What an honor." "It's more than I ever thought possible, and absolutely

  terrifying." "They wouldn't have asked to meet with you if they

  didn't think your work was worthy." "That is what's holding me together." "Are you wearing anything you've designed?" "No, I'm not. These are by Elsa Puchella, I love her work. Her pieces have a wonderful organic feel to them that I enjoy." She fiddled with the long, gold earrings while she explained why she liked them so much. "These are snakes from her Ark collection. For me the design is simple, exotic and elegant, a mixture I strive to achieve in my own designs." "You wear them well." "Thank you. Now, speaking of jewelry, how did you end up with your piercings? I've never come across an ampallang and a apadravya together, and am having a difficult time seeing any man being sober enough to ask for both." "It's called a magic cross." "Yes, it is." Reaching for her glass of water, she quickly took a sip to ease the heat covering her body beneath the nice black dress. "Sorry, I didn't mean to bring up, well, you know, sex." The last word came out on a whisper while her gaze raced around to see if anyone was within hearing distance.

  "I don't mind, I quite like the subject." He reached across the table and took hold of her hand. "Especially wh
en it comes to you."

  The man seemed to know exactly what to do and say to have her ready to slip under the table and take him in her mouth. If it weren't for his hand touching hers, she knew she'd feel lost. Trying to hold back from satisfying her own desires, she asked in plain English what he didn't answer. "Okay, stop trying to divert my attention. Seriously,

  I'm curious about why you have that particular piercing." "I like my body, being turned on makes me feel alive and ready for anything. These two silver bars and their end balls running through my cock add a bite, a hunger, into the equation that suits me." "How long have you had them?" "Almost five years now." "Well, they not only look divine, I bet they feel delicious when the four silver balls run up and down the sensitive walls of a woman's pussy." Damn, she shouldn't have said anything because now she wanted to experience the wicked piercings again all the more for having talked about them.

  "I'm game anytime you condom." His fingers curled, intimately into his. "It can't be at the club, that is against the rules, but name the place and I'm definitely there." "Oh." "I guess this is the perfect time to have that talk. I'm clean, and if it will make you feel more comfortable, I can ensure my latest health certificate filed atSucculent is made available toyou." "Hmmm." "What?" Gabby wasn't sure how to tell him what was on her mind, but since he'd jumped into the pool, she might as well join him. "I'm afraid." "Of what? Me?" "No, no, not you, more like what I could lose if I make

  a wrong step." "Come on, put it all on the table so we can talk about it. Let's have no secrets between us, Gabby."

  want to fuck without a pulling her hands more

  "Okay, total honesty. It started when I read your invite here. I wasn't sure I wanted to come and meet you, leaving the submissive who plays at the club behind." "Why?" "You are the first man there who has allowed me to experience all I was looking for when I joined. Sure I've had my fair share of intense scenes and mind-blowing orgasms, but with you I strive for so much more and know I'll get it. I should confess I usually only come out to play a couple times a year, but you, you and your brand of passion had me showing up the next day looking for more. And that is why I'm afraid. I don't want to lose what we have there if it doesn't work out here." "How do you think it's going between us tonight?" She knew how she thought it was going and, although his expression wasn't giving her any hints into his thoughts. It didn't matter, Gabby was going to stay true to her feelings. "I'm really enjoying myself." "Same here. Why don't we go with that and not worry

  about what may or may not happen later." There was a yes on the tip of her tongue, ready to slip out, but it didn't. Then, when she was ready to force it out so she wouldn't lose him before they'd even started, he gave her something she hadn't asked for, although she quickly discovered she'd needed to hear it.

  "What I'm looking for from you is more than an occasional night at the club. I want to know your mind as well as your body." "Yes, that is what I'd like as well." "Then let's take tonight and see where it leads us." "Okay." "And, before we go any further, will you go out with

  me tomorrow night to celebrate?" "Celebrate what?" "Us." "I'd love to." "Good, now I can relax." "You were nervous?" This was surprising because he

  looked so calm and composed. "Of course. I was there last night believing you

  wouldn't show, while desperately hoping you would." Laughing, she turned her hand around until she held

  his. "We are two peas in a pod." "Made for each other. I'm excited to see where we're

  headed." "Me too."

  Chapter Five

  "Hello, Ms. Potter, I'm Cindy Hu, lead organizer for

  this project. We're so glad you're here. Please, sit down." "Thank you." Once she sat down, Gabby carefully rested her portfolio and briefcase against the side of her chair, keeping them within easy reach. Under the table, she wiped her moist hands over her navy blue skirt. Her coat felt too tight around her upper arms. She knew it was nerves making her feel this way because this was her favorite suit and it fit her perfectly when she tried it on yesterday.

  In trying to boost her confidence, she made sure to look at, make eye contact with and smile at each of the four people sitting around the long antique table as they were introduced to her. Her breath still hadn't fully returned since the door had opened for her. It wasn't just the situation that had her shaking, the room itself was intimidating. Like the entire museum, this room reeked of history, the British Empire, and the world at large.

  One entire wall was full of windows, facing another part of the museum, and made clear exactly how vast the building was. Inside, three of the four walls had shelves running from floor to ceiling, all filled with leather tomes resting behind glass doors. Off to one side was a reading table with a chair, lamp, and globe on a floor stand. In another corner was something that both surprised and eased some of her fears—a large, overstuffed, leather chair with a reading lamp and table beside it. Those three pieces could be found in any home and gave her something to focus on to keep her nerves in check. What better way to do this than think of the V&A as home.

  "I suppose I should start by making our position clear. You, Ms. Porter, are a jeweler who has great technique, skill, and creativity. We in Accessories department of watching your work for some time and are thrilled to have an opportunity to work with you."

  "Thank you, ma'am, I'm honored to be viewed by the V&A in this light."

  "Well, flattery won't get us the answer we want, so let me give you a few details. We are looking at opening in eighteen months for a retrospective covering over seven thousand years of jewelry from around the world. The theme connecting the timeline and vast geographic spread is 'Flora and Fauna.' With regards to this particular exhibition, you have a series of collections falling within these two areas, and possibly some private commissions as well." "Yes, I do. Would you like to see the drawings?" "Absolutely. Let's move down to the other end of the

  table, I think the light's better there." The curators' excitement in her work boosted her confidence and gave an injection of spirit to her ego. They knewof her and her work. She couldn't wait to tell Max.

  Wait a minute, where had that come from? She hardly knew the man, and yet there he was mixed in with one of the happiest moments of her adult life. Later, she'd have to think about this later. Right now she had a meeting to get through and possibly be offered an opportunity of a lifetime.

  Standing, she picked up her portfolio and moved down with the others. Once she opened the folder and started to pull out drawings of rings, bracelets, necklaces, and a few other unique pieces, all feelings of unease

  the Fashion, Jewelry, and the museum have been slipped away. She was in her element. Gabby spoke clearly and with enthusiasm about each piece, sharing with them where her inspiration came from and what she hoped to have accomplished with the final piece.

  "These are the drawings for the Rosebud collection designed exclusively for the Tiffany & Co. London store. As you can see in these photos, they come in both gold and silver, the latter has six additional items available. The precious and recently been necklaces and bracelets."

  "Which piece has been the best received in this line?" This question came from Jonathan Harvey, the only man in the group. There was a sour look on his face, as if he'd swallowed something bad, but she wouldn't let it affect her. It was possible this was how he always appeared.

  "The numbers currently show the best seller is the silver bangle set with diamonds. However, as the charms are being rolled out worldwide, the black onyx rosebud with a long silver chain is showing the most growth." "Simple and elegant, these pieces look timeless." "I feel they'll be as relevant today as they will be in a

  hundred years." Personally, she was pleased with the path her career was heading. To hear other people in her field address the things she was trying to accomplish gave her validation. Beaming, she continued on to the next grouping she thought might interest them.

  "This is a key fob I designed for a university up north. They've rec
ently modernized their traditional seal, but wanted to offer something new and different in the school catalogue. The owl is the city symbol and in the seal, so we went with that." This wasn't her favorite piece, but it was one she believed showed another level of her work. She could do something that would appeal to both men and women from all social-economic groups. Besides, she

  semi-precious gemstone charms have made available to all stores for both knew they'd be seriously wowed by the next piece. It was good to show the diversity in her work.

  "Yes, functionality is bonded with style in this design. Very nice." Okay, it looked like sour puss preferred practicality. This didn't fit with her way of thinking, jewelry was meant to be frivolous and speak of the owner's personality.

  "Here is one of my private commission pieces." She walked back to where she'd left her briefcase and pulled out a large squared leather box. "The Earl of Devonshire's youngest daughter is going to be married, and this is the full scale copy of the tiara I've designed for her. It hasn't been seen in public yet, but I thought it would help if you could see up close one of my more elaborate creations." While she spoke, Gabby carefully lifted the mock crown from its padded resting place.

  "Oh my, it looks so fragile, and yet the solid base construction is obvious."

  "Thank you. The final piece will have a platinum structure created to look like branches. These will be pearls with platinum wire threaded through them so they swing freely from the branches with movement by the wearer. And, if these three latches are undone, the entire bottom drops out and can be worn as a chocker." After she demonstrated releasing the necklace, she lifted a small section of chain to link them together from a pocket in the lid of the box. "Simply stunning." "Elegant and classical, yet a modern style. Very