“Yeah, must be the time change.” Parker laughed and shook his head. “No worries then. Let’s eat and we’ll get going.”
Parker pulled out my chair, and I slid in next to him feeling somewhat like a princess. The table had several large covered dishes, and he removed the lids and scooped servings of each onto my plate.
“You weren’t up so I took the liberty of ordering for you,” he said.
“Thank you. I’m really sorry about…”
He didn’t let me finish. “I know, I know,” he laughed. “I was just giving you a hard time.”
I didn’t know how hungry I was until I looked down at the plate of delicious food in front of me and realized I‘d barely eaten since leaving Michigan. I gobbled down everything on my plate and more as he talked about the places we would go and things he wanted to show me.
“Oh, and we’re meeting my friend Cole for lunch. He’s an old college buddy of mine who also happens to be my attorney.” Several seconds passed and I noticed that he talking. As I ate my last bite, I looked up to find him staring at me with that sultry smile. The one that was starting to grow on me.
“Oh no. What’s wrong? Did I eat something you wanted?” I held the napkin to my face feeling it flush.
“No, not at all.” His laugh was deep and genuine. “You just look very sexy when you’re eating.”
His laughter put me at ease. He seemed warm and relaxed, unlike the demanding distant man I’d clashed with last night. He almost seemed like the Parker I used to know, my old friend, and as I watched him eat I secretly hoped that lunch with his friend would reveal even more about the time we’d lost over the last seven years.
“Don’t tell me you have some kind of weird food fetish, Mr. Blackwell,” I joked playfully.
“Parker,” he replied. “Don’t worry, Lauren, you’ll get to know all my fetishes soon enough.”
I nearly choked on my last bite of pancakes and washed it down quickly with a swig of coffee. Damn he made me hot! When he talked to me like that I wanted to climb in his lap and taste the syrup on his lips. I giggled at the thought.
“What’s so funny?”
Feeling sassy, I gave him a taste of his own medicine. “Oh, you’ll find out soon enough.”
The limo took us from one casino to another, each one more luxurious and over-the-top than the last. I felt like a celebrity from all the special attention we received. ‘Can I get you a drink, Mr. Blackwell? And for the lady, Mr. Blackwell? Would you like me to arrange lunch for you, Mr. Blackwell?’ Several people even stopped us to ask for Parker’s autograph.
Since this was my first time gambling, Parker gave me a lesson in Black Jack and roulette. He couldn’t believe that I’d never been to a casino before, and he was excited to show me the ropes. I noticed the way his hand rested against the small of my back, and the way he pulled me against him while standing at the roulette table. Living in Parker’s world was surreal. We were living in the moment, which is exactly what I planned to do for the rest of my time with him.
His phone rang as we walked back to the limo. “Hey, I’m on my way. Yes, and I’m bringing a guest. A guest, Cole. Okay, see you there.”
The fact that he said he was bring “a guest” twice, wasn’t lost on me. Maybe that was code for “not a hooker”. Who knows? This should be interesting I thought as I wondered whether or not Parker’s old college buddy/attorney knew about his escort habit. I laughed to myself at how ironic that seemed. Would he approve? It certainly wasn’t legal according to my standards, but then again Barry said the money was for companionship. I wonder if Parker Blackwell would pay me $300,000 to be his celibate companion. The thought almost made me laugh out loud.
“I love seeing you smile. What are you thinking about?” Parker’s voice startled me from my daydream.
“Nothing really. I was just thinking that I had a great time today.”
“Glad to hear that. Vegas is worlds away from Michigan, huh?”
I froze. The last thing I wanted to think about was Michigan.
”Let’s not talk about Michigan.” The words came tumbling out of my mouth, and I could see the surprise on his face.
“Listen, Lo, I live a very private life. If you’re worried that someone might find out about our arrangement… If so I can assure you that won’t happen”
I stared out the window, as he continued to explain, “There are too many people who would use information about my lifestyle to their advantage, so I need to know certain things about the people that I let in. You’re safe here, and whatever may or may not be going on between us will remain private.”
“Certain things like what, and what do you mean by “whatever may or may not be going on between us?” I demanded.
“Certain things about people’s backgrounds. You know that determine whether or not they can be trusted. If I can’t be sure about the people I’m spending time with I could end up on the cover of The National Inquirer or something, and that would be a disaster. I have too much at stake.”
I glared at him, “And?”
The way he was squirming in his seat trying to get comfortable I knew he was having a hard time answering. “Listen, I’m not proud that I had to twist your arm to get you to come out here with me, or that I practically had to blackmail you to get you to take the money to save The Grand, but it is what it is, Lo. I’d do anything to help you, and I won’t let anyone get in the way of that, not even you.”
“Practically?” I snapped. “We both know this is a business arrangement, Parker. That’s what you wanted, and that’s what you got. I expect you to treat me the same way you treat your hired help.” I instantly regretted the coldness in my voice. Why couldn’t I just get over it already? Maybe he didn’t go about this the right way, but his intentions were good. Why do I keep pushing him?
Parker’s looked conflicted. I watched as his warm smile faded and his eyes grew dark. His jaw clenched as if he were switching gears. “If that’s the way you want it, then I’ll need to know what your limits are.”
“What do you mean my limits?” I knew I brought it on, but I sensed the conversation was heading into deep waters. Maybe a little too deep.
His demeanor had clearly changed as he moved his head to the side of my neck and whispered into my ear. “What are your limits? How far are you willing to go, Lauren?”
My cheeks burned in response to his mouth so close to my skin. “What does your source say, Mr. Blackwell? You seemed to be well informed” I shot back sarcastically.
“My source, as you put it, didn’t have much information in that department, so I decided to take a risk. I’m very good at calculating risk, Lo, and at reading people. I think we’ll both find out what your limits are very soon.”
His words sent a shiver up my spine. Something about his mysterious sexual appetite made me curious and very, very excited. I was scared, but somewhere deep down I wanted to do anything he asked of me. Feeling restless with anticipation, I was ready to show him just how far I could go right there in the back of the limo.
Just then the car stopped and the driver came around to open my door. Our eyes stayed locked together for a few seconds, neither one of us willing to back down. Now he was challenging me, and I could tell he was enjoying it as much as I was.
Seven
CROSSING THE LINE
Cole stood to greet us as we walked to a quiet table in the corner of the small lounge. They shook hands and exchanged the customary, masculine half-hug complete with a pat on the back.
“Who is this lovely lady?” Cole directed his attention to me.
“This is Lauren. She’s staying with me while I’m here in Vegas. Lauren, Cole Thomas.” Parker seemed amused by his friend’s obvious interest in me.
I started to reply when Cole pulled me up against him and said, “Any friend of Parker’s is a friend of mine.” The intimacy of the embrace surprised me, and I got a funny feeling that he was implying something more. I smiled and shook it off.
We ordered drinks and began looking at the menu as the men exchanged small talk. I was sitting directly across from Cole next to Parker, and it was hard not to notice how attractive he was. He looked a little rougher around the edges than Parker with his five o’clock shadow and tailored shirt slightly unbuttoned. His eyes were deep brown, almost black like his hair, but there was something about him that was intriguing. Maybe it was his thick black lashes or his dark skin, or maybe it was his rugged features that clashed with his tailored clothes and Rolex watch. I was following the conversation intently and noticed him studying me, too.
Parker asked if there were any offers on his home in California, then something about a money transfer and wiring money to someone. The conversation ended too soon, leaving me more than a little disappointed.
As soon as the business agenda was wrapped up, Cole started to reminisce about their college days, and my disappointment quickly faded. Maybe I would find out more about this man after all.
“Parker” Cole said, his eyes fixed on me, “Do you remember that frat party we had during our senior year?”
Parker smiled and laughed. “That was a night for the history books. When’s the last time you did something that crazy?”
“It’s been a while. How about tonight? What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right, Lauren?”
I looked back and forth between them wondering what they were talking about. I drank several martinis since we sat down. Each time my glass was empty the waiter came by with another without asking. I noticed he was doing the same for Parker and Cole.
“Crazy Horse or Sapphire?” Cole asked grinning.
“Sapphire of course,” Parker replied looking at me for a reaction. There it was. That sexy mischievous smile that gave me butterflies. My heart pounded in my chest every time he looked at me like that. I nodded slightly, letting him know that I was in although I had no idea what I was in for.
“I need a moment with Lo first,” Parker shot Cole a serious glance, and I watched as they seemed to exchange some unspoken communication. Cole excused himself and headed to the men’s room, and I looked at Parker expectantly.
“Lo, this is happening a little faster than I expected,” he swallowed hard, “Things could get crazy.” His eyes were locked on mine as he struggled to find the right words. “Cole is…well he’s a lot like me. If you have any doubts about this just tell me, and we won’t go.” His eyes were glassy from the mixture of alcohol and emotion. I sensed he was struggling with the situation more than he cared to admit.
My heart thumped in my chest as I began to put the pieces together slowly. I was being asked to go to a strip club with two very sexy, very adventurous alpha males, who loved to walk on the wild side. I got a feeling this was something they had done more than once, and I was being asked to join them. Even in my alcohol induced haze I knew I was playing with fire. I thought carefully before I replied. “I’m here because you hired me, remember? If you want to share me it’s up to you.”
I was stuck somewhere between extremely pissed off and highly aroused at the thought of Parker wanting to share this part of his world with me. I didn’t know if I could follow through with it, but at the same time, I secretly longed to find out.
His brow furrowed. “Can you drop the escort excuse for a minute please? This is serious, Lo,” he paused, “We’ve both had a lot to drink. We should probably just call it a night and talk about this tomorrow.”
“No!” The intensity in my voice surprised us both. Regaining my composure I started again, “I’m not sure if I’m going to like this or not, but I want to see for myself. If this is part of who you are then I want to know.” I grabbed his hand. “Show me.”
Parker’s eyes were fixed on the table. He wrung his hands and let out a deep sigh of relief. “This is new to me, too. I’ve never done anything like this with someone like you. Someone I cared about.” His concerned gaze met mine. “What if things get carried away?”
He did it again. He said he cared about me. It seemed ironic considering what we were discussing, but somehow I believed him. I saw how hard he was struggling to make sense of it, and in many ways I was, too. I wanted to cling to the escort defense. I wanted to throw it in his face, to blame everything on him. It was easier to believe that I was playing a part than it was to admit that I wanted to see and feel everything he had to offer. Here with him, I felt free. Free to do things I never thought I’d do and be somebody that I’d never have the chance to be again. Maybe I would regret it later, but that was a chance I was willing to take.
I reached over and placed my hand inside of his. His eyes still questioned me, and I wanted to reassure him. “I don’t know if I’m ready for this or not, but I’m ready to find out. What about Cole? What does he expect?”
“He knows to keep his hands off you unless…”
“Unless what?” I blinked expectantly, my curiosity fully peaked.
“Whatever happens, he knows to let you take the lead. He’ll keep his hands to himself as long as you do.”
Now it made sense. Parker told him I was his guest as a warning. My heart swelled a little at the thought of him protecting me even though he was willing to share me. It was confusing.
I spotted Cole making his way back toward the table. The way he moved reminded me of Parker, shoulders squared, confident and athletic. I noticed with amusement how he caught the attention of more than one of the ladies in the room.
“Let’s go.” I may have sounded confident, but inside I felt more than a little shaky. What the hell was I getting myself into?
Within minutes the check was paid and we were in the limo on our way to what I assumed to be a strip club. My nerves were jumpy. I’d never been to a strip club before let alone with two men who were used to having their way.
“Any alcohol in here?” I blurted out as we pulled onto the strip. “I think I’m going to need more.”
Both men laughed, and Parker opened the mini bar and poured something into a glass. I drank it quickly and held the glass out for more. Parker obliged, exchanging a stern glance with Cole. He wanted to test my limits. Maybe before the night was over I’d be testing his.
We pulled into the valet entrance, and we walked into the building. Parker was holding my arm firmly while Cole stayed close. As soon as we entered the darkened club the music bumped loudly. The bass seemed to penetrate my entire body. I was looking around when a man wearing a sleek black suit and a Bluetooth in his ear greeted us.
“Mr. Blackwell, welcome!” He seemed elated to see Parker. As I scanned I saw beautiful bodies of half-naked women everywhere. Some were wearing costumes with spiked boots and G-strings, some were dancing on stage, and some were sitting at tables with men.
As we followed Mr. Black Suit to the back of the club I noticed a buxom blonde grinding her crotch into the lap of a business man whose eyes were half closed. What the fuck am I doing here?
Parker pulled me along until Mr. Black Suit parted the curtains to a private area and ushered us inside. There were red leather couches and leather barstools. A mini-bar was tucked into the corner. Before he left, Mr. Black Suit turned and spoke to Parker.
“I’ll send Nate in to get you some drinks. Do you have any special requests tonight, Mr. Blackwell?”
Cole spoke up. “I do. Send us two of your hottest brunettes. I like long dark hair, tattoos and huge...” He looked at Parker for approval and grinned before looking back to Mr. Black. “Tits.” It sounded like he was ordering dinner at a restaurant. I thought as I stood there in disbelief.
Parker was watching me, trying to gage my reaction. I smiled and he smiled back, before I began to sway, and he guided me by the arm toward one of the couches against the back wall of the room. Cole pulled a chair into the center of the room and sat down. I presumed he was waiting for his entre to arrive. I was right.
A buff shirtless twenty-something man entered through the curtain. “Gentlemen. Miss.” He looked at each of us as he introduced himself. “I’m Nate, and I’ll
be your bartender. I always start with ladies first. Can I get you something, Miss?” He was looking at me.
The alcohol finally kicked in full force. My apprehension melted away, and everything going on around me seemed dreamlike. The darkness, the light, the music all seemed to blend together. My mind was reeling with anticipation, but my body felt warm and comfortable. Parker must have sensed this as he looked at me then Nate and said, “Yes, a martini for the lady, and two Jack and Cokes.”
Within minutes we each had drinks, and just as I began to take a sip the curtains parted and two buxom raven haired girls strutted in. One had wavy Farah Fawcett style hair down past her breasts and the other had shiny pin-straight hair flowing down to her waist. They were stunning in their tiny string bikinis.
As they entered they stopped and introduced themselves. “Hi there,” Farah said. “I’m Sadie and this is Lexi.”
They began to circle Cole in the center of the room as if they knew he was ready for entertainment. “What’s your pleasure?” Sadie asked Cole as she trailed her fingers across his back while circling him slowly in her stilettos.
As she turned I noticed her tattoos. She had pistols tattooed on each of her hips as if they were in a holster. She also had a crucifix in the center of her shoulder blades. Lexi’s tattoos were brighter. She had splashes of purple and green in different flowers and a Made in the USA tramp stamp. Even in the dim light I could see the outline of their nipples poking at the small patches of bikini top that barely contained their curves.
Cole smiled and threw his drink back finishing it in one gulp. Parker sat quietly next to me, his eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before us. The music pounded out a frantic rhythm like the heartbeats in the room as the tension mounted. I could barely hear Cole’s reply as he shouted over it.
“This is a VIP room, right? Why don’t you girls show me the VIP treatment?”
The words no sooner escaped his lips when Lexi grabbed him roughly by his shirt collar and climbed up on the chair with one spiked heel on each side of his thighs. She stood straight up her crotch at eye level to him and began moving her hips seductively only inches from his mouth. Cole was transfixed on her, and so was I. She turned effortlessly around and did the same with her ass before bending straight over and grabbing the front of the chair between his legs, exposing herself to him. My eyes were fixed on them. Sadie kissed his neck and began to work her way around where she dropped to her knees and slid her hands up his thighs as she crawled closer.
Falling Free: What happens in Vegas... (The Fall Series) Page 4