Velvet Exhale

by Beth Mikell

  With a curt nod, Mr. Alexander allowed the waiter to fill our glasses before speaking.

  He leaned forward, his expression unyielding and hard, "You will, in fact, cancel your date," he demanded, his voice controlled with dark, unsuppressed meaning.

  I stiffened, narrowing my eyes. "Why should I? I made the date before I met you, Mr. Alexander. It's hardly your business to interfere in my personal life after thirty minutes and an elevator ride."

  A dark smile appeared on his face, but didn’t reach his eyes. "Perhaps you do not fully understand the dynamic I want to explore with you--dating will be prohibited and incites my...jealousy."

  I couldn't help but laugh, grabbing my wine glass, gulping down some much needed liquid courage. Mmmm, the wine was excellent and fruity, sliding down my throat with welcome pleasure. "The only thing I agreed to is lunch, Mr. Alexander. Any other offers will have to wait until Sunday." I almost regretted the words as they left my mouth staring into his hard, cold eyes. But, dammit, he couldn't assume a deeper relationship I'm not even sure I wanted with him. Not only was it not fair to Brett, but to me as well.

  A muscle leaped in his cheek…I'm sure from grinding his teeth together. "I can excuse your admission due to lack of experience, Ms. Lourde, but I can't allow you to date anyone else but me. That's how it works."

  The nerve of the man! "And I can't allow you to walk all over me simply because you think you can…not now, not ever. It's unjust and completely unrealistic and not to mention totally lacking in manners." There, I said my peace amen! The nerve of the...sexiest man I've ever seen.

  Our food arrived, saving me from any curt response from his hot mouth I'd love to kiss. The food looked divine and I couldn't wait to sample it, since I chose to forego breakfast this morning. Yet, the tempestuous expression clouding Mr. Angry zapped my appetite fast, making me wish I hadn't said anything. The waiter scattered and we simply stared each other down. The heaviness between us hung precariously suspended in my stance and his will--neither of us backing down.

  A slow smile curved his sexy mouth. "You're so proper, Ms. Lourde. I want nothing more than to strip you naked and fuck you until you forget your manners. And believe me, I'm the master of fine etiquette."

  Oh, shit!

  Chapter 3

  Most welcome bondage, for thou art a way, I think to liberty. ~ William Shakespeare

  I gulped...hard, reaching for my wine glass, in need of more bravery than ever in my life. My eyes darted away into the busy restaurant wondering what I shall say to him. Apparently, my smart mouth dug a deep hole of no return, and even remorse peaked out from deep inside me.

  I couldn't believe he just voiced that in a public restaurant in broad daylight with a straight face. And what's worse...I completely wanted him too! Any man who could say 'fuck' like a caress was totally worth his salt and promise and this man more than qualified. He hadn't yelled, screamed or shouted, but rather told me in a matter-of-fact tone with his amazing velvet voice dialed in straight into my center. Shit, I'm ready for release--sweating--and he hadn't yet to touch me. I'm sinking fast.

  I mentally scrambled to find my voice and my brain, a new topic sorely needed. "So, how did you choose to become a dominant? Rough childhood?" I asked thinking of Claire and her reasons for being a submissive with an abuse chaser.

  "No," he said coolly, continuing to eye me hard. "Eat your lunch before it gets cold, Ms. Lourde."

  That's it. Case closed. Nothing else? Gingerly, I picked up my knife and fork, tucking in to the scrumptious meal laid out before me, though now I had zero desire to eat it.

  "Good girl," he murmured and whipped out his cell phone, sending a text, I guess. I had to hand it to him…he clamored after control like an art form.

  We plucked through our remaining lunch unscathed without any conversation until the waiter cleared our table. I'm shocked too. So far, Mr. Alexander's personality leaned towards demands, control, and downright invasion of my privacy. I really couldn't figure the guy out.

  "What is your family like, Ms. Lourde? You mentioned parents and a sister. What do they do?"

  A normal conversation? I could deal with that. "My father owns a chain of convenience stores in and around Orlando and my mother never worked--just a stay-at-home mom all her life. My sister recently finished college with a degree in economics and politics, though I doubt she'll want to pursue a career just yet. She's been planning her wedding for the last year and will marry at Lake Tahoe in two weeks to her college sweetheart. We have a very close relationship, without any drama," I explained, tacking on the last bit for his emphasis. I wanted to make it clear I'm not from a dramatic family, nor enjoy such antics.

  He cocked his head to the side, eyeing me with his sexy stare as though he could read my every thought, he half smiled. "So, you'll travel in two weeks to Lake Tahoe, I presume?"

  I nodded. "Yes, I'm her maid-of-honor," I said with a smile, which was the first time I felt relaxed enough to do so. "What about you, do you have family, Mr. Alexander?" I couldn't understand why, but the thought of him with family struck me as odd. He didn't seem the type to care with his hard demeanor, but looks could be deceiving.

  "Yes, parents, a brother and two sisters." He didn't elaborate and I didn't have the patience to ask.

  I've had just about all I could take of this lunch and weirdness. "Thank you for the lunch, Mr. Alexander, but I really must leave."

  He smirked, not the least bit phased by my announcement. "We've barely scratched the surface of more to come."

  What was it about his voice? He could offer a powerful meaning inside one syllable, an intense crescendo waiting to happen just by the shuddering offer of his softly spoken word. If I didn't know any better, I would think he was doing it on purpose, and honestly, it was working. In fact, my heart hadn't slowed down since our conversation up at Avalon, pounding out my chest until I'm a trembling mess--ready for him to peel me out of my clothes for something more than dessert. No man had ever affected me in such a way. The tight constriction in my chest only worsened the longer I stared into his shard-like blue eyes. Fleeing seemed the best option right now.

  I raised my chin at his more-or-less challenge. "I disagree."

  "And that, baby, will get you into trouble with me at every turn. As soon as you trust me, you will have complete freedom."

  "Ironically, Mr. Alexander, I have complete freedom, but you seem to want to take it from me with a Dom/sub song and dance I'm not convinced I want."

  He exhaled as if he'd been holding his breath, a weary sigh and it was a sad, sad sound. "It's more than that, Reyna. I know you can't imagine what I want from you but the amount of pleasure waiting for you and I is insurmountable and worth everything. We'll take it slow. Just trust me."

  "So what? Are you going to shackle me to your bed and have your way with me?" I asked, totally horrified, my lunch threatening to come back up for an ungraceful reappearance.

  He instantly grinned. "Nice image, but no. Though, bondage is my favorite." His smile faded. "You're not ready for that. There are levels you must reach in order to enjoy my leather cuffs, baby. Beginning with my voice and touch as well as purging emotional tensions that stand in the way of your pleasure. I need you totally focused on me. Besides, my worst punishment fuck would rival a whole town of vanilla any day. It would be well worth it, which is not arrogance, but a fact."

  Whoa! Did he just say punishment fuck? Holy crap on a cracker! "Please don't sugar-coat it for me, Mr. Alexander," I snapped with sarcasm. "I think your fine etiquette needs some work."

  He chuckled outright, his beautiful eyes flashing with humor, "You certainly have a way with words, Ms. Lourde. I like your quick mind as well as other aspects of you. I know we'll be good together. Just say yes."

  The man had no bounds, obviously. "I can't...until Sunday. Something magical and earth moving may happen between now and then...after all."

  He signaled the waiter for the check. "We'll see about that, Ms. Lourde. I never
share and you're worth protecting."

  He threatened me? Crap! I'm waaaay out of my league here, no matter how enticing his offer and smooth words delivered through a sexy mouth. "Out of curiosity, how many subs have you had, Mr. Alexander? How many have you said these very words too? Forgive me, but I find the whole never-share-you're-mine credo a little farfetched and without credibility. I'm not interested in being just another number."

  His cool stare flipped back to me, his displeasure obvious. "One and unfortunately she died of a terminal illness. So, unless you'd like to count my dating life as reference, I wouldn't test my experience or credibility as you put it without complete understanding of my past situation. I'm not in the habit of picking up monthly subs as other dominants, nor have I ever been in the market as my club offers. I'm a private man with an individual taste, Ms. Lourde and I'd like to explore the possibilities with you--and only you. Has this explained my motives?" The waiter arrived and Mr. Alexander handed him his credit card saving me from answering.

  I'm quite firmly put in my place too. One sub? How was that even possible? He acted so worldly and knowledgeable regarding every aspect of Dom/sub life. I couldn't imagine him not having a constant woman every moment. What was he hiding? Or did I even want to know?

  I needed time to think...away from him and thoughts of my desired bubble bath with Bach, playing in the background surfaced in my mind. I really, really wanted to go home.

  "Thank you for the lunch, Mr. Alexander. It's been most…enlightening."

  His lips moved up into a smirk. "Has it now? I get the feeling you're scared out of your mind and can't wait to run."

  I offered up my best and sincerest smile. "The thought has crossed my mind." Well...it had.

  He leaned forward. "Even if you run, I'll find you. You know that right?"

  Every muscle in my lower region tightened at his whispered question and I flooded hot, my cheeks flaming. "Just give me time, please?" I asked a little breathlessly, trying to hold on to what scattered nerves I had left. "You've given me much to consider. You're not exactly the average kind of guy, you know."

  Surprise lit his crystal blue eyes, "Praise indeed. There's hope for me to cling too!" He smiled full on, boyish and sweet as the waiter returned for him to sign the bill. "Shall I see you to your car, Ms. Lourde?"

  I raised a brow. "What if I refuse?"

  He shrugged. "I'll still escort you, baby. I'm parked not far from you as I recall."

  Exasperated, I grabbed my purse and exited with him out of the restaurant to the elevator. As we were waiting, Mr. Alexander seemed to be brooding again, his eyes dark and watchful.

  "Do you have a cell phone, Ms. Lourde?"

  I'm momentarily caught off guard. "No. I haven't ever needed one. Why?"

  "I would like a way to directly contact you whenever the mood strikes."

  I shrugged, stepping onto the elevator as it arrived. I usually use Claire's if I really need too or the mainline at our apartment. "After years of working at a telecom office, the last thing I've ever wanted is to talk on the phone after hours. I haven't ever needed one." I ventured a sideways glance up to model hottie, swallowing hard to find him studying me intently without flinching.

  For the first time, I am aware of the music playing softly in the background--Miley Cyrus's "Who Owns My Heart". How appropriate somehow. I'm so out of my depth wondering if he was the type of guy that would ruin my mascara instead of my lipstick. I really couldn't deal with another heartbreak...not after Chad...my ex-fiancé. What a nightmare he was. He not only ripped my heart out and scattered the pieces, but also used me beyond toleration. I shuddered and placed him out of my mind.

  "What is it?"

  I glanced up and inhaled sharply; his eyes were drawn up in concern. "Nothing."

  His lips pressed firmly together inside his displeasure, which I am finding happened a lot. "Tell me, Reyna. Something bothered your mind just now and if you're going to trust me, you have to share everything--even the smallest detail."

  "I don't want to be hurt by you," I snapped.

  He relaxed and took one-step closer, his clean, fresh scent drugging my senses. "Trust me. Please."

  So mundane a request, yet his three simple words pounded my veins with a thump of uncertainty until I'm drowning...inconsolable. "One day at a time?" I offered.

  His beautiful mouth turned up into a soft smile. "Yes. One breath at a time."

  I inwardly groaned, the man was the master of seduction, I realized. Thankfully, the elevator dinged and we exit into the lobby of the large office building, a flurry of people walking in many directions. A tall, nondescript man in a tailored suit met us, handing Mr. Alexander a black gift back. He's dark skinned, with long black hair tied at the nape--just a guess, but he could be Middle Eastern.

  "Sir, as you requested."

  "Thank you, Shem," he said and turned to me. "Ms. Lourde?"

  In another round of silence, we made our way to the parking deck, a few steps away from my car. I fished out my car keys without looking up, my hands shaking as I unlocked my car and opened the door.

  "Reyna."

  I swallowed hard and looked up. He was beautiful...there was no other way to describe him. The wind gently picked up his dark hair making him an Adonis against the backdrop of the mainstream buildings in the urban city of Tampa. For some reason I wanted nothing but to hide under a dark, dark rock, yet a strange unknown part of me felt an awkward heaviness hanging between us. No matter my desire to flee--escape--part of me missed him already and I tightened down on my internal response.

  He handed me the gift bag and I arched a brow. "What is it?"

  Mr. Alexander cocked his head to the side. "Do you know how beautiful you are?" He asked, ignoring my question.

  I blushed five shades of red with more to spare, which I'm sure clashed with my red hair wonderfully. "Thank you," I murmured and looked away briefly before meeting his eyes again. I'm not used to compliments...sincere ones anyway.

  "Take the bag."

  I did and peeked in. A phone. And just by a glance, it was one of the sophisticated touch screen kinds--like his. "I can't accept this." I handed it back towards him.

  Jumpy-cheek moment again, "I need to be able to contact you directly. Don't refuse me, not about this, baby."

  "You're charm won't work on me this time, Mr. Alexander."

  "You mean my charm has worked in the last hour and a half? When?" He was teasing me I knew, but I couldn't stifle a smile and his smile faded. "Take it for me or I'll be forced to follow you home to make sure you arrive safely. Though I like the prospect very much, I know I shouldn't."

  "Coercion, Mr. Alexander? It's so unbecoming," I censured lightly, wondering when he had time to do this. Then, I remembered his brief texting session at lunch...the man had no bounds and I knew it was simply part of his innate nature. Irritating, but true.

  He chuckled. "I like to use all manner of persuasion at my disposal, baby." His eyes smoldered and a warm, sweet fire settled in my stomach all the way back to my spine.

  "You're very bossy."

  His mouth lifted in an ironic smile. "It's the nature of my beast."

  I pursed my lips, willing myself not to laugh.

  He inhaled sharply. "You're lips...damn," he whispered and my stomach clenched down in hot need. "You don't know how much I want to kiss you...right...now."

  It hit me...I wanted him too. "Why don't you?" I managed to croak out, tilting my head a fraction.

  Beautiful Noah Alexander shook his head, his seriousness in place and he leaned forward with his lips a space away from mine. I'm so ready to taste the forbidden with his scent hammering against me, his warm breath caressing and teasing over my parted lips. My heart tripped and rammed against my chest with anticipation, wanting something solely because he's damned hot, burning me alive from the inside out.

  Do it! Do it now before I lose my nerve, I screamed internally!

  "I can't. Not yet," he whispered hard. "You need
to hear me and feel me deeper than a touch, baby. You need to know your mine before I can...slide one hand over your sweet skin, lick one inch of your body, or taste your lips. But believe me...I want too. I've never wanted anything more in my life."

  I'm so hypnotized by his velvet voice, the intense look on his face and I shuddered deep down to the core of my body. Unconsciously, a small groan slipped out--ready to combust.

  He jerked back and plowed a hand through his hair. "Shit!"

  Startled, I watched him carefully. "What is it, Noah?" It's the first time I've used his first name...even though he hadn't given me permission, but I found that I liked how it slid over my lips--like a caress he couldn't control. Noah. Smooth, just like the man.

  He shook his head, his crystal blue eyes burned into mine--hot, blazing, and full of an unclaimed emotion on the verge of a living flame. "Drive safely, Reyna. My number is programmed into the phone, call me after you get home. I'll worry."

  A strange pain unraveled in my heart, a pang of regret and missed opportunity all at once. I couldn't help but bite my lower lip against the sadness. "Will I…see you again?" Though, I'm sure of my answer, I still wanted him to tell me.

  His expression softened. "I can guarantee it."

  I slid into my car, shutting the door and securing my seatbelt. With shaky hands, I started my car, lowering the power window, and turned to face him.

  He leaned forward. "Do me a favor, Reyna. Don't smoke anymore. I want you healthy."

  At that moment, I would probably agree to anything he asked...but I merely inclined my head as agreement...and drove away.

  My eyes flipped up to the rearview mirror...he watched me without moving.

  Chapter 4

  He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command. ~ Machiavelli