Ice clinked into the cup and I giggled my delight.
Laughter roared from around me. Yet again I blushed wildly, but from everyone’s smiles they found my glee endearing.
Bailey threw me a Richard’s kind of cute look, but not discreetly enough.
He caught it and his face shifted to unreadable. “I’m going to check out the view.” He ambled out, taking his glass of wine with him.
“Thank you so much for my amazing gift,” I said. “If ever you need me to work overtime let me know.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” said Cameron. “We bought it from Costco. They virtually gave it away.”
Costco?
Hadn’t Richard and Lotte visited Costco together over a few weeks ago? Surely that was well before Lotte’s friend had asked her to find someone to live here? I peered over at Lotte. Her gaze remained on the tile.
“I’m going to take another peek at the view too,” I said, feeling decidedly more confident than usual as the carbs mixed with the wine and relaxed me.
Richard stood on the balcony, resting his elbows on the rail and staring out at the ocean.
“Isn’t the view amazing?” I said.
He turned and leaned back against the railing. “Spectacular.”
“I’m so grateful. I have to pinch myself.”
“You’ve got the place looking great.”
“You’ve been here before?”
“No.” He took a sip of wine. “Apparently the bathtub’s something else.”
“Do you want to see?”
I led him through the living room. A burst of laughter came from the kitchen and it eased my guilt over leaving my guests to entertain themselves. It felt nice to take another peek at this room.
Richard strolled around the tub, his gaze meeting mine. “Decisions...decisions...bath or shower? I’m tempted to take one now.”
I feigned shock.
He set his wine down on the marble counter near the sink. “We should get back.”
“I feel safe,” I said.
“I don’t.”
Something passed between us, an invisible spark, and he took hold of my wrists and shoved me back against the wall, pulling my arms up above my head. He held them there, his firm body pressing mine. This yielding pose and the strength he’d used to get me into it made me go lax in his grip, weaken, my core tightening in anticipation of where he was taking this, taking me.
His lips came dangerously close. “Mia, the things I want to do to you.”
A flurry of thrills shot up my spine.
He let go and took a step back, his stare breaking from mine. “Stay away from me. Promise you will.”
“I won’t.”
Confusion marred his face.
“You don’t want to kiss me?” I said.
“You know I do. More than anything. It’s complicated.”
“How?”
“With me there are no surprises,” he said. “You know what it is I do. What I am. I will never give up BDSM. You and me, we’re not compatible.”
Right now I was willing to try anything to feel his hands upon me again, feel his affection, his touch. I wanted him to know this. How bad could what he got up to in that dungeon really be?
“We could start slow,” I said, remembering Cameron’s words and trying them out on Richard.
He blinked through dark blond lashes. “You realize what it is I want to do to you?”
“Yes.”
With the window closed, this room lacked the air we both needed so desperately. From the way his chest rose and fell he too must have felt short of breath.
He raised his chin in defiance. “Say it.”
“You want to dominate me.”
“Subjugate you.” He stepped closer. “Control you. Conquer you.” His left hand rested against my chest and he eased me back against the wall again and pressed hard. “Fuck you.”
Oh please.
He looked hesitant. “Mia, I have never taken on an untrained submissive.”
“What does that mean?”
“They’ve always come to me primed.”
“Primed?”
“Already trained.”
“By who?” I sucked in my breath. “Cameron?”
Richard stepped closer and brushed a stray hair out of my eyes.
“I want it to be you,” I said softly.
“You deserve someone better than me.”
“Don’t I get a say?”
“Right up until the moment you agree to become my submissive. Then all choice is lost.” He narrowed his gaze. “You wouldn’t want that. Would you?”
My legs felt weak. I breathed a sigh of sadness when his hand fell once more to his side, threatening never to touch me again.
“You and I are miles apart,” he said.
“Are you trying to convince yourself? Or me?”
“What is our common ground?”
“You don’t think I’m good enough for you?” My voice broke with emotion. “Is that it?”
“Other way round.” He looked intently. “You are innocence incarnate.”
I broke his gaze, my heart aching with the thought I’d failed him, failed me.
My inner musing told me to stay strong, tell him want I really wanted, needed. Him, it had only ever been him.
My words flowed from an unfamiliar place. “I’m returning to the balcony. If you find the strength to face what we both know, that there’s real chemistry between us, join me. Ask me out on a date. I may even say yes.” I picked up his glass of wine and strolled off with it, leaving him standing there. I headed across the living room and out onto the balcony.
Facing the breeze, I let it wash over me, inhaling the freshest air. This place offered a new start. The promise of fulfillment close enough to touch…
If I dared to reach out to it.
After several minutes of savoring the view, I regretted my outburst, letting him know my true feelings. I downed the rest of the wine, taking pleasure from knowing his lips had brushed where mine were now on the glass. The softest sigh escaped me.
I turned around—
Richard leaned against the balcony doorjamb. “Start slow?” His alluring blue gaze burning fiercely into mine.
“Slow.”
“Are you sure this is something you want?” he whispered. “I’m not good at compromise.”
“I know.”
“What do you have in mind?” he said.
“Chrysalis’s party tomorrow night. Let me go with you.”
He twisted his mouth as though mulling over it.
“Pick me up tomorrow at six,” I said.
Richard stepped onto the balcony. “You do realize I’m the dominant.” He towered over me, emphasizing his point. “An issue you would be wise not to forget.”
Damn, that turned me on.
I stretched out my arms to either side and clutched the handrail. “Your irises dilate when I push back.”
Don’t push back. Cameron warned he prefers malleable.
Could I be this woman? Could I fall at Richard’s feet and become his sex slave? What was I willing to give up in order to become his lover? His submissive.
Everything.
I’d do anything.
He shifted closer. “What else do you see?”
“That you want this as much as I do.”
“Some things are inevitable.” His expression softened, his face now serene. “I have so much to show you.”
“I want that.”
“Mia.” He narrowed his gaze, his intensity returning. “Are you truly ready for such blinding pleasure?”
A flurry of what felt like butterflies burst out of my chest. Tingles of excitement caused me to shiver, and an exquisite ache in my belly settled low. In the deepest depths of my soul I felt ready for this, for him.
“It’s a good thing we’re not alone,” he said.
“Not that it matters,” I said. “I only ever see you.”
Richard’s frown dissolved and
he ran his fingers through his golden locks.
“I’ll see you tomorrow then,” I whispered breathlessly, melting in the wake of his stunning smile.
I’D NEVER FELT MORE BEAUTIFUL.
Nor had I ever dressed so provocatively. Tonight was Chrysalis’s party at an undisclosed location and Richard was due to pick me up at any moment. I stole another few moments to check my dramatic make-up of highlighted smoky eyes, shimmery petal lips, and softly emphasized cheekbones. I fluffed my hair, choosing to wear it down and let spiraling curls float over my shoulders.
Taking in my mirrored reflection I was amazed at how sophisticated a black corset made me appear, the way my breasts curved beneath the lacey top. That, and the high-top stockings with sheer garter belt and matching lace panties. I’d even found the Manolo Blahniks that Cameron had bought for me went perfectly.
Lotte had advised me wearing anything else would make me stand out and I didn’t want that. She’d leant me her long, velvet hooded cape; perfect for hiding within until we arrived at our destination.
My black and gold mask added the mystery Chrysalis’s party called for. All guests were expected to wear one. I headed into my living room to place it on top of my clutch purse so as not to forget it.
My new home was going to take some getting used to. I still had to pinch myself in disbelief that I lived here and wondered how much longer I’d continue walking around the place reverently. That cream colored couch would have to be sat on at some point.
There was wine in the fridge. I was tempted to crack open a bottle right now and drink a glass or two to calm my nerves. Still, Richard would not approve of taking a lush to what was essentially one of the most important nights of the year for his clients. Members were flying in from all over the world to partake in what I’d been told was a lavish extravaganza. I couldn’t wait to see the grand house that hosted the event, after Lotte had teased me about her adventures there in years past. She’d warned me to avoid the bedrooms. Guests got up to all kind of things in those apparently, and I wasn’t sure how I felt about everyone ending up in the pool naked at the end of the evening.
After thirty minutes of Richard’s non-appearance, my concern for his safety increased. I opened my purse and pulled out my iPhone.
Damn, I’d missed a call from him.
Though he’d not left a voice message, he had texted:
Richard: “Mia, please forgive me. Next year perhaps. Go do something fun.”
I slumped onto the sofa.
What the hell.
Hadn’t last night’s soiree on the balcony meant anything to him? I’d thought we’d agreed I could handle anything he wanted to throw at me. Collapsing back, I felt defeated, embarrassed even. Surely he knew how excited I had been about going tonight. I’d gone all out putting my outfit together and getting all dressed up for a party I now wasn’t going to.
I texted him back.
Mia: “What made you change your mind?” I backspaced, deleting it.
Instead, feeing annoyed with Richard and assuming he wouldn’t change his mind, I texted Lotte. After-all I was a member of staff and as entitled to go to this party as anyone.
Mia: “Hey Lotte. Cape looks great! Thank you. Can’t wait to see you. What’s the address again?”
Resting my iPhone on my lap, I eyed the flat screen TV. This would be yet another evening in for me and that wasn’t such a bad thing. Though being rebuffed by Richard again was.
My iPhone pinged.
Lotte: “What happened?”
Mia: “All good.”
The remote looked easy enough to use. Cameron had mentioned something about HBO and Showtime being available. I’d not had time to check that out until now.
Thanks for that Richard, my inner muse cursed him. Grrrr. I don’t need protecting. I need seducing.
Lotte: “The Manor, Linda Flora Drive, Bel Air.”
A jolt of excitement hit me.
Now I knew how an operative with the CIA felt when they closed in on their subject. Only I was in hot pursuit of Richard Booth and my evening plans had reverted nicely.
Lotte: “Drive safe. Roads twisty.”
Mia: “Got it.”
Lotte: “You remember the password?”
Password?
Lotte: “Avonscroft.”
Mia: “Thank you!”
Lotte: “See you soon.”
Mia: “Can’t wait.”
Lotte: “Make sure Richard meets you in the foyer.”
Mia: “Got it.”
Lotte: “Do not walk through the house alone.”
Mia: “Okay.”
I grabbed my purse and mask and pulled around my shoulders the long, black cape and headed out.
Using my phone’s GPS I navigated my Mini onto Ventura, off toward Bel Air, suppressing this nagging feeling I wasn’t ready for this. Still, I’d promised myself I’d try new things and stretch out of my comfort zone and this was a good way to begin this leaf turning, life changing decision.
Thanks to Lotte’s warning I drove carefully up the steep, curvy roads of Bel Air, and within the hour my navigator had delivered me to my destination.
The manor rose majestically on the top of a hill.
This was the largest house I’d ever seen, even paling in comparison to the Sullivan’s and I’d thought their place in Brentwood was huge. They had valet parking. My car must have looked ridiculous sandwiched between the silver Mercedes and the blue BMW. Using my rearview mirror I checked my make-up and placed my mask on.
This was the most exciting party I’d ever attended.
Head high, I handed the valet my keys, amazed he didn’t react to my ride or even flinch when he climbed in. Though he looked squished in the driver’s seat. He steered my car off to park it somewhere more convenient. I tucked my valet ticket into my purse.
I was glad for this cape and pulled it snug around me. Despite it covering everything I felt decidedly naked beneath it as the reality of what I was actually doing became more vivid with being here. At the front door I waited for a couple to enter before me.
Piped in from invisible speakers, the music’s throbbing bass invited guests into the imperious foyer. Smoke pumped out from hidden vapor machines, creating a mysterious atmosphere. The entryway was softly bathed in golden yellow lighting.
Peering down at my phone, I went to text Richard.
A tux wearing bouncer appeared out of the mist, his physique more like a pro-football player than a security guard. His sternness was a warning not to proceed any farther.
“I’m a guest,” I said.
He folded his arms, his posture defensive.
“Avonscroft.” I held his gaze.
“Turn off your phone,” he said. “Or I’ll confiscate it.”
After following his order, I dropped it back into my purse.
He stepped aside and I held my breath until there was distance between us and I was out of his sight. This man-made fog surrounded me, a blanket of whiteness making it difficult to gauge which way to go. Before me swept a large staircase fanning out to either side and I knew well enough not to begin my search up there, heeding Lotte’s warning. If I could find one of the girls they’d know where I could find Richard.
Laughter caught my attention. An elegant thirty-something masked couple, strolling arm in arm, headed west. From their confident stride they knew where they were going. The fog crawled its way down the hallway, seducing me into the unknown, beckoning me to follow. Halfway down, the woman turned and peered back through her butterfly mask. She offered the softest smile, tilting her head. They disappeared through a doorway. The placard to the left of the entrance announced this as the Harrington Suite. With a quick glance back, I braved to take a peek beyond the door.
Taking a moment for my eyes to adjust, I blinked into the dimness. A crowd had gathered before me and blocked my view of the room. A high stucco ceiling with its low hung crystal chandeliers bathed everything in a balmy light, and red velvet drapes swept either side
, indicating this was a ballroom. Making my way as stealthily as possible, I tiptoed left of the gathering.
The music flooding in sounded familiar: Enigma.
All air left the room and my feet felt unsteady beneath me—
There, in the center, rested a dark wooden table. Leaning over one side of it was a masked brunette, wearing only a bodice and no panties. She stretched out her hands before her for balance, her spine a perfect curve, her wrists held tightly by a smartly dressed masked man standing on the other side. Despite her mask she looked relaxed, as though unaware of her audience. Their gazes fixed on her, on all three of them.
The brunette was being taken from behind by a masked man, his shirt open and pants off, revealing a sculpted musculature. He kept his rhythm slow, steady, as his full length disappeared inside her, only to pull all the way out before slamming into her again. And again.
He was taking her hard.
This dark, evoking scene unraveling like a shadowy dream…
The air crackled with an electrifying atmosphere, fusing each and every person watching. A silent rousing, a burning within each stare feasting upon this never-ending sex scene. This wasn’t real, this couldn’t be real. My mind searched for understanding of what unfolded in this elegant suite.
The brunette moved with the grace of a dancer as she was elegantly flipped onto her back by the two men. She lay facing up on the table. Her hands were recaptured behind her by the one who had held her before. The other man who had taken her from behind was now standing between her legs. He eased her thighs apart and spread her legs wide open to completely expose her. When he seemed content that the on-lookers had seen her pussy well, having scanned the many masked faces of the audience just to be sure, he used his hand to pleasure her there. Fingering her leisurely, he easily brought her to ecstasy. He leaned in low and buried his face into her shiny wet cleft, licking away at her clit, his tongue expertly darting over that small nub. She arched her back, her moans of pleasure mingling with the music, an unfamiliar ballad that was a perfect backdrop to this lust-filled scene.
Hushed murmurs of approval came from the room.
It was hard not to imagine you were her, that woman laying there being pampered so provocatively. I fought with this desire to stay, my core tightening with anticipation of what else I might see. What else they might do. My gaze glided over the masked witnesses to these three and their uncommon pleasure, searching for Richard, Cameron, or even the girls.
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