I smile politely and say, “Hi Lina, it’s nice to meet you. Spain sounds exciting.” We continue with some small talk and I surprise myself by remaining composed. Luckily our meals soon arrive, forcing the end of the conversation. Before they depart Mr. Stone puts his hand over mine, which is now resting on the back of my chair. A surge runs right through me at his touch. I hold back a gasp when I notice there is no wedding band. This day is getting better.
He looks only at me when he says, “I’ll see you at the opening then, Violet.”
I’m sure I must be flushed as I look up at him and reply, “Yes, I‘ll see you then. It’s nice seeing you again.”
“Yes, it’s a very nice surprise indeed.” As he removes his hand, he nods goodbye to Ann. We watch him and Lina walk away. She tries to hold his hand and for a moment he takes it but then politely releases it. I’m so happy to have seen that.
Ann is gaping at me. She doesn’t know whether to laugh or smack me for not keeping her informed. “Okay, what is going on with you and him? Is that the lawyer guy?” I nod.
“He is well styled and very easy on the eyes. So what’s the story then? Come on, spill! How did you go from zero guys to him? You like him don’t you?”
I squirm in my seat. She knows me way too well. There is no chance of denial so I just nod my head again. I go on to tell her about our first run-in, in the revolving door.
“And then he dropped you off at the deli, right? So really nothing has happened since then?”
“No, nothing has happened, only that I have been thinking about him constantly. It’s driving me nuts! I honestly don’t know what to make of it. I’m attracted to a man I can’t have. It’s very frustrating I mean look at that blonde, she’s a knockout. I knew he would be dating women like that.”
Ann blurts out, “Vee, I think he likes you! He was flirting with you the entire time. Come on, you don’t think he might be interested in you, even a little?”
“Not really. I’m not in his league and nowhere near as pretty as Lina is. He was just being polite, I’m sure of it.”
Ann scoffs. “When there’s a spark there’s a spark. And believe me, there is some spark between the two of you. Even I could feel it just now!” She continues her pep talk. “Vee, trust me there is something more there than just politeness. Lighten up and just enjoy it!” I shake my head in disbelief. She continues, “Hey, he may even ask you out at the opening? He seemed to be very happy that you are going. He did say, ‘I look forward to seeing you at the opening,’ or something like that. That was a hint for sure.”
I lower my voice, “I wish I had an ounce of your enthusiasm about this, but I don’t. It’s just a fantasy.”
“I know you like him. Just wait and see what happens, okay?”
“Yes, I suppose, but I’m really not expecting anything. I’m sure he has no interest in me that way. He’s just polite, that’s all.” I smile back at her, appreciative of my dear friend giving me hope no matter how false it may be. I struggle to imagine myself with a man like him, with all my inexperience in so many things. I confess to Ann, “I really am looking forward to seeing him again, even just to admire him. The opening will be the last time I see him.”
Ann has that knowing look of hers on her face. “Like I said, just wait and see and keep an open mind. Stranger things have happened, you read about it all time; even princes date regular girls. Believe in your dreams and make them come true.” I really do love her positive spin on my dilemma and find her comment on princes quite interesting too. If only she knew my inner thoughts about them.
“Thanks Ann, you always make me feel better. I don’t know what I would do without you”
“No problem, I got your back. Remember though, this guy is not someone you play coy with. When opportunity knocks, just place your cards on the table. I’m sure he will tell you right then and there what he wants. You have nothing to lose. You’re single and I bet he is too, by the way he was behaving with you just now.”
“I really can’t stop thinking about him. Like I said, it’s driving me crazy!”
She grins. “You’re hot for this guy big time. Hey, I have a great dress you can borrow for the opening, and you must go to my stylist to have your hair done.”
“Yes, I am very attracted to him, but that doesn’t mean anything will happen. He intimidates me and has way too much confidence and swagger. It’s okay, the faster I get him out of my mind the better anyway.”
Ann continues eating and I can tell she has more to say. “Vee, I love you. He is successful, yes, but so what? The guy likes you. I can tell. Be positive; you are pretty, kind hearted, and smart, so have confidence in yourself, please.”
I know she’ll keep at it, so I change the topic to our plans for the summer. Ann’s family has a cottage and she wants our university gang to spend a weekend up there in July. That will be something for me to look forward to, and it’s not that far away. After finishing our meals, we ask for the bill and the waiter tells us it’s taken care of.
Ann just shakes her head. “Do you see what I mean? He likes you.”
“He’s just being nice.”
She sighs and rolls her eyes. “Guys like him know how to play the game and win, all the time.” We collect our things and to be polite, both walk over to his table. Ann is standing beside me smiling brightly. I manage to look at Mr. Stone and my heart starts pounding in my chest when I do.
I say to him, “Sorry to intrude, but thank you for brunch. You really didn’t have to do that.”
He is looking only at me when he says, “Violet, it’s my pleasure. I only do what I want to. It’s nice seeing you again. Enjoy the rest of your day.” Lina gives me a sweet smile, but I can tell she’s glad we’re leaving.
It’s turning into a warmer day than it started and there are so many stores we can explore. After walking around for a couple of hours, we decide to call it a day as both of us have some work to do when we get home. I decide to walk home and enjoy the fresh air as it helps clear my reeling head. Adam Stone is running through it incessantly. I try to enjoy the scenery as a distraction, but it doesn’t work. I mull over the possibility of skipping the opening all together and realize it will be last time I see him. This makes me feel very sad. What the hell am I going to do?
At home, changed into my yoga pants and a T-shirt, I read a blog post on the exhibit:
The French Royals, a five-city North American exhibition that I saw in Washington, is a collection of paintings, photo depictions, haute couture of the era, precious jewels, and other glimpses of the life of French royalty and court life. It is eye-catching and opulent. I must admit, some of the depictions are risqué but tasteful. One piece that comes to mind is a tapestry in silhouette form of a couple embarking into the journey of love-making. It’s clear in the depiction they are joined as one; the woman has full, rounded breasts and curvy hips and the man lying behind her is caressing her body. The wealth and glory of the items in the exhibit are breathtaking and shows signs of the vanity and excess of the lifestyle of the truly rich and famous of the time. I overheard the curator say they had to enlarge a doorway, as one of the pieces was too big to go through the delivery doors; maybe you can figure out which piece it was when you walk through the exhibit yourself. This is definitely worth seeing, don’t miss it!
Distracting myself, I log on to my office email and begin to do some work. My mind soon wanders back to my encounter with Adam at the restaurant. There were moments when he was only talking to me and I think his eyes were trying to read mine. Maybe he was trying to figure out what I think of him? Likely not, why would he even care? The thought causes me to wonder what he was actually thinking. I move my mind back to things I can control and think of Gia and the prince. It’s almost 9:30; an early night wouldn’t hurt. I get ready for bed in five minutes. Lying down facing the ceiling, my hand lowers and my thoughts go to Gia and the prince.
I am sitting in my room looking through one of my boxes of jewelry and appreciating how generous the prince has been. There is so much in this one box and I still have more to go through. I hear a knock at my door. My servant opens it, letting in one of the prince’s female servants.
“Mistress, the prince wishes you to join him for dinner.”
I smile at the servant and nod my head as I say, “Give me five minutes to dress.”
She replies, “Mistress, the prince has requested that you dress in your usual manner.” This makes me smile again. My servant swiftly brings me one of the sheer flowing robes in a rich burgundy color allowing for a little more coverage than one of the lighter shades. I am then wrapped in a long shawl to cover my body on my walk through the palace to reach him.
When we arrive at his suite, the servant opens the double doors and removes my shawl as I step into the room. I hear the doors close behind me. I lower myself to my knees and bow my head and wait for the prince to call for me.
He comes towards me, helps me to my feet, and says warmly, “Hello Gia, you look beautiful in this color.” He takes my hand in his and walks me to the dining room off his main chamber. This room is filled with candlelight and has a table and chairs for twelve, though this evening it is only set for two. He leads me to my seat next to him at the head of the table. I bow my head and wait. Two female servants appear and pour some honey wine for both of us.
“Gia,” he says, “I want you to speak freely tonight.”
“Thank you Master. I am honored.”
“Please Gia, look at me when we are speaking. Let’s have no formalities between us this evening.” He lifts my chin upward to look at him. It is rare for any woman other than his mother to make eye contact with the prince, so it is truly a privilege he is giving me. I know he has strong feelings for me as I do for him.
“Master, how was your day today?” I ask, making eye contact into dark blue eyes that stand out against a head of dark hair.
“Well, I attended to some business around importing and sat with council to discuss taxes for next year. I also spent time with my father going over predictions for the next few years.”
“You have had a very busy day. I hope I can help you relax this evening. Please use me at your will.”
“Oh Gia, I do adore you. You always make me feel desired and that you truly enjoy my company.”
“Master, I do enjoy your company. I miss you the minute I leave you each time. Honestly, it’s true.”
“Gia, you know how much you mean to me. Everyone knows you are my favorite. I don’t try to hide that. I spend as many nights with you as possible.”
“Master, you flatter me and bestow too much promise on me. I am your willing servant and will do whatever you ask, if it pleases you. My feelings for you are deep. I hope you know that.”
“You are modest, bright, loyal and beautiful. Just some of the reasons I can’t get enough of you. I am glad I found you and you found me.” He kisses my hand before waving for the food to be served.
The servants bring a platter of food for us containing lamb, chicken, vegetables and grains. I serve him first, offering him a bit of everything, before serving myself. We eat in silence for a few moments, and then I break it.
“I must thank you for all the lovely jewelry you have given me over the years. Today, I was looking through only one box of many and was reminded that your generosity is outstanding.”
“You are deserving of every piece and will have many more boxes to fill. Would you like some more honey wine?”
“Yes, please.” He pours me a cup himself and I feel very special.
After eating, he takes my hand and leads us to a seating area covered in plush cushions, facing the balcony. It’s dark now and the moonlight helps to illuminate the room along with the many candles. The natural illumination is quite sensual and befitting of an evening with the prince. He claps his hands and I hear the beat of a drum and musical instruments coming from behind a hidden wall. Soon after, there are three women belly dancing before us. They are all very beautiful with full breasts and rounded hips not unlike my own. They are adorned in transparent tops with exposed midriffs and silver belts with bells around each of their waists. The pantaloons fit their bodies beautifully in different colors, one in white, one in red, and one in black. Their pantaloons have slits, exposing very shapely legs. The three beautiful bodies move to the beat of the music, and every now and then they extend their arms in the direction of the prince, trying to attract his attention. He watches intently and his arm moves around my waist, caressing the side of my body. His other hand begins to play with my nipple through my robe, which quickly becomes fully erect at his touch. The combination of the wine and music frees me of my inhibitions. I too find the dancing women quite appealing. Watching their hips sway from side to side and their bellies move in controlled motions to the beat of the music is very sensual. I realize that each one has a uniquely erotic look. One is blonde with stunning hazel colored eyes; one is raven-haired with sultry dark almond shaped eyes, while the one in the middle has chestnut hair with full, luscious lips. I can feel my master’s grip become firmer as he begins to squeeze my nipple harder now. I flinch at first until the pain eventually turns to pleasure.
It’s not long before the prince pushes me down on the pillows. He lies beside me and begins to kiss me. Every now and then I get a glimpse of one of the dancing women. The beat of the music is intoxicating. He kisses me so passionately that I can taste the remnants of the honey wine on his tongue. My hips begin to grind into his thigh. He likes that and kisses my lips harder. He begins to undo the tie on my robe. It falls to the side, exposing my full breasts and two very erect nipples. His lips find one of them and using his tongue teases it until I moan. He moves to my other breast causing me to moan out loud again. I so enjoy his touch. He moves my hand downward to his erection. I run my hand up and down his long shaft. He moans and then moves my body so that he can lie flat on the cushions beneath us. We continue to kiss and fondle each other for a while. My nipples are erect, my heart beats faster, and I desire him so much! My master slides his hand between my thighs and smiles when he feels my wetness. He then takes my hips and lifts me on top of him making my robe fall open to expose the front of my body.
He positions me facing away from him. Pulling my robe from my shoulders and dropping it to the floor he says, “Watch the women dance while I am inside of you. I want all your senses to be alert.” He soon lifts me onto his hard cock. I ride up and down to the beat of the music while matching the rhythm of the dancing girls’ hips. One of the dancing girls makes eye contact with me and winks, which further increases my pleasure. My eyes follow her for a while as I ride up and down over his cock. The prince moves his hands from my hips to the cheeks of my bottom, which he is now holding firmly. He guides me up and down, sometimes slowly and sometimes quickly, even faster than the beat of the drums. I can feel that he is getting close, as am I. Our bodies become one as he pulls me down hard, burying himself completely within me. He begins to move his hips, enhancing the feeling of his cock gliding in and out of me. I moan. We move in unison, keeping time with the beat of the drums. Our breathing is heavier as we get closer to achieving ecstasy. I enjoy feeling his cock glide in and out of me. I am so wet and full of desire as he continues to fuck me. My eyes scan the beautiful women in front of me before I fling my head back; I am lost in my own passion now. He commands, “Gia, release with me now,” and as I hear his words I lock eyes with the same dancing girl I did before. She watches me as I moan. The prince gives three more hard thrusts and then releases inside me. The sensation of his throbbing cock takes me over the top as I explode around him. I moan out loud, keeping eye contact with the dancing girl. The music sounds louder and the drum beats faster. I collapse downward across my master’s legs.
My eyes are closed tight and my release is sublime. I can still imagine the dancing girl�
�s eyes locked on mine. I feel my body relax as I fall into a restful sleep.
Chapter 4
I’ve made it through Wednesday already. Tomorrow is the closing meeting with the two CEOs and their lawyers, and I want to look good when I see Mr. Stone. I’m going to wear a black high neck fitted dress that accentuates my waist and bust. My inner voice scolds me to stop torturing myself with false hope. If I am going to be cooped up in a meeting room with Adam Stone, I might as well look good doing it, I smile to myself. Repeating my mantra is paying off and I feel confident in my outfit selection.
For the museum opening Ann has loaned me a navy cocktail dress and a pair of black strappy high-heeled sandals with a matching black clutch. This is one of the benefits of having a friend who loves fashion. I have splurged on a couple of matching lacey push up bras and panties. One set is in black and the other one is in a dark shiny blue hue. I might as well feel sexy under my clothes as well. After the opening, I won’t ever see him again. In time, I’ll take back control over my own thoughts and have no more ‘what ifs’ about Adam Stone.
At home in the evening I realize that for the first time in ages I have no office work, and decide to go for a walk. After I change into yoga pants, T-shirt, and a hoodie, I stuff my iPod in my pocket, turn up my divas playlist, and go. I focus on where I am walking, mindful of traffic when I cross the street. My ponytail sways from side to side with each step. I take a meandering route through the boutique-lined streets of Yorkville, and remember that the last time I was here, Mr. Stone pleasantly surprised me at brunch. So much for the distraction; of course my thoughts go back to him.
All of a sudden, I can see the hood of a car out of the corner of my eye. I look and, oh my goodness, there is a man getting out of a black sedan coming towards me. It’s him. He looks right at me, gesturing for me to remove my headset.
Solid Stone: Revolving Door Page 3