by King, Dean
All around her was the same as it had been when she had first come here. To her right was a large stage, there were six people on it, all naked. They were deeply involved in each other. To her left were love seats with small intimate settings for anyone who wandered there. Small round tables scattered here and there with white flowers and long tapered red candles as the center piece.
A faint sweet tangy smell hung in the air, reminding her of the inside of an old record store. Some couples were fully dressed having dinner as if it were the most normal thing in the world. Others were in various states of undress. To her far left, a naked male couple sat on a couch touching each other in plain view. A large dark bar stretched out at the far end of the room. Thick burgundy barstools surrounded it and the dark mahogany counter tops with brass accents gave the place an air of richness, or maybe it was the low hanging ceiling fans with their brass and wooden design that gave the place its mysteriously elegant appeal. It was almost as if she had stepped into another world.
“Do you have your papers?” Nina jumped at the voice, her eyes stretched wide. She recognized the bartender. Nodding stiffly she pulled out the statement from her doctor saying she was healthy and free of sexually transmitted diseases and handed it to the young man, he nodded.
“My name is Ben,” he gave what looked to her like a mocking bow. “Your partner is running late. He asked me to keep you company for a while.”
He knew I would come. The thought was unsettling, but exciting. She shook her head. “No, that’s alright. If he’s not here then I’ll leave.” She turned back to the door, too relieved for words and fumbled with the handle in her haste. Ben’s hand snaked around her and planted firmly on the door. Stunned, she turned to him, her heart in her throat. “What are you doing?”
“He said to keep you here. That’s what I’m going to do. Now, if you want me to carry you, I will. But I suggest you walk.” Nina looked at the big burly young man and knew she'd have to go with him.
Arms folded across her chest, she marched ahead of him. He took her to the bar. “Have a seat. I’ll get you a drink.”
Her eyes narrowed, and she glared at him, but she took the seat as she was instructed. She didn’t like being treated this way. This is crazy! Ben handed her a glass tumbler and she clasped it in her warm hands, thankful for the coldness of the glass.
“It’s rum and coke,” he was saying. “Have you ever had it before?”
She shook her head, and put the tumbler down. “I don’t drink liquor.”
“Go ahead, live a little. I didn’t make it very strong, taste it.”
Hesitant, she lifted it to her lips and took a small sip.
“What do you think?”
“It has a nutty flavor to it.”
“Will you drink it, or would you prefer a coke?”
“I’ll drink it, thanks.” Nina needed the warmth, the drink provided.
“No problem, it’ll help take the edge off.” He winked.
She nodded and he moved away. Nina took another sip and swished it around in her mouth. It wasn’t bad at all. The longer she sat, the harder it was not to watch the people around her. Her stomach knotted. How had he known I would come? Has he been waiting for me? That was a question she only hoped was true. She looked at her watch, thirty minutes had gone by and still he hadn't shown. Nina was becoming self-conscious, she was more than ready to leave.
“Hi, you want some company?” Her head snapped around, and her heart plummeted to the depth of her stomach. It wasn't him, her disappointment was great, so great that she knew it was time to leave before this became any deeper.
“No, thank you,” her smile was stiff as she started to turn away from the man. “I’m waiting for someone.”
“Come on baby, we can have lots of fun until they get here.” The tall blond rubbed his partially nude body against her right side. “I’ve been waiting a long time for you. I like your little school teacher outfit. It turns me on.” She wrinkled her nose, his hot breath had a stale, sour smell to it.
She moved aside, her eyes raked his long thin frame, and then came to rest on the bulge in front of his skin tight leopard print pants. “Obviously, now go away.” But the man persisted, he touched her hair, then his long thin fingers of one hand crawled up her thigh trying to push her skirt up. The other hand wrapped around her throat from behind and she knew a moment of panic.
“I like to play with my prey before I devour it.” He whispered in her ear.
Nina drew back and slapped him hard across his face. “Leave me alone!” She hissed, and he fell back.
“Do that again,” his cheek was red from her handprint, still he insisted on rubbing his hand up and down her rigid back. “I like the fight.”
She shrugged away from his touch and looked at Ben. “Will you tell him to go away?” She had been waiting an hour, and she was tired of people hitting on her, all she wanted right now was to go home.
Ben shrugged. “Your friend said to enjoy yourself until he gets here. Do whatever you want.”
“I don’t want this. Look, I’m leaving, tell him I had to go, and I won’t be coming back.” Nina picked up her black purse, standing she turned and ran into a broad chest. That smell! Like warm spiced apple and musk. Her heart stopped, and she froze.
“Where are you going?” That voice. It sent shivers down her spine. So strong, so deep and oh so sensual, a undeniable tremor of excitement raced through her entire body.
She looked up, her eyes wide and she felt helpless to look away. It was him. Her heart pounded hard and slow at the same time against her ribcage. Her secret lover. But his voice held an edge she didn't recognize. Sharp, yet caressing. She didn't know if she should fall into his arms or run as fast as her legs could carry her. He was so tall, his hair was longer and blacker than she remembered. It lay in shiny waves, and her fingers itched to feel it again.
“Am I not worth waiting for?” His fingers gripped her chin tilting her head back, forcing her to look at him.
“Where were you?” She didn't recognize her own voice. “I didn't think you would come.”
His fingers tightened. “Like you never showed up all those weeks ago. I started to think you hadn’t enjoyed our night as much as I had.”
“I did enjoy our time,” she looked away. “But I…I had something to…”
“Save it,” he cut her off. “We have more important things to deal with tonight.” She shivered and her eyes drifted closed despite her battle to prevent it.
His laughter was mocking and she flushed with embarrassment. “Are you that ready for me?” His sweet taunting breath brushed her glowing cheek. One hand rested on her arm in a gentle caress.
Nina looked away, mortified because he was so right. “I just don’t like these other people touching me,” she said quietly. Her eyes fell to the blond who was picking himself up off the floor glaring at them.
“I don’t like other people touching you either,” Rafe was ready to kill when he'd seen Rick fondling her. It didn’t matter that Rick was one of Frank’s best customers. No one had the right to touch her. Now, as he stood with her in his arms, he watched her beautiful eyes as they followed his lips. He wanted to smile as her tongue came out to run along her lower lip, moistening it nicely.
“I shouldn’t have come,” she whispered.
“But you did,” Rafe bent forward pressing his lips lightly to hers, he couldn’t resist feeling her petal soft lips again. He wanted to see if she really tasted as good as his dreams had been telling him. He lifted his head to stare into her eyes. “Dare I hope you came here for me and me alone?” He asked watching her, she had a pure, feminine grace that captivated him. Every movement seemed to be as fluid and graceful as a ballet dancer. She had a delicate oval face, her nostrils flared just a bit and at the tip it pointed up as if she could care less about the rest of the world.
But it was her eyes that drew him, deep green and almond shaped, surrounded by long black lashes that looked as if they were twin f
ans. They lay on her creamy dark cheeks when she looked down, as she did now. She was a complex contradiction, her skin the color of dark cocoa and her eyes of the purest emerald. Her Cupid’s bow lips drew him like nothing ever had in his life. Rafe ran his hands down one of her arms and smiled as she shivered and looked up at him.
“Yes, you asked me, remember?”
“Yes, I remember,” Rafe ignored the disappointment coursing through him at her words. He caught her upper arm. “Come on, I have a special place for us tonight.” He was unknowingly rough with her, he pulled her along behind him. His fingers biting into the flesh of her upper arm as if to assure himself that she was actually here and not some figment of his imagination.
Nina licked her suddenly dry lips, as she stumbled behind him. “You’re hurting my arm,” she gasped, something close to alarm nipped at her.
“I’ll do more than that to you tonight. Don’t you ever keep me waiting again,” he growled. Angry with himself for the longing that had been with him every day since he had taken that sweet body of hers. That she didn't feel the same way was obvious.
Nina didn’t like his attitude. But she was sure it was just another game, he was probably getting into character. She blocked her mind to everything but him. Even the fear she knew she should feel was noticeably absent. Last time he had turned out to be a kind and tender lover. Once the façade of gruffness was gone, hopefully tonight would be the same.
“Later you can tell me why you took so long to come back to me.” Rafe opened the door, his anger overshadowing the joy he felt that that his little test had gone so well, almost too well. He had sent four men and one woman to approach her. Every one of them she’d turned away in no uncertain terms. He didn’t like what he felt when Rick had gotten a little too friendly. Rafe propelled her into the room.
Nina stumbled, then righted herself. She clasped her hands tight in front of her. She knew this had to be another one of his games and she was prepared for it. Walking deeper into the large room her eyes stretched wide as she took in all the strange and beautiful things around her.
Candlelight filled the room. One wall was covered with a white curtain that sparkled with blue and red from the candles as if they were made of diamonds. In the center of the room was a large four post bed. Thickly carved white columns supported sheer curtains that encased the bed. The bed looked as if it were as soft as a cloud. Large and fluffy white pillows were thrown about, and a thick white down comforter was pulled back revealing white satin sheets. A soft magnolia scent filled the room relaxing her immediately. White candles of every size littered the room, their flames dancing off a silver ice bucket that held two bottles of champagne.
White rose petals covered the floor and were sprinkled over the bed. Soft music filled the air. A warm feeling coursed through her whole body. He did this for me? The thought made her want to hug him. Then the lights were dimmed just a bit. She stood in the middle of the room, half afraid to move as her eyes fell to strange leather bindings like she’d never seen before. They hung from the ceiling, and some were attached to the walls.
“Take your hair down,” Nina turned quickly to where his voice had come from. Eyeing his long frame where he lay stretched out on the bed surrounded by thick pillows, she bit her lower lip in uncertainty, he was fully clothed. His hands cupped behind his curly dark head, his gray eyes following her every move.
Reaching up she pulled the pins from her hair, and fluffed it out. She was ready for this. She told herself she would do whatever he asked as long as it wasn’t too far against her principles.
“Now, slowly unbutton your jacket and toss it to the floor.” Hesitantly, she did as instructed.
Rafe wanted her more at this moment then he'd ever thought possible, but he would wait. This had been planed for a long time, and he was determined to see it through. Good things always came to those who wait. “Now, I want you to do the same with your shirt and skirt.” He couldn’t take his eyes from her.
It was like uncovering a hidden work of art. He sucked in his breath as she reached for her shirt. Then it fell to the floor. She had the body of a goddess. Full ripe breasts, slim waist, flat stomach and nicely rounded hips. How could she hide such beauty? It was sacrilege. She stood with her hands crossed in front of her as if to hide from him.
“Lift your hands over your head.” At her startled look, he barked. “Do it!” She jumped, her hands going up. “I like the peach lace bra and panties. But I'd like them better if they were on the floor.” Her hands started to drop. “No, leave them where they are.” She did, her flaming face hidden against her forearm.
Rafe rose, his body one big throbbing ache as he went to her. He started with her arms. Gently, he ran his hands down the entire length of her silky skin. He smiled when she shivered. She turned her face to him, her eyes closed. He took her lips in a kiss that had her knees giving way. He caught her easily, backing up until she was against the wall.
Catching her wrists in his hands, he kissed her deeply while he bound them in a leather harness suspended above her head. She whimpered once but stood still. Then his hands slid along her body until he touched the waist of her panties. Hooking a finger in the fragile lace, he pulled, and then pushed them from her. Then he retraced his path, up her ribs, nipping, kissing her lips, he popped the clasp of her bra leaving her totally naked in his embrace.
Dipping his head, he clasped one breast in each hand. Lovingly, his mouth paid homage to them until she was pulling against her restraints. The small meowing sounds coming from her throat egged him on. Gently parting her legs, he wedged himself between them and rubbed his still clothed erection against her exposed womanhood. His hands planted on the wall to either side of her, he plundered her sweet mouth, gently caressing her tongue with his. Rafe stood just far enough away for the straining tips of her breasts to rub against his shirt, bringing sharp moans from deep within her throat. Then she began groaning, pushing against him for more.
Nina felt drugged, as if she were seeing things in slow motion. He had her imprisoned against the wall. She could only move her legs and yet, instead of being afraid, she was excited beyond imagination. She longed to touch him. To pull his heat to her and never let him go. Her breasts ached. The tips so hard the slightest movement sent tremors racing through her like tiny needles pricking her flesh. She pulled on his tongue kissing him as if she were a famished woman at a banquet.
She had never dreamed she would be in this kind of situation. She wanted to run her hands up and down his back pulling him closer, but the restraints forbade it. She pulled against them as he moved slightly away. It was on the tip of her tongue to shout out her need for him, to say some of the things she had heard in the club. But even in her great need she couldn't force the words from her lips. Even if she could, she didn't know what to say or how to say them. What if he laughs at me? She held her thoughts to herself, trying to show him with her body how much she needed him.
Rafe couldn't think straight, he held her hard against the wall wedging her there with his body. Lifting each round breast in his hands, he thumbed their taunt cherry-brown peaks until she was pushing against him. He bent, suckling her delicious fruit one at a time into his mouth and loving the shudders that raced through her.
He stepped back, his eyes taking in one of the most beautiful sights he had ever seen. Just as he had dreamed it, she was all golden, rosy and ready for him. Softly he said, “Open your eyes, let me see those big green eyes of yours, Ni…” He froze; he'd almost said her name! That was a mistake he couldn't afford to make.
Then her eyes were on him, and all other thoughts fled. Unbuttoning his shirt, he watched as her eyes followed his every movement. Then as his pants dropped she sucked in her breath, his chest expanded, pleased by her reaction. Her eyes were glued to him. They roamed up and down his body and he felt it like a gentle caress. Then her eyes fell to his manhood, rigid, thick, and pulsing with life. Rafe saw her lick her lips, he could see the pulse on the side of her neck beat
out of control.
Nina didn't know what he'd done to her, but she felt as if she were dying a slow death. Nothing had ever felt this good. “Please, I need you. I need you now.” She didn't recognize her own voice as she begged him for release.
“I need you too, baby. But first I have to touch you. I have to feel your sweetness.” Rafe closed the short distance between them. His hands played over her body making her squirm until finally he parted her tender folds between her long legs, her soft reddish curls wrapped around his fingers as he slid through them. Lifting her right leg high, he let his fingers explore the wetness of her petal soft nether lips. His nostrils flared, like a bull ready to charge.
One finger finding her canal, he dipped inside. She cried out, arching her back. He ripped the mask from her face, the need to see her driving him mad. She opened drowsy eyes, his breath caught. Her eyes had gone dark with her passion, so dark they almost appeared black. He watched her face as her head fell against the wall. She was too hot, too wet, he needed to be inside her! He caught a handful of her hair pulling her head back to his. Rafe growled against her quivering lips. “Tell me what you want.”
Four
His harsh, sweet breath scorched her face, and Nina bit her lower lip as her blood surged to fever pitch.
“Please, I want you,” she gasped as his hold on her hair guided her lips to his when she would've let her head fall back against the wall. She saw him through a misty haze of desire and he looked wonderful.
“That’s not what I want to hear. Say it!” Rafe growled, clinging to the last bit of willpower as his fingers surged deeper into her heat.
Her head spinning, she panted, “I can’t say it. Please, don’t make me,” she whimpered her breath coming hard as her legs opened wider, her hips were pushing against his hand.