by S. Valentine
“Eva will always have a problem with me.” His tongue darted out as he wet his lips. “How about we put a movie on?”
Gabi agreed, although she knew he was putting an end to the discussion. Flicking through the channels, she settled on a romantic comedy. She yanked the covers up, draped an arm and a leg over Darion, and nestled in the crook of his neck. Inhaling his masculine cologne, she half smiled. Choosing a movie over him took a lot of willpower. She liked snuggling up to him though.
An hour later, she heard Darion’s gentle snores. Sitting up, she studied him whilst he slept. He was so handsome. She couldn’t resist and so stroked his cheek. She loved him more than anything in the world. She was about to lean down and kiss his face when his mobile bleeped. She stilled. She prayed Darion didn’t wake. When he didn’t, she quickly leant over to catch sight of the text before she missed it. It was from the number ending in 369 again.
07844***369: We need to talk. x
Gabi sunk back onto the mattress, her mind going into overdrive. Who would text him so late, and what would they need to talk about? Did this person know he had a girlfriend? If they did, then it was clear they didn’t care if he got caught out. It seemed they called and messaged him whenever they felt like it. Or perhaps they didn’t know he had a girlfriend, and this was their way of finding out whether he did or not.
As she surveyed Darion again, she saw his features weren’t relaxed from a pleasant dream. As usual, his face was scrunched up, and now he was grunting as if he was having a nightmare.
The Black Door opening party couldn’t come quick enough, and if all was not revealed there, then Gabi decided she would confront Darion once and for all.
Chapter Twenty
Darion
Darion was sat in Retox, drinking a glass of whisky. Men were in and out delivering black sofas and tables. They were positioned against two walls, facing the lit up blue bar which stood at the back of the room. Black stools lined the bar, and beyond it were blue shelves containing spirits and liquor. With its low lighting, it was modern and glamorous, just as he’d wanted. On the fourth wall, floor to ceiling windows looked out onto the street. He’d already noticed curious faces peer in.
He knew it’d take him a while to get used to not seeing a main stage, podiums, and stripper poles. However, he supposed it meant less to worry about. The dancers had been difficult to please at times.
“Hey, Daz!”
He swivelled around on his stool to come face to face with Lexi. Peeling her coat off, she placed it on the side, along with her handbag.
“Oh my god,” she squealed. “It looks amazing in here.”
He set his glass down and took a silver tin of cigars from his pocket. It had been a while since he’d smoked one. Now it was a special occasion, he believed it was very much deserved.
“Want one?”
She jumped onto the stool next to him with a smile. “Yeah. Why not?”
He handed her a cigar, and lit it once she put it in her mouth. “So, what have you been up to, Lex?”
“Not much. Getting prepared for the opening. I can’t wait to get back to work.”
“I take it Carl’s all set, then?”
“Yep. How can he not be? He’s got Eva the control freak up his ass.”
Darion chuckled. “I’m glad she’s not my problem anymore.”
“If she even dares to boss me around, I’m quitting, and coming to work here.”
“I wish you would.” He took a puff of the cigar and exhaled slowly. “So, everyone will be at the opening?”
“Yeah, they will. Oh, and Gina’s back.” She clapped her hands excitedly. “She called me to say that she’d be there.”
“Did she say anything else?”
“No, why?”
“Just wondering,”
“So.” She leant closer. “Have you sorted staff yet?”
He nodded. “Got a few bar staff, a doorman, and a DJ.”
“Ooh. Check you out.” She nudged him. “I’m so coming here on my nights off.”
“I can’t wait to open the doors, Lex. I’ve got a feeling this will be so much smoother to run than the strip club and playrooms were.”
She blew out smoke. “How’s Gabi? Has she been keeping up with your wicked ways?”
“She’s fine…and so far, so good.” Darion stepped behind the bar and selected two glasses. “What will you have?”
“Orange juice and vodka will do me.”
Darion poured Lexi a drink, handed it to her, and headed to the sound system. Fiddling with the buttons on the remote, “I’m Only Joking” by Kongos blasted from the speakers. Returning to his stool and whisky, he nodded his head along to the music. He realised for the first time in a long while he felt completely chilled out. Working on the bar definitely took his mind off things.
“So, give me a tour then.” Lexi stood up.
“Follow me.”
A door behind the bar led to a corridor, of which met his office, the stock room, and staff toilets. He showed Lexi each room, which were all modern and fully decorated in black and grey. Back in the bar area, he briefly showed her the bathrooms and the small VIP area.
“Very fancy.” She whistled. “I’m so proud of you, Daz.”
He focused on the floor on an uncomfortable laugh.
“Hey.” She slapped his arm playfully. “Don’t be so modest. So, will your aunt be coming to check it out? I know you’re close.”
He nodded. “I haven’t seen her in fucking ages.” He smoothed his hair back. “She’s always busy with the kids, so contact got less frequent.”
“Well, make sure you call her. I know she’d be happy for you.”
As they resumed their position at the bar, Darion’s mobile vibrated in his pocket. His spine stiffened. He had a feeling who it was. He took the mobile out, and stared at the screen long and hard. It wasn’t her number ending in 369. It was a number he didn’t recognise. He excused himself and retreated to his office. Inside he shut the door to block out the music.
“Hello?” he asked, hating that his voice was shaky with emotion.
“Hello, is this Mr. Darion Milano?”
“Speaking.”
“Hi, Mr. Milano. It’s Miss Reid from Summer Row Clinic. I took your sample for—”
“Yes,” he cut her off, wanting to get it over and done with.
“I tried to reach you a few days ago, but your mobile was switched off…anyway, we sent your results by post. I’m just calling to see whether you received them.”
Shit! He hadn’t checked his post in days. He’d assumed he would receive the results over the phone. “I haven’t checked my post yet. If I haven’t received them, I’ll get back to you.”
“Okay. Have a nice day.”
“Bye.”
His stomach churned, and he felt like he’d spew his guts up. He needed to get home to see if the results were there. It was time to find out where his life was headed. Taking a deep breath, he calmly strolled back to the bar, and manufactured a smile.
“Everything okay?” Lexi asked, the concern apparent on her face.
He nodded. “Fancy another drink?”
“I never say no to a drink.” She laughed.
As Darion refilled their glasses, he wondered whether to go home afterwards, or to stay at the bar and get completely trashed.
***
Gabi
Gabi smoothed down her red dress, which complemented her figure. It matched her lipstick and nails. Her blonde hair cascaded down her back in loose waves, with one side secured with grips. Slipping into her high, black platforms, she then spritzed on some perfume.
She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t sick with nerves. She kept thinking she’d bring up her dinner. Her hands wouldn’t stop shaking, and her heart was beating at an erratic pace. Get a grip, Gabi. It was she who had pushed Darion to go to the opening party at The Black Door.
Grabbing her black clutch bag, she made her way into the living room and waited for Dar
ion to show up. He was already ten minutes late. A part of her wished he’d changed his mind, whilst the other part of her still wanted to go, and needed answers. Whether she’d get them or not, she had no idea.
Another ten minutes passed, so she attempted to call him. Her eyes widened in surprise when she reached his voicemail. She poured herself a glass of wine to calm her nerves. He’d show up. Surely he wouldn’t stand her up. Taking a sip, she leant back on the sofa. She silently prayed her relationship with Darion wasn’t in trouble, that he hadn’t betrayed her in some way, that there was some plausible reason for everything.
When she’d finished her wine, she heard the honking of a horn outside. Pulling the curtain back, she spotted Darion’s Audi. She breathed a sigh of relief. Setting the glass on the side, she picked up her bag, and waltzed outside.
“Hi, you,” she greeted him cheerily once she was in the car.
“Hey.”
She got an instant whiff of his aftershave. Surveying him, she could see he’d made an extra effort on his appearance, like he always did when it came to parties at The Black Door. He was wearing his favourite black Armani shirt, unbuttoned at the collar, with the sleeves rolled up. It matched the colour of his jeans. His dark hair was slicked back, hanging neatly down the nape of his neck. She noticed he’d shaved, as his stubble was fainter than the last time she had seen him. She wished she could dive on his lap, and have her wicked way with him. He was so handsome she couldn’t help but feel smug again.
“You look handsome,” she told him, stroking his hand that was gripping the gearstick.
“You look good too.”
“Everything okay?”
He nodded.
As he sped off down the road, she immediately sensed he was nervous. And as she knew he would, he blasted rock music to shut out any conversation.
Chapter
Twenty-One
Present Day
Forty minutes later, Gabi was standing outside The Black Door staring up at the familiar window to the upstairs. Now instead of a red glow on the pavement below, it was violet. It looked less intimidating. Linking her fingers through Darion’s, she allowed him to lead the way. They entered the gentlemen’s club first, which was downstairs. She gasped at the décor. It was so modern, and had a young vibe to it. After she’d stopped gawping at the place, she slid onto a stool at the bar, next to Darion.
“Hey, Darion. Hey, Gabi,” Jasmine greeted them with a huge smile. “Long time, no see. How are you both?”
“We’re good.” Gabi beamed. “How are you?”
“I’m great.” She flicked back her ash blonde hair. “You like what they’ve done with the place?”
“It’s amazing,” Gabi responded, examining the room once more.
Darion nodded in agreement, and popped a cigarette in his mouth.
“Um…” Jasmine shifted on the spot awkwardly. “Carl said no one is to smoke in here.”
“Did someone say my name?”
Gabi twisted around to see Carl and Tara heading toward them.
“Darion.” Carl patted him on the back. “So glad you made it…hi, Gabi.”
She waved.
“You remember Tara, right?”
“Hi, Tara,” she greeted her with a wave.
Darion rose to his feet to plant a kiss on Tara’s cheek. “So what’s this I hear about no smoking?” he joked, about to put his cigarette away.
“We’re not all rule breakers like you, Daz.” Carl laughed. “But go ahead and have a cheeky one.”
With a chuckle, Darion stuffed the cigarette back in his mouth and lit it.
“Jasmine, can you get these pair a drink?”
“Sure. What can I get ya?” she asked, thrusting her ample chest out.
Gabi turned her head and bit down a grin. She was so glad Darion didn’t own the club anymore. She caught sight of some new dancers, half-naked, twirling around the poles, and another on the stage, teasing the audience.
“What do you think of the club?” she asked Tara, who took up residence on the stool next to her.
“It’ll take a while to get used to.” She giggled. “I’ll be working here with Carl, helping manage the place, so I needn’t worry about anything, really.”
“Oh. I thought you had a job.”
“I did, but I hated it.” She leant in closer to Gabi and said quietly, “Besides, I think I’ll need to keep an eye on these Barbie dolls.”
Gabi threw her head back on a laugh. “Have you met Eva yet?”
“Is that the lady with all of those dreadful tattoos?”
Gabi nodded. “She’s Darion’s ex-wife.”
Shock etched on her face. “She’s going to be a handful, I can tell.”
Gabi studied Tara. She was pretty, with immaculate nails and designer clothes. She seemed pure and naïve, a bit like Gabi had been when she’d first visited The Black Door. Back then she had no idea she was entering a world miles away from her own, that it would open her eyes to new things, and change her identity. She’d been sitting in the exact same spot when she’d met Darion.
She smiled fondly at the memory. The club wasn’t all bad. Everywhere she looked, her mind was filled with a memory: the private booth where Darion had pleasured her with his tongue, his office where she’d been sprawled on his desk, the staff bathrooms where she’d been shoved up the cubicle door and ravaged, the public bathroom where she’d been perched on the counter. That was downstairs alone. Upstairs in the playrooms, she had experienced even more with him. The hot tub, the dungeon suite, the rotating beds, the partner-swapping rooms, light bondage, fancy dress, girl-on-girl action, kissing other men. And Eva had the nerve to say she was vanilla. She certainly didn’t feel it.
Her mind was also invaded with the bad memories, the time when Darion had confessed he owned not just a gentlemen’s club, but a swingers club, then there was the time when Eva had returned to Westhaven, having interrupted them in the playrooms. Plus, the time when she had confessed to Darion she had betrayed him and kissed Lawrence. She had a feeling there would soon be another confession too.
“Are you okay?” Tara asked, her forehead creased with concern.
Gabi shook her head, as if ridding the nasty thoughts. “I’m fine.” She picked up the glass of wine Jasmine had placed before her.
“Are the girls here yet?” Darion asked Carl.
“No, but they should be here soon. Shall we head upstairs? I’ll give you a tour.”
“Why not?” Darion handed his cigarette to Jasmine to put out, having found no ashtrays, and gave her a wink.
Upstairs was livelier than ever. A mixture of people, all different ages, were occupying the sofas, bar area, and dance floor. Gabi admired the room. Carl had done an amazing job with the whole place. She lifted her head to take in the familiar black door, which led to the playrooms. It wasn’t yet open, but it soon would be. She could feel the sexual tension in the air, and she observed people flirting and touching one another. They couldn’t wait to get down and dirty, and she still couldn’t understand it one little bit. She hadn’t changed her mind about being able to share Darion. The thought terrified her.
Feeling protective over him, she stroked his sexy, firm buttocks, and froze when she felt the outline of something in his pocket. It was the key to the playrooms.
“Why do you have the key?”
His brows pinched together in confusion. Then they shot up as if suddenly remembering. “I wanted to return it.” He took the key out of his pocket, and handed it to Carl. “I’ve been in those playrooms more times than I’ve had hot dinners. Let someone else enjoy them.”
“I thought you would have wanted to go in them one last time,” Gabi said.
“We don’t need the playrooms, darlin’.”
Carl told Gabi to make herself comfortable on the sofas and that a bartender would be over with bottles of champagne and glasses. She lifted her head searching for Tara, but she was chatting with a group of women. Giving Darion a chaste kiss on the
lips, she wove through the dancing and talking crowd, and sat on a leather sofa. When the champagne was before her, she poured a glass, and downed a quarter of it. She wondered when Lexi and Marnie would be arriving.
A few minutes later, Darion excused himself from Carl, and was sitting beside her. Gabi asked again if he was okay, to which he replied he was. Then he stroked her thigh, his touch leaving tingles in its wake. When he kissed her passionately, he sent her senses whirling, and her heart racing. She was overwhelmed with lust.
She was surprised when his body then tensed, and he shifted away slightly. Glancing over her shoulder was Gina. Lexi, Marnie, Wendy, Tiana, Lennie, Travis and a few others followed. She and Darion greeted them. Excited and eager, they rushed to the bar, except for Gina. When she sat on the opposite sofa, Gabi sensed the animosity between Gina and Darion. They hadn’t seen one another in so long. She thought they would have been ecstatic to be reunited. Making polite chit chat, and receiving short answers, Gabi couldn’t help but feel she had offended Gina in some way.
An uncomfortable silence loomed over them, leaving Gabi with no choice but to break the ice. Gina then shocked her with a snort, and said Darion had something to say. With neither of them revealing anything, Gabi continued to stare at them at regular intervals, questioning them. She almost choked when Darion tried to silence Gina, and that they’d already discussed whatever secret they were hiding. Darion had Gina had been in contact, without her knowledge. Why would Darion hide that? The hairs on the back of her neck prickled, and her stomach somersaulted rapidly. Had Darion and Gina been having an affair?
When Darion apologised, Gabi pushed herself to her feet, afraid of what she would be told. She had a feeling the confession would be worse than his previous one. The last thing she heard from Darion before her brain shut off was, “Me and Gina…”
Chapter
Twenty-Two