by Eden Summers
He indicated for her to step in front and she reluctantly complied. Once she was a foot away from the door, he moved behind her, leaned close, and hovered his fingers over the keypad.
“On the other side of the door isn’t just a VIP lounge. It’s an exclusive club, something someone like you wouldn’t be familiar with.”
Someone like me?
Now he was trying to make her feel inferior for not being wealthy or famous? She turned her head, glaring at the side of his face. “Insult me one more time…”
“And what?” His mouth quirked and he met her stare with a raised brow.
She got in his face, close enough she was caught between wanting to slam her fist into his perfect nose or smash her mouth against his. “And I’ll…” She bit back her anxiety-riddled reply. “Don’t worry, Leo,” she snarled his name. “I won’t embarrass you in front of whatever pretentious, high-powered people you have in there.”
He chuckled, soft and low. “It’s not them I’m worried about.”
Before she could question his comment, his fingers were on the keypad, entering a four-digit number. The door buzzed, and he flung it wide. A fresh burst of cool air filtered forward, and her eyes widened, not only at the porn playing on the huge television in front of her, but at the unmistakable sounds of sex that weren’t coming through in Dolby digital quality. Oh no, the noises she heard were real-life, unscripted feminine moans and brutal grunts coming from another room.
Holy shit.
“Welcome to Vault of Sin, Shay,” he drawled.
Her mouth worked, unable to form words as her gaze went in search of where the lust-filled sounds were coming from. “Is this a brothel?” she blurted, her focus now glued to the woman being hammered on screen by two men.
“No.”
“A sex club?” Her voice was suddenly high-pitched.
“Surprise.” He nudged her into the room and closed the door behind them.
Holy adolescent hormones.
Her mouth gaped. How had she not known this was going on right underneath her feet? And for how long? Shay glanced around in a daze, scoping out the small room with an archway at the far wall. Apart from the screen full of orgasmic undulation, there was a leather sofa, a dimly lit lamp, and a basket in the corner with items she wasn’t sure she wanted to know about.
“This is the chill-out room.” Leo strode forward, heading for the archway. “A place for newbies to settle in before joining the fun.”
Fun?
She released an awkward chuckle.
Leo’s relaxed stride added to her horror. She tried not to contemplate how many hours it would take to become nonchalant about this type of setting. How many women he’d seen. How many orgasms he’d heard. She shook her head, ignoring the bite of jealousy nipping at her ribs, the cloying adrenaline rushing through her veins, and the slight buzz of arousal.
“You coming?” He stood at the archway with a raised brow.
“Obviously not right at this very moment.” She straightened her shoulders and took pleasure in the way Leo’s gaze lowered to her breasts. He was smart enough to figure out she was fighting her discomfort through sarcasm, and she didn’t have the sense to care. It was the only reliable strategy she had to calm down and stop her from rushing back up those stairs. “It takes more than porn to get this motor running.”
“If memory serves, it can take a lot less.”
Argh.
How did he do that? Take all the rushing emotions flowing through her body and replace them instantly with the need to choke him.
Ignoring his deep chuckle, she ground her teeth and strengthened her resolve as she came up behind him. Together, they stepped into a larger room and her knees threatened to give out. She’d tried to prepare herself, yet her imagination hadn’t been equipped to create the cavern of carnality before her.
There were beds. A hammock. Leather sofas. A sex swing. And half were occupied with writhing naked bodies. Numerous television screens played different porn scenes while the bar stood alone in the back corner, the only surface in the room currently safe from copulation.
The whimpers, groans, grunts and screams hit her like physical blows, making her step back, dizzy with adrenaline. She didn’t know where to look—at the huge cock plowing into the woman to her right, the spread thighs of the female giving head to a muscle-ripped black guy, or the safe and easy bartender who polished a glass, unfazed by the room filled with the smell of sex and sweat.
“Ready to put your tail between your legs and run back upstairs?” Leo taunted.
She raised her chin. “Bite me.”
Asshole.
He gave a predatory chuckle and leaned into her, his lips brushing her ear. “You’re in my territory now, Shay. Don’t tempt me with dares I’d be more than willing to fulfill.”
Her knees weakened, her breathing became labored as he turned and strutted like a fucking peacock toward the bar. She didn’t like this. Not one little bit. Upstairs, she held the upper hand. The bars were her domain. She was king of that freaking castle.
Down here was the opposite. This was Leo’s territory. The way he baited her only proved how comfortable he felt in this environment. And unfortunately for her, she was entirely out of her depth.
“Leo,” she scolded, trying not to distract the patrons from their…patronage.
He ignored her, giving her no choice but to follow in his footsteps like a lost puppy. She came up beside him at the bar, still shaking and skittish when he placed his hand at the low of her back and indicated to the bartender unpacking the dishwasher under the counter.
“Travis, this is Shay.”
The mocha-skinned man threw his dishcloth on the counter and hit her with a seductive grin. “Hey, Shay.” He held out a hand. “Welcome to the fun house.”
She shook his hand, letting the warmth of his palm soothe her, holding on longer than necessary for the support.
“Don’t look so petrified.” His smile warmed. “You’ll be okay.”
She wanted to clarify, to tell him whatever horrified expression crossed her features was from shock, not cowardice, but her addled brain had packed up and left the building.
“Shay’s the bar manager from upstairs,” Leo interrupted, his tone gruff. “She won’t be here permanently, only the remainder of tonight and next Saturday to cover Tracy’s shift.” He pressed his hand harder at the low of her back. “There’s no hanging around after closing tonight, Travis. You feel me?”
The bartender stiffened and released Shay’s hand. “No problem.” Then he turned and moved back to the middle of the bar to continue his job at the dishwasher.
It wasn’t until she glanced at Leo that she realized why Travis had fled. Her boss was glaring, still focused on the guy with an unwavering feral stare. “No playing between the staff.” He tilted his head, turning those hard ocean eyes on her. “Understood?”
“You’re worried about me sleeping with him?” she grated. “Christ, Leo, back off.” She was trying her best to remain level-headed about the switch from dance-club bartender to beverage dispenser on a porn set. But there was only so much she could take. And apparently, it wasn’t as much as the woman moaning around a mouthful in the corner. She had a guy down her throat, one doing her doggie, and another caressing her breasts, trying to get in on the action.
“I’m not joking, Shay.” He turned into her, gripping her chin to hold her attention captive. “No one touches you.”
Why don’t the rules apply to you? She wanted to ask but bit her tongue instead.
“I’m going to do a scan of the rooms and make sure everything’s in order. I’ll give you a full tour later, once you’ve digested the basics. I don’t want to scar you for life.”
“I’ve had sex before, Leo. None of this is new to me.”
He smirked. “I know from experience, remember? But have you had sex like this?” He quirked a brow, waiting for her response even though the arrogant bastard already knew the answer. “Yeah, I didn�
��t think so.”
She leaned toward him, lowering her voice and adding menace to her tone. “Well, maybe I’ll convince T.J. to let me down here as a guest. That way I can gain the experience you seem to think is so important.” The lie flew from her mouth without pause. He kept baiting her. Her only defense was to retaliate, especially when her own body betrayed her with lust.
His eyes flashed. “You will never come down here without me. You understand? Never.”
Her nipples tingled with his command. Traitorous fucking nipples. “You can walk me down those stairs as often as you like, but you’ve made it clear you won’t be making me come again. This is the perfect place for me to find someone who will.” Again, the untruths rushed forward, and this time she couldn’t help the accompanying smirk.
He released his grip and the anger in his eyes increased. “Never, Shay.” And then he was gone, striding away with his head held high and his shoulders straight with arrogance.
Chapter Three
Leo continued walking through the main area and into one of the private rooms where Shay’s gaze couldn’t tickle the back of his neck.
Motherfucker.
This wasn’t what he’d expected. She was meant to run, to glare at him in disgust, call him a perverted asshole and vow to never come down here again. Instead, she was still a sassy-mouthed viper and the lust in her eyes hadn’t dulled. She was shocked as hell, that much was clear, but she hadn’t fled. And now he didn’t know what to do.
This was a first for him. Every woman he’d introduced to this part of himself had done a runner. Whether he brought it up in conversation to prepare them, or they made the entire journey to the club door, they all ended up fleeing from his life. Yet, Shay had stuck around, remaining true to her typical reaction to shock—hitting him with a healthy barrage of sarcasm.
Maybe he’d misjudged her. Or maybe she was too proud to admit defeat after stamping her foot and demanding to work down here. Either way, he’d come further than he had with any other woman he’d cared about. He should be relieved, shouldn’t he?
“Leo?”
He blinked the half-empty room into focus and smiled at the leggy blonde sauntering toward him. Curvy, with deep-brown eyes and flawless skin, Pamela was a sight to behold. Yet, she was the anomaly in their environment. For an attractive woman, she was shy, apprehensive and didn’t like showing off the assets hidden under her shiny red corset and panties. In fact, he’d never seen her participate at all. Like T.J., she only ever watched.
“Are you playing tonight?” She came up beside him, her eyes weary.
“No, sweetheart.” He couldn’t play. Not with the image of Shay still firmly plastered in the forefront of his mind. “But have fun without me.”
She lowered her gaze, nodded and began to slink away.
“Pamela? You okay?”
She paused, glancing over her shoulder with watery eyes.
“Pamela?”
“I’m just frustrated,” she murmured. “I want to join in.”
He bridged the distance between them in two steps and cupped her upper arms with an encouraging smile. “Then go for it.”
“It’s not that easy. I haven’t been with a man since my husband died.”
Husband? Leo jerked back. The beauty couldn’t be older than twenty-eight. How the hell was she a widow?
“Don’t look at me like that.” She gave a half-hearted chuckle. “It happened almost two years ago, but I haven’t been able to convince myself to…” she shrugged, “…get back on the horse.” Her eyes twinkled and a soft grin tilted her lips. “Could you help me?”
Shit. Talk about insensitive. He had no idea what to say. Shay had rattled him. “What do you need?”
“Guidance.” She looked at him with hope. “I know you don’t want to play, but could you get me started with someone? Maybe stand beside me and give directions. My husband was very…” she paused, biting her lip, “…instructive. I loved how he took control.”
Leo scrubbed a hand over his jaw, trying to wipe Shay from his mind. Tonight was getting more complicated by the minute. “Of course.” He scoped the small room, looking for an unoccupied guy. Two hetro couples were in the darkened far corner, the male positioned over his partner, giving her a massage. His hands were on her back while he ground his pelvis against her naked ass. The other couple sat on a leather sofa, murmuring words between slow kisses.
“Give me a sec.” He strode from the room, unable to stop his focus from wandering to Shay. She was talking to Travis, a grin plastered across her beautiful face. When her gaze found his, he glanced away, finding what he needed on the chaise to the left of the doorway.
“Jack,” he barked.
The guy continued to stroke his cock as he dragged his attention from the two men pleasuring a chesty blonde in the sex swing. “Yeah?”
“I need a little help in here.”
“Sure thing.” Jack stood, unabashed by his nudity or the stiff dick in his hand.
Leo jerked a thumb in Pamela’s direction and waited for the man to pass before he chanced another glance at Shay. Shit. Their gazes collided and her brow furrowed in a silent question. Great. Exactly what he needed—an inquisitive, sassy wench. He ignored her and turned on his heel, making sure the frustration was hidden from his expression when he reached Pamela’s side.
“What’s up?” Jack asked.
Leo cleared his throat to stop a smart retort and gestured to Pamela. “I want you to help me with this beautiful lady.”
Pamela’s cheeks turned a darker shade of pink.
“It’d be my pleasure. What do you need me to do?”
Leo waved a lazy hand at the bed to their right. “Kneel on the mattress and go with the flow.”
Jack did as instructed, surveying his upcoming conquest with hungry eyes.
“Do you have any rules?” Leo swung to Pamela.
Although members did have paddles, nipple clamps, restraints and floggers at their disposal, this wasn’t a BDSM club. Safe words weren’t a necessity. However, Leo respected everyone’s limits and wanted Pamela’s first step back into the world of pleasure to be enjoyable.
She tore her focus from the bed and met Leo’s gaze. “No kissing on the mouth. I’m not ready for that.”
“No problem,” Jack replied. “We’ll do whatever you’re comfortable with, and don’t be scared to stop at any time.”
Leo eyed the man, giving him a subtle nod in thanks. Jack had no way of knowing Pamela’s history. Yet, his response was exactly what the club was all about. It wasn’t all hard fucking and fulfillment. It was about growth through experience, finding likeminded people and learning about yourself as well as others. More importantly, it was about respect.
Most people were quick to judge the less-inhibited lifestyle, not taking the time to understand the safety that accompanied a controlled environment. Women didn’t need to be vulnerable and bring a stranger home to experience a one-night stand. Men didn’t have to offend their hook ups when they left in the morning without leaving their number. It was also a place where people like Pamela could feel comfortable taking the first step.
“Lay on the bed, sweetheart,” Leo murmured.
She complied, climbing onto the mattress to rest her head on the pillows.
“I know you asked for direction, but first I want Jack to make you feel good.” Leo focused on the other man. “Go down on her. Use your hands and your mouth to bring her to the brink. Just don’t let her come.”
Pamela whimpered, biting her beautifully straight teeth into her lower lip as she clenched her thighs together.
Jack grinned and shuffled to her side, gently spreading her legs with his large hands. He hooked his fingers under the waistband of her red satin underwear and slowly pulled them down, exposing the clean-shaven pussy beneath. “You’re gorgeous.” His gaze was riveted as he placed the material beside him on the mattress.
She was. Blushing with a lustful glow, her breasts heaving against the tightly
strung corset, Pamela was a sight, one he hoped her deceased husband had savored.
Jack lay between her spread knees, his mouth hovering close to her core. “Relax,” he purred, keeping his focus on Pamela as he swiped his tongue out to brush her clit.
She gasped at the first lick, arching her back off the bed.
Fuck.
Tonight was testing Leo on too many levels. He ached to be the one positioned between heavenly thighs, tasting the heady flavor of arousal. He closed his eyes, picturing the image on the bed with two different people. Shay would be against the pillows, her legs parted for his touch, her cream resting on the tip of his tongue. He’d lap at her, delving his fingers into her smooth heat until she started to whimper. Then he’d back off, kissing her thighs, nipping her skin until she begged him to continue, tangling her fingers in his hair, pulling at the strands.
His dick was hard as stone at the thought. Tap, tap, tapping against his zipper, pleading for release. He wanted her. Naked. Now. If he got through the night without a waver in his step from his growing case of blue balls, he’d be fucking surprised.
Pamela’s moan had his eyes opening, and he grinned to find her writhing under Jack’s touch. She clutched the bed sheets, her pelvis raised for more, her sounds increasing with every flick of her lover’s tongue.
“Enough,” Leo ordered, his tone harsher than anticipated.
Jack growled, Pamela whimpered, and they both looked at him with annoyance.
“On your hands and knees, sweetheart.” Leo softened the command. “I want you to take his dick in your mouth.”
Pamela swallowed as she pushed to a seated position and Jack moved to his knees. Her sights were set on the thick erection jutting toward her, a large fist slowly pumping the length.
“Can you…” she turned to Leo and grimaced, “…can you instruct me?”
He inclined his head, his throat too dry to speak. He could still feel the shiver of Shay’s gaze on his skin, could sense her nearby, could almost smell her. His blood rushed with lust and adrenaline, his forehead beaded with sweat. Never had he fought so hard with his self-control. He wanted to stride to the bar, to kiss the sass right out of her and sink his cock into her heat until she screamed.