by Kate Allure
“Now!” he cried out.
Freed, her body bucked to meet his, and raw pleasure filled her. His prolonged erotic torture had aroused her to such heights every nerve in her body shivered with bliss. Throughout it all, they kept their eyes locked on each other through their masks, connected in yet one more way. The wild lust in his eyes fueled hers, her clawing arousal climbing higher toward that teasing peak. Within minutes she screamed out joyfully and burst wide-open in brilliant white-hot ecstasy. As she soared through an incredibly long orgasm, she felt him climax, his grunts joining her wild cries.
Eventually, they mellowed and slowed to a stop, their bodies still tightly coupled. They stared at each other in wonder. Their silent communication now spoke of awe at the incredible experience they’d shared, two people who didn’t even know each other’s names.
After a moment, he eased to lie down, his body draped over hers. They both panted, chests heaving, as he lay there on top of her, seemingly unable to move. She could feel him inside her still, and little aftershocks kept coming and coming. By a wide margin, that had been the biggest, best orgasm in her life.
Smiling, she caressed his sweat-slickened back, and he kissed her neck tenderly.
Eventually their breathing slowed, and he rolled to lie next to her. They both drifted off, slumbering.
Blissfully, wonderfully sated.
Whoever would have thought giving up control could be so powerfully fulfilling?
Chapter Eighteen
Tori and Randy woke a short time later, and he started to tell her how great it had been, but she stopped him.
“Shh. It was perfect. But I need to go now.” She spoke so quietly he leaned closer to hear.
“But—”
She put her finger to his lips. “Text me if you want to hook up again.”
He looked like he wanted to argue, but he didn’t stop her. She rolled off the bed and dressed quickly.
She’d loved every minute of it, but now she needed to leave, to depart the ball before the magic struck midnight. Before the young prince found her glass slipper and crushed it beneath false promises he had no intention of keeping.
If he pursued her, demonstrated he truly wanted to see her again, she’d happily meet him, but she wouldn’t stick around now for that awkward pillow talk. It would ruin this exquisite experience, forever tarnish her memory of this special night.
He kept throwing her glances into the dark room, seeming to want to say something, but eventually he, too, rose and dressed, pulling on his pants and slipping into his shoes. She dressed faster, needing to escape. She grabbed her shoes in her hand and rose on tiptoe to give him a quick peck on the lips.
“Thank you for a super night,” she whispered.
She turned and ran. As she slipped through the door, she glanced back. Randy stood by the bed watching her, his T-shirt in his hand, a dazed expression on his face.
Chapter Nineteen
Ian stood there in utter disbelief. His new lover had just run out on him.
What the fuck had happened?
It had been the most incredible sex of his life, and Candi had raced out like she couldn’t wait to get away from him. He stood there, too dumbfounded to react.
A sort of panic seeped into him as he was finally able to gather his wits and yank his T-shirt over his head. What if he never saw her again? Even though she’d told him to text her, that might actually have been a brush-off. What if she blocked his number? He didn’t even know her real name.
He rushed out of the room, determined to find her before she left the club.
While they’d fucked, it felt as if she were already his. A ludicrous idea, since they hardly knew each other, but the connection had been that powerful. Her unexpected but beautiful submission had intensified the sensation, ironically making him the one bound to her.
He needed to know if it was real. Had she felt it, too?
Racing up the stairs, he searched every masked face in the dim light. His senses were still flooded with her, from the feel of her warm, soft flesh to the scent of her perfume—delicately floral and vaguely familiar—to the sound of her sensuous murmurs and passionate cries. The impressions pressed on his mind as if they held some special meaning for him. He needed time to understand it all.
But more important, he needed to see her again.
Where was she?
He looked everywhere. From Drumbeat to Sadie’s to the Pit, although he couldn’t imagine her seeking out an orgy after what they’d just shared.
Had she already left? What if she never came back?
He jerked open door after door in his search until he arrived at the entrance. The Serengeti proved nearly deserted, and only the Watering Hole remained. Stepping inside, he peered around the nearly black space, so dark he could barely make out the shapes of people within.
He frowned. Sometimes the club’s lack of light was a real nuisance. As best he could tell, everyone was coupled up. He started to turn away when a female spoke—loud, excited, and familiar. For some reason the music was off in the barroom, and her words carried.
Where had he heard that voice before?
It was Candi, of course. But…somehow even more familiar.
He shook his head at the notion. Until now, she’d always been yelling over pounding music or whispering in their quiet suite, so really, he was hearing her true voice for the first time. Squinting through the dark, he tracked the sound to find her on a chaise directly behind a towering plant. He started toward her.
“It was incredible. The best sex of my entire life,” she exclaimed.
Ian startled, pleased she’d liked it, but also unsettled…by something indefinable that he couldn’t put his finger on. For a moment, it scratched at his mind.
Then it kicked him in the head.
Holy shit! He knew her!
He stumbled. Shock cascaded into disbelief and then into black dizziness. He put a hand to the wall to steady himself, sweat beading on his brow.
It just can’t be!
But he knew with gut-deep certainty that Candi was the same woman who had haunted his days and nights for months. Even earlier today standing before her in court, the erotic pull hadn’t abated. Only his excitement about Candi had distracted him enough that he could pretend the judge no longer interested him.
It can’t be her. But it was. He was certain of it.
Hopelessness enveloped him like a cold London fog at the height of winter.
I have to think. What should I do?
Shutting his eyes, he leaned back against the wall and took several deep breaths, willing his rapid pulse to slow and his mind to clear. He peered at her again through the palm fronds. Grimly, he acknowledged the truth—his eager lover, his hot cougar, the woman with whom he’d shared the most amazing sexual experience of his entire life was really The Honorable Ms. Justice Whittingstall.
Tori.
It all fell into place now. Her lavender scent, her lush mouth, her sexy voice, and those pretty eyes he’d gazed at through her mask. It all suddenly combined to reveal the truth as clearly as if it had been emblazoned on her forehead.
Candi and Victoria were the same person.
But…Candi was so different. Those glorious blond locks framing her mask-covered face and bouncing on her shoulders made her look so much younger and softer. Her usual scraped-back tight bun had disguised this golden treasure. And what about her figure? Her ugly, boxy suits had hidden generous melons and curvy hips, which tonight had been displayed to perfection in that sexy dress.
The biggest surprise was her personality. It was a side of her she’d only let loose in her Candi persona. At times sweet, seductive, almost shy—those moods had created her mysterious allure. But tonight, she’d revealed something extra that stirred his darker nature. She’d turned deliciously submissive. It blew his mind to discover the commanding and formidable Judge Whittingstall had this delicious secret hidden inside her.
He shook his head, finding it inconceivab
le that Candi and Tori could possibly be the same person. How had he failed to recognize the parts of her that had haunted him for weeks?
Candi and Sandy had started gathering their things to leave. As quickly and quietly as a spy, he pivoted and slid around a corner.
He stopped, his heart pounding. He couldn’t breathe as another emotion hit him—frustrating loss. His mystery woman, his sweet submissive, simply evaporated in the face of the truth that she would never accept him now. He could still taste her, still feel her warmth, and her scent of arousal surrounded him. No wonder he’d felt an instant savage attraction for her last week. His body had recognized her on a visceral level, even as his mind was unaware of her identity.
He understood why now. He’d laid claim to her long ago, in a deeply carnal way. His animal instinct had known what his intellect had failed to see. That even in disguise, she was the woman he’d craved for months, the one who would be his and no one else’s.
She’s mine!
He understood now why their lovemaking had been so incredible. Their connection had been intensely real, they just hadn’t known why. He still wanted her, now almost desperately, after their one perfect night together.
She will be mine.
Determination turned his expression into a scowl, his eyes narrowing in concentration. First, he’d transfer to another court to protect their careers. Then, he’d woo her until she accepted that no one else could make her feel the way he could. He’d show her to whom she belonged.
But she would never go near him if he revealed his identity. Not at this point. For her part, their liaison must remain as passionate but anonymous sex, until he built the bond between them. Only then could he reveal the truth.
It was dangerous, but it was the only way he could win her.
What he planned might be wrong. Certainly, it might be considered deceitful. He would need to disguise his voice, because how long could they go on not talking?
Would she ever forgive him if she found out?
The thought of losing her made his gut clench, shocking him by how much the idea hurt. And he wanted more than a few hot fucks. He wanted to get to know her and share all kinds of experiences with her. It was her intellect and her mastery of the courtroom that had first caught his attention, causing him to start the verbal sparring in the first place. He wanted to know that woman, too.
Realizing how much was at stake, he resolved to make gentle, sweet love to her. He would slowly make her comfortable with him. He would stake his territorial claim to her through her body and bind her to him through sex.
Only later, when she was already his, would he reveal his true identity.
Chapter Twenty
Returning to chambers after her Friday morning hearing, Tori went straight to her desk to retrieve her mobile. She’d tucked it away when she arrived at the Royal Courts, vowing not to be one of those needy women who constantly checked to see if their guy had called or texted.
Still standing, she grabbed it and turned it on. Several messages from Randy waited for her; the first had come in at nine thirty. She grinned.
Randy: Hi sexy thing. I hope u agree last night was AMAZEBALLS!
The next came at ten thirty.
Randy: Hi. Everything okay?
Then again at eleven.
Randy: Did I rush you last night? Hope you’re not having regrets. I respect you & think we can be friends
She glowed with happiness, knowing he wanted more than a one-night stand. Friends? Could they become friends, she a high court judge and he a…a what?
A young stud, that’s what. She giggled.
He was right, though. Last night had been amazing. Clearly, he knew his way around the club and around a woman. She smiled again and started typing.
Candi: Sorry about the delay. Just got back from court
“Shite!” Her shriek bounced off the stone walls of her chambers.
She hit the backspace key furiously. She needed to be more careful. Finishing the message, she hit send.
Candi: Sorry about the delay. Busy morning. I agree last night was super
She pulled her desk drawer open to return the phone but gave up, instead tossing it onto her desktop so she’d know immediately when he texted. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had this much fun.
Randy: When can I see you again? Tonight or tomorrow?
Delighted, she played it coy, enjoying the banter.
Candi: Pretty sure of yourself, aren’t you?
Randy: No. But hopeful. What can I say…last night was a feast but u turn me into a starving man
Candi: Not till Mon night. I’m out of town this weekend
Randy: That long?
Candi: Sorry
Randy: Okay. Can I take you to dinner in the club restaurant?
Elated, she reread the message several times. He really did want to spend time with her beyond screwing. However, she might slip and reveal who she was. Right now, she wanted to stay his fantasy lover, mysterious and sexy. Once he got to know her, he might decide the real Tori was too old and boring. She didn’t want the magic to end and find herself at the kinky ball without a dance partner.
Candi: That’s sweet. Thanks, but I’d like to keep things light.
No response.
Candi: You know, fun and games for now
There was a long pause before he responded, and she sensed his resistance, his desire to argue the point or even command her.
Randy: Okay. For now
Candi: Can we meet at 20:00 in the Serengeti?
Randy: Sure
A one-word text? He wasn’t happy with her for turning him down for dinner, so she threw him a bone.
Candi: I’m still getting over a recent breakup, so…need to keep it simple
Randy: Sorry to hear, but happy you’re free to play with me
Candi: I promise to bring an appetite. But NOT for food! :)
Randy: LOL Also bring stamina cause I plan to wear u out!
Good. All those hours of running would finally pay off.
Candi: Yum! TTFN & have a nice weekend
She knew exactly what to do with her lunch hour. She would scout out the nearby lingerie shop. She’d looked inside a couple times but had never had the courage to buy any of the sexy items on display. It was different now—she was different. Unlike before, now she had someone in her life who would be thrilled rather than disgusted to see her in risqué undies. She grabbed her purse and hurried out.
A quick hour later, walking back to court, she was toting a large bag filled with enough racy outfits to last awhile. As she walked the narrow streets of the old City of London, Diana called.
Excitedly, Tori told her she planned to meet Randy on Monday night and would be his guest for the evening. “He didn’t even want to wait that long. I don’t want to, either, but it’s my mum’s birthday and I’ve had long-standing plans to spend the entire weekend with my parents in Reading.”
“I’m happy for you, dahling, truly, but I’ve never seen you behave this way or move so quickly. Are you sure? I mean, is it possible you’re rushing things?”
Tori laughed. “Honestly, I’m not at all sure what I’m doing, but it feels right.”
Airy and carefree for the first time in years—maybe ever—she wouldn’t let misgivings stop her from grabbing this chance. The sun was shining again today, wiping away the dreary London mists. Surely, that was a sign the world approved.
“And the bonking was good?” Diana asked.
“Hell’s bells, it was the best sex of my life. But I promise I’ll be careful. I won’t give him any personal information or let him follow me home. Anyway, isn’t it what you wanted? That I live a little and have some great sex?”
“Yes, it is, and there’s no better or safer place for letting your wild side out to play.”
“Thank you again for dragging me to the club. I’m even thinking maybe I should get a membership. Would you sponsor me?”
“Of course, dahling. But I’m
still in shock that you ran into that old fuddy-duddy. I just can’t believe Rupert’s a member. I’ve never seen him there before, but I never go on Thursdays, either.”
“He’s definitely not the person I thought he was,” Tori confessed.
Discovering his duplicity was pulling her apart. Regardless of what he’d said about her reputation, or his belief that she should be above such things, it hurt that he didn’t think her sexy enough to fulfill him. That he’d sought his true gratification elsewhere.
“I keep wondering how long this has been going on,” she admitted.
“Rupert is a total arsehat. I pity the women he seduces at the club.”
Tori snorted. “I pity the woman he ultimately marries.”
Still, a measure of sadness crept in. He’d been her good friend for years, even before they started dating. Regardless, the fact that he had a secret kinky side he’d refused to share with her caused a hole to form in her heart where their friendship used to be.
“Ugh, and good riddance, I say,” Diana said. “If you stay away from Thursdays, you probably won’t run into him again. I hope you have fun Monday. But not too much fun.”
They laughed.
“Okay. Not too much. Bye.” Tori slipped her phone back into her purse.
She’d lied. She planned to have as much fun as she possibly could, to seek out and savor every new erotic experience.
A few weeks ago, she had believed her life fading, that she would grow old without ever exploring her sensual side. Now she understood that she could be whatever she wanted, and no one could hold her back.
Least of all herself.
Chapter Twenty-One
Finally Monday night arrived, and Tori again waited for admittance to the club, her mask firmly in place.
She’d walked on air all weekend, glowing with excitement. Even her parents back in her hometown of Reading had noticed the change in her. They kept asking why breaking up with Rupert had made her so happy, so she explained, vaguely, about having a new friend. She grimaced when her parents said they looked forward to meeting him.