She rolled her eyes.
The thirty-seven year old Richard Johansson was a deacon and proud member of Saint Joe’s Missionary Baptist Church. Not only that, he was a prominent legal eagle in the community, and he hailed from a very well to do family. While his actions had been subtle, it wasn’t a secret that he was interested in her. Plus, she had more than a few of the church members goading her to pursue a relationship with him. As some of the older women there put it, she was way past being ‘on the shelf’ and had reached the ancient stage; if she didn’t act hastily, her child-bearing years would be far out of reach!
Perhaps so, she mulled, but she was the ultimate decision maker when it came to who she was involved with.
This week, while she was here living in her private fantasy world, Richard Johansson and the people back home weren’t a point of discussion or worth a thought.
But, her father’s innocent, well- not so innocent, meddling could upend her scandalous, passionate trysts with Reign.
“Why did you do that, Dad?” she protested with a hint of anger in her voice. She couldn’t stay the whip of her lashing tongue. “It’s hardly any of Richard’s business where I am or what I do. He’s pushing boundaries that he has no right to. I haven’t given him the slightest encouragement that I want a relationship with him. We’re on friendly terms, and it doesn’t go beyond that.”
“Need I remind you that Richard is a man of God, and it’d be good that you consider giving the man a chance,” Jonas insisted firmly. “Now, listen here, I’ve been good about letting you take this trip on your own---”
“For goodness sakes, I’m twenty-eight years old!” she snapped before she thought, and then taking a steadying breath, she softened her tone. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to speak so harshly, and you know how much I value your opinion. But, I am a grown woman who’s capable of making my own decisions.” She paused so the following lie could come out easily. “As for my workshop, I’m extremely busy and won’t have time to do anything else but. It’d be a good point if you’d persuade Richard not to come here. If he shows up at my hotel room, I won’t answer the door. He’ll be looking completely foolish.”
“Alright, alright,” her father replied with a regretful sigh. “I’ll make sure that Richard doesn’t bother you while you’re there. I’ll come up with something. But, still, don’t write the man off. He’s good husband material.”
But, what about what she wanted?
Plus, wasn’t mutual love, passion, and friendship the perfect mixture for a long-lasting relationship?
She passed an impatient glance at the clock.
5:30 pm.
Now, she really had to hurry!
“Dad, I hate to cut our conversation short. But, I really have to go.”
“Hayven, there’s no need for an apology. Again, I realize how important your work is to you. How long does the meeting last? I can call back later---”
“No, you can’t,” she blurted out hastily, and then mouthed a quiet ‘shit’ before answering again. “What I mean is that I’m getting together with some colleagues and we’re having dinner afterwards. With it being spring break and everything, the restaurants will be packed which means longer service times. It’ll already be late, and I’d hate for you to wait up for me.”
“As long as you’re back in your hotel at a respectable hour, you lady, I’m fine with it. Now, I won’t hold you any longer. Love you.”
Chapter 7
Respectable, she mulled, at exactly 6:55 pm, and handed the VIP pass to the attendant at the club entrance. It was hardly a term that she could apply to herself anymore.
So consumed with her thoughts that she was, she missed the appreciative looks from the attendant and other male patrons hovering close by.
Just as she had the previous night, she waited in the open foyer. She slid a nervous gaze around. Hopefully, she was more presentable tonight and didn’t stand out as much.
The nightclub was packed.
Like before the music pumped a slow, throbbing R&B tune, one just potent enough to capture the sultry atmosphere in the club.
Her eyes strayed to the dance floor.
Again, just how they even had room to dance was a marvel---so many were packed on all three tiers. As for the bar area, she thought, turning in that direction. The bartender worked---
The breath lodged in her chest.
Oh. My. Goodness.
Across the way, Reign pushed his way through the burgeoning crowd while keeping his hot gaze leveled on her. In his hazel green orbs, a sensual fire was lit, and deep down, she knew that the scorching flames were reserved for her, and only her. There it was again---their intense connection. All the other voices were drowned out and faces became blurred as he approached. Once more they were caught up in a surreal reality where they only existed.
All coherent thought fled as their gazes held. Still, though, more than one woman fought to catch his attention as he passed through. To her pleasure and delight, he didn’t acknowledge them at all.
Instead, he made a steady and purposeful approach in her direction. As he drew near, a devilish grin spread across his handsome visage, and in that moment, he destroyed any barrier between them.
He was dressed to kill.
Immediately, she was slain.
His stark white shirt was loosened about three buttons down, and a hint of his broad chest was visible through the slight opening. A pair of dark trousers hugged his hips, and a leather belt circled his waistline. His natural curls were carefully coiffed, and the scruff along his jaw line was perfectly trimmed. The masculine look he exuded was completed with tan brown loafers, and expensive gold watch adorned his wrist.
Once he was upon her, he stopped dead in his tracks. A thrill chased through her as he ran an appreciative look over her. “Damn, girl,” he murmured, and then let out a low whistle. Then, he was careful to accentuate every single word slowly as his hot gaze slipped over her. “You. Are. Absolutely. Beautiful.” Stepping forward, he grasped her hands in his before looking down at her. His eyes perused hers, and something foreign played in them. “I missed you. You were gone too long.”
“Again,” she smiled shyly. “You don’t have to say such things.” But, her breath hitched as he stepped closer, bringing their bodies in dangerous proximity. “I don’t want you to think that you have to.”
“Obviously, you’re intent on testing me, tonight, aren’t you?” he asked with a roguish grin, and then the fire flamed higher in his eyes. The sexy lilt of his tone destroyed her senses. “You know what I want to do to you right now?”
“What?” she asked breathlessly.
“I’ve been telling myself that I need to be more of a gentleman. But, you, sweet princess,” he growled lowly, just for her ears alone. Now, his hands grasped her waist, and his dangerous touch seared her flesh through the thin fabric. “You’re making that a very difficult task.”
“How?” she asked innocently.
“How?” he repeated, stroking her waistline subtly, just enough to draw a breathless gasp from her. “I’ll tell you how. You step up in here, and with just one look at you, I’m ready to lose my shit. All I can think about is taking my time, peeling this jumpsuit off of you, and then finger fucking you to our next glory.” He whispered at her ear. “That’s what I want to do to you right now.”
She trembled at his words. Then, surprising them both, she held his eyes captive as she whispered, “I want you to do it to me. I love it when you touch me like that.”
“Don’t you fucking tempt me,” he whispered in turn, staring deeply into her light brown orbs. Then, he inclined his head towards the area to their right. “See that dark corner over there? It’ll become our sexual refuge if you’re not careful. Don’t think for one minute that I won’t use the shadows and take you. I’ll take you over and over again until you can’t even remember your fucking name.” He took in a ragged breath. “I swear that you’ve been sent here to take me further to hell. All I can thi
nk about is you.”
Speechless, she stared back at him stunned.
Was it really possible that he was equally obsessive about her like she was him?
A thrill of excitement raced through her.
“Ok, I’m going to be a good boy,” he murmured, giving a lopsided grin, and it made her heart go pitter-patter. Stepping back, he grabbed her hand before bringing it to his lips. Then, he watched her closely before pressing a gentle kiss against her flesh. “I promised you dinner, and that’s what we’re going to do. Shall we?”
“Yes,” she said with a shy smile. “I’m famished.”
One would think they were a real couple as they skipped the dance area and headed west in the club. They held hands and spoke in conspiratorial whispers as they made way to the waiting elevators.
“We’ll be dining in a private area on Level C.” He punched the elevator for the third floor. Then, he passed her a lazy smile. “The place is all ours for tonight.”
Ours for tonight…
She kind of liked that thought.
As the doors slid open, they stepped inside the elevator in silence. Then, as the doors shut, she was more than surprised as he pulled her into his arms before backing her against the wall. She looked up at him in confusion. “What are you doing?”
“Can I just fucking hold you?” he rasped unsteadily, staring down at her, and a dangerous intensity smoldered in his eyes. “Hold you and nothing more.”
She licked her lips nervously. “I’d like that too.”
As the elevator ascended slowly, they did just that.
Their stares held as she clung to him, and a strange current of emotions swam between them. A primal, dangerous gleam shone in his eyes, and the dark passion made them smolder to a deeper green. Yet, he wasn’t the only one scathed, she mulled, taking in a fractured breath. The feel of his hard body against hers was damning to the senses. All she wanted was for him to be inside of her.
Sensual heat…
Yes…that’s what it was.
It oozed from their bodies to each other in scorching waves; and the feel of them just holding each other was of an erotic nature that she couldn’t explain. When the elevator stopped on the second floor and made a slight jolt, their breaths hitched in response. But, still, they didn’t release each other.
A couple stepped on and gave them a curious look. But, they soon turned their attention away. Somehow, the idea of their dark needs being witnessed by others was even more of a turn-on.
The elevator reached the third level, and they stepped off in mutual silence. They made their way down a short corridor before taking a sharp left. Once there, they entered the huge room, and she started in pure surprise.
It resembled a mini-apartment room.
The Atlanta skyline peeked through the glass panes, and a door led to the expansive-sized balcony. In the large space, the lights were dimmed low, and an oval table fit for two rested at the corner. The table was dressed with fancy silverware while the candles burned with a soft glow. Every once in a while, the flames would flicker and do a daring dance. An intoxicating mixture of vanilla and lavender masked the space, and she inhaled a sharp whiff of the pleasing aroma as they made way across the room.
A white leather sofa sat center of the room, and as they passed, on the right side, she noticed the queen-sized bed that was partially shielded by a fabric partition that was suspended from the ceiling.
There was a single door.
Probably, the restroom area, she quickly deduced.
Once they reached the table, he pulled the chair out and said courteously. “Please have a seat.”
Was her mind playing tricks on her, she thought, staring at him with surprise, or did he actually seem nervous?
Releasing a breath, he took the seat across from her, but now, his usual guarded expression was in place. He passed her a disarming smile before popping the cork on the wine bottle. His hand was steady as he poured the bubbling alcohol into the goblets. Then, he passed a glass to her. “1942 Riesling Sweet---I hope that it’s delightful for your palette.”
“It tastes divine,” she murmured after taking a tiny sip. Her smile was shy again. “I’m sure that it’s quite expensive.”
“$1270 per bottle as a matter of fact,” he shrugged, eyeing her across the table. A speculative gleam shone in his eyes. “The best things in life come at a high price I’m finding, and they’re worth the risk.”
She resisted the urge to squirm in her seat.
Was there some hidden innuendo in that statement? She quickly dismissed the thought. Of course, she was over-reacting.
But, still, it seemed that he was intent on broaching the subject further. Taking a sip of his own wine, he probed with apt curiosity, “Don’t you agree?”
“All my life, I’ve played it safe,” she confessed softly, dropping her eyes. But, then, somehow, she found the courage to look at him again. “I can’t help but wonder what I’ve missed along the way. Now, however, that’s not the case. Anything or anyone that I want, I’m not going to hesitate and go after it.”
A slow, sexy smile spread upon his face. “My, my, my,” he muttered with grudging respect. “My little virginal princess has finally decided to go after what she wants. Is it erroneous of me to think that maybe I’m a part of this pursuit while you live in your fantasy world?” His expression turned even more serious. “Because I’ll tell you one damned thing, you’re a part of mine.”
“You’re all that I’ve thought about all day,” she whispered, mesmerized by the candlelit glow as she stared at him across the table. A shiver of excitement chased through her body. “Every time that I close my eyes, all I could think about is how I feel when you touch me. That’s all I can think about now. I think that I’m becoming obsessed with you.”
“Do you know how dangerous it is to say something like that to a man like me---especially when he’s equally obsessed?” he warned sexily and placed the goblet onto the table carefully. “Hell, I hold no morals or scruples. If you’re looking for me to play the gentlemanly part and shield your virtue, you’ll be sorely disappointed. But, something tells me that you like the kind of brute that I am, as unapologetic as I am. Am I right?”
“I wouldn’t be sitting here if I didn’t want to be,” she fought back, and privately, she marveled at her newfound bravery. Just what was it about this hazel-eyed stranger that made her throw all caution to the wind? “And I want to be here with you.”
“Then, why don’t we really be real with one another?” he said, reaching across the table to grasp her hand. “Why don’t we cut through the bullshit and be who we really are? This week, when we’re together, let’s really enjoy the hell out of one another. After that, we know reality is just going to shoe in and be a bitch again.”
“You’re right,” she murmured, placing her own glass down, and held his gaze. “I want this to be about me, not what the rest of the world wants or thinks that I should be. In these short hours that we’ve been together, it’s the most real I’ve ever been. I want to enjoy the rare moment as long as I can.”
“Likewise,” he agreed quickly. “And I’ll tell you this truth. I want you---really want you. When I touch you, it’s all real to me. It’s not about money or the game. It’s about me wanting you. Just as you’re turning your back on reality, I’m turning my back on my own. I get what I want, and you get what you want. Together, we’ll live out this mutual fantasy until it comes to an end. Agreed?”
“Agreed.”
“Now, for some real talk,” he sighed, leaning back in the chair, and surveyed her closely. “Are you on some sort of birth control?”
An embarrassed flush spread across her face. “Yes, I’m on a 3 month shot cycle,” she stated, swallowing hard. “But, that doesn’t mean that I don’t want us to use a condom as well.” Her face turned even hotter. “And considering---”
“That I’m a whore,” he broke in, and still his expression was serious. “You have every right to protect your
self. I get routine checks with my doctor. I’m clean. No sexually transmitted diseases or anything. Forgive me for being frank, sweet princess. While I am a whore, I’m rather particular in the things that I do with my clients.” He studied her over the table. “First, I don’t kiss them on the mouth. In fact, the sexual acts are rather mechanical and aesthetic. I sheath the plastic on my dick and ram them hard. While that’s so, I’ve learned some techniques and positions to make the encounters pleasing. That’s pretty much been my motto since I’ve been whoring. Hell, I want to live a long life like everyone else, no matter how fucked up or jacked up it may be.” He paused momentarily before speaking again. “Foremost, I don’t put my mouth on their pussies either.” He leveled his intense stare on her. “Eating a woman’s pussy is an intimate act that should be shared with someone unique and special. Foolishly, when I was sixteen years old, I did it once. I believed that I was in love.” He shrugged. “Now, I realize that it was mere infatuation.”
The disappointment surged through her.
But, she wanted him to kiss her.
She wanted him to go down low and put his mouth where his hands had been.
“What is it?” he asked with concern, raising a brow. “Did I say something wrong?”
Forcing a smile, she shook her head fast. “No, nothing is wrong. And dinner---how much longer will it be? I’m starving. I haven’t eaten all day.”
He passed an impatient glance at his watch. “It should be here shortly.” Just then, the elevator chimed, and as it did, he smiled. “Your wish is my command.”
The maitre d gave a courteous smile as he pushed the rolling cart into the room. The cart was laden with all sorts of food: bread, fruit, salad, meat, etc.
Reign stood before giving the man a thankful nod. “Thank you. That will be all.”
“If you need anything else, just summon,” the man said. After giving a polite bow, the man left, and they didn’t say anything until they were alone again.
Reign on Me Page 9
