Castle: A steamy romance novella (Angels Series Book 3)

by Ashleigh Jameson

  She pauses, allowing her words to sink in.

  But my mind must be actively choosing to block what she's saying, as I just look at her dumbfounded.

  Beneath us? Dark fantasies?

  "Would you like me to show you?" Connor asks.

  He's moved closer to me now. His presence, and his scent, make all rational thought disappear.

  So I just nod.

  Without another word, he takes my hand and leads me through the dance floor. People automatically part, allowing us through. The music is so loud that the bass rumbles through my shoes.

  I'm overcome with anxiety. What am I letting myself in for? Turning around, I see Maria following us. She seems so relaxed, like this is the most normal thing in the world. I take a deep breath. If my best friend thinks it's safe for me, then I trust her.

  I'm painfully aware that I'm being led towards an obscure door by a strange man, yet I feel nothing but comfort with his hand over mine. Connor leads me with certainty. With authority. And I trust his judgement.

  A burly doorman taps a card to a reader as we approach, and the door slides open to reveal a metal staircase, like Maria mentioned. Except, it isn't an ordinary staircase. The railings are carved into exquisite looking vines. The steps are coated in a plush maroon carpeting. The walls are black, with a faint geometrical design all over. Dim golden light illuminates our path. I grip Connor's hand tighter as we descend a few flights, until we reach another large metal door.

  "Oh, may I?" Maria pipes up.

  "Of course." Connor gestures for her to lead the way.

  My hands feel like ice at this point, and I'm worried Connor feels it too. If he does, he doesn't show it. Or he's used to the nerves.

  Maria retrieves a black metal card from her purse. There's no logo on it, no design, and no name. She waves the card on the left side of the door and it slides open silently on well greased hinges.

  And then the sound hits me.

  I stop dead in my tracks as the unmistakable sounds of sex fill the room. Moans and grunts, orgasmic and pleasurable. I feel like I've just stepped into what I imagine an adult theatre would be.

  A wide, clean walkway lies ahead, surrounded by ornate looking doors on either side. Each door is numbered, with a little light on top. Some are green, while most are red. This area looks so much fancier than the main bar upstairs.

  "Come on," Maria takes my hand from Connor's and hurries me along.

  The carpet absorbs the sound of our heels. Dim lights dance off the walls and doors, making it feel like I'm in some kind of alternate universe.

  Connor follows us in silence.

  We soon reach a large velvet curtain which leads into a wide open plan seating area. Large couches are lined along the walls, and a black marble bar sits royally to the side, stocked with all sorts of fancy looking bottles.

  "What the hell is this place?" I whisper in astonishment.

  In the middle of the room, before my eyes, is a familiar looking red haired woman being taken by three men. Her eyes are rolled so far back while two men penetrate her down below as a third stands over them, sliding himself in and out of her mouth.

  My legs tremble again, and I feel a wetness develop between my thighs.

  What the hell am I looking at right now? This isn't normal.

  Slowly looking around, I see the other guests on the couch watching the show. Some of them are drinking and chatting, while others are engaging in a little fun themselves.

  A stunning woman in her fifties bobs her head rapidly up and down the naked lap of a muscular man half her age. A blissful smile is plastered on his face as he enjoys her ministrations while observing the show unfold in the middle of the room.

  "What do you think?" Connor asks, handing Maria and me a fresh glass of champagne.

  "Well I think someone's a little overwhelmed," Maria says, placing an arm around me.

  I'm still staring at the foursome. Or is it a gangbang? Gosh, I don't even know. I've never seen something like this in porn, let alone real life.

  "That's normal. Not everyone's as confident as you were the first time, Maria." Connor replies.

  "That's true, I'm one of a kind. Speaking of, where's Diego?"

  "He was with this lady earlier," Connor gestures to the woman who's now on her knees, handling the men expertly with both hands and her mouth.

  "Shall I get him for you?" He continues.

  "No, that's okay. I'll find him." And with that, my best friend's gone.

  "Wait!" I call after her, but she just waves.

  I smack a hand on my forehead.

  "Lizzie," Connor says. "I know this is a lot to take in. Why don't you come with me and we'll have a chat in my office. I'll answer any questions or concerns you have."

  "Does your office look like this?" I gesture around.

  Connor laughs, a deep baritone laugh that reverberates through me, intensifying my wetness.

  "Not at all," he says. "Come."

  Placing a hand reassuringly on the small of my back, he leads me away from the bar. We walk down towards a final room, which has no light above it.

  Connor opens the door to a beautiful looking office. An expensive looking one, with antique furniture and a faint smell of money. It looks like one of those cigar lounges I've been in with Jack, although there's not a cigar in sight here.

  "Please sit," he says.

  I plop down on a comfy armchair, being careful not to spill my champagne. I might have been too careful on the wrong thing, as I soon notice his gaze locked between my parted thighs.

  Damn Maria and her too short dress!

  I squeeze my thighs together, feeling flustered. My body doesn't seem to like this decision. I saw Connor's eyes, they looked hungry when he was staring at my knickers. Even now, they look as stormy as the sea.

  Violent.

  Formidable.

  What did I let myself in for?

  "You didn't answer me," I say. "What is this place?"

  "It's a secret." Connor winks. "A place where people can explore their desires without judgement. Where they can live out the fantasies they've secretly harboured, and where they can learn new things about themselves and their bodies."

  He pours himself a glass of bourbon, while I let his words sink in.

  "Are you satisfied, Lizzie?"

  His question catches me off guard, and I shrug.

  Am I satisfied?

  Sex, for me, was always a simple Tab A into Slot B scenario. It has always been a hush hush topic while I was growing up, and continued to be that way during my relationship with Jack. The secrecy surrounding sex has been so ingrained into me that even Maria knows not to share her exploits with me in detail as I'll just cringe.

  I love sex. My body craves it, and yet pleasure is still a stranger to me. Even masturbation doesn't bring me the pleasure I crave, so I've just accepted that I'm broken in that regard. Maybe that's why Jack found someone else to shag.

  Tears well in my eyes and I blink them away furiously.

  Connor watches me with compassion. There's an understanding on his face which comforts me. Is he like this with every woman who comes in here?

  With Maria?

  "I know what you're wondering," he says. "And the answer is no. I don't partake in the fun. I'm more of a gatekeeper."

  "What do you do here, exactly? Maria never said."

  "I suppose you could say I own the place."

  His nonchalance catches me off guard, making him laugh again.

  "A couple of close friends gifted it to me a while back, and I've been running it ever since."

  "Did you create this secret place?"

  "No. It was always here, reserved for a select few people who are carefully vetted. Our clients privacy is paramount. I've since expanded our member base, but with the overall ethos in mind."

  I nod, relaxing in his company.

  Here, where it's just Connor and me, I feel safe. I feel cocooned in his bubble. There's a question playing on my lips. A
question I'm afraid to ask. Because once the words leave my mouth, life as I know it will change. My sexual identity will shift.

  Am I ready for that?

  "So, you never partake?" I ask.

  Connor shifts in his seat. That darkness is back in his dangerous eyes.

  "I don't," he replies, "but I'll make the exception for you."

  "Why?"

  "Because there's something about you, Lizzie, that draws me in. When I saw you in the bar earlier, I knew I had to speak with you. To get to know you. To bring you here."

  I press my thighs closer together.

  "If you want to explore what we have to offer here, I'll be your guide." Connor continues without hesitation.

  Knowing that it's him who will invite me into this depraved world fills me with anticipation and excitement. There's no way I'll let any other man show me these things.

  "Is this something you'd like to try?" He asks.

  "I..."

  Damn it.

  "I need to go. I'm sorry." I stand up and hurry towards the door.

  This is all too much. My heart's suddenly thundering in my chest, and I need some fresh air.

  I push the door, but it doesn't budge.

  A sense of panic overcomes me and I push harder. I need to leave before I do something I regret.

  "Could you let me out please?" I ask breathlessly.

  Connor walks up behind me, and I fight the most primal of urges to turn around and kiss him. To let him lead me on a journey unlike any I've ever known.

  He places his hand over mine, sending sparks of electricity though me, then pulls the door open.

  As I go to leave, he wraps a hand around my waist and pulls me back against him.

  I feel like my body has collided into a wall.

  Connor's erection presses into my back, thick and hard, making me gasp.

  "Here," he growls softly in my ear. "In case you ever decide to return."

  He holds a shiny black card in his hand.

  I don't need to think, or even hesitate.

  I snatch the card from him and rush out of his office, up the stairs, through the crowded bar and out onto the cold street.

  Leaning against a wall, I squeeze my eyes shut and take deep breaths. I'm trembling like a leaf.

  Connor has awoken something in me.

  I look up at the bar, clenching my new card tightly in my hand, vowing to return.

  Such a unique name, this bar has.

  Castle.

  4

  Lizzie

  Monday morning flies by. By the time I finally look up from my two computers, it's lunch time. Dark clouds gather outside my office, threatening to burst at any moment. But it's colder out there. The October chill calls out to me. Over the last few hours, I've been slowly shedding my layers off. First went the jacket, then my blazer, swiftly followed by my jumper. I'm now clad in a plain T shirt and jeans but my body's still on fire.

  It has been this way since Saturday.

  Since Connor.

  I have no doubt Maria knows what I've been getting up to with all the long baths I've been taking at hers. I've nearly rubbed myself raw by this point, yet my body screams for more. I know what's awaiting me within the depths of Castle, and some sick part of me wants it. Needs it.

  My resolve is weakening.

  Connor has invaded my thoughts and dreams. His vicious eyes scanning me like prey. Those rough hands running up and down my body. That mouth. Oh God, the things his mouth have done in my dreams.

  "That's it." I bang my mouse on the desk so hard that my assistant, Mike, jumps.

  Gathering my bag, I rush to the lift. I need to get out of here.

  "Miss Lizzie, your coat!" Mike calls out, but I ignore him, rapidly pushing the lift button.

  I thunder through the lobby, gathering quizzical looks. No doubt my colleagues are wondering why their boss is severely under dressed for the cold.

  As soon as I step out, I inhale the crisp air deeply. My breath mists on the exhale. Within seconds, a chill creeps into my bones, making me break out in goosebumps.

  And then I see him, standing across the street.

  My breath catches and my knees go weak all over again. How long has he been here?

  He's watching me in hunger, like all he wants to do right now is tear my clothes off and have his wicked way with me. And I don't even know if I'll stop him.

  What has he done to me?

  Connor walks over, removing his coat en route. He's wearing a smart blue shirt today, and his muscles are coiled beneath the crisp material.

  "You look sexy," he says, kissing me softly on the cheek before wrapping his thick coat around my shoulders.

  Without another word, he leads me towards a waiting black Jeep.

  A traffic warden is in the midst of printing out a ticket for him, but Connor ignores the man. He opens the door for me before hopping in the driver's seat and heading off.

  "You know they'll still send you the ticket right?" I ask, fiddling with the heating. I really should have worn my coat.

  "Yea, I'll just blame it on Diego again." Connor smirks.

  "Who's Diego?"

  "An old friend from my army days. He works in Castle with me."

  "Army days?" I ask.

  Absentmindedly, I reach a finger out to trace his scar. Connor's jaw tenses when my finger makes contact, but he quickly relaxes.

  "Yeah, this scar is one of the souvenirs I brought back," he says.

  "I like it."

  He raises an eyebrow.

  "I mean, it suits you. If that makes sense? Adds character to your face." I bite my lip to stop any further rambling.

  "Where are we going?" I ask.

  Connor doesn't reply. He places a hand on my thigh, and I take it in mine. Studying the litter of scars on his large knuckles.

  "Are you a gangster?"

  He smiles.

  That evil, sexy, maddening smile.

  "What if I say yes?" He asks.

  "I'll report you to the police."

  "And if I told you the police is in my pocket?"

  "I'll report you to the Queen."

  "Oh dear," he replies. "Best be honest then. I'm not a gangster. Well, not anymore. I'm a legitimate businessman with a murky past. Is that enough of an answer?"

  "I guess."

  Realistically, it doesn't take a genius to figure this man has a past. A past that's in direct opposition with mine, no less. The only scar I have on my entire body is from when I fell off my bike as a kid and hurt my foot.

  "You won't hurt me, right?" I ask.

  This time, Connor turns to me. His eyes bore into mine, and I receive the only answer I need. The truth.

  "Not without your consent," he says.

  He moves his hand between my thighs, but this time I don't force them shut. I want to see how far he goes. I want to know how much control this man wields because I sure as hell don't have any around him.

  Connor pushes his hand closer and closer to that part of me that's practically aching for him. A deep growl escapes his chest, but his eyes remain fixed on the road. His fingers stop a fraction of an inch away from my most sensitive place. I grip the edges of my seat, fighting the urge to push my hips forward to meet his hand. I can feel his heat radiating through my jeans. Glancing over, I stare at his lap. At the large bulge making itself known. I wet my lips.

  I've decided.

  That Saturday night, I made a vow to myself.

  I'm going to live.

  I'm going to live the life that I never did. I want to experience things like Maria does. To enjoy each moment I have here on Earth.

  And it all starts with Connor. He will be my guide.

  His car pulls off into a side street, and the signboard for Castle looms ahead. At this hour, the street is packed with office workers on their lunch break.

  Do they know what we are up to?

  As Connor and I walk into the club, hand in hand, I wonder if the passer bys have any clue about what g
oes on inside Castle.

  What really goes on.

  "Are you ready?" Connor asks.

  Smiling, I step ahead and lead the way.

  5

  Connor

  Finally.

  Lizzie's finally here, in my lair.

  I don't give a fuck if it makes me sound like some kind of depraved lunatic. This woman has blown my mind apart. My cock is still sore from the amount of times I jerked off last night, envisioning this very moment, when Lizzie will be standing in front of me with a pair of satin blindfolds on.

  But I don't touch her.

  Yet.

  Here, in this room with the dim red lights, all I do is admire her.

  I've seen many women down here. Beautiful, sexy, successful women of all ages and body types. But not one of them can hold a torch to Lizzie.

  I reach a hand down, rubbing myself through my jeans.

  "Take your top off," I order.

  She hesitates for a second, then does as she's told. Pulling her T shirt up, I'm treated to the incredible sight of two full boobs straining against a pale pink bra. The material is so soft that I can clearly make out the shape of her large nipples poking through the fabric. Begging to be sucked. Begging to be hurt.

  I want to hurt her. It's the only way I can satiate this lust in me.

  Lizzie tries crossing her arms, but I grab her wrists. Hard.

  She gasps, but allows me to roughly pull her hands back and secure them behind her with a piece of rope.

  "Don't you dare hide your body from me," I growl, leaning into her neck to inhale her gorgeous scent of lavender and vanilla. "You're going to be a good girl for me. You'll do as you're told, or I'll make you pay for your disobedience. Do you understand?"

  Lizzie nods, biting her lower lip.

  Grabbing the centre of her bra, I tear it open. I pinch her ripe pink nipples, increasing the pressure until she lets out a yelp of pain. Her entire body tenses and goosebumps break out on her tender skin.

  "Do. You. Understand?" I ask again.

  "Y-yes, I do," she replies.

  She's in shock. That's good. She didn't know what to expect, coming down here. But her reality is slowly dawning on her. Being in this room with me, a stranger, in a state of undress. She's far below street level. Nobody's here but us.