by Shay Violet
“I guess that’s it.” I inhale sharply and exhale slowly, chuckling as I toss one last vulnerable glance at Claire and Nadia.
“You will be the light of the party.” Claire casts me a hearty wink.
“I sure hope you are right.”
“Don’t be nervous,” she says with a maternal smile.
“Easier said than done, right?” I’m still chuckling nervously, feeling a little woozy and my heart is pounding at what seems like a thousand beats a minute.
“Just remember, stay true to yourself. Your integrity is everything. You don’t have to show off to show up.”
Claire’s advice is sincere and hits home for me. “I feel better,” I say, and try to give her a reflective example of the earnest smile she’s giving me.
“Okay, wish me luck then,” I say and then swivel, teetering on heels I’m not used to wearing. I depart from the bathroom and prepare myself for my grand entrance at the end of the stairs.
I know Jai is probably waiting for me at the end of the landing.
Nadia abruptly clutches my hand. “No,” she whines, out of character from her previous behavior from only moments ago.
“What’s wrong, baby?” I crouch down to her level to comfort her in knowing she has my undivided attention.
“I don’t want you to go. Don’t leave me.” Her voice cracks and tears pool in the corners of her eyes.
My heart breaks. I glance up at Claire, who also now appears woeful at Nadia’s reaction to my attempt at departure.
“Claire will stay with you and take good care of you,” I gently smooth and stroke her hair.
I know that touching her hair is an honor because Nadia must give trust before she will allow anyone to do such an intimate thing.
Nadia sniffs and nods, albeit pitifully.
“Come on dear, we will have fun, and read lots of bedtime stories. Aurora will be back with you tomorrow.” Claire lightly tufts Nadia on the chin and there’s a hint of a smile that comes back to her features.
“Remember,” Claire whispers as I walk toward the landing of the stairs. “You are the creator of your destiny. It's up to you to determine the happy ending you want.”
“Thanks.” I rope my arms around Claire and give her an enormous bear hug.
“Don’t wrinkle your dress, dear,” she says with a humble warning as I pull away.
“I won’t.” I grin at her, cast her and Nadia a wave, and make my debut to Jai down the stairs.
19
Jai
Aurora looks breathtaking as she saunters slowly down the stairs. Her dress is elegant and tasteful. The lavender color is a brilliant match to her skin tone and hair. Her dress molds perfectly to her trim physique and slender curves.
I try not to gawk at her, but it’s difficult because I’m so mesmerized by her profound beauty.
“You look sensational,” I tell her as she steps down the last stair and gives me a giddy smile.
What I want to say to her is that she looks gorgeous, that she’s smoking hot and the sexiest woman I have ever seen in my life. I keep myself under control and admit none of the above out loud.
I can’t believe how beautiful she looks. It’s incredible, and she’s my date to boot. Tonight might end up being successful. I can’t wait for Estelle to feast her eyes on this gorgeous woman in front of me. She’ll be eating her own words once she realizes how nicely Aurora cleans up. Not that I ever felt she looked bad, but I’d never seen her take such care in her hair, dress and makeup. The sparkling accent of her jewelry added to compliment her attractive appeal.
I’m practically drooling over her, even though I know I need to keep my emotions and my arousal in check. Even though she’s beautiful, and tonight is turning out to be everything I wanted it to be. I know that I can’t act on these feelings, or at the very least, view our relationship as anything more than a short-lived fling. I need to practice discretion and portray a professional demeanor around her and show the same in front of the distinguished guests at the ball tonight. That means no obvious fawning over Aurora.
I don’t know why I’m kidding myself. I’m not interested in having this kind of self-control, since I don’t want this relationship to be only a fling. I want more with Aurora. I want sustenance for my soul.
I can’t ignore the depth of my feelings for her. My feelings run fluidly through my veins and connect to the fabric of my soul. I don’t want to admit these feelings to myself, much less to her or anyone else. This beautiful woman has so much power over me, and I’m afraid of where that may lead. I’m not used to being vulnerable.
All I can do is take a deep breath and hope for the best, but I’m thinking with the passion of my heart instead of my brain. I’m treading on dangerous territory, but I can’t get Aurora and her riveting beauty off my mind.
Seeing how gorgeous she is tonight only enhances my arousal. I try to take it one moment at a time. My goal is to enjoy the night and see where our paths lead. It will probably be easier said than done, but I’m going to try.
20
Aurora
Jai’s driver pulls up to the curb at the valet parking area where a concierge is waiting and ready with a beaming smile to escort us inside the ball. Jai takes my hand. A spontaneous rush of warmth floods me at the impact of his touch. It’s a defining moment for us, and I’m instantly intoxicated by his gorgeous smile as he launches a handsome look my way.
Neither of us seem eager to unlock our hands from each other. I’m proud to be at this ball as his invited guest. I feel like Cinderella, and I never want this night to end. I don’t want to turn into a pumpkin at the end of the night. I want to go home with Jai. I’m hopeful, but I’m just going to wait and see how the night unfolds. The bottom line for both of us, and something we discussed in the car on the way over was that we just want to enjoy each other’s company and have fun.
We enter the grand ballroom. It’s decked out with magnificent displays of food set on long tables in the corner. The crown molding is fantastic, charming and full of character on the walls.
“This place is beautiful,” I say to Jai who is still grinning from ear to ear.
It’s almost as if he is content to bask in the glory of my presence. It resonates with me and validates my decision to accompany him to the ball.
“Would you like a drink?” He asks and lightly places his palm on the small of my back, shooting pleasured tingles up and down my spine.
“I would love a drink,” I proclaim excitedly. It will help me relax too.
He gently nudges me ahead. “The bar is over there.”
I follow him, and as soon as we have our drinks in hand, I hear a familiar female voice call my name.
I spin around and see Cindy standing with Amir, her newfound love. Amir is a sheikh too. I used to work for him as a housecleaner with Cindy. They fell in love, and the rest is history.
I rope my arms around Cindy while Amir and Jai exchange a firm handshake and a friendly nod.
“You look so radiant,” Cindy whispers in my ear.
“Thank you.” I’m practically giddy, grinning from ear to ear. “You look amazing too.”
Cindy is wearing a cream yellow dress that pools out at the end, making her look like a real life elegant princess.
“Hey ladies!” I hear the friendly shout of Bella behind us.
We squeal with delight as we embrace each other in a trio hug. The reunion is magnificent. It feels so good to be back with my best friends, having the time of my life at the beautiful ball.
“Do you guys want to dance?” Cindy asks.
“I would love to,” I say and look at Bella who nods enthusiastically. “Count me in, girlfriends.”
Bella is wearing a fantastic slim fitting black dress that molds to her curves perfectly.
“How have things been going with the new stud of a boss?” Bella asks as we step out onto the dance floor.
I glance behind me, carefully making sure that Jai can’t overhear. I feel myself he
ating up. I quickly look away.
It doesn’t take my friends long to catch on to my elusive behavior. I watch as Bella and Cindy exchange a humored glance with each other.
“Uh-oh, does Aurora have a crush on the sexy sheikh?” Bella chuckles.
“Stop it.” I playfully swat at her arm. “I don’t want him to hear you.”
“Well if so, then I’m all for it.” Cindy grins. “I have firsthand experience on the subject.”
I chuckle. “Yes, you got your dream come true, fairy tale ending.”
“It’s out there for all of us if we’re willing to be patient and see the signs,” Cindy states confidently. She knows what she’s talking about, and I trust her impeccable judgement.
I nibble on my bottom lip and toss a glance at Jai over my shoulder, hoping that my friends will view it as casual behavior. I don’t think that tonight is the best place to admit that Jai and I have had raw, passionate sex.
We dance together for two songs, and then Jai struts up to me. His eyes are aflame with a blazing hunger of sexual desire. He has a primal grin on his face. He snakes his arms around my waist. I stare into his handsome dark eyes. Now I know there is no holding back or hiding our urgent attraction to each other.
He spins me around and we sway in rhythm to the music together. He holds me close to his body, pressing me to his chest. I feel the passion pounding in his heartbeat. He’s holding onto me as if he’s afraid to let me go. His body is warm and inviting. His allure sizzles all around me.
I grind my hips up against him and feel that he’s extremely hard. I look into his eyes and flirtatiously grin while he shoots me a mischevious smile back, with a twinkle in his eyes.
We continue sexily dancing together. I don’t care who’s watching us. Why should I? It doesn’t seem to bother Jai. It seems like he wants people to know we are an item for the party. I feel his excited energy and feed off it. He wants the attention and is getting a thrill out of it.
I’m still on the fence about how to deal with the Jai situation and whether or not I should allow myself to be swept off my feet by any sexy man, much less a sheikh. I don’t want either of us to end up hurt in the end. I just try and remind myself that I’m just here to have a great time and I don’t need to worry about the future or figure out the rest of my life tonight.
“Do you want to go somewhere more private with me for a few minutes?” Jai asks, leaning down to whisper in my ear.
I look up at him and I already know that the alcohol pumping through my veins, lowering my inhibitions will make the decision for me. I nod my head before my brain protests.
I take his hand and follow him as he leads me through the crowd of elite partygoers. We end up in an elevator bay. Jai presses the button for the penthouse suite and twists a key in a lock to grant us access.
“Are you allowed to do this?” I chuckle.
Jai’s eyes are gleaming. “I’m allowed to do anything I want.”
I believe him. He shoots me a sexy smile and my heart pounds. “What are we going to do in the penthouse suit?”
“We’ll be alone, so I can think of a few things,” Jai says with a twist of mischief on his lips.
“That sounds amazing,” I say, squeezing his hand.
My heart pounds. I have a natural high blended with a little alcohol buzz that makes me feel euphoric. I’m comfortable with my surroundings, and I am sober enough to make my own informed decisions, and I know that I want this night with Jai to end on a perfect high note.
The elevator dumps us out directly into a living room overlooking the city. The views are phenomenal. Floor to ceiling windows provide panoramic views. The city lights from the buildings peppered on the horizon resemble bright stars twinkling under the cloak of a dark domed sky.
I swivel on a heel and gawk at Jai, feeling simply stunned. “Did you rent this room for the night?”
“I did,” he says, but I did it because I wanted to stay here since the party was already here and I didn’t want to get home too late. I just want you to understand that I didn’t presume anything about us—”
“You don’t have to explain yourself.” I assure him with a smile. “I think this suite is amazing.”
“Do you like it?” His features are now set with relief.
“I do.” I nod and glance around, running my hands across the silk fabric of the couch.
“You were so sexy out there on the dance floor,” Jai tells me with a handsome smile.
“Thanks, you were too.” I grin. “You have some good moves, you know.”
His eyebrows perk. “Is that so?”
“Mm-hm.” I nod as he saunters over to me. He snakes his arms around my waist.
It feels good and natural when he touches me. The chemistry sparkles between us, igniting more flames of desire I already know I won’t be able to resist. The temptation and allure is already woven into his amber eyes.
He sways with me as we hold on to each other and gaze into each other’s eyes.
“It’s better to dance with you in private,” he says and leans in to kiss my shoulder. “Because we can do it naked.”
“I agree.” I’m completely enthralled with him in the magic of the moment. How is he so smooth? He melts my psyche like candy. Everything about him is charismatic and sexy.
He lightly grazes his fingers across my cheeks. He bends slightly so we are standing almost nose to nose. It’s an erotic moment, a tipping point. My lips instinctively part, to take him in.
He kisses me with feverish passion that floors me and burns my soul with ecstasy. In the blink of an eye, we are undressing each other. Each moment blends into the next. I can’t say no. I don’t want to say no. I want everything that he embodies, and I want him inside of me.
As if reading my mind, he hikes up my dress and pushes me up against the back of the couch.
“Is this okay?” He asks through desperate and hopeful eyes.
I nod and breath out the word yes. He has me captivated.
Jai plucks a condom from his pocket. “Sorry, these have been in this suit a while,” he mentions with a chagrinned smile.
I brush my fingers through his sleek black hair. “It’s okay,” I whisper gently, enticing him with my eyes. “You don’t have to explain yourself. I want this.”
Jai fervently undresses while I help him sheath the condom on. His cock is throbbing, warm and pulsing as he enters me. I moan softly as he grunts, pushing himself inside and burying his rock hard shaft as deep as it will go between my legs.
“Does it feel good?” He asks as he grinds me up against the couch.
“Incredible,” I say in a breathless voice. I can’t even see straight through the pleasure.
Our hips grind together. I gasp as I spontaneously cum. I’m not even expecting it and the euphoria hits me out of nowhere and puts me in a trance. It must be the way he’s hitting my g-spot and the way his hard cock rubs up against my clitoris, but I can’t contain it. The orgasm erupts from deep within me, like a song and a prayer mixed together in one glorifying moment.
In the height of pleasure, Jai empties his hot seed into the condom bag, filling it to the brim. We cum together in a sensational moment of insurmountable pleasure.
It was a quickie, a pressing and primal need that we both felt the intense need to release.
“You have no idea how badly I needed that,” Jai states sheepishly as he pulls his pants up.
“I cannot believe how good you make me feel,” I chuckle.
He kisses my lips slightly. “Would you like a drink? There is champagne in the minibar in the kitchen.”
I grin. “Of course, there’s a kitchen here, and yes, I would love a glass of champagne.”
Jai pours us each a glass, and we sit next to each other on the same couch we just finished fucking against. I still crave him and hope we can make love for longer later, but for now, I enjoy the spontaneous sex session we just had.
He gives me a look of earnest affection that makes me swoon, even
though I’m not the type to go head over heels over a man.
“I just need you to know something,” he begins.
“Tell me.” I lean forward and give him my undivided attention.
“Earlier, when I talked about not being with you?” He pauses and looks at me. “It has nothing to do with your class or race, but more because of my obligations and duty as a sheikh.”
“I know—”
“Please,” he interjects to explain further, “You have to know that I never wanted to get too close to anyone because of my title and responsibilities. It has nothing to do with you. I think you are beautiful and amazing.”
I smile. “Thank you. I understand the point you are trying to get across. It must be a lonely road, being a sheikh.”
“Sometimes it is,” he nods. “I have to work and travel a lot. It comes along with the territory. It’s just something I have to do.”
“When I was growing up in foster care, I too was afraid to get too close to anyone,” I confess, willing to open up to him now that he’s being open and honest with me. “I was afraid that if I opened my heart to someone, then there would always be the chance I could lose them.”
“That’s understandable.” He nods somberly and takes a sip of his champagne.
“I know it’s not the same situation as yours, if someone leaves me it isn’t in the same league as running a country.” I chuckle at the irony.
“It is a little different.” He smiles. “Tell me, what did you do to cross that hurdle?”
I shrug. “It wasn’t really a conscious thing. I just realized that I cared more about other people than I did about my fears, so I swallowed them and lived in the moment, choosing happiness over failure and heartbreak.”
“You’re so wise,” he admits with a twinkle in his eye.
“I had stories from my mother to help me cope too. When I was younger and my mother couldn’t take care of me, I always remembered her reading me fairy tales. It helped me realize I could still be close to her even if I wasn’t with her, because there was already an established connection there.”
