“Okay,” Felicity said, stepping back. “Damn, you look so fucking gorgeous.”
Alistair smirked. “That foul mouth of yours really should be around my cock, but we can't afford any more... diversions.”
“Hey, you accosted me in the shower.” Felicity pointed an accusatory finger at him and he laughed.
“Well, it's your own fault for seducing me.”
“You're the one who taught me how to bathe that way. Not my fault if you can't control yourself,” Felicity teased as she started to walk away.
Alistair reached out, grabbing her hand and pulling her to his chest. His other hand cradling the back of her head. He kissed her so fervently, Felicity's knees grew weak. Had he not been holding her, she would have fallen to the floor.
“I often find myself on the brink of losing control with you, Felicity,” Alistair said, once their kiss was broken. “That's the power you have over me.”
Felicity's heart pounded furiously inside her chest and she was speechless as she stared up at him. All this talk about the power she had over him, did he even know how just the sound of his honey-coated, British-accented voice made the bones in her body turn to jelly? Or how the touch of his hand could send her spiraling into a lust filled abyss? Did he even know how much her heart ached when she wasn't with him? Did he have any idea how much she loved him?
She felt tears began to well in her eyes and she pushed away from him, gently. “We really should finish getting ready. I still have to curl my hair.” She walked into the bathroom hoping he couldn't see her eyes watering. God, she loved him so much. How could a person feel this strongly about another person in so little time knowing them? She was thankful she hadn't applied her make-up yet. That would have been too telling. She sat down at the vanity and began curling her long, brunette locks.
Alistair finished tying his shoes and took another glance toward the bathroom. He hoped he hadn't said the wrong thing. The last thing he wanted to do was push Felicity away. To put too much on her than she was ready for. This was just supposed to be a three-month sexual arrangement and nothing more. How was she to know that that was no longer an option for him? He had to have her, he knew that now. He walked into the bathroom, took a glance at her. She was right, it wasn't taking her long to curl her hair. She was looking even more beautiful to him with each passing minute. He turned back around, facing the mirror to wrangle in his own unruly locks. After adding a bit of product, he styled his hair to perfection, tediously fiddling with one strand that didn't want to stay put.
“You know it's just going to act out as soon as the wind hits it?” Felicity teased, having seen him in the mirror. “And you can't spank it, either.”
“No, but I can whip it into shape.” Alistair gave her a smile as he did just that with another dollop of product. “And done.” He walked over to her, looking at her reflection in the mirror. “You're so beautiful.”
“Just stop, you flatterer,” Felicity said, grinning.
“But something is missing.”
“What?” Felicity said. “Oh my make-up goes on last, darling.”
“Not that. I'll be right back.” With that, he left then returned a minute later carrying a blue velvet box with a gold lining. He handed it to Felicity. “Open it.”
Felicity did just that and her mouth dropped open at the sight of the lovely emerald and diamond necklace that lay inside. “This is so beautiful!” she exclaimed.
Alistair began to unclasp her choker. “I thought you'd wear something a little more complementary with your attire tonight.”
“You must really want to show me off,” Felicity joked.
Alistair looked at her alluringly. “Always.”
Again, Felicity felt the heat wave rushing over her and the tingling between her legs told her that her libido was ready for round three. She looked on in awe as he removed her choker and draped the necklace around her. His nimble fingers working the clasp expertly.
“There, now you look... how much time do we have again?” He looked at his watch and frowned. “Bloody hell, we'll be running a tad late as it is. I can't insult my guests any longer than that. What I want to do to you...” He leaned down, kissing her cheek, neck and planting the last delectable kiss on her bared shoulder. “...will just have to wait.”
Felicity felt a moment of sheer disappointment when he turned and left the bathroom. Already she was missing his hands upon her, his breath brushing over her skin. The thought of his body rubbing against hers sent pulsing shocks to her core. If they were going to make it to their fundraiser, she would have to free her mind of those lusty images of him, naked beneath her... on top of her... She shook her head as if the act could erase the imagery. It was going to take a strong test of will to get through this night. Taking a deep breath and releasing it slowly, she went back to applying her make-up. The whole time, her eyes kept darting to the expensive piece of jewelry now hanging around her neck. Does he do stuff like this for all of his subs? She wondered. A part of her hoped not. She wanted to be special to him. She wanted to mean something more to him than just another 'sub'. She wanted the gifts to be more than mere trinkets. Finally, she was finished and she emerged from the bathroom.
“I'm ready,” she said.
Alistair turned and stared. “Lovely,” he whispered. He walked over to her caressing her face, tilting it upward. “Truly breathtaking.” He kissed her softly. “Shall we?” He offered her his arm and she slipped hers through his.
The two left, climbing into a limo that awaited them outside. She looked around the car. It was the first time she'd ever been in a real luxury limo. The ones for funerals weren't nearly the same or as much fun to ride in.
“So, how does this charity event work?” she asked.
“It's quite simple, really. I have a few musical performances, a few guest speakers and a world renowned chef who prepared the meal.”
“So, each person is just going to donate at the door? Or is it going to be a male/female auction for a date, something like that?”
Alistair chuckled. “Not this time around. It's five-thousand dollars a plate.”
“Damn! I hope you paid for mine.”
Alistair laughed out loud. “No, of course not. I've arranged for you to serve my guests once we arrive.”
“What? You better be joking,” Felicity gave him a half-serious, half-playful smile.
“I am. I just adore the expression on your face, love.” Alistair leaned over, kissing her again.
“Jerk,” Felicity said as she slapped him lightly on his chest. Then it dawned on her. He called her “love”. He'd never done that before. What did it mean? Did it mean anything at all? She wasn't sure. Still, her heart flipped cartwheels inside the confines of her chest as she allowed herself to indulge in the possibilities.
Alistair pulled her to him and the two talked causally as they traveled to the hotel. To Felicity's surprise and dismay, the media was waiting for them. Cameras flashed and reporters thrust microphones in Alistair's face as they made their way down the red carpet. He answered a few questions pertaining to the event and nothing more. When the questions became too personal, he politely ended the “interview” and proceeded forward with Felicity at his side.
Once inside the hotel lobby, Felicity huffed. “That was kind of wild and annoying at the same time. Do you get that often?”
Alistair shook his head. “No, and thank goodness. It's only when I organize these high-profile events, do I get this kind of attention.”
“So there must be like, celebrities here?”
Alistair nodded. “Those who want to help spread awareness, some even volunteered their time.”
He led her into the huge banquette hall where the charity dinner was taking place. Throughout the night, Felicity stayed by his side as he mingled, flirted and seduced extra money from the attendees wallets. She was so excited to have met some of the country's famous celebrities and most notable socialites. She still couldn't believe Alistair, her sex God and
love interest was also a knighted socialite himself. No wonder he was so big on secrecy.
“Ah, the man of the hour,” said a voice from behind and both Alistair and Felicity turned.
“Mayor Goldberg, so happy you could make it to the event,” Alistair said with a hearty handshake. “And Mrs. Goldberg, as lovely as ever.” Alistair lifted her hand to his lips, kissing it.
“Sir Alistair, you could charm the devil, couldn't you,” Mrs. Goldberg flirted.
Felicity looked at the blond, middle-aged woman. A part of her felt sorry for the woman because she was married to a cheating, lying, corrupt, greedy bastard. The other half of her wanted to smack her ass for blatantly flirting with her man. As her friend Allison would say: “Bitch, you see me!”
“I wouldn't miss an event like this for anything,” Mayor Dwight Goldberg said in his charming manner. His gaze shifted to Felicity. “And who is this beautiful young lady on your arm?”
Alistair put his hand possessively over Felicity's where it rested on his forearm. “My date, Felicity Davenport.”
Felicity was polite and made nice with the formal introductions. This was not the time or place to tell the Mayor of Chicago what she really thought about his ass.
“It's so nice to meet you, Mayor Goldberg,” Felicity said.
“Likewise.” the mayor looked around the room just in time to catch the eye of another acquaintance. “Ah, I've been spotted. Better make the rounds and drum up that much needed support for my campaign.”
Alistair was ever the distinguished gentleman. “Of course and good luck with your campaign, Mayor.”
Felicity had to give Alistair credit for his extreme professionalism. Even though he knew the mayor's dirty little secret, he conversed with him as if he was none the wiser. She looked around the hall wondering just how many people there frequented his establishment. Even if they didn't, how many had unusual sex fetishes? How many were too strange for even Alistair to indulge?
By the time the event wound down, her feet were killing her. She did have to admit, the food was divine, but she didn't think it was worth five-grand. But that wasn't the point and she was happy with how well the fundraiser went. At least Alistair seemed extremely pleased.
Inside the limousine on the way home, Felicity kicked off her shoes. “Ahhh, my feet are killing me,” she declared.
“I thought you'd be used to heels considering how often I have you wear them,” Alistair said, reaching for her legs. He lay both her feet onto his lap and began to massage them.
“Oh God, that feels great,” Felicity purred. “And what do you mean used to wearing heels?”
“You know,” Alistair said, cocking a brow.
“I know that though I may put them on, I'm hardly walking around in them.”
Alistair nodded with a wolfish grin. “True.”
Felicity moaned, relishing the feel of his hands on her feet. “This is heaven.”
“Here with you, yes.” Alistair agreed. He watched as Felicity's eyes drifted close and it wasn't too long before she was fast asleep. By the time they got home he had to carry her to their bedroom. He undressed them both and climbed into bed beside her. Before turning off the lamp, he studied her features as she slept, stroking his thumb over the delicate skin of her cheek. This was what he wanted. To finally find a woman so dynamic, so interesting, so insatiable. She was perfect. After all of these years a bachelor, she was who he wanted. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close before drifting off to sleep.
Chapter Ten
Felicity's cell started ringing while she was driving to Alistair's home. She looked at the name and clicked on her bluetooth.
“Hey Jason, tell me something good,” Felicity said.
“I hope you're ready because it's going down tomorrow night. My source said this is the last time she's meeting with the Mayor, she said he's started to demand stuff she doesn't want to do. So, he wants to go to the club around eight tomorrow night. She'll get him ready so between eight and nine you'll be able to snap your pictures. Remember, my source has to look innocent in all of this okay? She doesn't want any drama heading her way. She wants to be able to use this as a way to break it off with him, too.”
“What kind of drama is she worried about?” Felicity asked.
“She'll be wearing a mask to hide her face, so her identity will be in tact. But, she's breaking a cardinal rule here. It can't look like she had any part of it,” Jason reiterated.
“But won't wearing a mask make him suspicious?”
“Apparently not. He kind of likes when she does that. I've got to tell you, the more I know about this, the less I want to know more about this. Makes me wish I'd never blabbed to you, Felicity,” Jason stated.
“I'm sorry, but it will all be worthwhile when I write the story.”
“It better be, I swear. I mean, ugh. She doesn't want to look like your accomplice even though she is. So that's that.”
“I think I can work that out. So, tomorrow night between eight-thirty and nine. That's my window?”
“Yep. All right, talk to you later.”
“Bye.” Felicity ended the call and then dialed Allison.
“What's up, girl?” Allison greeted.
“On my way home. I just wanted to touch base with you about tomorrow.”
“What's going on tomorrow?”
“That's when we're going to take the pictures. She's willing to leave the door open and I have a window of opportunity where I can catch him in the heat of the moment. The sooner I get this done, the better. She really wants to use the story as a way to break it off with him. I guess he's really creeping her out.”
“Oh, shit. So it's really going down. Do you have my membership?”
“Not yet. I was going to mention it to him tonight, so that it could be ready. I'm really nervous, but I'm also really excited, too,” Felicity said, thinking about the publicity they're going to receive with the story of the decade.
“It looks like you may have a story after all,” Allison said.
“Correction we have a story after all, we'll be like Lois and Clark,” Felicity said. “Only I'm Lois.”
“And I'm Fuck You, 'cause I'm Lois,” Allison shot back. “Clark too damn nerdy to be me. Sure, he's all hot balls as Superman... but really lame as Clark Kent.”
“Why did I have to bring up this Superman stuff knowing what a comic nerd you are,” Felicity teased.
“Don't even get me started.” Allison chuckled. “Okay, then we know the plan. So I'll see you tomorrow night at A Porterhouse Elm. Oh, what time?”
“I was just getting to that. My source said she'll be there waiting between eight-thirty and nine. So make sure you're there by then.”
“Okay, I will. All right, see you then.”
“Bye, girl.” Felicity ended the call just as she pulled up in front of Alistair's home.
She greeted the butler, Bernard at the door as always and made her way to The Pleasure Room. Alistair had laid out another gorgeous gown for her. This one was white satin, off the shoulder with red flowers on the split of the trim. It would be the fifth one he'd purchased and their fifth “date” since the fundraiser. She was beginning to feel hopeful that maybe their feelings were mutual. Their conversations were definitely an indicator. They'd spoken about many things from favorite foods, to beloved childhood memories. He'd even gave her permission to speak freely on date nights and she was enjoying the opportunity to show him the other side of her personality. She dressed quickly and met him in the foyer. As usual, he was stunning in a three piece navy blue suit with a crisp, white dress shirt and dark blue Gucci loafers. She had to fight the nearly overwhelming urge to rip him out of that suit and lick every inch of him.
Maybe later, she told herself. “Don't you look handsome,” she said, coming down the stairs. Of course, “handsome” was an understatement for how damn sexy he looked in his clothes.
Alistair smiled and returned the compliment. “And you are sensational, love.” H
e took her hand into his and they left, climbing into his luxury car.
It didn't take too long for them to make it to the John Handcock Building. They rode the elevator up to the famed Signature Room. Reservations and him being knighted and all, guaranteed seating and soon the waiter was standing by their table taking their orders.
“I wanted to celebrate your first month with me,” Alistair said once the waiter walked away.
“Is that the only reason you brought me to this amazing restaurant?” Felicity asked, taking a sip of her sangria.
Alistair smirked, dimple flashing. “Not entirely. Our one-month anniversary is just an added-on excuse. I really just wanted to treat you to a fine meal.”
“A date?” Felicity implied. “This would be our fifth one if we're making it official,” she pried.
Alistair exhaled deeply. “Do you want it to be?”
Felicity stared at him intently, hoping she wasn't just about to make the biggest mistake of her life. She squared her shoulders and prepared to take the next step. “Yes,” she said, nodding. “Yes, I want it to be.”
Alistair grinned. “Then it's official. To our first date. One of many, I hope.” he toasted and they clinked their glasses together and sipped.
“So,” Felicity began, after swallowing. “I've got to ask... do you do this with all of your subs?”
Alistair looked at her over the rim of his wine glass. He took a few more slow swallows to give himself time to think. Was he ready to place this card on the table yet? Yes, maybe he was. How was she going to know what she meant to him if he didn't bother to show her. “No.”
The Pleasure Room Page 18
