His Confession

by S. Valentine

  After a few twists on the pole, Marnie faced the audience, seductively running her hands down her body. She gyrated her hips, removing her top at a leisurely pace. Wolf whistles filled the air. Her bra was next to come off, revealing perfectly rounded false breasts.

  Gabi turned to look at the man who Marnie had kissed. He was focused on the dancer, smiling proudly. He must have sensed Gabi watching him, as his gaze met hers. Coyly, Gabi quickly turned her attention back to the stage.

  Marnie was now bending over, teasing the audience. Several notes were thrown at her feet. Gabi swallowed and moistened her dry lips with her tongue. The girl looked unbelievably sexy, the way her body moved, her perfect rhythm matching the beat of the music. She seduced the crowd with her wide, come-to-bed eyes.

  “You okay?” Another girl strolled over to take her order, presumably Gina. She had long, blonde waves that cascaded down her back, her slightly curvaceous body concealed in a silver dress that left little to the imagination.

  “I’m good.” Gabi straightened.

  “Can’t tempt you into a private dance, can I?” Her brows arched.

  Gabi shook her head. “Maybe some other time,” she replied, not wanting to offend her.

  Gina made her way back over to the boss. They appeared to be flirting, until he told her it was her turn on the stage. She stuck her tongue out at him, her silver piercing flashing under the club lights. As she wrapped her arms around his neck, she said, “I’m not meant to be on until midnight. Desperate to see me naked?” Gabi couldn’t help but overhear their conversation.

  She stole a glance at the man again. He examined Gina’s body as he let out a dirty-sounding laugh. She leant in and kissed him passionately. What’s with that man? Gabi tilted her head, trying to get a better view. The corner of the bar, where he was, didn’t have the best lighting. As Gina proceeded to walk away, he smacked her lightly on the bum.

  “Len, remember, when she gets here, treat her like the queen. She’s one of our top clients.” The boss was now talking to the doorman who had appeared. “Champagne, the full fucking works. Then leave her to it. She likes privacy.”

  “Sure thing.”

  The boss then rose to his feet, stepping into the light and providing Gabi with a much clearer view. Her lips parted as she did a double take. He was gorgeous. He stood tall, dominating the area, exuding an air of confidence. His brown hair, worn back behind his ears, hung down the nape of his neck, the sort of hairstyle that could be worn loose, free of product, effortlessly sexy, or smoothed back for the sophisticated look, which was how it was styled now. His chiselled jaw was covered with light stubble beneath full, enticing lips, and above them were green eyes that glittered playfully under the ultra-violet lights. He wore black jeans and a matching shirt, the sleeves rolled up casually. He looked like he’d walked straight off an Emporio Armani advert.

  Lennie must have said something amusing as he grinned cheekily, showing off straight white teeth. Could he be any more perfect? “I knew I could count on you, Len.” He patted the man on the shoulder before he strolled off.

  The boss took out a silver box from his pocket, retrieved a cigar, and popped it in his mouth, lighting it. He took a long drag, slowly blowing out the smoke. He stood there for a moment, before sitting down on the stool next to Gabi. “Pour me a whisky, darlin’,” he told Marnie, who had returned.

  She followed his command and passed him a glass half full of liquor. He drank it in one go, set the glass on the bar, and ordered the same again. With another drag on his cigar, he sent smoke through the air in Gabi’s direction.

  She moved her head slightly and looked at him. God, he really was sexy. She raked her fingers through her hair, ensuring it was tidy.

  “You from around here?” he asked, his brow slightly furrowed, as if he were trying to figure out whether he had seen her before.

  Gabi shook her head.

  His gaze fell on her lips for a second, his pupils dilating dangerously, like those of a predator focused on its prey. He dragged his lingering stare back to hers.

  “Well, if you want another drink, you tell the girls it’s free of charge.” He swigged back the whisky he was passed, and stood up. “I’m Darion Milano.”

  Darion. Such an unusual name, but a nice one.

  “Gabriella Woods,” she said, introducing herself.

  “You not interested in a job here, Gabi?” Even though they had only just met, the shortening of her name rolling off his tongue seemed to fit, creating a somewhat intimate bond between them.

  “Doing what?” she asked too quickly.

  “Stripping.” He raised an eyebrow, and stubbed out his cigar.

  The way he stood towering over her powerfully and slightly intimidatingly made her intake a small breath of air. His broad shoulders were set, and his firm chest was mere centimetres away, within her reach. She could just imagine the feel of her palm flat against his chest, in contact with his soft skin, which she suspected he had beneath his shirt, and hard muscles that would no doubt meet a perfect V shape of his pelvis. His naked form invaded her mind, making her core tighten with longing.

  What the fuck? She crossed her legs, clamping her thighs shut as excited tingles shot through her body from the vivid mental image that both shocked and thrilled her. She’d never fantasised about another man before.

  As he remained looking down at her, darkness clouded his eyes, his intense scrutiny undressing her, just like she had done with him. Feeling embarrassed and exposed, she folded her arms across her chest defensively, although she was flattered by his flirting. Her heart was racing wildly; desire pumped through her body like a drug. As much as she wanted to look away, she was unable to tear her gaze away from him. She had never felt so drawn to a man in her life. As a blush darkened her cheeks, Gabi eventually averted her gaze, immediately coming to her senses. She was engaged. To Lawrence.

  “I don’t think so,” she managed to croak out, having almost forgotten that she hadn’t responded to his offer.

  “You can earn a hell of a lot of money doing it.” When Gabi failed to respond, he continued, “Well, it was a pleasure meeting you, darlin’.” He gave her a ghost of a wink and vanished into the crowd.

  Gabi found herself wondering where he was going. There was nothing wrong with wanting a bit of company.

  Was there?

  Chapter Three

  Fifteen minutes had passed; Gabi assumed Darion wouldn’t be returning. Why do you even care? she scolded herself. The sole reason she was at the club, in search of answers when it came to Lawrence, had seemed to vanish from her mind. Her gaze flitted around the room, searching for Darion, and then she saw him. He was deep in conversation with a couple. He shook hands with the man, and landed a kiss on the woman’s cheek before leading them outside.

  Darion reappeared a few minutes later, to which he ordered another whisky at the bar. His hand accidentally brushed past Gabi’s bare thigh as he pulled out a stool. She tensed, feeling goosebumps race over her body. She hadn’t felt another man’s hand on her in seven years. Darion’s mouth curled upwards, his pupils raw, almost glowing, and she wondered whether it had been an accident. Feeling her face flame, she focused on her drink.

  “So…what brings you to a place like this?” he asked, sitting down.

  “I, um, just popped in for a drink on my way through Westhaven,” she lied.

  He lit a cigarette and offered her one.

  She shook her head. “No, thanks. I don’t smoke.”

  “Good for you. I kept planning on giving up, but I thought fuck it, we should stick to what gives us pleasure in life. We only get one chance, ya know, why limit ourselves?”

  Gabi held in a laugh, finding his way of thinking somewhat amusing.

  “I’m tired.” He stretched his arms above his head, causing his shirt to ride up, revealing the washboard stomach she’d guessed he had. “I’ve been partying for five days straight.” Catching her surprised expression, his brow rose. “I take it you don
’t party much.”

  The chance would be a fine thing. “Yeah, but not for days on end.”

  She had been so occupied with studying in her teenage years that she missed out on most of the wild parties. She hadn’t gone out dancing, drinking, and experimenting like most girls had when they were her age. She had been so dedicated to passing her exams.

  “You’re missing out big time,” he informed her.

  “Well, I was more occupied with things that were higher priority than partying.”

  “I bet I could teach you a thing or two.” He nodded vehemently, grinning cheekily. “But I won’t.” His expression turned serious, reassuring her.

  He won’t? Why not? Was he married? She hadn’t seen a ring. She toyed with the rim of her glass. She had never met anyone like him before. He seemed so cool and laid back. He was the complete opposite of Lawrence. She couldn’t help but find him intriguing.

  “But that don’t mean we can’t have a little fun.” He raised his brows suggestively. “You fancy a shot of the strongest drink we have? Absinthe. Eighty percent.”

  Eighty percent! The highest she had ever drunk was fourteen percent, her usual red or white wine.

  “I really should be getting back. Besides, I can’t drink. I’m driving.” Her fingers tightened around her handbag as she stood up to leave.

  “Why don’t you take a taxi home, and collect your car tomorrow?”

  “I’m not sure.” Gabi mulled over the idea in her head. It sounded tempting. What was the point in rushing back to an empty house, to climb into bed alone, and be unable to sleep, worrying about Lawrence and what time he’d come home, if at all?

  “Have a little fun. You look like you need it.” His lips curved upwards.

  Why does everyone keep saying that? Did she have miserable tattooed on her head or something? As if he wasn’t going to take no for an answer, Darion walked behind the bar and placed two shot glasses before her. He filled them with black liquid. Gabi bit her lip worriedly as he handed one to her. It smelt ridiculously strong. When was the last time she had actually let her hair down? She couldn’t remember. Perhaps one shot wouldn’t hurt.

  She clinked her glass with his, and tossed it back quickly. She grimaced. It instantly ripped through her throat, tearing at her chest, burning inside like flames. Her stomach churned, and she felt as if she would vomit. She coughed then took a slow breath, holding it in.

  “Good?”

  “It’s harsh.”

  “You want another?”

  “No way,” she shrieked.

  She didn’t know how he did it, but he managed to persuade her into having another shot. The second was worse than the first, although she didn’t get how that could be possible. Before she knew it, they were seated on a sofa in the corner of the club, the table laden with a variety of drinks.

  An hour passed, and Gabi found herself laughing harder than she had in a long time. It made a change, having someone actually listen to what she had to say. Not only that, but Darion seemed interested. She didn’t know whether it was him, or the alcohol, but she felt completely at ease, like she’d known him for years.

  He began telling her about all sorts of life experiences, some funny, some embarrassing, and some terrifying. He really had led a colourful life. She had disclosed that she had an older brother, and learnt that he had a sister, five years younger than his thirty-six years. Whilst she had been brought up in London’s posh Mayfair before relocating out of the city and meeting Lawrence in her college days, Darion had lived in the rougher parts. Westhaven had been his home since the age of eighteen.

  “So, did anything else make you want to own a gentlemen’s club, besides the obvious?” she asked, topping up her glass of wine, knowing that she probably shouldn’t be drinking more.

  “Not really.”

  She prevented herself from chastising him. Typical man.

  “It was my dad’s fault.” He leant back casually on the sofa, his arm draped across the top. “He liked a drink, or twenty. So when my mom was at work, he took me to all these bars and strip clubs. He knew the bosses, so they let me in, but I had to sit in a corner quietly with a soft drink.” His drunken, slightly unfocused eyes lit up at the memory. “I was in complete awe. It was like every kid’s fantasy come true. The women were something else.” He beamed. “Since then, I always wanted my own club.” He swigged back a shot of Sambuca. “And to make something of myself, I suppose.”

  For some reason, she wanted to ask about his relationship with Marnie and Gina, but stopped herself. She didn’t even know why she was curious.

  Speak of the devil.

  “Darion,” Gina interrupted them. “Call for you.” She nodded to the back of the bar.

  “Is it important, or can it wait?”

  She put a hand on her hip. “I wouldn’t have called you otherwise.”

  Darion reluctantly and shakily climbed to his feet. He stood over Gabi, stumbling, and then, unable to balance himself, he fell onto her. Gabi was pinned against the sofa, unable to move under his weight. Her heartbeat instantly quickened. He lifted his head, his face only inches away from hers. She could smell the cigars and alcohol on his warm breath. She felt a hard bulge against her pelvis. Heat swept over her body, and a tingling sensation persisted between her legs, as she became aroused.

  Darion’s mouth curled wickedly, as if he knew the immense effect he was having on her. He studied her mouth. Gabi hated herself for feeling a desperate desire to kiss him. Darion moved his body slightly, his erection sending an excited shiver down her spine.

  Ignoring her throbbing groin and the overwhelming urgency to pull him into her and kiss him fiercely, she inhaled a deep breath and attempted to sit up. He stroked a blonde strand away from her face. “I’ll be right back,” he said softly, and scrambled to his feet.

  Gabi sat up and readjusted her dress, feeling awkward. She decided she’d had enough for the night; guilt consumed her. She grabbed her bag and pulled her coat on. Before she left the club, she self-consciously double checked that no one had noticed her and Darion’s little collision. The club was a blur of lively people too fixated on their erotic surroundings to care about anything or anyone else.

  Once outside, the cold, fresh air instantly hit her face, feeling sharp in her lungs. Taking out her mobile, she opened the Internet browser and searched for a local taxi number. As she clicked the call button and held the mobile against her ear, she was unable to refrain from shivering. She could see her breath forming in the air.

  Failing to get an answer, she tried another number, willing someone to pick up. No answer. Ending the call, she scanned the streets, wondering whether she should go search for a taxi, but she didn’t know which direction to head, or whether she’d slip on her beautiful, but impractical heels. Or whether she’d make it at all, given the state she was in.

  “Hey, Gabi, where you going?” Lexi appeared, slinging her bag over her shoulder, indicating she’d finished her shift.

  “Home.” Gabi stifled a yawn. “Do you know where I can get a taxi? I’m not getting an answer on the phone.”

  “Yeah, but it’s 6 a.m.” She jerked her chin upwards. “The taxis are usually outside Sky Bar now, which is just closing. They’ll be going back and forth for a while.”

  Gabi shoved her mobile into her bag.

  “You’re welcome to crash at mine.”

  Gabi didn’t know how much longer she could take the bitter air seeping through her coat, and she needed sleep. Pronto.

  “Don’t worry. I won’t kill you in the middle of the night.” She giggled.

  “Are you sure you don’t mind?”

  “Not if you promise to make me a coffee in the morning.” She winked.

  It took them all of five minutes’ walking until they were at Lexi’s small one bedroom apartment. She pulled out the sofa bed, handed Gabi some pyjamas, and disappeared into her room.

  Relief mingled with blissful pleasure swept over Gabi when she finally got out of her dre
ss, and into the warm pyjamas. As she lay under the covers, Darion’s sparkling eyes, dangerous smile, the smell of his strong cologne, and the firmness of his body came rushing back to her.

  Darion was like a magnet, drawing her to him. She knew that she had to see him again. Maybe it wasn’t Lawrence that couldn’t be trusted after all. Maybe it was her.

  ***

  Darion

  Darion put the phone down in satisfaction. Another member to add to the club’s ever-growing list, and a rich, well-known client at that. He walked unsteadily over to the mirror, running a hand through his hair. His eyes were bloodshot. He was completely drunk. He pulled the tin of cigars out of his pocket, popped one into his mouth, lit it, and headed back toward Gabi.

  As soon as he had seen her, he had to do a double take; she was naturally stunning. He liked the way she laughed a little nervously, that her wide smile was genuine, and her twinkling eyes were friendly. It was rare that women like her came into the club.

  He found Gina in the corridor. He noticed her perfect, bouncing breasts before he looked up at her face. She was smoking a cigarette where it was quieter, like she always did. He watched her plump lips suck on the cigarette and slowly blow the smoke out. He felt himself grow hard. He didn’t know whether Gina was seducing him on purpose, since she’d noticed him, but then again she oozed sex. Everything about her spelt sex. That’s why he had hired her, no audition needed. Looks really could get you so far.

  “Hey, baby.” She gave him a lopsided grin. “Everything okay?”

  He nodded. “Everything’s great, babe.”