by S. Valentine
“Gabi, meet me at the club at midnight. If you don’t, I’ll take the hint, and I’ll delete your number.”
Gabi hung up. Fuck! What was she supposed to do? She turned up the volume on the radio. She groaned inwardly, and her head flopped back, hitting the headrest. Maybe it was time she took control of her own life and her happiness, to stop kidding herself when she thought things would improve with Lawrence. Maybe they were both better apart. Surely they deserved something more, something better.
She was bored, lonely, and unhappy. Lawrence must have had his own reasons for staying out late, drinking and whatnot. Perhaps he was also unfulfilled and bored to tears. Gabi decided there and then that she had to take a risk. Maybe meeting Darion had been a sign that the grass really was greener without Lawrence, regardless of whether Darion stayed in the picture.
***
Darion
Darion leant back in the leather chair and lifted his feet up to rest on his desk, not caring that his paperwork was getting creased. His mind raced. He didn’t know why he had just called Gabi. Was he sexually frustrated? He booted the side of the desk, annoyed with himself. He had several women on speed-dial that he could’ve rung for a quickie. Had he grown bored of them? The sex had grown predictable; he knew their every move, and the order in which they did them. They weren’t stimulating him enough, mentally or physically.
He needed a challenge. Something new, exciting, and fresh. Surely Gabi wouldn’t be able to satisfy him how Gina or Eva had, though. They were tough competition. They were wild. Bondage, outdoor sex, role playing, dressing up, toys, threesomes, they had done it all. Gabi seemed vanilla. Then again, it had been said that it was the quiet ones that you had to watch out for. Plus, he had a habit of bringing out the naughtiness in the women he bedded.
As much as his women enjoyed casual sex, half of them got attached. He didn’t get it. They knew the score, he always stated the rules. He hated rejecting them when they wanted more. But they should have known better. Why did every woman think she was the one to tame the bad boy?
But Gabi, she had a fiancé. Why was he even contemplating a fling, or whatever he was after, with her? He didn’t want to break up a relationship. His ex-wife had devastated him, turned his world upside down. No way could he cause another man the same pain.
If only he could stop thinking about her. He thought that if he left her to make the first move, then maybe he’d feel less guilty about starting something with her. Yet it had been two weeks, and he’d heard nothing. Now he wanted her even more. He didn’t know whether it was because he couldn’t have her, or whether it was the chase that he liked.
He ground his teeth. She was probably just like all the rest. She had to be if she would willingly cheat on her fiancé. Well, he would see later. Even so, for some reason, it didn’t put him off her. He was attracted to Gabi on more than just a physical level—there was something about her. He hated that she made him feel vulnerable, bringing out insecurities that he tried to bury deep, made him want things that he’d avoided for so long.
The bottle of whisky before him looked extremely tempting. He drank more than usual since he’d caught his former wife, Eva, cheating on him. He shook his head, trying to erase the thoughts. He didn’t want to start replaying everything in his mind again. He already couldn’t sleep alone; his thoughts kept him awake. He allowed his one night stands to stay the night and cuddle. Not that he particularly wanted to cuddle them; he didn’t feel a close connection. Yet that comforting contact allowed him to drift to sleep and not think about Eva.
He heard the grumble of his stomach and realised that he hadn’t eaten anything all day. He stood up and stretched. He’d have to pick up a sandwich from the corner shop. He grabbed his wallet and made his way out of the club.
A part of him wanted Gabi to meet him later, to see if she fancied him in return. Another part of him wanted her to do what was best for her and stay away. He knew he’d hurt her. He always unintentionally hurt them.
Chapter Ten
Gabi
In the hallway, Gabi hung up her coat and handbag, and slipped off her shoes. She found Lawrence in the lounge reading the paper, with the television on. He put down his reading when he saw her and offered to run her a bath. She shook her head.
“No, thanks.” She sat down. “We need to talk.”
His face fell.
“I’m not happy, Lawrence,” she told him bluntly. “I haven’t been for a while now.”
“What are you saying?” His low voice had a chilling bite to it. His face was a mixture of rage and panic. “I thought we agreed I’d try harder to make you happy?”
Gabi cowered, sinking slightly in her chair as she caught sight of his clenched fists. Lawrence had promised never to hit her again. With his murderous expression, and veins throbbing near his temples, he looked ready to explode, and Gabi wasn’t so sure he would hold true to his promise.
“Things never change.” She straightened, feigning bravery. “I can’t do this anymore,” she said sternly, her glare unfaltering.
Lawrence’s silence disturbed her, made her nervous.
“Did you hear me, Lawrence?” she repeated, rising to her feet, towering over him. “It’s over.”
She took a step back as he slowly stood up too. She observed him, looking for any signs that he was about to lose his temper. Instead, he dropped to his knees, his arms wrapping around her legs tightly.
“I can change,” he pleaded.
Gabi looked down at him in astonishment. She felt tears welling up, so she drew in a deep breath. She couldn’t let him guilt-trip her. She had to do what was best for them both.
“Please don’t make this any more difficult for me.” She shook her head. “I don’t feel satisfied in what we have.”
“Gabi, don’t do this,” he raised his voice, standing up.
“I’m not happy,” she screamed back. “Listen to me, Lawrence!” Rage overtook her, and she felt heat flood her face.
He grabbed hold of her hands. “I know I messed this up. I neglected you; put work first, controlled you. I’m sorry. Forgive me. I’ll do anything to make you happy.”
“It’s too late. I don’t have faith in this relationship. I care for you, but I’m tired of all this.”
“What is it that you want, Gabi?”
She shrugged.
“I’ll wait for you, please.” His voice shook with emotion. “Go and do what you have to do. I’ll wait for you.”
Stunned, her mouth fell. She had never had Lawrence down as the begging type. “That wouldn’t be fair on you.”
“I don’t care, Gabi, I’m not prepared to throw all these years away. I want to marry you, for Christ’s sake.” He stroked her cheek. “Gabi, you will never find someone who loves you as much as I do.”
Would she?
“I’m going out for a bit. I need to clear my head,” she said.
“Okay, I’ll wait up for you?”
“Don’t. I’m not sure what time I’ll be back from Mallory’s.”
She ascended the stairs, her eyes spilling tears. She had tried to end it, it definitely hadn’t been easy. If she wasn’t happy, or fulfilled, how could he be? Gabi had to stick to her word. There was no going back.
She changed into a v-neck tight black dress, which exposed her cleavage. She sprayed on some perfume, applied lipstick, and ruffled her hair. Scanning her selection of heels, she decided to go for her black Louboutins, which had soles as red as her lips.
Gabi felt her heart hammering against her chest as she left the house. As nerve-wracking as it was, she needed to face Darion and find out exactly what he was after. She needed to face her demons once and for all, and get rid of the confused thoughts whirling round her head.
Gabi knew that she’d need a stiff drink to calm herself down once she got to the club, so she decided to take a taxi. En route to The Black Door, she had a strong urge to tell the driver to turn around. Maybe she should stay in her comfort zone with Lawrenc
e, work harder at what they did have. Don’t bottle it. She had to do it. She wanted a change in her life, and only she could change it. Was Darion the answer, though? Or was he an escape route?
Time to do this. When she stood outside the club, she took a deep breath. She checked her watch. It was 11.50 p.m. She couldn’t believe that he’d given her an ultimatum. “Delete your number,” he’d said. For some reason, she couldn’t bear it. The thought of never seeing or hearing from him again bothered her. Perhaps she just needed to get it out of her system, see what he was all about.
She strode into the club and found Darion at the bar, flirting with Gina. How surprising. He sat up immediately when he saw her. She could tell by his expression that he hadn’t expected her to come. Maybe he wasn’t so cocky after all; maybe it was just a front. Gabi was glad he appeared sober. Teamed with grey jeans, he was wearing a white t-shirt again, which revealed his firm chest, washboard stomach, and strong arms.
“Can we go somewhere private?” She stood over him.
“Sure.”
He led her behind the bar, and toward his office. As her heels clicked against the tiled floor, she felt a little shaky, fearing her legs would give way. Inhaling deeply, she straightened her posture, gathering courage. When she was finally standing in his office, she took in her surroundings. Gabi noticed the screen on his computer. It was his email inbox. It stated there were fifty-six unread emails. There was also a lot of unopened mail on his desk, one piece in particular was from a solicitor. Was he in some kind of trouble?
Turning her head, she took in the pictures that adorned one wall: Darion fishing, swimming with dolphins, skiing, skydiving, and a huge picture of him standing in the bar in the centre of about twenty beautiful women. On closer inspection, she realised it didn’t look like the club. She could make out a cage, and some type of leather swing. She wondered where it was. There were other photographs of him with stunning women at parties, and at clubs. It sure looked like he led a happy, carefree life.
“Take a seat.” He pointed to the chair on the opposite side of the desk.
Gabi did as she was told. “Why did you want me to come here, Darion?”
“You know why, Gabi.” He poured himself a drink. “You want one?” His stare swept over her admiringly and slowly.
She loved the way he looked at her; it made her swell with confidence. “Do you have wine?”
“I have everything, Gabi.”
The telephone rang, echoing through the office. Darion snatched up the receiver. It sounded as if it were a new client of some sort. Maybe somebody wanted to hire the club for a private party. Gabi couldn’t help but eavesdrop. Darion clicked on his computer, and confirmed that he’d received something of some sort. He was promising to show the caller around the place. When he ended the call, he stood up swiftly.
“I’m sorry, Gabi. I’ve gotta go.” He grabbed the grey blazer from the back of his chair. “We’ll have to do this later.”
She was surprised, and she knew it showed. “You made me come here,” she said, her voice sharp, annoyance consuming her.
“Gabi, wait in the bar, have as many drinks as you want, I’ll be back in an hour or two.” He placed his hand on her arm, his fingers slowly caressing it, his gaze devouring her hungrily. She watched as he swallowed, as if contemplating doing something. Kissing her, perhaps?
“If you’re not back in an hour, I’m gone.” Gabi brushed him off. There was no way that she was waiting two hours for him; she was pissed at agreeing to one hour. “You rang me, remember?”
“An hour,” he said confidently. “See you soon.”
Back at the bar, Gabi downed shot after shot. She felt completely miserable and confused. Lexi and Gina were occupying the poles, and Marnie was serving the customers. She focused on the stage. All attention was on Lexi and Gina. Gabi wondered what it would be like on stage, to be the centre of attention, with every single person in the room lusting after you. She also wasn’t a stranger to the pole, as she had taken classes in the past for fitness purposes.
“They look good, don’t they?” Marnie asked.
Gabi nodded. “They look fantastic. I bet it feels unreal up there.”
“It does. Why don’t you get up there? The customers would love a new face.”
She laughed. Marnie was serious. “No way.”
“Honey, I feel nervous every single time, but alcohol is the best cure. Give it a go. Let loose. Be wild.” Her eyes twinkled mischievously.
Gabi shook her head with a soft laugh. She didn’t have the confidence to sing karaoke, let alone dance teasingly to a room full of horny men.
As she watched Marnie collect empty glasses, she sighed heavily. She always played it safe, sticking to the rules. She wished she could be unpredictable, spontaneous. Gabi didn’t want to be the straight laced girl any more, the one who never took risks, never trying anything shocking or new yet desperately wanting to. She wanted to be the kind of girl she had read about. Gabi had always thought she’d settle down and meet someone who would bring the hidden daring side out of her. That person definitely wasn’t Lawrence.
She remembered one Valentine’s night; she’d lit candles in the room, and dressed in sexy underwear, stockings, and heels. She had bought a sexy DVD for her and Lawrence to watch, and some toys for couples. She had wanted to spice up their sex life. He hadn’t been interested; everything had gone untouched. All of it was still sitting in the box. If she remembered correctly, she was pretty certain he had fallen asleep. That was the last time that she had tried anything new with Lawrence. And sex had been the same ever since: missionary position, wham bam, roll over. She felt bitter. She could have been the caring, fun, faithful girlfriend. If Lawrence had just opened up, or fulfilled her needs, she wouldn’t be in the club again. She hastily wiped away a tear that trickled down her cheek. She was upset that she hadn’t realised sooner that Lawrence wasn’t the one. So much wasted time.
Ordering another glass of wine, Gabi was pleased when Lexi returned. The dancer took a few minutes out, sat with her, and talked about life in general. She excitedly showed Gabi images of her nieces from her iPhone. Marnie then strolled over, and leaning her elbows on the bar, proceeded to bitch about one regular that couldn’t keep his hands to himself.
“He’s a right old perve.” She screwed her face up as if she was sucking on a sour lemon.
“Which client?” Lexi asked.
She shrugged. “You know, I can’t remember his name…he’s about seventy. Always wears a tux.”
“Bill?” Gina approached. “Mr. Filthy Mouth and Wandering Hands?”
“Yep.”
The girls bust out laughing.
“He’s harmless, though.” Lexi retrieved her cigarettes and offered them around. Marnie and Gina took one each without a moment’s hesitation.
Gabi listened to them gossiping for a good five minutes. They were all slightly merry from alcohol, and laughing continuously. Gabi felt relaxed, like she’d known the girls for a long time. She really had made some new, unexpected friends.
Gabi didn’t realise that it had been an hour and a half since she’d seen Darion. She would have been out of the club in a shot, had she checked the time. She wasn’t about to sit around twiddling her thumbs, waiting on another man. Hell no. Been there, done that, worn the t-shirt. It hadn’t been a good fit.
“We better get back to work.” Lexi rose to her feet. “Darion will be over, and you know what he’ll say.”
“I don’t pay you to sit around bitching,” Marnie mimicked, chuckling.
“Besides, we wouldn’t want Wendy dancing for too long. She might pull a muscle.” Gina flicked her long hair back and stared daggers at the black-haired beauty on stage.
“Meow,” Marnie teased.
“She’s just jealous,” Lexi whispered to Gabi.
“I heard that,” Gina snapped. “I’m not jealous. Ain’t nobody got the moves like me.”
Gabi was unable to stop the wide smile that spread a
cross her face. She watched as Marnie returned to take drink orders, whilst Gina took to the stage and Lexi prowled the club, greeting and flirting with the customers in hopes they’d request a dance.
Gabi stretched her arms out and held in a yawn, deciding it was time. She needed to find Darion and face the strong attraction between them. Whether they would give in to all their temptations, or clear the air and resist it, she had no idea.
Chapter Eleven
Gabi wove through the busy crowd, pushing through people until she saw him. Darion was standing at the far end of the club, watching her. She bit her lip and made her way slowly toward him, their gazes not leaving one anothers’. “Black Hole” by Muse was playing, creating a sexy feel in the room.
Gabi could see the slow rising of his chest as he remained rooted where he stood. Gabi fiddled with her nails anxiously. Her emotions were running wild. He seemed so close, yet so far away. She wanted him. She couldn’t control it.
Although she’d only had a few partners in her life, and usually made them wait at least a month before getting intimate with them, she didn’t have the patience when it came to Darion. A part of her told her to slow down, to wait, to make him work for it, to make him wine and dine her first. But the daredevil side of her told her to just go for it, not to overanalyse everything in life. Gabi sure as hell didn’t want to ruin the moment that was for sure. Maybe she should grab the bull by the horns for once, and let her body overrule her mind.
All she knew in that moment was that she desperately wanted to kiss him. Gabi hoped and prayed that he was feeling the same. Her hands shook, her heart thundered.
When she was before him, she noticed that he was breathing heavily. His jaw was tense, his face etched with raw, hungry passion. He admired her body through the flimsy material of her dress, and slipped his hand underneath the hem, stroking her thigh gently. Gabi felt the adrenaline rush through her veins, her skin tingling. He kissed her cheek, then her neck, with slow, soft kisses. She tilted her head, allowing him more access. His kissing grew harder, faster, his heavy panting hot on her neck. His hand ran higher up her thigh. It was wrong, so wrong. Forbidden.
