by S. Valentine
After the bath, she climbed into bed and switched the television on. An old black and white romance film was showing. She wondered why some men weren’t gentlemen these days; the majority of them were players, wanting to sleep with anything and everything. It wasn’t fair. Perhaps they needed to get it out of their system before they finally settled down and got married. Then again, even some married men still slept with anything and everything. Did some men ever grow out of their wild ways? She tucked into a bag of popcorn. She was getting used to her own company each day, slowly adapting to life without Lawrence.
Her mobile bleeped. Darion. He asked if she wanted to meet at the club that night. Gabi switched her mobile off. When he has learnt his lesson, then I will call him. He definitely didn’t have the upper hand in their relationship.
Chapter Twenty
Darion
Darion stood before his spotless apartment. Gina had helped him clean up. She had also bought some groceries and made him a sandwich. Darion loved the way that she sometimes took care of him, reciprocating the help he’d given her over the years. He slouched on the sofa, picking up the half-eaten ham sandwich, and took another bite. He devoured it hungrily.
“I worry about you sometimes.” Gina appeared from the kitchen and sat next to him.
He felt himself tense. Not another lecture.
“Daz, don’t you ever get lonely?” she asked.
Yeah, all the fucking time. “How can I get lonely when I’m always seeing someone?”
“It’s not the same.” She shook her head. “Don’t you want someone that you can chill with, someone to love, someone to wake up with, come home to?”
“No,” he said it sharply, hoping that she would drop it.
“You’ve been like this for two years now. Are you not ready to start a committed relationship yet? You’re how old now?”
“G, please,” he moaned. “Don’t start. You do this every time.” It just ended up making him feel like crap.
“You need to stop all this, Darion. You can’t go on like this forever.”
“Gina, stop,” he said calmly.
“You still love her, don’t you?” she asked softly.
Darion looked at her, knowing that she was referring to Eva. His face was expressionless. “Quite the opposite, actually.”
“There’s a fine line between love and hate, you know.” She smirked.
“Whatever,” he muttered. Of course he still loved her. But he hated her at the same time. Eva had been everything for him—fun, wild, crazy, daring, and sexy. He hadn’t met anyone close, except for Gina. She was all those things and she knew it, so she pushed him all the time. She wanted a relationship with him, but he wasn’t giving in. He wasn’t sure that he was after that type of woman again. Perhaps he needed the opposite of Gina, and Eva, someone a little shy, intelligent, who had more about them than just the excitement factor.
“You still have photographs of her,” Gina gently reminded him. She wasn’t afraid of Darion; she was just as likely to hit him if he ever lost his temper with her.
“Quit snooping through my things,” he told her. “I’m not inviting you here again.” He was irritated.
“Shut it,” she snapped.
Silence loomed in the air for a moment. Darion was pissed off that Gina had made him think about Eva again. She must have noticed the flash of distress on his face, because she shuffled down the sofa, motioning for him to lie down. Darion did so, resting his head on Gina’s lap. As she massaged her fingers into his hair softly, he felt his body relax. A few seconds later, he closed his eyes.
***
A day later Gabi still hadn’t contacted Darion, which had confused the hell out of him. He had tried to call her, yet her mobile was switched off. Maybe he had really taken the piss with her. Perhaps he had lost her interest for good.
He paced the living room. Or perhaps she had gotten back with her fiancé, sorted things out. Jealousy pierced his heart. He scolded himself, wondering why he even cared. He picked up his mobile again, and attempted to ring her. He waited with bated breath, hoping that he didn’t get her voicemail. It rang. Relieved, he sat down, and willed her to pick up.
***
Gabi
“Hello.” Gabi held her mobile to her ear. Let’s hope he’s learnt not to mess me around again. Girlfriend or not, she wasn’t allowing another man to walk all over her.
“Gabi.” A blowing sound filled the line as if he was smoking. “I’ve been trying to reach you.”
“I’ve been busy.”
“Okay.” She was surprised that he didn’t pry.
“So…what happened to you that night?” she asked outright.
“I was sorting some things out with a client. I lost track of time.” She heard him clear his throat with a cough. “I’m sorry, Gabi.”
“Yeah, well, I don’t appreciate sitting around on my own.”
“It won’t happen again.” His tone was serious, sincere. Gabi decided she would accept his apology. “You wanna meet me at the club later?”
“Ummm…” She paused for a second.
“Come on. Don’t be like this.”
“Okay,” she finally agreed.
“In that case, we’re going to a party tonight,” he told her. “Dress nice.”
Gabi ended the call. She needed to see Darion. She missed him. She just hoped that he went by his word, and didn’t take the piss again.
She headed upstairs, removing her clothes as she did so, and dumped them in the basket in the bathroom. She’d had a long busy day at work. Mallory and Steve were having a date night, and she had the place to herself. As she showered, she wondered which of her new dresses she should wear. Catching sight of her red polished nails, she decided to go for the red, backless dress.
Later, at the club, she found Darion in his office, sitting at his computer. He appeared to be copying from the screen, scribbling down what she noticed was an address. The sound of her heels broke his concentration. When she was stood before him, he slowly sat back. She watched him swallow before he snagged his lower lip between his teeth. “Nice to see you again.”
Gabi sat on the edge of his desk. “So, we’re going to a party?”
“That’s if you wanna?”
“I suppose it’ll be fun.”
“Oh, it will.”
He stood up, stuffing the paper into his back pocket. He was dressed all in black: jeans and a shirt. His hair was gelled back tidily, and his cologne smelt stronger than usual.
“You look hot, as always.”
She felt her pride swell at his compliment. “Thank you. You don’t look too bad yourself.”
“I would suggest we have a quickie right now.” He slapped his desk. “But we need to be on time.”
“Who said romance was dead?” She arched a brow.
He opened his mouth to speak, as if to defend himself, but must have decided against it, as he clamped his lips shut.
They drove to the party in silence. Darion had taken his black Audi, rather than the Jeep. Gabi interlaced her fingers to stop herself from fidgeting, worrying thoughts consuming her. She didn’t know whose party it was, Darion wasn’t giving much away. Did she introduce herself as his girlfriend, his friend? She had no idea.
After half an hour of driving, he parked the car outside a tall, white building with gigantic windows. It was extravagant looking. Darion led her to the main doors where he pressed a buzzer. “Can I help?” a sultry voice answered.
“Darion, here by invite. Franchesca Doorly.”
“See you soon.”
The door opened. Gabi anxiously followed him, desperate to take hold of his hand. She entered the elevator closely behind. Stealing a glance at Darion, she saw that he was confident as always, his eyes were shining with excitement. He pressed the button to the top floor. “I just wanna let you know…” He grabbed her hand. “If you’re not comfortable here, tell me, and we’ll go back to the club.”
He took a step back to admire and e
xamine the length of her body. Gabi’s tanned back was fully exposed, the dress just skimming above her behind. Darion ran his fingers tenderly up the length of her spine to her neck, and down again. Gabi’s stomach fluttered. He moved her hair aside, and planted a trail of soft kisses on the back of her neck, his stubble grazing her skin. Pulling her into him, she could feel the hard bulge in his trousers. His hands reached around and cupped her breasts, his kisses becoming firmer, hungrier. Gabi couldn’t stop the soft moan from escaping her lips as she parted them, her head falling back slightly. His fingers tweaking her nipples sent a fire of arousal between her legs. She turned to face him.
“I don’t think I can wait much longer,” he said, in a low husky tone, pulling her into him.
As he sealed his lips over hers, and began kissing her frantically, Gabi felt herself wedged against the wall. He pulled her dress up, his fingers grabbing the sides of her underwear to yank them down. Gabi’s skin was warm and tingling. Her clit pained for his touch, her nipples hard, wanting nothing but his tongue. He stroked tantalisingly between her legs, exploring her with gentle, circular movements. Parting her with his fingers, he slid in and out torturously slowly, his gaze on hers, studying her intently, as always. She knew that he loved to know what pleased her. She whimpered as he drove into her sensitive spot, filling her with ripples of pleasure.
“Shouldn’t…we…wait?”
“I can’t.”
Gabi parted her legs, taking more of his fingers. Her muscles clenched, tightening around him. Her hands searched for his zipper hurriedly, desperate to feel him inside her. She freed him, stroking his erection, sliding her hand up and down the rigid shaft. As she circled the wet tip with her thumb, Darion’s features screwed up. He grunted as she tugged at him, her hand gliding over him at a faster speed.
“Come here.” His voice was husky, urgent. “Bend over.”
Before Gabi had time to position herself, Darion twisted her around, lifted her dress up over her waist, and bent her over, so that her hands were flat on the wall.
“Your ass is perfect, Gabi.” He slapped it hard with his hand, hurting but exciting her at the same time. His fingers grabbed a cheek roughly, a satisfied groan seeping from his lips.
Fumbling between her legs for a brief moment, he entered her forcefully, causing her to cry out, her body shooting forward. She bit her thumb, waiting for the discomfort of his length to subside. As he slid in and out, she felt a ripple of desire tear through her. He gripped her by the waist, bending her over further, giving him deeper access.
“Gabi…fuck, this feels good.”
He yanked his hips backwards and forwards, groaning. His fingers buried into her hair, roughly. Just as she was getting into it, the dinging sound of the elevator startled her. The doors opened causing her to stiffen. Cheeks heated, she glanced up, expecting the worse. She felt herself relax at the empty corridor, relieved.
“Shall we go?”
“Not yet.”
When the doors closed them in again, Darion continued to buck his hips into her. His hand reached around, his fingers playing with her clit. The tingling sensation caused her to twist and writhe fervently, her legs weakening. She felt herself building up to an orgasm with his teasing, gentle fingers, and the tip of his cock hitting into her relentlessly. He pulled out swiftly, causing her to look over her shoulder questioningly. The emptiness was agonising.
“Don’t stop.” She panted.
With an inscrutable smile, Darion plunged into her again deeply. He glided in and out, his pace quickening.
“Come with me, darlin’…” She heard him grind his teeth.
The pleasure built, spreading through every part of Gabi’s body. With a final slam, she felt Darion throb inside her, jerking, until he flooded her, gripping her into him.
Gabi’s muscles tensed, clenching him tightly. She felt herself go dizzy, all of her senses heightened. Her heart hammered hard in her chest, a warm wash of lust spreading through her pelvis as an orgasm exploded through her. She shivered and trembled in ecstasy.
When the spasms started to ebb, and her heartbeat calmed, she pulled up her underwear, adjusted her dress, and turned around. Darion was leant against the wall, his breaths short and shallow. His beautiful face appeared tired, but his green eyes were dark and needy. His full lips enticed her. She felt a desperate urge to shower him with kisses. A look passed between them, neither of their gazes wavering. It was as if time froze, and the world had stopped spinning. Gabi felt her heart tighten, and reality hit her with such force that she almost fell. Her feelings for Darion Milano were frighteningly strong—stronger than she had anticipated. As if reading her mind, he straightened, his face etched with worry and fear. Taking a deep breath, he briskly looked away, pressing the elevator button.
When the doors pinged open, Darion stepped out. Gabi couldn’t help but notice his firm, sexy bum as he strode in front of her. Once outside a door, he pressed the doorbell. They hadn’t had to wait long before a man answered, pleased to see them. He invited them inside, to which they briefly introduced themselves.
In the main living room area, music was playing softly, and the lighting was dim, creating an intimate glow. The white marble floor sparkled, and matching furniture and plush leather sofas surrounded the room, gigantic floor cushions taking up a corner of it. There was a small table holding party nibbles and alcohol.
Gabi noticed, on estimation, that there were twenty other guests. They appeared to be couples in their mid-twenties to late forties. They were reasonably attractive and dressed immaculately. The women mainly wore elegant gowns revealing some leg, or cleavage, and the men were in black trousers and a shirt, or t-shirt. They were generally seated, talking, eating, drinking, and some were even dancing in the corner. The atmosphere was pleasant. Gabi immediately grew comfortable. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad after all.
“You hungry?” Darion asked her, pouring them both a glass of wine.
“No.” She had eaten before she came.
“Well.” He passed her the glass. “Relax, and have fun tonight.” He grinned, taking out a cigarette, setting it between his lips, and lighting it.
Gabi took in her surroundings. She noticed that the guests were focusing on them, examining them like they were circus freaks. She felt paranoia and insecurity soar through her. Her flushed face cooled when they turned back to what they had been doing. Perhaps they knew Darion, and were wondering who she was.
“Darion?” A blonde woman sauntered over. “How nice of you to come. I’m Franchesca.” She held out her manicured hand, which Darion took. “Do make yourself comfortable.” Her gaze dragged over his body, openly admiring him, her pupils dilating, her mouth curling at the sides. Gabi scowled. She could see Franchesca was impressed with what she saw. She then examined Gabi carefully. “So pretty.” She took a piece of her hair in her fingers, stroking it for a moment. “I have a few guests to greet, but I’ll be back with you shortly.” She gave them a little wave before sauntering off.
“You heard what she said.” Darion caressed her behind. “Make yourself comfy.” He stubbed his cigarette out in the nearest ashtray.
Gabi followed Darion to the middle of the room. He settled on the sofa next to a couple, leaving no room for her. Patting his knee, he indicated for her to sit. She smoothed down her dress before perching on his knee. A friendly looking blonde woman flashed them a smile. Gabi mirrored her expression, politely.
“I’m Paula. This is my husband, Elliot.”
“Darion,” he replied, a slow grin surfacing. “And Gabi,” he answered for her.
“Nice to meet you.” Paula gave Darion a provocative glance, her hand squeezing Elliot’s. “I don’t think I’ve seen you here before.” Her brows shot up as she tried to remember if she had or not.
“You haven’t,” Darion said lightly. “Franchesca holds a party twice a month,” he informed Gabi.
Oh. She scanned the room. She didn’t know why someone would hold so many parties. Franchesc
a seemed well off, the apartment was exquisite, perhaps she preferred to socialise indoors rather than go out. She noticed as Franchesca and presumably her partner flitted past each couple, pausing for a few moments to talk with each one. She’s certainly popular.
Darion ran his hand up Gabi’s leg, his smile as devilish and delicious as ever, his gaze intense. His lips pressed firmly against her temple, finding their way to her ear, which he nibbled gently. The warmness and tickling of his breath made the hairs on her neck stand up. With leisurely licks of his tongue, Gabi’s senses whirled, her body straining for his. Catching a delighted glance from another guest, Gabi tensed, pushing his hand away, a hot flush creeping up her neck.
Darion chuckled, unfazed. “I’m going to the bathroom.” He stood up, leaning down to quickly peck her on the cheek. “Don’t drink too much.” He winked, looking down at her almost empty glass. “Unless you want a repeat performance of the club scenario?”
She watched as he wandered down a corridor. Turning back to the table, she took in the nibbles. She desperately wanted to take a crisp, however nobody really seemed to be eating. She decided to settle on mints that were in a bowl. Sucking one, she focused on the couple again. The man was stroking his wife’s inner thigh with his fingers. Gabi assumed they were newlyweds.
“So, this is your first time too?” Paula licked her lips, leaning forward to take a mint, her cleavage on full show. She popped the mint in her mouth. “I do love your dress.” She stroked the material, her hand skimming Gabi’s knee.
“Thanks.” Gabi shifted an inch away, hoping that Paula didn’t notice.
