His Confession

by S. Valentine

  Did she really want to join the world of swinging?

  Chapter

  Thirty-Four

  Gabi took a sip of her hot chocolate and placed it on the table. She was sitting inside a quiet café, not far from her apartment. Her mobile had been switched off since she had left the club last night, and she didn’t want Darion to come looking for her at her place. She needed peace. She needed time to herself to think.

  She pulled out the iPad from her oversized Mulberry handbag and switched it on. Research time. She needed to know more about Darion. Needed to know more about swingers and swingers’ clubs.

  She looked around her to make sure that nobody would be peering over her shoulder. She typed in the word ‘swingers.’ Several websites appeared on the screen before her. She took a deep breath and clicked onto the first one. She scanned the paragraphs, reading sections.

  ‘Swinging is a non-monogamous behaviour, in which singles, or partners in a committed relationship, engage in sexual activities with others, as a recreational or social activity. It can range from spontaneous sexual activity at informal gatherings of friends, to like-minded people at a swingers’ club.’

  Gabi took another sip of her drink. She felt heat flooding her chest and face. She took her jacket off and hung it on the back of her chair. She continued to read. As Darion stated, the reasons for swinging were to increase quality and frequency of sex, to add something to their sex life, or due to curiosity. Some couples saw it as a healthy outlet to strengthen their relationship. It took place in clubs, hotels, resorts, cruise ships, and in private homes.

  Gabi clicked onto a swingers’ website and gasped when she saw that it had thousands of members. She couldn’t believe it. She scrolled through the members profiles’ and photographs; there were pretty girls as young as twenty. There were several handsome men and stunning women. There were couples with children, people of all professions and ages.

  They all stated that they were adventurous, open-minded, curious, and liked to make the most of life, and one couple stated that they had been married for thirty years and simply wanted to spice up their marriage. They stated that everything happened in the same room, that they weren’t betraying one another. They were very much in love, and their relationship was strong enough to handle some fun. They were consenting adults and weren’t hurting anyone, and swinging was better than all the secret affairs that went on.

  Gabi looked at swingers’ resorts. Some were held abroad in luxury hotels, where freedom and broad-mindedness was guaranteed. They didn’t look any different from relaxing spa hotels. Except the packages were different, consisting of in-night clubs, nudist beach visits, and private parties with swimming pools for skinny-dipping.

  Gabi read through tips on beginner swingers, on how to set boundaries, communicate regularly, and how to be comfortable with it. She tapped her fingers on the table. Did she want to try it? The Internet made it sound more common than she had thought.

  Swinging had never ever crossed Gabi’s mind before. A small part of her had always wondered what it would feel like to kiss a girl, but that was it. The thought of group sex or threesomes didn’t appeal to her at all. She wasn’t sure whether she could handle Darion being with someone else. Would it upset her? Outrage her? Make her insanely jealous?

  She scanned the images online, and to her surprise she found plenty of photos of men who were just her type, that she really fancied the look of, and women who she was drawn to. Was there any harm in giving it one try with Darion? If she didn’t like it, she never had to do it again. She switched the iPad off and sighed heavily. She reached for her mobile and switched it on. She had several missed calls, voice mails, and text messages from Darion.

  She finished the last of her drink, paid for it, and slowly walked back to her apartment. Once inside the warmth of her living room, she called Darion.

  “Gabi?” His voice was shaky, panicked. “What’s going on?”

  “I’m sorry,” she said. “It was all too much for me last night, so I had to leave. I should have told you.”

  “Is this over?”

  “No, Darion. I just don’t know what to make of it all, I’m so confused. I can’t make my mind up about this whole thing. One minute it makes me feel sick, and the next it makes me feel slightly curious.”

  “I understand. It took a while until I got used to it. I secretly hated Eva for suggesting it at first…shit.” He groaned. Gabi knew that he was annoyed with himself for divulging the fact that he’d starting swinging with his ex-wife, as she’d suspected.

  “So, you didn’t like it at first?’ she asked.

  She heard him drinking something. “I couldn’t understand why she wanted other men, why she wanted to involve other people in our marriage. Then we tried it and never looked back.”

  “Oh.”

  “Gabi, I showed you the club, I wanted to be open with you about my business, and what I’m into.” He sighed. “I took you to that party, and you made it clear how you felt about it. Of course I’d love you to be open to trying swinging, but I’ll never push it on you.”

  But you’ll keep asking until I give it a go. It’s how you live. How could she ever take that away from him? She took a deep breath. “I’ve made up my mind…I will try it.”

  “You don’t have to,” Darion said quickly. “Don’t feel that you have to do this to satisfy my needs.”

  “Please, Darion. I’ve made up my mind. It can’t hurt to try it out once. I’ll just get drunk beforehand.” She let out a nervous laugh.

  “Well,” he began. “You never know. You might enjoy it. You might become addicted to the way that it makes you feel.”

  “Doubtful.”

  “What are you considering? Soft or full swinging?”

  “I can’t sleep with another man.” She chewed her nails worriedly.

  “It’s okay. Don’t do anything you’re not comfortable with. Anything is possible, nothing is mandatory. If you wanna get a feel of the place, watch other people, indulge in foreplay, or just stick with me, it’s not a problem.”

  “I’ll see you later, then.” She walked into the bathroom and began filling the bath. “I’m sorry I took off like that.”

  “I was worried sick,” he confessed. “When your mobile was off, I thought it was over.”

  “I’m not that cruel.”

  “You really do surprise me, Gabriella Woods.”

  “Hmmm. I know the feeling.”

  “Hey,” he said sharply. “You’ve gotta stop all of this running away when you’re out of your comfort zone, or when things get tough. Talk to me about it,” he urged.

  “Okay.” She released a heartfelt sigh. “I’ll try. Bye, Darion.”

  She hung up and placed her mobile on the side table. She decided that she would stick to Darion, and perhaps kiss a woman, or whatever, depending on how the night went. No way could she have another man’s hands on her though. No way. It felt wrong. It felt like she would be betraying Darion, even though he’d be agreeing to it happening. She hoped that she could show Darion that she’d given it a try, get it out of her system, and let that be it.

  Chapter

  Thirty-Five

  Darion

  Darion sat on his couch, half-naked, with the TV on, but he wasn’t really concentrating on it. He was glad that he had spoken to Gabi. He really thought that he had scared her off. He had been angry with himself for showing her the club and revealing his true self, but he couldn’t live a lie, pretend to be someone he wasn’t.

  He was pleased that she hadn’t been put off by him, that she didn’t find him repulsive. He was relieved that she wasn’t judgemental like some of the women that he had met. How could people mock something that they had never tried, or didn’t understand? At least Gabi was willing to give it a try. He respected her for it.

  He shifted down on the couch and decided he’d have a power nap before he saw her later. It would be a busy night. He wanted to feel fresh and full of energy. He yawned and grabb
ed a cushion, propping it behind his head. He lay down and closed his eyes. He was soon snoring away.

  ***

  Gabi

  It was party time at The Black Door, and not just any ordinary party, but Franchesca Doorly’s private party. The swingers’ club was packed, and the atmosphere was relaxed, with talking and laughter all around.

  “Right, first thing’s first.” Darion took a drag of his cigarette. “And don’t break the rules, Gabi. I’ve had enough heartache before.” He drew in a breath, and then recited the rules that they had to stick to when in the playrooms.

  He was dressed in black jeans, and a white t-shirt that hugged his body. His hair, again, was gelled back, hanging down the nape of his neck. Gabi knew that the women in the party would be queuing up to get their hands on him. Especially Franchesca. She can keep her hands off, Gabi thought, a sour taste appearing in her mouth.

  “Remember, Gabi, always ask each other first before we do anything.” He grabbed her by the chin, turning her face to look at him. “Do you hear me?”

  She nodded. “What happened with you, Darion?” she asked him bravely.

  “I don’t wanna talk about it,” he replied quickly, pouring himself a drink. “Another time,” he added when he saw her disappointed expression.

  “I’m nervous,” she admitted.

  “Hey.” He stroked her hair. “If you don’t wanna do this, don’t. I’ll never force you, Gabi.”

  Yes, but it’s something you’re into. If I don’t, this relationship won’t last. You’ll get bored and move onto someone more exciting.

  “I think you’ll enjoy it,” he said confidently. “I really do. I’m gonna pop down to the office quickly, get freshened up. Finish your drink, and come get me.”

  Gabi made a trip to the bathroom. She fixed her make-up, ensuring that it was immaculate. She then smoothed down the dark blue silk wrap-over dress that she was wearing. Her cleavage and long slim legs were on show. She wore her hair down perfectly straight. I can do this. I just have to try it. She swallowed the lump that formed in her throat and took a deep breath. She soaked her trembling hands under the cold water and rubbed them together, cleaning them.

  Darion could be right. She might enjoy it. She made her way to his office. He sat comfortably on his chair, his legs on the table, crossed at the ankles.

  “Come here.” He waved Gabi over with his hand. “Did I tell you how good you look tonight?” He stared at her with obvious admiration.

  She felt a surge of happiness. “No, you didn’t, but thank you.” She walked over to him.

  “So, soft swinging tonight?” He pulled her onto his lap.

  She nodded.

  He looked at her searchingly. She feigned nonchalance. His lips firmly caught hers. As Gabi moved her mouth in sync with his, she could taste and smell the alcohol on him. She had downed a few shots herself. Dutch courage.

  “If you wanna be watched, we go in the open rooms, okay? If you want a little more privacy, we go in the peephole rooms. Whatever you’re comfortable with, right?”

  Gabi looked down at the papers on his desk, anything to keep herself from meeting his gaze. She could feel the heated blush rising from her chest to her face. She made out some membership forms. She scanned the price list. Single women had the lowest fee, couples were slightly higher, and single men were charged the highest price. She picked up one of the glossy leaflets and turned the pages curiously. There were photographs of the rooms and a main photograph of the bar with several people, standing around grinning. It looked inviting, it looked glamorous, and it looked fun. One caption read that the club was ‘relaxing and comfortable.’ She had actually found the atmosphere relaxed, and with another drink, she was sure that she would feel more at ease.

  “You’re beautiful, Gabi. Be prepared to have a lot of attention.” He ran the tips of his fingers up and down her leg. Gabi felt a shiver run up her spine. “Let’s go.”

  She took hold of his hand and allowed him to lead her upstairs. He had told her to do whatever she felt comfortable with. She had decided that she’d stick with Darion in one of the more private rooms. She wasn’t ready to allow people to watch her, if ever.

  Once seated on the red sofas, Gabi took in the people around her. There was definitely a variety in terms of appearance and age. Several men had already caught her eye, and gave her a little wave. She grinned back out of politeness, desperately trying to hide her nerves.

  A tall blonde sat down on the sofa opposite them. The black, low-cut dress that she wore exposed a lot of cleavage. Her surgically enhanced lips grinned at Gabi, her long, red nails tapping on her wine glass. She was wearing a lot of diamonds, and the shoes she was wearing were Jimmy Choo. She looked wealthy. She undressed Gabi with a sweeping look, taking in every feature, every detail, and then she turned to look at Darion. Her eyes widened, a flicker of interest in them. She licked her lips. Clearly the newcomer wanted him. The blonde woman looked at Darion the way that Gabi looked at him. Darion’s head tilted a little higher as he took her in. Slowly, he flashed her his killer smile. Gabi felt jealous already.

  How am I meant to do this? she thought, panicking. She poured herself a glass of champagne.

  “I’m Audrina.”

  Darion took hold of the woman’s outstretched hand and shook it. Gabi did the same, introducing herself.

  “Is this your first time?”

  “Not for me. But it’s Gabi’s first time,” Darion informed her.

  “Oh.” She beamed at Gabi. “It’s only my third time,” she confessed, letting out a giggle. Her mobile bleeped, so she pulled it out of her bag, pressing the buttons.

  “I’m sorry, ma’am, no mobiles or cameras in here,” the security guard said as he walked over. “There are lockers over there where you can store it.”

  “Oh. I forgot, I’m sorry. I’ll be back in a tic,” she told Darion, walking off.

  “We get doctors, judges, actors, and other people in here who wouldn’t want their reputation damaged in any way,” Darion informed Gabi. “People come here to express their sexuality. Some people are ashamed of it, so rather than go local, they drive miles out here, where no one will know them.”

  At that moment, a couple in their mid-thirties sat down opposite them. Darion shook both their hands, grinning at them. He clearly knew them. They must have been regulars. The woman waved at Gabi and began making small talk, throwing a few compliments her way. She asked if Gabi minded her sitting next to her. Gabi knew that people expected her to be game; she was, after all, in a swingers’ club. Darion and the man began chatting, seemingly both eager for their girlfriends to get it on.

  “So, we hire a babysitter once every three months, and just come here, let loose, get wild.” The woman laughed loudly. “Me and my husband were always a bit daring anyways,” she confided in Gabi, taking a swig from her martini.

  “How did you get into coming here?”

  “We used to chat online to other couples and meet up with them. Then, they recommended this club, and we have been visiting this place for years now. Darion’s a great guy.”

  Gabi bit her lip, wondering whether she had slept with him.

  “You know.” She paused. “There were all these fantasies that I had, but I had no idea that I’d be fulfilling them. Honestly…” She put her hand on Gabi’s knee. “Just relax and have fun. Enjoy it.”

  Audrina returned and asked Gabi if she wanted to get a drink or have a dance. Gabi sighed in relief; she had wanted rescuing from the older woman. She wasn’t attracted to her or her husband in the slightest. At least Audrina was definitely more her type. She agreed and headed toward the bar with her.

  “Don’t be nervous, honey. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. You can do as much or as little as you like.”

  “What got you into swinging?” Gabi couldn’t help but ask.

  “I came with my ex-boyfriend in the past. I really enjoyed it. I’ve never had a threesome before, so I’m hoping to meet a man an
d a woman who are up for it,” she hinted at Gabi. “What about you? What are you looking for?”

  “I’m not sure.” Gabi surveyed the room, catching Franchesca talking to Darion. What am I curious about? The question rang in her ears.

  “Threesome with two men? Another woman? S&M?” She shot Gabi a questioning look.

  “Um…” Gabi laughed shyly. “I don’t know.” She ordered three shots of Sambuca and necked two back immediately, then handed one to Audrina, who did the same.

  “I was like that the first time too. We couple swapped though. The first time was okay. I really fancied the guy, but Shane didn’t click with the woman, at all. But he took one for the team, and we swapped partners. Then, the night after, I didn’t take to the man, but I just went along with it. He didn’t have a clue what he was doing.”

  Gabi giggled. Audrina was certainly an open book.

  “Shane was in his element. Another woman joined him, and there he was, getting off on these two women, and I was getting screwed by some clueless man. It was awful. So, that night, we swapped again, and fortunately we met another couple that we both fancied.”

  “Did you ever just stick to Shane?” Gabi asked, hoping that it was common to not swap partners.

  “Oh yeah. For the first hour, me and Shane had sex, but it felt ordinary, so we allowed people to watch us. Really turned me on. It feels like you’re a pornstar or something, putting on a show.” She giggled. “Trying to impress people, you know? Then I saw like, so many hot guys, and women, and just decided I was up for swapping.”

  “Are you here alone?” Gabi asked, wondering if a man was meeting her.