She watched him inquisitively. "I'm meeting with Mr. Hawthorn and Paul this afternoon, you going to be there?"
"Nope," he spoke bluntly. "I have my own meeting."
"With who?" she asked, examining his face.
Chase raised his eyes in her direction, expressionless. "None of your business." He set his eyes back to his paperwork, ignoring her.
"Are you meeting her? You better keep to business, Chase. I know you went to her office the other night. Paul told me. He said you two looked intense. Something was going on,” she disclosed. “Keep it in your pants. You fucking her isn’t the smartest thing to be doing."
"Back the fuck off, Rheanna!" he spit out, glaring up at her. "What is your problem anyway? Why are you so fucking concerned with her? Are you afraid of her? If I were you, I’d worry more with what’s sliding between your legs on any given day, some nasty old man’s filthy money perhaps."
Rheanna’s shot him a glare, complete with daggers. “Prick!”
Not the least bit concerned with her assault, he tapped the pile of paperwork on the desk and laid it in a neat pile to the side. “Yep.”
"I don't like her. She's only interested in your money you know, like all the others. She’ll get you off a few times and be gone," she said, embittered. "You never learn. You always get fucked over. She'll fuck you over too!"
“Because you honestly give a fuck.”
He glowered past her at the windowknowing she was right, his past always came back to bite him in the ass. He had been used by nearly every woman he met, but Eden was different. Besides, he was pursuing her, she asked for nothing, and fought him tooth and nail. His heart sunk at the thought, and he quickly moved his thoughts to texting.
"Keep your nose out of my personal life. Who I choose to be with will be up to me, got it?" he said with a stern warning.
"Fine, but don't come to me when the gold digger takes the money and runs!" She turned away in a huff.
Watching the dark demon as she stormed to the door, he tried to remember a good time that they had shared, but sadly came up blank. Rheanna wasn’t the sweet little thing that he protected on the playground when the bullies picked on her for being overly skinny and so much smaller than all her peers. The timid little mouse that he snuck candies to when she was sent to her room as punishment. And certainly not the annoying teenager with a huge crush on his best friend that he let hang out with them because she thought the stars and the moon rose and set from his ass. Nope, she was long gone, had been for years. He admittedly missed that Rheanna, this one he loathed.
"She's not a fucking gold digger!" Pushing himself farther back into the chair, he set his concentration on his Blackberry. “And don't worry, you'd be the last person I would turn to."
"Pffft," she blew out and stormed from the room, the door slamming behind her.
***
Eden stood for a moment, waiting for her eyes to adjust to the darkness of the dance club. Kings of Leon played quietly in the background, and only a few couples sat at the tables surrounding the dance floor. It was rarely busy at lunchtime. Couples seeking an intimate setting would come in, and the surrounding businesses had meetings here.
The club was dark, even with the main lights on. The walls were painted electric purple. The bar sparkled with glass and chrome. A large neon hot pink sign reading 'Pulse' glowed on the opposite side of the room where the DJ booth sat on a mirrored stage. The dance floor was huge to accommodate the considerable clientele that frequented the club. It was one of the busiest dance clubs in the city.
The ceiling over the dance floor was a massive sheet of light bulbs that danced along to the beat of the music. A huge mirrored ball hung above the dance floor and four laser light units hung in each corner. When dusk hit, they all came to life in a creation of neon pinks, purples, and blues. It was like an electric storm, pure energy inviting you to join in.
"Honey, over here!" Mikala yelled, waving her arm high in the air to call her attention to where she sat.
Eden crossed the dance floor and met Mikala with a hug and air kiss. "You’re looking wonderful as usual, Mik. I've missed you."
"Well you know where to find me, I'm always here." She furrowed her brow. "This must be some talk you need, coming in the middle of the day."
"Carl, two San Pellegrino on ice, please?" she called out. "Or would you prefer something a bit stronger?”
"No thanks, I have to go back to work later, sparkling water will do," she assured her.
"So talk to me," Mikala said.
Taking a deep breath, she began. "It has to do with Chase. He wants to be more than friends. You know how I feel about mixing business and pleasure, right?"
"Yep, I know oh too well how you feel. Chase must be special for you to even consider breaking the rules." She tilted her head to the side. "Are you considering?"
Eden nodded. "Yes, but Mik, it’s complicated," she said.
"Complicated how?" she questioned. "If it's just the fact that you’re working together, so what? Get over it, you deserve to be happy with someone."
Eden looked up at the lights, thinking how to tell her friend what she needed to say, that this man wanted to basically own her and teach her submission. Not an easy task. Mik would either get a kick out of this or she’d think Eden had lost her mind and needed to be institutionalized immediately. Men in white jackets were probably waiting in the wings, ready to drag her away at Mik’s direction.
"That's a very small part of it," Eden admitted just as a waitress stepped in, interrupting the conversation with their plates and drinks, whisking away again when Mik waived her hand, dismissing the girl like Cinderella being rushed off by the wicked stepmother. Eden had to laugh at the dramatic gesture.
"This is going to take a while. Maybe we should have ordered stronger drinks," Mikala said with a laugh. "Let’s start at the beginning."
Pouring dressing into a small puddle at the side of her plate, she swirled it around and then rested her fork on the plate’s edge. "How well do you really know him, Mik?" Eden asked.
Mikala shrugged. "He's a member at the club. I don't really know that much about him personally, except that he pays on time and he's gorgeous! Why?" Mikala asked.
"Interesting," she smirked. "So you know he's gorgeous, black curly hair, very tall, built like a god, eyes green like emeralds, and a smile that makes your heart race!"
Mikala’s eyes widened with a smirk on her face. "I don't think I've ever gotten quite that close, but I think you have, honey." Mikala leaned forward. "So just how close, and don't leave out any details."
Eden closed her eyes, reflecting for a moment. "A few kisses." She raised her glass and took a sip.
"That's it?” Mikala asked, knowing full well that they shared a night of hot sex in room #7, arranged with help from her, which she had no desire to share with her friend.
Propping her elbows onto the table and leaning in to keep the conversation their own, she said quietly, "He's so hot Mik! When he touches me, I go to pieces. I can't breathe when he speaks to me in whispers or when I catch him watching me, oh my God!"
"So it has been more than a few kisses. I’d say you've got it bad for this guy, so what else aren't you telling me? Cause that can’t be everything," Mikala asked.
Eden drew in a breath and looked Mikala straight in the eyes. "His lifestyle is different. He wants me to share it with him."
Mikala frowned at Eden. "Are you telling me he's into kinky shit? He wants a sex slave or something? I can’t picture him dressed in leather chaps with the ass cut out. Actually I can. What an awe-inspiring image."
"No. Nothing so extreme." She was quick to answer. "I assure you he's not the whips and chains type. He's not into pain for pleasure. And as wonderful as it sounds to see him in a pair of assless chaps, I’m sure he’s not into that either."
Mikala stared. “Go on then, I can’t wait all day, I have a business to run.” She was a little more than intrigued, but her patience balanced on a thin l
ine and it was diminishing with each passing moment.
"He wants something unconventional. He told me that he wants to take care of me in every way, including sex." She watched to see Mikala's reaction, but she just listened intently.
"Chase told me he's into heightened pleasure, as he describes it. Giving and getting. He wants to be in control. He was me to be his sub. I told him that I have control issues and couldn't give him what he wanted. But get this Mik…he said he hungers for me, and wants to train me to surrender to him." She bit her lip, waiting for Mik to slap the silly grin off her face.
"I think I just creamed in my panties." Mikala squirmed in her seat. "Now that's a hot proposition...problem?"
She swallowed hard with a frown on her face. "I’m scared to death! Did you not hear me? He wants me when he wants me, with my pants at my ankles...seriously it’s just the control thing Mik…I haven’t let a man do what he wants since…well, let’s not go there right now, but you know."
Mik looked confused. "You’ve had sex, right? It's like riding a bike, just let him jump on and pedal."
"I haven’t had missionary style sex since him…well, not until a few weeks ago anyway. I've only been with one man that way, Mik." She almost looked embarrassed. "And it wasn't what I’d call real sex...I mean it was all one sided, I just laid there, and he got off. Pleasure had nothing to do with it."
"Oh god, Honey, I had no idea it was that bad." Mikala reached over to pat her arm.
She pulled her arm back and scowled. "You make it sound like I had a disease! Look, Mik, I just need your advice. Tell me what to do. How do I give him what he wants?"
“Well, it sounds like you’re willing. Don’t think of it as control. Take that word right out of the equation.” She picked at her salad and, using her fork to make her point, said boldly. “Sex is what you make it, girl. You need to leave all the baggage at the door and be free to feel and enjoy it. Maybe you can teach him a thing or two about control. It sounds like Mr. Chase Dean knows all about a woman’s submission, but has he a clue what it’s like to be dominated?”
Eden smiled. “It did cross my mind a few times.”
Mikala licked the tines of her fork. “I’d go for it. Just the idea of seeing him naked, between my thighs, sure would motivate me to an orgasm.” She winked and they laughed.
“Mik, you can really be raunchy!” Eden smirked. “Be serious. What if he wants me to go down on him? I’ve never done that. I wouldn’t know where to start. Sure, I’ve seen it, but to do it, oh my god!” She covered her face in her hands.
“You’ve never given a guy a blow job?” Mikala asked.
Eden shook her head. “Never. Not that I wouldn’t be up for it, except that it puts a man in charge.”
Her hand swooped into a stop-right-there motion. “Let me clarify something, ‘cause you got it all wrong, honey. The woman’s the one in charge. She’s the one with a mouth full of teeth. My best advice to you would be to come up stairs and I’ll show you.” She stood and Eden reluctantly followed. They made their way up to the club’s rear entrance.
Off to the back of the club, behind a curtain, was a locked room Eden had never noticed before. Inside there was a double bed and a chest of drawers with a flat screen and DVD player, nothing else.
Mikala opened the drawers one by one and Eden peered in with curiosity. Inside were adult toys, some she was familiar with, but many she had no idea how they were used. The bottom drawer had several movies in it and porn magazines.
“Don’t look so shocked kitten! Mikala has a naughty side too!” Mikala said, rummaging in the top drawer until she pulled out a large dildo. “Meet B.O.B. He’s going to show you what to do.”
They both roared with laughter when she wiggled it in the air.
After several hours of sex education lessons from Mikala, too many movies and pictures, Eden sat bewildered and a bit turned on.
“We need to go shopping, now," Eden sparked.
Mikala laughed at her friend. "I have everything you need here but okay, for what?"
"What do you think? Sexy lingerie." They giggled like naughty school girls.
Mikala stopped short in the doorway. “I thought you had to get back to work?” she reminded her.
Eden shrugged. “If anyone asks, I’ll tell them I had to stop for supplies.” She grinned. “It’s not a lie.”
Mikala slapped her butt and they ran down the stairs and out into the bright street. “This way honey.” She took her arm and pulled her to the right. “Claudia will fix you up. She owns ‘Dark Lace’. I buy all my essentials from her store.”
“I knew you’d help me. Thanks.” Eden hugged into her arm and they quickly hurried down the busy street.
***
Soaking in a tub full of fragrant bubbles was Eden’s favorite escape after a long day at work. The smell of sweet jasmine and orange essence filtered through the air, relaxing her weary bones and far too tight muscles. It was beyond wonderful, and the water was hot and soothing. This was just what she needed after her longer than usual day. Then she laid her head back on the blowup bath pillow that suctioned to the tub’s edge and closed her eyes.
In her mind, she played out a scenario of her and Chase tangled together in the throes of passion. Hot and sweaty with hands all over, and lips seeking out each other, arched backs and his hot breath on her skin. Picturing Chase’s naked body and fully erect penis as he smiled and stroked it before pushing into her eager opening, she licked across her bottom lip and grinned. She was getting quite worked up in her mind realizing that her breathing had become shallow and her heart rushed.
Eden reached between her legs, running her fingers over her clit, seeking a much needed orgasm with hurried, even caresses. Letting out a moan of pleasure as her climax neared, she pushed her head back and pictured Chase’s mouth covered over her slick opening and his tongue probing her clit. When the phone rang, it pulled her swiftly from her near release.
She sat up and pulled the plug. As it started to drain, she climbed from the tub and reached for her towel on the counter. She caught her reflection in the mirror. She studied her naked body from head to toe and decided she looked damned good. If only that scar would just disappear.
The phone’s persistent ringing forced her to move. She quickly threw on her robe while running into the bedroom. She splayed her body across the bed and grabbed the phone from the bedside table.
"Hello?"
"Hi," Chase said with his usual sensual tone. “Are you busy, am I taking you away from anything important?”
She smiled to herself, almost embarrassed. "Nothing that can’t wait until later. How are you?" she asked.
"Lonely."
She rolled onto her back and put her arm under her head, crossed her legs, getting comfortable biting at her lip with a smile. If he only knew what she had been doing to herself not too long ago, he’d be more than a little lonely, she thought.
"That's a shame," she said with a grin.
"I was thinking of you, thinking of us." He always sounded so passionate, that sultry tone of his causing dampness to form between her thighs, reminding her of unfinished business.
"What exactly were you thinking Chase?" she asked, then waited in anticipation.
He chuckled slightly. "I could tell you, but I'd rather show you, baby!" The naughty innuendo made her clit pulse and she crossed her legs tighter to stifle her reaction.
"I was thinking that I'd like to cook for you, if you’re not busy Friday night? At my place? I’ll send a driver so you can have a glass of wine if you like."
Eden ran her finger over her lower lip, thinking of her last adventure involving the combination of too much wine and Chase. It wouldn’t be like that this time; she could control the situation and alcohol consumption. After all, she wouldn’t be as nervous this time. Maybe. Why not? It was dinner and an evening to get to know each other. If things got out of hand, she’d simply leave.
"I'd like that very much," she beamed.
; "That's great.” His entire demeanor seemed to change, the sultry replaced by keenness. “Do you like French food?"
"I'm not sure, do French fries count?” They laughed. “French food sounds wonderful."
"French it is! Eight o’clock good for you?" He sounded eager. This made her happy.
The idea of spending an evening in his apartment still sounded a wee bit daunting, perhaps, but she wouldn’t over think it, even though she had a tendency to do just that. "Yes. I’ll see you then."
“I can’t wait,” Chase whispered into the phone. She could practically feel his breath at the lobe of her ear.
“Neither can I. Goodbye.” She hung up the phone and hugged herself in her snuggly terry robe.
"I will show you in, Miss Fox, one moment." The driver got out and made his way around the car to assist her. "This way please." Opening the door, he held it as she headed inside to the elevators straight ahead.
"This way please, Miss Fox." He turned to the left, proceeding to a lone elevator marked 'Pen 1', pushed in a code on the pin pad and gestured her in. "Mr. Dean will greet you upon your arrival."
"Thank you," she called, as the door closed. It was not a large elevator but fully mirrored, even the ceiling. Kinky! She laughed to herself.
When the elevator door slowly slid open, she found herself in the penthouses’ small foyer, Chase leaned to the side, waiting. He was so beautiful, dressed in light gray slacks and a white button down shirt, no shoes or socks. Her view was quite delicious.
He stepped forward, leaning in to kiss her cheek. She shivered at the touch of his soft lips. "Come in." He took her by the hand and led her into the living room.
Eden stood in awe. The room had an eighteen foot high ceiling at least, with rich cream colored walls and a winding walnut staircase leading to a balcony landing, moving again to a second and third staircase. It was grandiose and opulent. Stately and impressive like a spread in one of her design magazines. She couldn’t help but be impressed.
An enormous crystal chandelier, with black shades, hung from the center of the massive room. The furnishings were in true, classic design giving a masculine yet unisex flare. It was an amazing room and she was very interested to see the rest of the penthouse, especially if this was just the appetizer for what was to come.
Eden's Pleasure (Pulse Book 1) Page 10
