by K Larsen
When I replaced my phone I got a new number, being sure to only give it to Amanda and Marg with strict instructions to keep it to themselves, and I haven't received a text from him yet. Flowers are delivered to the shop every Tuesday and every arrangement is more extravagant than the last. The shop is slowly looking more like a florist's than a tattoo parlor. Every week Sawyer grits his teeth and does his best to ignore the flowers but I know they really bother him. The cards all read the same thing; “I don't give up - Dom.” All the cards end up in the trash can.
I still haven't figured out the pull to him, the devastating attraction and need I feel for him, but I try not to dwell on it. Every once in a while I pull out the necklace and let my fingers run over the wings of the butterfly. Dom’s been a busy little bee as of late, popping up in the pages of Us Weekly and People, always with some little tart attached to him. He doesn't smile and he looks tired and it makes me sad, wondering why he appears that way.
Amanda: Hey chica how’s things?
Good enough, what's up?
Amanda: Marg and I need a girls weekend soon, think you can get away?
Where?
Amanda: The Cape second weekend of Sept
I’ll ask Sawyer and let you know.
“Muffin!” I shout to the front of the shop.
“What’s up, love?” he calls back.
“Manda and Marg neeeeeed me,” I say in my sweetest begging voice.
“When?” he laughs.
“Second week of September. Can I go? Pretty please?” I bat my lashes shamelessly at him.
“Who could say no to that face?” he chuckles.
“You are the best!” I squeal and race across the shop, leap into his arms, and hug him tight before responding to Amanda
I’m in!
Amanda: Score! Harbor View Hotel under my name.
Sweet. See ya in two weeks.
Impulsive Mistakes
“Holy shit. This is nuts,” I say, looking around. The Harbor View Hotel has rooms, luxury suites, and one, two, and three-bedroom cottages. The wrap-around porch shows off the spectacular views of Edgartown Harbor and Lighthouse.
“Yeah, Marg’s dad’s friend paid for a weekend here but they couldn't come so they offered it her,” Amanda informs me.
“Well, I’m not complaining.” I laugh and set my suitcase on the bed and start to unpack.
“Any word from Dom?” she asks nonchalantly.
“Nope. He didn't even show for his last appointment.” I shrug, trying to feign indifference. When he pulled a no-show I’d been really disappointed and pissed. His loss though, since he paid in full up front.
“I’m here!” Marg barrels into the room, hugging us both. “Tonight we hit The News, ladies, slutty dress required.” She laughs.
We spend the next two hours sharing the bathroom, primping for our night out. I have this hot little sequined skirt, paired with heels that make my legs look like sex. To offset it I kept it simple with a plain black sheer tank although the zebra striped bra I’m wearing is clearly visible. I like it. It’s edgy and fun. Marg piles my long hair on top of my head in curls leaving some to cascade down around my face, and Amanda nails my make-up: it’s vampy and dark and I love it. The neon pink streak in my hair adds to the look nicely.
Once the three of us are ready it’s nearing ten. We head down to the lobby to wait for our cab, looking like high-end call girls and ready for fun. Heads turn and a few drunk guys whistle at us but we ignore them all, this is girl-time only.
Strutting through the doors of the bar, lights flash, “As Long As You Love Me” blares, and the dance floor undulates with the throng of people. I squeal, secretly loving this song, and drag my girls to the dance floor with me. Twisting my hips, I move to the music and close my eyes, letting the bass vibrate through me. Amanda disappears, yelling something about grabbing drinks, leaving Marg and I on the dance floor. A tall handsome guy dances up on Marg and I give her the thumbs up that he’s not creepy. She leans back into him and starts dancing with him. A pair of hands lands on my hips and start guiding them back and forth to the beat. I lean back into the firm body and roll my hips seductively against him, enjoying myself.
A breeze blows gently through the crowd, and the smell it brings with it makes me dizzy with memories and I still slightly. The fingers at my waist dig in, keeping me moving as my heart starts beating frantically in my chest. Dominic’s distinct smell infiltrates my nostrils as his hands grind my rear into his crotch. I’m overrun with conflicting emotions but too caught up in the moment to move away. I’m frozen in the ecstasy of his touch. I tilt my head up, looking at his throat, his Adam’s apple bobbing sexily as he swallows and drops his face to mine. Funny how firm pecs and amazing biceps can thwart a girl's best efforts. Why do I always want the wrong thing?
“Clara,” he blows into my ear. And just like that I’m lost. I feel like a starving, depraved person. I’ve fought off the very thought of him for so long that my body rejects the idea of doing it any longer. The bass thumps, it’s hot, and a light sheen of sweat coats my body. His fingers slither under the hem of my tank. The contact of skin on skin blows my mind and I fear my knees might give out. As if sensing my overwhelming reaction he spins me so we’re chest to chest. One hand cups my ass firmly as the other slides up my spine to the nape of my neck and grips my hair. Holding every inch of me pressed into his length he moves us together fluidly. I can't control my ragged pants as the beat picks up. His eyes devour me. The intensity is startling as I look at him.
He dips me, and trails his tongue from my collarbone to my earlobe as he pulls me back up. Every inch of my body is on fire as he moves us. His white button down shirt clings to him. His sleeves are unbuttoned and rolled to his elbows and he’s wearing those faded jeans I love. His eyes never leave mine and when my tongue darts out to wet my lips he growls. My panties dampen at the sound and I know tonight’s a lost cause. If he wants me he can have me, all he has to do is ask.
His knee pushes between my legs hiking up my skirt as he moves me to the music against his thigh. His hands firmly hold me at my ribs as I close my eyes and let go. I let the bass line rush through me, drop my head back, arms hanging at my sides and grind against his thigh as he carries my weight. One hand snakes around my ribs, freeing his left hand. He palms my throat and drags his hand down between my breasts to my belly, never breaking my rhythm. I gasp at the sensation and slowly reach out, fisting his shirt and pull myself up to his chest. The music changes to something faster paced and I pull his face down to mine. “Get me out of here.” He smiles devilishly before bending at the waist, throwing me over his shoulder and like a caveman carries me to his waiting car.
As soon as the driver rolls up the partition, I straddle Dom. Unbuttoning his shirt, I yank it down his arms and kiss every inch of his chest. He tugs my tank off and unclips my bra, sending my breasts spilling out as the straps slide off my arms. Palming them, his breaths come in short rapid successions. He takes them in his mouth one at a time and suckles, sending me teetering close to the edge of insanity. His hands come to my waist, grasping me hard, fingers digging into my bottom. He lifts me and slides off the seat before bringing me down to his mouth. Licking a path to my opening I start shaking uncontrollably. “Not yet, Clara,” he demands low and raspy.
His fingers rip the underwear from me and slide inside as he licks me. I grind my hips into his face uncontrollably when he pauses to suck my clit between his teeth. He bites down gently sending the most luxurious tingling sensation shooting from my core throughout my entire body. “I’m going to come, Dom.” My voice shakes as my body trembles viciously with pleasure.
“Not until I say you can,” he demands.
“I can’t stop it!” I cry out. His mouth and fingers leave me and I feel a desperate need to get it back. He nips and tongues his way across my thighs, pushing my skirt up around my waist and kisses my belly. He unbuttons his pants and shucks them and his boxers down around his ankles. Kneeling be
tween my knees he pauses at my already wet entrance and trails his fingers over the sensitive spot until I squirm and writhe beneath him.
“Are you ready?” he growls low. I nod my head and try to control my breathing. He lifts my hips off the floor and wraps my legs around his waist as he slams into me. I cry out at the feeling of him filling me and he instantly stills. “Did I hurt you?” he asks.
“No. Don't stop,” I beg. He drives deep and hard again and again and my world explodes. Skin filters through the speakers, adding to the erotic tension between us. The three-inch heels of my shoes dig into his rear as I cling to him. Flipping us, he lies beneath me watching me heatedly as I ratchet up and down like a piston on top of him.
Letting me set the pace, our bodies settle into a steady rocking motion leaving me feeling more replete than I’d ever felt. Rolling again he pins me down and increases our pace. Slamming into me, my legs start to quiver and I can’t control my hips as they buck wildly. He lightly bites my neck sending me over the edge. “Dom!” I cry out as I lose control of my body. My nails pierce the skin at his shoulders as I ride out wave after wave of pleasure. When he finally collapses on me grunting my name, I lay still, unable to move as my body shakes with the intensity of the orgasm he just gave me.
“Are you all right?” he whispers in my ear as he nuzzles my neck.
“I will be,” I rasp, trying to still the trembles that don’t seem to stop. He rolls to my side and pulls me tightly into him. I sling an arm over his chest and breathe deeply.
“What are you doing here?” I question as I regain some composure.
“My cousin’s getting married tomorrow. We were out for his bachelor party,” he explains in between peppering my face and neck with light kisses. His fingers linger between my legs, taking their time toying with me. “Come with me, Clara,” he pleads softly, continuing to trail kisses down my neck and over my chest.
“Yes,” I murmur, lost in the sensation of his nips and lips. “Yes,” I breathe again, ready for more. His fingers leave me and he slides in and moves gently in and out, making love to me again. It’s lazy and tender and every bit as fulfilling as the needy rough sex we just had. Moments later I come apart around him as he holds me, thrusting and swiveling his hips, setting every nerve I have on fire. He calls my name as he comes and collapses again at my side. We lie together holding one another for a long time before he tugs my skirt down and asks me to come home with him. I know I shouldn't, but now that I’ve had him it’s not enough and I want more. I text Amanda and Marg letting them know I’m with him and join him back at his room.
He lavishes my body with attention a third time upon entering his room and all my worries disappear as he leaves no inch of my body undiscovered. He knows just where and how to touch me to make me fall apart with ease and I give myself to him anyway he wants, willingly letting him have all of me. As we snuggle together, sated and spent, he traces the outline of each butterfly from my shoulder to my thigh. “It’s stunning,” he breathes in my ear, the warmth of his breath making me shiver. He pulls the comforter over us and tangles himself with me. “Do I need to get you a dress?” he murmurs.
“A dress?” I ask, confused.
“For the wedding tomorrow.”
My breath hitches and I swallow a lump of air. I vaguely remember something about a wedding being mentioned in the height of our passion.
“What?” I croak.
“I asked you to come with me, Clara, you said yes.” He sounds slightly irritated.
“I thought you meant come with you. You asked while you were doing things to me.” I blush a little at the memory.
“You knew exactly what I was asking,” he clips. “You agreed and you’ll come.”
I roll away from his fatherly tone and sit up.
“You’re not the boss of me, Dom. I don’t like your attitude,” I snip, reaching around the floor for my clothes.
“Where the hell do you think you’re going?” he asks, his tone now panicked.
“To my hotel!” I wail.
“NO,” he barks.
“YES,” I retort, not phased by his tone.
“Clara, no. God, please don't go. Stay tonight.” He sounds frantic as his strong arm snags my waist and pulls me back to him. “Stay with me,” he whispers in my ear tenderly. I’m a goner because I know I can’t say no to him. Worse, I don't want to. I don’t want to leave, ever.
“Okay. I’ll stay.” I relax into his arms and enjoy the feeling of security they bring. “How big's this wedding?” I ask. He trails his fingers up and down my arm. It feels heavenly.
“Family and close friends only. I think about two hundred people,” he mumbles.
“Two hundred people is family and close friends?” I snort in disbelief.
“To my family, yes,” he replies.
“Mercy,” I breathe.
“Mercy?”
“Mercy. I give up. I’ll go,” I relent in a moment of utter submission and weakness. His arms squeeze tightly and he kisses the tender spot behind my ear.
“Thank you,” he whispers. I sigh and let myself succumb to the exhaustion of hours of lovemaking. The last thing I hear before I drift off is Dom’s deep voice whisper, “You’re amazing,” as his hand finally stills, resting flat on my belly.
* * * * *
Light filters through the curtains as my phone vibrates off the side table. Without opening my eyes I fumble for it but as I reach down I’m hauled back across the bed into Dom’s strong arms.
“Morning.” He smiles at me.
“Good morning to you,” I flirt. He shakes his head at me, grinning. “What?” I ask.
“I’ve waited a long time, four months almost, to have this happen.”
“Have what happen?” I ask suggestively.
“To wake up with you, Clara.” He leans in and brushes a feather light kiss across my lips. “To spend the night with you,” he breathes in my ear while nipping at it.
“If you wake me up and I don't get angry you must be pretty effing special. I hate waking up,” I say. A hot flush breaks out across my chest as he kisses a path down my neck.
“We don't have time for this.” He stops at my collarbone and I whine in protest.
“Why not?” I ask, running my hands along all the hard ridges of his torso.
“We have to find you a dress and the wedding is in four hours.”
I pout and relax back into the pillow.
“Fine.”
“Don't look at me like that. We’ll have plenty of time for fun later.” He winks and smacks my thigh playfully.
“I don’t want to alarm you,” I say, sitting up and straddling him, “but you may have unleashed a monster last night.” He hardens at my opening. “An insatiable monster.” I breathe into his mouth as I kiss him. With ease he lifts my hips and slides me down on him while I wrap my legs around his back. He stands and crashes my back into the wall opposite the bed as he stays deep and swivels his hips. My head dips back hitting the wall and my eyes close as he quickly brings me racing towards release. Suckling and kissing my exposed throat he drives deep, skidding me up the wall some and stays planted while he rotates his hips. My muscles clench, my breath catches, and, gripping my hips to steady me, he rolls up and nips my neck before my orgasm rips through me at an alarming rate. He finishes just after me and carries me to the bed, setting me down carefully and slowly pulling out. “Will that hold you over, my dear?” he teases.
“Mmmhmm,” I sigh and watch his amazing naked body saunter to the bathroom for a shower. I grab my phone and check my messages.
Amanda: Are you ok?
Marg: Dom the Dominator huh? I was hot just watching you two dance!
I text Amanda and Marg back letting them know what's up and that I’m the worst friend ever for missing almost all of girls’ weekend and decide to leave it that.
Weddings & Lies
Pulling up to the chapel, I’m a bundle of nerves. Dom holds my hand and rubs his thumb soothingly over m
y knuckles, but it does little to calm me. “Will this make the news?” My voice cracks a little, giving away my fear.
“It may. The society pages eat this stuff up.”
“I can't do this,” I breathe.
“Clara, relax. It’s just a wedding. You look stunning and I’ve instructed my publicist to keep your photo from appearing in print.”
“Easier said than done,” I mutter. Exiting the limo, Dom escorts me inside. The chapel is lavishly decorated, flowers are bursting everywhere and everyone is dressed like they’re attending the Grammys. Dom’s hand guides me by the small of my back through the crowd to our pew. I scan every face that passes us, looking for recognition, but find none and start to relax. Dom’s cousin Henry stands at the front of the church looking excited and dapper in his tux. When Dom had come into the bathroom to fetch me he took my breath away. His tuxedo, tailored just for him, fit perfectly and the smile he’d beamed at me was dazzling. Within a few moments the chatter quiets and the music starts.
Six bridesmaids in stunning navy gowns gracefully float down the aisle before the bride makes her last walk as a single lady. Her dress is amazing and clings to her figure and I wonder if I’ve ever witnessed such a beautiful person before. Their vows start and end and as the preacher says, “You may kiss the bride,” Henry lifts her veil and kisses her passionately. Flashes go off and people clap and holler as they make their way down the aisle as husband and wife. As the couple passes us I get a clear look at her face and for a moment think she looks vaguely familiar. The feeling and sensation passes as quickly as it came on and I convince myself I’m being paranoid.
