Silas (A Playboy's Lair Novel Book 1)

by S. R. Watson

  “I like your key,” I compliment to change the subject. I’ve seen this key around his neck before now, but I didn’t want to pry about its significance. Too late to pull my foot out of my mouth now, though. “What does it say?”

  He flips the key around, and I see the word “love” etched into the gold. He seems more like a ‘love ‘em and leave ‘em’ kind of guy rather than a ‘give someone his heart’ kind of guy.

  “I see the wheels turning in that head of yours. I don’t discuss my key,” he says with a soft warning.

  Now, I’m even more curious about it. His love key is a contrast to every vibe he gives off. Not to mention its simplicity. It’s a gold key on a silver chain. He has millions, yet this piece of jewelry can’t hold that much monetary value.

  “That’s fine. It’s none of my business,” I respond in disappointment. “I managed to eat most of the stuff you ordered, so I think I’ll lie down for a bit before my shift,” I hint.

  This is his cue to leave. He doesn’t need to feel obligated to continue caring for me because he got me drunk. I’m sure I’ll be branded as the cruise slut by the time I go to work. Hell, who am I kidding? I’m positive the rumors are already spreading. Silas pulls back the covers for me, so I don’t make a fuss about it. I just pass him my plate and get underneath. Why I am still surprised by anything he does baffles me. He gets under the covers with me and uses his weight to push me over.

  “What the heck are you doing?” I protest.

  “Shhh. I’m not going to fuck you while you’re hungover, so you’re safe. Let’s just sleep.” What the actual fuck? After his debacle with Tory in my room, why would he think I’d let him get his tool anywhere near me?

  He slides in closer behind me and wraps an arm around my waist. I can smell my cheap Dial soap on him, and that surprisingly makes me smile. The heat of his body radiates as I allow myself to snuggle into his warmth. Yup. This is why. All objections cease the moment I felt him. I’m treading in deep waters here, but I don’t know how much I really want the life preserver that takes me away from him.

  I’m cleaning one of the private parlor rooms wearing the earbuds that came with my phone. Back at the Neumann’s, I used to carry around a small radio to each room while I worked. I don’t know how I’ve ever lived without this little piece of technology. Granted, I would have purchased a phone before now had I considered all the other attributes besides calling people. Rhianna’s “Work” has me dancing while I vacuum the food crumbs from the carpet. I’m feeling way better than I did this morning.

  My cuddle session with Silas may have a little do with that even though he was gone when I woke up. Thoughts of Tory and her involvement with him threaten to tarnish the memory, but I’m still flying high. I don’t know why. Something about that man just makes me feel alive. So cliché, but when I’m around him, I’m more than just the help. He sees me. He challenges me with his undeniable sex appeal and filthy words.

  The disappearing hum of the vacuum cleaner has me stopping in my tracks to investigate the interruption. Tory stands, leaning against the wall with the end of the plug still dangling from her talon-like manicured nails. Her resting bitch face cues me in that she’s come with an agenda, and I’m pretty sure I know why. It’s like my thoughts have conjured her up.

  “Well, aren’t we chipper this evening?” she remarks. “Silas have anything to do with that?”

  “I’m just listening to music to make the work go by faster.” I don’t know why I’m entertaining her cattiness. While it’s true I’ve always listened to music while I clean, it’s not the sole reason for my being “chipper,” as she calls it.

  “Cut the shit, Brennan! Was that your plan all along—the reason for your whole ‘Look at me, I’m innocent’ act?”

  “What the hell are you talking about?” If she’s come for a fight, that’s exactly what she’s going to get.

  “I’ve had my eye on you since you’ve arrived. Playing little miss innocent while trying to get cozy with the boss. First, you sit your ass in my assigned seat at the meeting yesterday, and now you’re already trying to screw him—well, if you haven’t already.”

  Now the pieces fit. Why the table went quiet when I sat down and what she was about to say before Silas undoubtedly gave her the look. As if there weren’t enough reasons for her to hate me.

  “I didn’t sleep with him, Tory. He only came to check on me because I was sick. He stayed to make sure I was following his directions to feel better.” I leave out the cuddling part or why I got sick in the first place. I’m choosing the high road rather than to break her spirits even if she is being a major bitch.

  “Whatever. I only came here to tell you not to get your hopes up. You’re the shiny new toy, so expectedly, he would take notice. We have history, and I won’t let anyone or anything fuck with that.” She glares at me while continuing to hole the vacuum cord between her fingers. “You and I will not have any problems,” she says as a statement of fact.

  She finally drops the cord, not bothering to plug it back in, before she makes her dramatic exit.

  She flips her blond hair, which could easily be interpreted as a fuck-off. I just stand there stunned at the whole ordeal until Seth comes in and closes the door.

  “What was that all about?” he asks. I could hear that Satan in heels, bitching about something from the parlor next door.

  “Oh, yeah. Bosom Barbie came to warn me to stay away from the boss.”

  “You call her Bosom Barbie?” He doubles over in laughter. “That’s fucking hilarious. And here, I thought I could come up with some crazy names for people.”

  “Kind of fitting, isn’t it?” I join him in laughter, but then he stops and gets serious.

  “Wait! Why did she feel the need to come all the way here to warn you away from Mr. Lair? This can’t be because you took her seat next to him at that meeting.”

  “Ugh,” I groan. “So you knew that was her seat too, huh? I’ve only just found out because she brought it up, but that wasn’t the sole reason for her visit.”

  After swearing him to secrecy, I tell him about receiving the phone and how things escalated from there. I include how I got drunk and how he ended up in my shower and then my bed. Maybe I should have left out some of those details, but Seth is the closest thing I’ve ever had to a girlfriend, and I need advice. Should I let things play out and see where they lead, or should I heed Tory’s warning to keep the peace for my job’s sake?

  “First of all, holy shit!” he exclaims. “Okay, now that I’ve gotten that out. Fuck that bitch. Don’t let her dictate things between you and Mr. Smug Hottie.”

  I’m never going to live that one down. I can’t believe I called him that in front of everyone. “I don’t know, Seth. What if things aren’t over between them? I don’t want to be part of some weird triangle crap. Hell, I don’t even know if I want to be anything.”

  “You are only delaying the inevitable, girl. Your whole face lit up just now while talking about him. All I’m saying is don’t let her get in the way of whatever is happening between you two. He obviously likes you. We all see it. He’s never been this involved or even been seen this much. Hell, we’ve never gotten phones until you showed up. My guess is that he issued them to have a way to contact you.”

  My mind is blown right now. What if Seth is right? Was the phone for my benefit? It’s just too much of a coincidence to think otherwise. If so, that was a little sneaky but sweet. Score one for Silas.

  “Don’t let him double dip, but if he’s willing to let go of Satan, my vote is to give him a shot. Let yourself have some fun.” He comes over and gives me a hug before imparting his wisdom. “I have to get back to work and so do you. Just remember what I said. Don’t let jealousy dull your sparkle, sunshine.”

  And with that nugget of wisdom, he plugs my vacuum cleaner back in, and then he’s gone. There was so much truth in what he said. I can’t be concerned about their history together. All that matters now is what they have n
ow, and whether I’m willing to get involved with my boss. I’m torn. I know that professionalism should be at the forefront, but look where it’s gotten me so far. Sometimes I don’t even feel like I’m living—I feel that I’m simply existing. Silas makes me feel alive and free. Maybe taking a few risks is just what I need.

  I quickly finish the three parlors assigned to me. Luckily, my last two were still clean since they weren’t reserved on my shift. Now what? The main club is still occupied, so I can’t get in there to start cleaning the equipment yet. Maybe I’ll find Seth and see if he needs help cleaning his remaining rooms.

  My intentions are good until I detour through the foyer to get to the other side of the club. I pass by a door that is cracked open enough that I can see inside. I really should keep going, but my curiosity wins. I inch closer, careful not to be seen. I can clearly see Silas in the center of the room, his elite pupils giving him their undivided attention. They’re in various states of dress—from leather to lingerie. The group seems to have paired off a man for each woman. I wonder if they’re strangers to each other or if they came together. Either way, this is already the weirdest thing I’ve ever seen.

  Silas is saying something about the bare hand being the simplest yet effective way to try stingy spanking for the first time. My ears perk up as I strain to hear every detail. My back is now to the door, so I can see anyone who happens to come down the corridor. Then I hear him introduce Tory. What? I turn back quickly to look into the club. I really should have just kept going and found Seth.

  Tory appears out of nowhere, half naked, wearing barely there lingerie or whatever the fuck it is. A leather bra barely contains her fake tits, and I swear if she moves wrong, her vagina is going to fall out of that leather thong. She flips her hair in that way that annoys me so much and stands next to Silas. I hear him tell her to assume the position, and my throat tightens. It’s like a train wreck. I can’t look away. I continue to watch as he bends her over his knee. He rubs her ass in gentle circles while he says something to his captive audience. Only, now my ears have decided to stop working. They’re clogged with my own monologue of regret and expletives. How could I have been so fucking stupid? He was just in my bed cuddling with me. Now he’s fondling another woman’s ass like he wasn’t just trying to hint that he plans on having me. I’ve been on cloud nine this entire time like our time actually meant something. I can’t even blame him. This has my stupidity written all over it.

  “Brennan?” I hear Seth’s voice, so I look up. Yeah, I’ve managed to fuck up the “not get caught” snooping too.

  “Hey. There you are. I was just coming to find you,” I fib. “I was going to see if you needed any help cleaning your rooms.”

  “What are you doing outside this door then?” He’s not buying my act. “And why do you look so sad?”

  I’m about to tell him that I’m fine when a petite blonde wearing a mini skirt and midriff comes to the door. “Excuse me,” she apologizes. “I was told to close this door.” We both nod as she closes it.

  Great! I’m sure Silas now knows that I was snooping. Why else would I be standing outside the club’s door instead of doing the job I’m being paid to do?

  “I guess we were disrupting their class,” I tell Seth. “At least she didn’t slam the door in our faces.”

  “I don’t know what has affected that pretty smile of yours, but you know you can talk to me. Just like our talk earlier, I will never share anything you confide in me.”

  “I know. And I can’t thank you enough. The same applies to you,” I reply genuinely. I’m just not ready to discuss what I just saw or how it made me feel.

  Silas was open about him teaching the class, so it would make sense that it involves a demonstration. So why does it bother me so much to see it? Is it because it’s her and I know she’s had sex with him? It makes me sick to my stomach to think about his hands caressing her ass like that. One thing is for certain. I could never do anything with him if that’s the way things are between him and Tory. She’s doing me a favor. Now, my virginity can remain intact. There is nothing else for me to ponder.

  “Come on, girl. Let’s grab dinner. They’ll be in there for at least another hour or so. We can’t finish our job until then, so let’s go take a break.”

  “Sure. That sounds like a great idea. I’m actually starving,” I admit. It takes all that I have to give him a small smile. Today is turning out to be so depressing. I just need to find something else to focus on—like photography. I’ll start tomorrow morning.

  I finish day one of the class. It’s been so long since I’ve led one, but it helped to have such an enthusiastic group. They were very attentive and asked plenty of questions. I hadn’t planned on using Tory for the demonstration, but some of the questions I received deemed it necessary. They needed to see my technique, how much pressure to apply, and how to alternate with sensual rubbing. I haven’t spanked a woman in front of an audience since my BDSM club days. I rarely visit them now, other than to research what’s popular and possibly to recruit new members to add to my growing waiting list.

  Tory was beyond thrilled to participate since things didn’t quite go well with her visiting Brennan’s room. I still need to address that with her. I don’t want my spanking her for a live demonstration to muddy the already clouded waters. I’m not rewarding her jealous behavior with attention from me. She has already crossed the line twice.

  I dismiss the group and instruct them to grab a binder on the way out the door to study for discussion tomorrow. Inside, they will find detailed information on impact play that is partly my interpretation and philosophy. I’ve put together the information they need, such as different types of devices used in spanking in relation to their level of sting or thud as well as other characteristics, aftercare, and more. I don’t necessarily consider myself a dominant in the true sense, nor do I have submissives. I do, however, like control. I’m a kinky bastard, and I like certain aspects of the BDSM world without being fully submersed in it. Spanking is what I enjoy the most—leaving my mark.

  Tory walks up to me as I’m about to leave. “Can we talk?”

  “Get dressed and meet me in my room in a half an hour. We will talk there.” The corners of her lips turn up in a smile. She obviously thinks she is getting her way even though this is not going to be the talk she wants. I need to create some distance between us. She has changed the rules of the game, and now we can no longer play.

  “Absolutely,” she agrees. “I’ll see you there.” She puts an extra strut in her step as she twists her ass away from me. She wants to give me a show, but I have something to do first before I meet with her and preferably get a drink.

  I use my master key card to enter Brennan’s cabin. I know I shouldn’t be invading her personal space, but as this is my fourth time, it’s sort of becoming a habit. Besides, I think my justification warrants this impromptu intrusion. Unknowingly, Seth brought it to my attention that she had been outside my class today—but for how long, I don’t know. It does tell me that she is more curious than she lets on. By now, she and Seth should be busy putting the spanking toys and equipment away and cleaning the club. This is the perfect time to drop off one of the same binders that I gave my class to study. It’s an opportunity to introduce her to my point of view on the subject in her own private time. If she is brave enough, she can follow up with questions if she wants. Last night when she was with her co-workers, I sensed unasked questions stirring in that pretty little head of hers.

  I place the binder on her bed with another sticky note attached. This one simply says “Book of Knowledge.” Can’t wait for her vanilla perspective to be tainted with the thing that gets me off the most. Her response will determine how I proceed. I back out of her room, unfazed that I’m crossing the line once again.

  The closer I get back to my room, the less I’m inclined to deal with Tory. Unfortunately for me, she is already waiting on my deck when I arrive. I opt to forgo that drink for now in order to expedite
this discussion.

  “There you are, handsome,” she says excitedly when she sees me. She’s wearing some bandage dress that fits her like a second skin. All the dresses she wears are skintight because she loves to flaunt her figure. I smile to myself because even with her overt sex appeal, I can’t help but think about the sexy virgin who is the complete opposite.

  “There it is. That’s the smile I miss so much,” she coos. If only she knew it wasn’t for her.

  “We need to talk, Tory,” I begin. “Even though I don’t want a relationship, you have been great. I’m so thankful for you, and I appreciate you stepping up to help with my class today.”

  “Yeah. I’m a visual learner myself, so anything to help. I mean absolutely anytime. You know I enjoy being spanked just as much as you enjoy spanking.” She pushes off the rail to saunter up to me. “That reminds me,” she adds while running her hands down my chest. I grab her by the wrists to stop her roaming hands.

  “This is what I needed to talk with you about. I think we need to take a break.”

  “A break from what, Silas? You just said we weren’t in a relationship,” she says, rolling her eyes. I know what she’s doing. She’s trying to bait me into warming her ass up with my belt for the blatant disrespect.

  “Expectations are changing. You want something I can’t give you. Your jealous behavior is such a turn-off that I have to reconsider what we’re doing.”

  “It’s her, isn’t it? That’s why you’re bringing up the jealousy thing. I’m not, by the way. That girl couldn’t hold a candle to what I offer. My sex skills alone would run circles around her. Just be honest with me, Silas. You owe me that.” She wiggles her wrist free. She doesn’t question my presence in Brennan’s room, but I can see it in her creased brows and sad eyes.