by S. Valentine
Heading for the car park, she hummed the hip-hop song she’d just danced to. In the past, whilst Lawrence had told her dance classes were ridiculous for a woman of her age, Mallory had spurred her on. She’d pleaded with her to do something she was passionate about. She’d seen Gabi become a shadow of her former self, her self-esteem at an all-time low. Lawrence’s constant criticising, controlling, and neglectful behavior had turned her into a pathetic, needy woman, desperate to be adored, to be wanted. Gabi hadn’t wanted to join assertive classes to feel like her old self, and so she’d joined the Academy she used to attend when she was younger. As for confidence boosting, it was sure doing the trick. She’d even met a handful of friends there.
Whilst she was unlocking the car door, she felt the hairs lifting on the back of her neck, as cold chills washed over her. Like that time in traffic, she had a feeling she was being followed. She spun around and checked her surroundings apprehensively. She couldn’t see anyone acting suspiciously, nor paying attention to her. Deciding she was being stupid, she climbed into the car.
Her heart almost exploded in her chest when her mobile rang. With a soft giggle when her breathing had resumed to normal, Gabi dived into her bag, and retrieved her iPhone. Swiping the screen with her finger, she held it to her ear.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Gab.” It was Mallory. “Are you free tonight?”
“Yeah, I am.” With her free hand, she strapped her seatbelt across her body.
“Great. Suze called me. She wondered if you fancied going to Sasha’s later. It doesn’t have to be a late one.”
“I don’t know.” Gabi weighed up the options in her mind. Go to Sasha’s bar, have a little dance, and down a few cocktails. Or go home, dress in her warm pyjamas, pour a nice glass of wine, and watch an episode of Gossip Girl.
“Come on, Gab. Suzie’s feeling shitty about being cooped up all the time. Besides, it’s been ages since we all went out.”
A girls’ night out was long overdue. “Okay,” she agreed. “What time?”
“Suzie won’t be drinking, so said she’ll pick us both up after eight.”
“Great. I’ll see you later.”
Gabi placed her mobile back in her bag. She was actually looking forward to it. Driving home with a grin on her face, it didn’t take long until she was in her bedroom. Thumbing through the clothes in her wardrobe, she bit her lip, unsure on what to wear. Eventually she settled on a white dress, which she knew would compliment her golden skin. She had her dad’s genes to thank for that.
She stripped her clothes off and placed them into the laundry basket in the bathroom. Not wanting to get her hair wet, she scooped it into a ponytail, and climbed into the shower. The water was warm and soothing. She closed her lids for a moment, and savoured her time in the now steamy, silent room.
Cautious of the time, she stepped out of the shower, and began drying. It didn’t take her long to dress and perfect her make-up and hair. Finally confronting her reflection in the mirror, she decided she looked reasonably attractive. Gabi could look like a million dollars and she’d still downplay her appearance, which in effect only made her appear more beautiful—an attractive woman without the arrogance to go with it.
You look good, she told herself sternly. Twisting and turning, she scrutinised her image. Her blonde hair hung in loose waves. The dress she was wearing clung to all the right curves, the plunging neckline skimming just over her nipples. She’d accessorised with diamond earrings, which sparkled under the lights. She towered in red six inch heels, the type of heels Darion would tell her to keep on during sex. He had a thing for heels. Scratch that, he had a thing for everything. She half smiled, shaking her head.
Forty minutes later, she, Suzie and Mallory were sat in Sasha’s bar. The place was lively, with music and laughter all around. Suzie was on non-alcoholic cocktails, whereas Gabi and Mallory ensured they took advantage of the night out, and so their table was laden with cocktails and shots. Gabi was on her third drink already, and starting to feel a little light-headed.
“I mean, I won’t mind the getting bigger part.” Suzie fiddled with the straw in her glass. “It’s the morning sickness that will drive me crazy. Oh, and Marcus treating me like I’m fragile. He already won’t let me lift a finger.” She groaned.
Mallory squeezed her arm. “Soon you’ll have that little bundle of joy in your arms, and all that will be a distant memory.”
“Yeah. You’re right.” Suzie beamed. “Anyway, enough about me droning on.” She giggled. “I want to know what you’ve both been doing lately. And we must get together more.”
“Agreed.” Mallory nodded. “And I’m afraid I haven’t got much gossip. Same old for me. Steve is still a darling, our relationship is well, and work’s going fine.”
“Any children on the horizon?”
Mallory shrugged. “Maybe. We’re not being careful, if that’s what you mean.”
Gabi turned to look at Mallory, knowing the shock wouldn’t be missed from her face. “You didn’t tell me you were trying?”
“I’m not trying, but I’m not not-trying, either. If it happens, it happens.”
Although she was extremely pleased for her friends, Gabi felt envy twist her heart. Suzie and Mallory were both on the right track to a future they wanted—a happy family, whilst she was in the dark about her future with Darion. But surely the relationship was much more than fun and games; after all, they did love one another. Was love ever enough, though? The question always seemed to linger in Gabi’s mind. Sometimes it wasn’t enough. Sometimes it didn’t conquer all. Sometimes, a person’s love for themselves, or some things, overrode the love they had for another. She shook her head as if to erase her thoughts, and not dwell on the ‘things’ that Darion loved, and whether they were more important to him than she was.
“So, what’s new with you, Gab?” Suzie broke her concentration, looking at her questioningly.
Gabi was just about to sigh in exasperation when her mobile bleeped. Darion. He’d stated that he was busy with club stuff, missed her, and that he hadn’t forgotten about her surprise.
“I’m seeing someone,” Gabi responded with as nonchalant a tone as she could muster. She tapped her finger on her mobile to respond to his text message.
“Yeah, and he’s hot as hell.” Mallory laughed. “Show her your screensaver image, Gab.”
Gabi held her mobile before Suzie’s line of sight. Her mouth fell open slightly. “Gabi, he is gorgeous,” she swooned. “He’s so different to Lawrence.”
“He’s different all right.” She felt her cheeks straining with the grin that surfaced.
“Yeah, and he’s a kinky bastard,” Mallory informed Suzie.
“Mal.” Gabi shook her head.
“Well, do share.” Suzie swigged her drink.
Gabi threw Mallory a look. She didn’t want Suzie knowing that Darion enjoyed the life of a swinger. She was only just coming to terms with it herself. She couldn’t bear to hear any judgmental or negative opinions, should they come. She’d only shared with Mallory as she told her everything, and as they worked together, it was impossible to hide anything from her. Mallory had the ability to read her like a book.
“He’s…um…into the usual.” Gabi sipped her drink in a bid to end the conversation, but Suzie never let her off the hook that easy.
“The usual? Come on, Gabi, we’re amongst friends.”
Threesomes, orgies, hardcore bondage, toys, being watched, watching others, sex in public, role play…
“You know…” She shrugged. “Outdoor sex, role play, a bit of light bondage.” She wasn’t about to disclose the rest.
“He is different from Lawrence.” Suzie laughed uproariously. “Well, he sure looks like he’s making you happy. You’re glowing.”
“Really?” Gabi’s high-pitched tone surprised her.
“Gabi, you were miserable when you were with Lawrence. No matter what issues you have with Darion, no relationship is perfect,” Mallory to
ld her. “Apart from feelings of doubt here and there, you are much happier.”
Gabi felt her heart swell, and found it difficult to hide her joyous expression. Regardless of the obstacles she and Darion faced, she was happy the majority of the time. The girls were absolutely right.
After they’d finished the drinks on their table, they decided to hit another bar nearby. Mallory, knowing the bouncer, managed to get them into the VIP section. Past the rope, they ordered another round of drinks, and let loose on the dance floor. Swaying bodies surrounded them, excitedly moving to the pounding beats. Gabi wiped a strand of hair out of her face, and waved her arms in the air.
“I’m going to the bathroom,” she shouted to the girls above the music, a moment later.
Gabi wobbled slightly in her heels, the alcohol having taken effect. She clamped a hand over her mouth, feeling as if she’d vomit. Her stomach was churning. Joining the queue for the bathroom, she felt vibrations from her bag, which was pressed against her waist. She fumbled for her mobile.
“Hello…” she slurred, when she’d finally retrieved it.
“Gabi,” his sexy, husky voice came down the line. Gabi heard a blowing sound and realised he was smoking.
She grinned. “What are you up to?”
“I’m in the office. I’ve literally just finished everything that needed taking care of.”
“Sounds like you’ve been a busy boy.”
“Where are you?”
“I’m…um…” She paused, trying to remember the name of the bar. Shit, what was it called? “Oh…Havana Bar.”
“Are you drunk?” She detected humour in his tone.
“Maybe,” she admitted sheepishly.
He groaned. “I wish I was there.”
“Come and meet me, then.”
“Perhaps. I need to speak with the girls first. They’re bitching and whining.”
“Why?”
“I’ll tell you when I see you.”
Gabi entered a cubicle and locked the door behind her.
“What are you wearing?” His voice was now low and seductive sounding.
“Um…” She dropped onto the toilet lid, hiccupping. “A white dress.”
“Wanna video chat?”
“No…” She groaned. “I’m drunk, Darion…I look a mess.”
“Gabi, you never look a mess.”
She wouldn’t have minded seeing him. “Okay.” She caved in.
A second later Darion called back, and she could see him on the screen. Her stomach flipped with excitement. The grey polo shirt he was wearing was unbuttoned, revealing the top of his smooth chest. Gabi desperately wanted to brush her lips across it. She became wildly aroused, heat surging through every cell in her body.
“Let me see you.” His full lips blew out smoke from the cigar he was smoking.
She positioned her mobile on the toilet tank, which was waist-level. Crouching a little, Darion must have gotten a glimpse of her cleavage. A strangled cry of satisfaction escaped his lips.
“Now I really wish I was there.”
Gabi giggled.
“I’ll be there soon.”
Gabi put her mobile away and touched up her make-up. She then found Mallory and Suzie being chatted up by a few men on the dance floor. The girls enjoyed a little harmless flirtation, although they’d never act upon it and cross the line. Gabi was introduced to them all, prior to being asked for a dance. She declined. Darion didn’t like sharing her when he wasn’t present.
A sultry voice came from the speakers. “Bang Bang Bang Bang” by Soho Dolls was playing. Gabi swayed her arms and hips, as did the girls. She gasped when she felt one of the drunken men squeeze her behind. Ignoring him, she continued to dance.
After a couple of songs went by, the girls retired to their table, and sat talking and giggling for a while. Gabi’s limbs were aching, her head spinning, and she knew if she so much as touched another drop of alcohol that she’d probably be flat on her back. However, she didn’t want the night to end. She was having way too much fun. She reached for her glass of water and drained half of it.
“Let’s go dance again.” She turned her attention to Mallory and Suzie, unable to sit still.
“You pair go ahead. I need a moment’s rest.” Suzie leant back in her seat and rubbed her belly.
Gabi smiled ruefully. “Aw, Suze. Why did you suggest a bar? We should have gone to a restaurant, or for a coffee somewhere.”
“Nonsense.” She waved a hand in the air as if to dismiss Gabi’s words. “I’ve been bored stiff lately and tonight has been fabulous. I wanted it to be like the old times.” She beamed.
“I can wait until Darion comes,” Gabi said decisively.
She had butterflies in her stomach, wondering what Suzie would think of him.
Chapter Ten
Darion
Darion switched his computer off, stuffed documents in his drawer, locked it, and scanned the room. Everything was neat and in its place. He was pleased he’d had a productive day. The dancers, barmaids, security guards, and other members of staff all seemed to be content. Well, for the moment, anyway. The club was making a profit each night, although not as much as he’d have liked, but he knew he’d get there. Although the clientele was built by Internet marketing, flyers and word of mouth, Darion still had a niggling feeling to renovate the place. He wanted to change the colour scheme so that it was all black. He knew that the chandeliers would really stand out then. He supposed he had time to achieve his goals.
The bar area had been swarming with customers, as usual. The atmosphere was lively as ever. However the best thing about the day was that he hadn’t bumped into Eva. If he could leave the club with no drama for one day, his prayers would be answered.
He walked toward the leather sofa, which held a pile of his clothes. He thumbed through them, wondering what to wear. A black shirt was his best bet, as he was meeting Gabi in a bar. He yanked his t-shirt over his head and dressed in the shirt. He buttoned it up as he made his way toward the wall mirror. His brown hair, skimming his collar, hung loose. He scooped some gel out of the pot on the shelf, and rubbed it in his hands. Sweeping his wet palms through his hair, he ensured it was styled perfectly neat.
Car keys, he thought, as he examined the room. He spotted them near the mini bar in the corner. He was about to collect them when a tap at the door echoed through the room.
“Yeah?”
“Daz, it’s me, Gina.”
He felt his muscles instantly relax. “Come in.”
Gina entered, closing the door gently after her. He perched on the edge of his desk. He had to look twice, and as he took in her appearance, he wondered what the hell had taken possession of Gina. Usually caked in make-up and a cigarette hanging nonchalantly from her fingertips, in front of him was a woman he barely recognised. Her usually immaculate blonde hair was tied back, her make-up the bare minimum. Instead of her confident strides, she stepped into the room unable to meet his stare. She looked exhausted, like she had the weight of the world on her shoulders. Was Johnny wearing her down, intimidated by her sexiness? He hoped not. Never would he sit back and allow someone to control, manipulate, and change Gina’s fiery personality.
“Is Johnny bothering you?” He narrowed his eyes, surveying her.
“It’s worse than that, Daz.” She bowed her head for a second before looking back up. “My mom’s sick.” He was certain he could see the glistening of tears teetering on her lower lids.
“Gina.” He strode toward her, cupping her face in his hands. When she began sobbing, he pressed his lips against her forehead, and closed his eyes.
“She’s got stomach ulcers. She needs surgery.”
“It will be okay,” he soothed.
“She’s so sick, Daz. She’s lost so much weight, and she’s passing blood.” Gina pulled back, her face etched with worry. “What if the surgery goes wrong? What if she doesn’t heal? She’s all I have.”
“I promise you it will be okay.” He had no idea
if it would, but Gina needed all of the hope she could get.
“I need to go to her.”
“Take as much time off as you need.” He took a step back. “You want me to take you home?”
She shrugged, which he took as a yes.
“Come on.” He grabbed his keys and jacket and led her out of the office. “Is your mom still based in London?”
“Yeah.” She swiped a loose strand out of her face.
Darion realised that Gina actually looked prettier without a face full of cosmetics. She looked younger. He hated seeing her vulnerable side though. When she clasped her fingers around his, he didn’t have it in him to edge away. She tightened her hold. Their gazes met. Admiration and longing was apparent on her face. What used to come next was her smashing her lips against his, burying her hands in his hair, scratching, and biting. Fuck. He turned his back on her and ensured he strode a couple of steps in front, their fingers still intertwined.
“Where’s Johnny when you need him?” He’d meant to mutter it but it came out louder than he’d expected.
“Our relationship is always on and off.” She twisted her mouth in distaste. “Nothing is ever straight forward in my life, Daz.”
“Do you think you’ll sort it out? I don’t want you going to London alone, G.”
She shrugged a shoulder. “We’ll see.”
Darion gripped the steering wheel as he drove to her apartment. He maintained his hard stare on the road ahead of him. Would Gina be safe going to London to see her mom? If he was single, he’d accompany her on the trip at the drop of a hat. He could trust himself around her now. The only thing was, could he trust Gina? He didn’t want to land more rejection on her, distress her anymore than she already was. Leaning back in his seat, he decided it was probably best if he left her to it.
When the car eventually came to a halt outside her apartment, he turned to face her. Eyes shut, her mouth was slightly ajar, and she was snoring gently. Usually when he’d carried Gina to her door, it had been hurried and impatient, and for one thing only. He was pleased to find that he didn’t miss those days one bit. Gabi definitely did have a hold over him.
