by S. Valentine
“Ahhh…” Darion threw his head back with a groan. He continued to grind into her until he came with a roar, coming violently inside her. He gripped her buttocks, pulling her into him, and she felt the pulsing of his cock.
When he’d finally finished, she collapsed onto the bed, needing her heartbeat to resume to normal, for her body to stop tingling, and the soreness on her buttocks to subside. She was physically drained. Darion rolled her over so that she was on her back. His body dropped onto hers, and she liked the naked feel of skin on skin. She could feel the thudding of his heart against her own. She was breathless, aching.
After five minutes of lying there, Gabi broke the silence. “Darion, do you ever think about the future?” When he disentangled himself, she lifted the bed covers and clambered underneath their warmth.
“I prefer to live each day as it comes.”
“I like to plan things. I like to have an idea of where I’m headed.” Otherwise I worry and I’m restless.
“Gabi, an idea and the reality of that idea can be two different things. The future is uncertain for everyone.” He swept his hair back with his hand. “We could get hit by a bus tomorrow, discover a life-threatening illness, lose someone we know. Enjoy every moment whilst it lasts.” He buried himself under the covers. “And don’t take life too seriously. None of us get out alive.” His mouth curved upwards, humor twinkling in his irises.
Gabi lay down. At first she had been attracted to Darion’s outlook on life. Sometimes though, she believed it was irresponsible and careless. Yet he must have been responsible at some point in his life. The man owned his own business. Maybe he was now afraid of making future plans incase they went wrong, or didn’t live up to his expectations. Or maybe he was confused about what he actually wanted in life.
She had craved excitement and hadn’t minded Darion’s unpredictable nature. She had escaped her previous relationship, which had made her rethink the whole marriage and kids thing. Yet it just proved that Lawrence obviously hadn’t been the right man for her, because if he was, she would have wanted those things with him. She knew she wanted those things with Darion if their relationship lasted, and they overcame certain obstacles. But did he want all that?
Gabi wanted nothing more than for Darion to open up to her. Until he did, she would forever feel in limbo. She prayed he wouldn’t start neglecting her, like Lawrence had. She did need the security. She needed to feel they were on the same page.
Turning to face him, she saw a glazed, faraway look in his eyes again. He was focused on the wall before him. She called out his name, which didn’t break his gaze.
“Darion,” she repeated, even louder, squeezing his arm lightly.
He met her stare and rubbed the back of his neck, as if in discomfort, to alleviate the pain.
“What’s the matter?”
“Nothing’s the matter.”
“Darion, you’ve been distant all night. Talk to me. Is it work? Is it Gina leaving? Your ex-wife? What?” She exhaled heavily, losing her patience.
He leant back slowly. “It’s all of those things.”
Oh. “Well, can I do anything to help?”
“No, darlin’.” He cupped her face in his hands, causing her lips to pucker up. He pressed his mouth firmly against hers. He kissed her a few times before pulling away. “Everything will be okay in the end.” His tone shook with emotion, not at all sounding confident.
The end would be okay for whom? As his fingers entwined with hers, she wondered whether it was just a matter of time until she got her happy ending, or whether Darion would become bored, and move onto his next conquest.
Chapter
Twenty-Seven
Gabi sat in her office, a doughnut to her lips, and a steaming coffee before her. Her day had been productive so far, although her troubled mood hadn’t subsided. Placing the doughnut on a napkin, she rested her head against the back of her chair, inhaling and exhaling slowly. The rest of the weekend with Darion had been pleasant. They’d watched a movie at the cinemas on Saturday night, and Sunday afternoon, they had strolled around Westhaven checking out the sights it had to offer. She’d just closed her eyes when a tap at the door disturbed her.
Tara, the receptionist entered. In her hands was a beautiful bouquet of red roses. As she placed them before Gabi, the sweet aroma filled her nostrils. Gabi thanked her, and picked out the card. Unfolding it, she read it. She couldn’t refrain from smiling as warmth filled her.
She shoved the card in her top drawer and lifted the roses closer to her nose. She breathed in the scent again. Her fingers ran across the smooth petals. Was this Darion showing his romantic side, or were they flowers to say sorry for his distant behavior?
She was about to call him when Mallory entered. Closing the door behind her gently, she dropped down onto the seat opposite.
“Oooh. Is Darion showing his sweet side?” she teased.
“Or his sorry side.” Gabi softly laughed.
“What would he have to be sorry about?” Mallory tore a corner off the doughnut and popped it into her mouth.
Gabi’s pursed her lips. “It’s nothing major. He’s just really quiet lately, like shutting me out. I know there’s something on his mind, but he doesn’t tell me anything, Mal.” She rested her elbows on the table. She hadn’t realised she’d been tapping her Louboutin-clad foot until Mallory regarded her suspiciously. She stopped instantly. “Does Steve tell you everything?”
“Honestly, Gabi…” She nodded. “Pretty much, yes. If something is bothering either of us, we share.”
“Why does Darion feel that he can’t open up to me?” She folded her arms across her chest.
“Darion’s obviously a private person.”
Gabi shot her a look.
Mallory laughed. “You know what I mean.” She picked up the top page of a manuscript and examined it. “Has he got problems at the minute? Or do you think he’s hiding something?”
She shrugged a shoulder. “Both, I think.”
“And you’ve tried talking to him?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t know what to suggest, Gab. Maybe the longer you’re together, the more he’ll let you in.”
“Maybe.” Gabi touched a key on her computer keyboard to check if she had any new emails. “So, how’s everything with you?”
“Everything is great. Steve’s new job is perfect for him. The extra money doesn’t hurt.” She beamed. “We’re thinking of going to the Maldives some time this year.”
Gabi groaned. “What I would do to be lying on a beach with a cocktail.”
“Maybe you and Darion could go to one of those swinger resorts abroad. A nudist beach,” she teased.
“You’re a cow.” Gabi had to laugh or else she’d cry. My crazy fucking life, she thought.
“Have you seen his slutty ex recently?”
“No.” Gabi shot up in her seat, suddenly remembering Eva’s warning. “I forgot to tell you what happened.”
Mallory sat up straighter, eager for gossip, as always.
“I saw her at the club, and guess what she said to me, Mal?”
“What?”
“She basically said that if I don’t keep my man happy, then someone else will.”
“What a bitch,” she spat. “Well, fortunately for you, you do keep your man happy.”
Do I really?
Mallory glanced at the wall clock, and eased herself off the chair. “Anyway, we better go visit Suzie again soon, drop some baby gifts around.”
Gabi grinned. “Baby clothes shopping,” she squealed excitedly. “I’m up for that, just let me know when.”
“I will. I better get back to work before Phil does his rounds and fires me.”
“He would never. He’s too sweet.”
“To you, yes. Our parents can’t all know the boss and ensure we have a cushy little office.” She laughed.
Gabi stuck her tongue out playfully. “See you later.”
“Bye, sweet cheeks.”
When Mallory left the office, Gabi couldn’t stop from grinning. She was genuinely pleased for her friends. Suzie was soon to be a wonderful mother, and Mallory was planning a romantic getaway. She knew she would be as broody as hell when she saw Suzie’s baby for the first time, and she’d be desperate for a holiday when Mallory shared the thousand photographs she would definitely take in the Maldives. Grabbing hold of her pen, she chewed the end, deep in thought. Maybe she and Darion could take a trip somewhere. Explore London or something.
Leaning back on her chair, she caught sight of the telephone on her desk. She abruptly sat up and reached for it, forgetting that she hadn’t thanked him for the flowers. Cradling the telephone in the crook of her neck, she tapped in his number. The sound of the dialing tone filled her ears, followed by Darion’s smooth sounding voice.
“Gabi.”
“Hi.” She swiveled in her chair to face the window. The sky was blue for a change, without any clouds to spoil it. The sun was beaming, flooding through the office. She could feel the heat of it on her face. Summer was upon them, and she prayed it would be a decent one, weather-wise. England could be so unpredictable, raining for weeks, and then bright the next, and then back to rain. She wanted to wear summer dresses and flip-flops, take leisurely walks in town, and visit new places. The Lake District sounded appealing with its picturesque hills, lake, and quaint little shops. Then again, she knew it was about time she visited her parents in Mayfair, London.
“Hello?” Darion’s voice broke her thoughts.
“Hi.” She smiled. “I wanted to thank you for the flowers. They’re beautiful.”
“You’re welcome.” She heard a harsh blowing sound and guessed he was smoking.
“What’s the occasion?”
“They were going cheap at the corner shop.”
Gabi threw her head back with a laugh. “Seriously?”
“I’m joking, Gabi. There’s no particular reason.”
“So, how’s your day going?”
“Not bad,” he responded.
She chewed her lip. Darion and his short answers. She’d probably have more luck getting blood out of a stone. “Busy day?” she pried.
“Yeah. We’ve revamped the website, had a delivery of new leaflets, sorted advertising, booked a decorator to paint the club. It’s all coming together.” The enthusiasm in his tone was apparent.
“I’m glad to hear it.” She meant it regardless of her dislike for the club. At least he was putting his attention on other things, rather than dwelling over Eva and Gina. He sounded a lot more positive, which was an improvement from being withdrawn lately.
“So, what do you wanna do this weekend?” he asked.
“I don’t mind. We have all week to decide.” As long as she was with him, that was all that mattered. She could be at a bar with him, watching a movie, or eating out and she would feel blessed.
“What are you doing later?”
“I’ll probably have a relaxing bath, read a book. You?”
“I might cook up something nice and watch a film.” He was quiet for a moment before adding, “Well, I’ll leave you to get some work done.”
“Okay.”
“See ya, Gabi.”
“Bye.”
She rose to her feet and stood before the window, taking in the busy street below. The sound of cars, talking, and laughter filled the air. She watched as a couple walked by, hand in hand. They paused to kiss one another, and then embraced. Eventually going in different directions, they turned to look back at one another a final time, huge smiles plastered on their faces. Gabi’s heart swelled.
She returned to her desk when her mobile bleeped. Darion. As she read the content, a shiver ran down her spine, her stomach twisting in knots. Collapsing on her chair, she tossed the rest of her doughnut in the bin, having lost her appetite. Her mood instantly plummeted. She felt sick, although she didn’t know why she was surprised. She knew it was only a matter of time before Darion wanted to liven up their relationship, let loose, and make her a part of his world.
Darion: We could have fun at the club this weekend? ;) D xx
So he was craving swinging, craving the playrooms, craving other women. She swallowed the bile that rose in her throat. She knew he’d never force her into doing something she felt uncomfortable doing, but she also knew he’d be disappointed if she wasn’t willing to try new things. Would he think she was boring, unadventurous? Could she step out of her comfort zone and give Darion what he wanted? Could she satisfy him enough?
Fuck! She scratched her head. If there was a button to switch off her feelings for him, she was pretty certain she’d press it at that moment in time. But there wasn’t. Her feelings for him were too strong. She was still at the stage where she couldn’t get enough of him, and enjoyed every single second spent with him—even the times when he pissed her off royally.
She hated that love made her weak. It made her consider doing things that she never usually would.
She wished he could be happy with visiting the playrooms, and them soft swinging—not agreeing to penetration with other people. She could just about handle getting frisky with others whilst he observed. But to actually have full sexual intercourse with someone else in the same room with Darion, whilst he did the same, it didn’t even bear thinking about.
It was her worst nightmare.
Chapter
Twenty-Eight
Darion
Darion placed a card on the table, and looked at Lennie and Travis, trying to read their expressions, to see if they were winning or losing. Several cards were placed on the table before them, along with wads of cash, and bottles of beer. They were seated at the club, near the stage, too engrossed in their game to even notice the new barmaid Jasmine appear. Eva had hired her.
It had been a while since Darion had properly enjoyed Travis and Lennie’s company. He’d been so concerned with other issues going on in his life, or too infatuated with Gabi, that he’d neglected his friends.
He felt his tense body slowly start to relax as the game continued. That’s it, he thought, swigging back half of his beer, keep your mind occupied and you won’t dwell on Eva-problems. Placing a card down, he snatched up his tin of cigars and offered one around the table. They accepted. Darion stuffed a cigar in his mouth, lit it, and handed Lennie the lighter.
Jasmine stood near their table, swaying her hips, and running her hands through her ash-blonde hair. Darion hated being disturbed in the middle of a game.
He placed a card down. Jasmine stepped closer to him, leaning into him, her cleavage mere inches away from his nose. Her blue eyes sparkled at him, a cheeky smile sweeping across her face.
“Are you winning or losing?” she asked, picking up some empty bottles.
He leant back, evaluating her. She was pretty. Before he got the chance to respond, he felt his mobile vibrating in his pocket. Glancing at the screen, he realised it was Gabi. He pressed the decline button quickly. Jasmine laughed loudly, turning away from him so he got a view of her firm ass in a tiny black skirt.
“Daz, let’s finish the fucking game, yeah?” Lennie snapped, growing impatient.
“Jasmine,” Darion said softly. “How about you get back behind the bar?”
“Sure. I’m just collecting the empties, boss.” She shook the bottles in front of his face before sauntering off.
His mobile rang again. Gabi.
“Call her back,” Travis told him. “I’m close to beating your ass. I can feel it.”
“We’ll see. I reckon I’ve got you, Trav.” He grinned confidently as he checked over the decent hand that he’d been dealt.
Five minutes later, Darion kissed a hundred pounds good-bye. Lennie walked away a winner. Finishing the last of their beers, Lennie and Travis returned to working on the door of the club as it began to slowly fill with people.
At the bar, Darion pulled out a stool, and ordered a bottle of Corona. As he waited for Jasmine to get his drink, he scanned the club. It was fairly bus
y. The customers all seemed to be enjoying themselves, and there weren’t any lousy drunks he had to chuck out. Maybe it’d be a smooth night. He hoped so. When Jasmine handed him his drink, he downed a quarter of it back.
“Lex, have you heard anything from Gina?” he asked her as she approached him. He realised that he missed Gina.
“Nope.” She pulled herself onto the counter of the bar and sat on it. “I thought she would have called you.”
Darion took out his mobile and clicked on Gina’s name. Holding it to his ear, he was surprised to receive an automated voicemail message stating she was unavailable. He ended the call, shoving the mobile back in his pocket.
“It’s not working.” He ran his hands up and down his face. “I hope she’s okay.”
“She will be.”
He was silent, his fingers drumming on the bar. “What’s she like?” He nodded toward Jasmine.
“She’s a hard worker. She’s sweet.”
“Good. Eva did something right for once.”
He rose to his feet with a yawn and stretched his limbs. His body was aching. He’d been nonstop working lately, catching up on emails, membership applications, and organising private party bookings. He knew that a cool shower would do him a world of good.
Hearing a familiar loud laugh, he stopped in his tracks. He felt goosebumps trail across his body, his heartbeat quickening. He thought he’d told her to stay upstairs.
As suspected, he saw Eva propped on a stool, talking with Jasmine, who was behind the bar, cradling a glass of liquor. Noticing him, she straightened her posture, and flicked her hair back. Apprehension filled her eyes. Jasmine scrambled away, leaving them to it.
“What are you doing here, Eva?”
“I thought I’d come in early today,” she replied.
“I mean, what are you doing here…downstairs.” His tone was stern as he felt himself getting agitated.
“Don’t be like that, Daz.” She stood up, towering an extra six inches in her heels. “Can we just be civil, please?” she pleaded.
