Blindfolded Innocence

by Alessandra Torre

  "Thanks."

  Five minutes later, as I was pulling on a pair of bejeweled sandals, there was a knock at the door. I grabbed the bag I had packed, complete with tanning spray, magazines, and a towel, and went to the door. An attractive blond in a grey suit stood there and flashed a friendly smile.

  "You Julia?"

  "I am!" I reached out my hand, and she shook it.

  "I'm Rayne. Philipe asked me to show you to Cypress. You ready?"

  "I am. Let's go."

  Rayne kept up a steady stream of chatter as we traversed down the halls, elevator, and through four different buildings. I was grateful she was there and more than a little worried about finding my way back. Finally, we arrived at a pool entrance, roped off, with a line of people waiting to enter. She breezed by the line and waved at the security guard. She grabbed my hand and pulled me with her, moving through throngs of people until we arrived at a white cabana with linen curtains.; We ducked inside, and I saw a couch, television and wet bar. There was a wicker basket next to the couch with sun oils, magazines, and towels. The wet bar had a bowl of fresh fruit, and an ice bucket with bottled waters, sodas, beers, and mixers. In front of the cabana, in a roped off area, were two chaise lounges, ready with additional towels and pillows.

  I flopped down on the couch and smiled blissfully at Rayne. She laughed and crossed her arms. "I take it this is acceptable?"

  "Girl, you are gonna have to drag me out of here!"

  She laughed and took the seat next to me on the couch. "I wish I could stay here and relax, but I have a whale up in Prive that is dying to grab my ass again. If you need anything, Trevor will get it for you."

  "Who's Trevor?"

  "Oh, you'll see." She winked teasingly and sauntered off. I looked around the cabana and grinned to myself. I set my useless bag down on the floor and unzipped my cover-up. Pulling the garment over my head, I tightened my bikini strings and then started looking at the oils in the basket.

  "Hello." A gorgeous blond stuck his head in, and then the rest of his body followed. He wore a tight white Bellagio polo, and short white shorts. A little too short. My suspicions were confirmed when he stood up in the cabana and sashayed rather than strode over to me. The man's features were Ken-doll perfect and he had gleaming white teeth. I assumed this was Trevor. "Ms. Campbell, I am Trevor." He had a Russian lilt, something I'd never heard from a gay man before.

  "Hi Trevor."

  "Would you like me to spread some lotion on you?"

  I blushed, and nodded. Twenty minutes later, I was stretched out on one of the outside chaise lounges, earbuds in, listening to Beyonce, a frozen hot pink drink next to me. My body was glistening with coconut oil, which Trevor swore was the crack cocaine of tanning products. My hair was twisted up, and had been sprayed lightly with a SPF protectant and moisturizing treatment, and I had a stack of chilled towels in a silver ice chest next to me. Trevor had wanted to put cucumbers on my eyelids, but I had drawn the line at that. Every ten minutes, misters above me sent cool mists of moistened air down to me. In total bliss I closed my eyes, and drifted off to sleep.

  Trevor woke me up, shaking me gently. "Ms. Campbell." I blinked sleepily and tried to focus on his beautiful face. "I was told you have a 1pm spa appointment. It is 11:40. Would you like me to order you some lunch?" I had fully woken up by then, and nodded. Stretching, I removed my ear buds.

  "Hot dog and fries, if they have it."

  Trevor got a look on his face like he had eaten something bad. "A hot dog?"

  I grinned at him. "Not fancy enough for you?"

  His pained look answered my question. "I suppose you'll be wanting a chocolate milk to drink?"

  "No smart ass, a lemonade would be great." I batted my eyes at him sweetly. "Please?"

  "Your wish is my command," he said, mock bowing.

  "Thank you dahling."

  I decided an hour on my back was long enough and flipped over, lying on my stomach. A band had started playing poolside and I decided against the earbuds, pulling them out and undoing my bikini top. I balled it up and put it next to my chair, lying back down. Trevor reappeared, my lemonade in hand, and frowned at me.

  "You need a pillow, let me get you one." He strutted over to a wicker chest and bent over, opening it. Seconds later he had a small white pillow in his hand, and he positioned it for me, fluffing it dramatically first. "It'll be about 15 minutes on your… snack," he sniffed. "I'll bring it over as soon as it is ready." I nodded, feeling the warm sun on my bare back, and already starting to doze.

  I dreamed of being on a crowded street. It was hot and muggy out, and I was being bumped in all directions. I finally escaped into an oyster bar, and ordered a dozen raw ones. But the more oysters I ate, the more appeared, and I began to stress over the mounting pile. I had just called for the -

  "What the hell are you doing?" The voice was loud enough to wake me, and I jolted out of my dream. I opened my eyes and saw only terrycloth white - the cushion of my chaise. The voice had been deep, and sexy, and… Brad. I rolled over and saw him, standing over me, hands on his hips, looking down on me with an expression of mock irritation. I saw his eyes wander to my bare breasts and I raised my hands quickly, to cover them.

  "What?" Is he mad that I took my top off? Or was I supposed to stay in the room? I'm not a pet puppy for God's sake!

  "A hot dog?" His eyes flashed with humor but he kept his stern expression. "I'm dropping 10k an hour at the blackjack table, they are instructed to wine and dine you to subliminal bliss, and you are ordering a hot dog? and fries?" He sat next to me on the chaise lounge. I had to slide over in order to accommodate him. I still had both hands cupping my breasts, and he reached over with one hand and traced a line on my skin, down the center of my chest. My breathing quickened. He pulled off one of my hands, then the other, leaving me completely exposed. I pulled my hands back up, looking around quickly to see if anyone had noticed. They had. One guy gave me a thumbs up. Great.

  "Don't cover them up. They are beautiful. I want to see them." God, he is hard to say no to.

  "No!" I hissed.

  "Why?"

  "I don't flash my tits around. Besides, they are little."

  "I fucking love them. They are perfect. Let me see them Julia. Please."

  I rolled my eyes and cursed him under my breath. Cursed him for being so damn irresistible, and for having the power to control my damn actions. I dropped my hands and he dropped his eyes, drinking in the sight of me, bare and exposed, in front of him. Trevor chose that moment to reappear and I blushed. Trevor didn't give me a second glance, he stared at Brad, his expression adoring. Yeah buddy, I feel your pain. "Hi Mr. De Luca," he purred. Brad nodded at him, smiled, and then focused back at me. Trevor started straightening up the cabana, all the while staring at Brad. I guess Brad's magnetism didn't limit itself to women.

  Brad leaned forward and kissed me, putting his hand on my right breast and squeezing it gently.

  "Brad!" I pushed him back and swatted his hand away.

  "What?"

  "You can't grope me in public! Me being topless is bad enough!" I looked around furtively and punched his arm.

  "Did I mention the amount of money I am spending? I could fuck you right here on this chair, and they wouldn't say anything." My jaw dropped, and despite my best effort, I could feel myself getting wet. He leaned down and kissed me again, keeping his hand to himself this time. He ended the kiss and rose, looking around for Trevor. Trevor practically sprinted to his side and beamed enthusiastically.

  "Is her lunch ready?"

  "Yes sir, they are bringing it out now. Can I bring you anything to eat?"

  "No. I'm fine. Thank you."

  "Oh-kay. You be sure and let me know."

  Brad leaned over and lightly brushed his hand over my nipples, making me shiver. I bit my lower lip and stared at him. He froze, his eyes flashing at me, and then he gave a slow grin. He kissed my check and then whispered in my ear. "Your body is killing me. I want to take
you up to the room right now." I gave a slow smile in response and rolled over. I pretended to adjust and get comfortable on the lounge, pushing my ass up teasingly. He groaned and grabbed my ass with his hand, squeezing hard. He released his hand, and then gave it a hard slap - so hard I yelped. I lowered my ass and laid down flat, glaring at him over my shoulder. He chuckled.

  "Have a nice day baby. Enjoy your damn hot dog. Order a second if you're feeling really crazy."

  I growled at him through the terrycloth.

  CHAPTER 19

  6:15pm. I sat in the spacious master bathroom, putting on makeup at the counter seat. The spa had been wonderful. I had gotten an 80-minute Swedish massage, a facial, and a Mani Pedi. I had showered at the spa, and left feeling deliriously relaxed and polished. The radio played from the bedroom, and I sang along while I blow-dried and straightened my hair.

  I debated about calling Olivia back, but there was too much to discuss and I didn't know when Brad would be getting back. I also wasn't ready for her questions. I didn’t know how I felt about Brad. Half the time he pissed me off with his arrogance and sexual misdoings, the other half of the time I wanted to shove him down and rip his clothes off. I was used to being the aggressor, to being in control of the relationship. That wasn’t going to be a possibility with Brad. But then again, a relationship wasn’t a possibility anyway.

  Having only had sex with two guys, the prospect of Brad being the third scared me. What did it say about me if I had sex with someone that I didn't even like, much less love? What had been the point of me waiting until I was 19 for sex if I was just going to jump in bed with strangers now? I dusted nude shadow on my eyelids and then reached for the bronze. I couldn't resist the incredible attraction I felt for Brad. I wasn't naive enough to think that this animal attraction was something just the two of us shared. I could see the look in every passing woman, in every waitress, room attendant, and grandma that walked by. I remembered this morning's orgasm, and a twinge of pleasure zipped through my lower body. I wanted, even needed to have sex with him. I couldn't remember ever wanting to have sex with anyone; unless it was to show my love and to preserve a relationship. Sex with Brad would be different, dangerous, passionate, and….and… I didn't know what to do. I blinked and looked in the mirror, examining my eyes. They looked good. Adult, sophisticated, and sexy. I leaned forward to apply a second coat of mascara. I was just about ready.

  I was in a lace bra and panties, had slipped on some heels for the hell of it, and was spritzing on perfume when Brad walked in. His eyes widen slightly, and he walked into the bathroom and leaned against the door, whistling under his breath. He must have come up and changed at some point during the day. He now wore a white button-up shirt with dress pants and a jacket. "Not the outfit I would have expected for dinner, but you look mighty fine Ms. Campbell." I sashayed over and placed both hands on his lapel, pulling him gently to me and kissing him on the lips.

  "Very funny smartass. I'll be dressed in a minute."

  "I'll watch." He grinned wickedly. "Want a glass of wine? I can grab some out of the wine cooler."

  "No thanks."

  He stayed in his position, arms crossed, and watched me as I went into the walk-in closet and shut the door. Becca had blessed me with three different dresses - all ridiculously short and sparkly. According to Becca, EVERYONE in Vegas glittered. From what I had seen so far, she was right. I grabbed a nude strapless minidress that sparkled when the light hit it. I paired it with my highest stilettos and rubbed some lotion on my legs. Fluffing my hair, I prepared to make my grand entrance to Brad. Swinging open the doors dramatically, I put on my sexiest scowl and walked out. To an empty bathroom. My inner goddess rolled her eyes at me.

  Shaky on the plush carpet in my ridiculously high heels, I made it to the living room without turning an ankle and sat in the first chair that I came to. Brad whistled at my wobbly entrance and let his eyes linger on my legs, tanned and freshly shaved. I pretended to glare at him. I had worked pretty damn hard to look this hot and was glad it was getting the proper attention. He walked to my chair and leaned over me, placing his hands on the armrests on either side of me. His scent invaded me and I got wet just from smelling it. It and his beautiful face and those dark, sexy eyes with their thick lashes. He nudged my legs apart with one knee and moved it in a bit, his rough jeans against my smooth skin. His mouth so close to mine, he brushed my lips sweetly and then moved his mouth to my ear. "I want to fuck you in that dress."

  I inhaled sharply, his knee moving further in between mine. Fuck dinner and the damn show. I wanted him right now, right here in this suede leather chair. I leaned my head back and he nuzzled, nipped, then kissed my neck. "You smell good," he said. I smiled.

  "Want to skip dinner?"

  He froze, then pulled back with an incredulous look. "Are you kidding me? A man's gotta eat. Plus," he moved his hands from the armrests to my waist and lifted me to my feet like I weighed nothing, "you'll need fuel for tonight's activities." He nuzzled my neck again and squeezed my ass. Hard. I loved it.

  "What, the Cirque show?" I pasted an innocent look on my face.

  "Get your ass out the door," he growled, smacking me.

  We arrived at Prime a few minutes before seven. Brad stopped just outside of the restaurant, reaching into his pocket to answer his cell. I wandered to the side, seeing a balcony with a view of the lake. Just then I heard something. A few soft, haunting notes. Brad tapped my shoulder and I turned. "Out," he whispered, the phone still pressed to his ear. "On the balcony. Watch the fountains." I made my way to the balcony and leaned on the heavy marble railing, the water starting to move in front of me. The music began again, softly and then increasing in volume until every note was clear and beautiful. The fountains increased with the music, swelling and falling, thousands of different jets under the lake creating a beautiful dance that made my heart ache. I stood there, transfixed and swept away by the perfect harmony. As the last note lingered on the lake, I became aware of Brad's presence behind me.

  Touched by the display, I turned and hugged him, holding him tight and feeling his strength. He smoothed my hair and looked out on the lake. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" I nodded and backed away from him. He turned and offered his arm to me. "Shall we eat?" I beamed and nodded, accepting his arm as gracefully as I could. "Yes we shall." And Cinderella arrived at the Ball.

  Prime was incredible. Decorated in navy, cream, and silk - it was elegance to the ninth degree. The restaurant was located right on the lake, and our seats were in a private alcove with a full-length window showing the view in full excellence. Brad began by ordering a thousand dollar bottle of Dom, which was delivered to our table before the waiter even finished his initial speech. I took a sip timidly. It was the first restaurant other than Centaur that I'd ever been to that had more than 3 utensils. The nervousness from last night returned. Brad sat across from me in his suit, playing with a fork and looking devastatingly handsome.

  The first food brought to our table was a seafood tower. It was four towers of white meat, almost four feet tall. Crystal clear ice chips with colossal shrimp, oysters, clams, crab legs, and lobster stacked its silver shelves. The minute it landed on our table, brought by two black-clad waiters, Brad rubbed his hands together in glee and pounced on it. The white china plates set in front of us were both filled by Brad, him plucking succulent items from each level and stacking both my plate and his full. I waved him off but he ignored me, piling my plate high. I stared, aghast, at my plate.

  I did not eat seafood. Not that I didn't "eat" seafood, but I didn't really like seafood. I had a very limited palate. I grew up eating chicken, rice, and vegetables. The chicken was prepared in different manners, but the rice was always brown, and the vegetables always overcooked. The only seafood I had experienced was imitation crabmeat that smelled disgusting and often occupied a portion of our fridge. I have no idea what my mom did with the crab but think she ate it straight out of the package. Yuck. I had tried shrimp before, and di
dn't mind it - but it wasn't anything that rocked my world.

  I stared at my heaped plate with a mixture of digest and dread. The waiter was busy affixing a white bib around Brad's neck, a second waiter headed towards me with the same intent. I held up a newly manicured (damn those looked good!) hand to ward him off. He halted with surprise.

  "Ma'am - your dress." He held up the bib like it was a burnt offering. This exchange drew Brad's attention, and he stopped, mid-crack, his head coming up and peering at me over his bib causing a unladylike giggle to start to rise. I swallowed it down and looked at Brad.

  "I, err… don't like seafood."

  "Lobster?? King Crab?" His face twisted into an unbelieving scowl.

  "Well, we didn't eat a lot of seafood growing up and..."

  "Have you ever had it before? Lobsters, crab, oyster?" Cinderella was about to be exposed.

  "Well, no. I've had crab before, and didn't like it." Imitation crab, but crab's crab.