The Sanctuary

by Arika Stone

  He ran his strong hands along my back, massaging the paint into my skin as he worked his way down. He shifted his hands to the bottom of my ass before squeezing it so firmly it left a lingering singe.

  His hands slid upward again. The paint was sticky but smooth against my skin. He pressed his body against my back and wrapped his arms around my hip bones, forcing my legs open. Reaching around, he grasped my clit with his paint-soaked hand and rolled it between his fingers.

  As I moaned in pleasure, the paint brush fell out of my mouth and crashed to the floor with a sharp thud.

  Val moved his attention away from my clit, causing my uphill climb to crash. He grabbed my hair and spun me around to face him. “Didn’t I tell you to keep that in place?”

  “Mmm…I don’t remember. Perhaps I need a spanking?”

  It was the invitation he was waiting for. “Perhaps you do.” He growled and smacked my ass with a sharp blow. I involuntarily let out a squeal of painful surprise. But my pussy quivered for more as the blow vibrated from my ass directly to my clit.

  His hands dropped to my ass, hoisting me up and thrusting me down, sliding his cock into my wetness. Carrying me to the canvas, he laid me on it. His cock felt rock-hard inside of me as we began to rock in rhythm together.

  Moments later, my body trembled against his and my pussy throbbed, clenching his cock. But he was not satisfied, not until he brought me to another orgasm. He kept himself inside, holding me tightly against his body, moving slowly, easing me back into pleasure.

  Suddenly, he stopped, his cock still inside of me.

  I opened my eyes. “Don’t stop.” I whispered.

  He playfully shook his head and chuckled as he withdrew from me. As he knelt between my legs, his hands slid to my knees, pushing them apart, widening my body, exposing me to his eyes. He analyzed my pussy, taking it in like only an artist could. He drew two fingers together and entered me, pressing and stroking until he found my ever elusive G-spot.

  “Ohhh…fuck…” I squirmed.

  His fingers were long and strong, and he was tireless in his endeavors. I began to feel extreme pressure build up inside of me right where he was caressing.

  “I…can’t…” I felt as if I was going to pee. I forced myself to hold it; I would die of embarrassment if I had an accident.

  With determination in his eyes, he commanded me, “Yes, you can, Eve.” He moved closer to me, arching my back so the head of his cock was brushing my ass as his fingers continued to massage my G-spot.

  He pressed his weight into me, pushing the head of his cock against my asshole, attempting to penetrate it.

  “Ohh…no…” I moaned in protest as a sudden explosion of squirting liquid erupted from me. My body felt as though it had been taken to another world, lifted to a different level of consciousness. My abdomen spasmed, my clit twitched in uncontrollable force, and my body clamped his fingers like a vise. It was an orgasm like no other, and it left me breathless and in awe.

  As my body started to relax, Val withdrew his fingers, forcing one last squirt of pleasure. I lay motionless, my body dead weight. He rested next to me, stroking his cock, observing me. Time stood still. My breath echoed throughout the studio. It was a comfortable silence, each of us enjoying our own dimensions of bliss.

  “We should get up, let this dry, and shower,” Val suggested, breaking the stillness.

  “I don’t want to move. You exhausted me.”

  “Then I shall carry you.” He rose to his feet and wrapped his arms under me, lifting me up. I draped my arms around his neck and rested my head on his. He stepped off the canvas, and I eyed our creation.

  It was a mesh of color, in mixed shades of red, yellow, and orange. I could see where we started and where we ended. There were handprints, nail marks, and hair imprints. But unless someone analyzed it closely, they would not know what they were or how they’d been created.

  “It’s beautiful. This is something you and I created.” I kissed him. I loved how he indulged me.

  He rubbed my nose in an Eskimo kiss. As he carried me back to the main house, we left a trail of paint behind us, a memory of our rendezvous.

  “I guess we’ll have to clean that up later,” he said, amused, “but now I get to clean you.”

  Chapter 8

  I’d never met a man who could make love non-stop. His sexual appetite wore me out. I needed food. I entered the kitchen and glanced out the window. Were my eyes deceiving me? It was snowing in the middle of October.

  “Val, is that snow?”

  He snuggled behind me, kissing my neck. “It is. Normally it doesn’t snow until Christmas. You’ll be here for Christmas, won’t you?”

  “I hope so.” The words escaped my mouth. I needed to change the topic; I did not want to discuss how long I was planning on staying. “I’m starving. Would you mind if I cooked?”

  He laughed. “How about takeout? I don’t cook much.”

  “I’ll cook. You don’t have to.” I liked to be domestic on occasion.

  “All right, but you’ll need to buy groceries first. And I don’t think you’ll want to travel to the market in this weather.”

  I forgot I was living with a bachelor. Of course he didn’t stock his pantry. I would have to fix that if I intended on living here for the next three months. “Takeout is fine then.”

  “How’s Italian?”

  “I prefer Finnish,” I said with a quick kiss, “but Italian will do.” The clock caught my eye. It was five fifteen. “What day is it?”

  “Friday, why?”

  “Fuck, I’m late for my meeting.” I burst out of his arms and darted upstairs at the speed of light. “Order for me! I’ll be down in a few.”

  I sprinted into the bedroom, frantically searching through my belongings for my computer. I finally found it under a heap of clothing in my last bag. Fifteen minutes later, I was live, and before I knew it, ninety minutes of briefings had passed. I heard a knock on the door, and Val stuck his head inside. “Dinner is ready.”

  I brushed him off with a quick sweep of my hand. I was absorbed in work, the details, the numbers, the upcoming events. The boardroom finally cleared, and Vicki and I were alone to talk freely.

  “How’s it going?”

  “I’ve moved out of the hotel, but I haven’t checked out yet.”

  “Why?”

  “Paparazzi moved into the room next to mine. We’ve been in some Eurotrash rags. Didn’t Kristen tell you?”

  “Yes, but there’s no such thing as bad publicity. So where are you staying now? Casa de Val?” she joked.

  “How’d you guess?” I laughed. “We’ll see what happens. Anyway, I’ve got to go. Dinner is waiting.”

  “Wait, you have an appointment with the president on Tuesday at three p.m., your time. I’ll email you the details. Should we schedule a car to pick you up?”

  “Yes, but I’ve got to run.” I rose from the bed and noticed Val hovering in the doorway in the reflection of the mirror.

  “How long have you been there?” I prayed he hadn’t overheard my conversation.

  “Not long. Dinner is getting cold. Come…” Val extended his hand, which I accepted.

  Downstairs, a romantic dinner awaited me. He’d dimmed the lights, lit a fire, and had wine poured.

  “I thought we’d eat by the fire. Would you join me?”

  We snuggled next to each other on the floor and talked between bites. “You never told me what you do for a living. You said you owned your own company?”

  I wondered where his line of questioning was leading to. “I own an event planning company. I have branches in New York City, L.A., and Las Vegas.”

  “You must do well for yourself then?”

  “Well enough not to have to worry. I’m sure your occupations support your lifestyle.”

  “If all goes as planned, yes. But you can never be sure.” He paused and sipped his wine. “Have you ever thought about expanding your company? Maybe a branch in Europe?”

&nb
sp; I eyed him warily. Did he want to see if we could ever have a future together, or had he overheard my conference? “I have no plans to expand, but I would consider the occasional event if the opportunity was right.” I tried to be as diplomatic as I could.

  “If the money was right?” he pressed.

  “Not necessarily. Opportunity means many things. But I have no plans for moving. Manhattan is my home.” My answer caught him by surprise. “Would you ever move from here?”

  “I would always have a house here, even if it meant summer vacations or winter getaways. But, if necessity called, I would move.” He eyed my reaction.

  “Necessity could mean many things.” My skin tingled; he would be willing to travel for love.

  “Yes, it could. Would you consider retiring?”

  “And start a second career like you?” I teased.

  He chuckled and held my hand. “We could retire together.”

  “I’m not sure.” I paused. “I’m not ready to give up my career.”

  “I understand. Maybe one day you will be, maybe you won’t. So tell me, darling, what’s your typical day like?”

  It was as if he was playing twenty questions, but I enjoyed the attention. “I’m either in the office or at an event. The days and nights often blend. I travel a lot. I’m frequently flying between coasts. A good part of my job involves attending networking functions. It’s like partying with a purpose.”

  “Partying with a purpose. Hmm, I like that line. I’ll have to remember it.” He kissed my hand. “Where is the time for romance, relaxation? When’s Eve’s time?”

  “It’s now, here with you.” I rested my head on his shoulder. “I don’t want to discuss work anymore. I want to know more about you.”

  “I’m an open book. Ask me anything.”

  “What do you want?” I asked innocently.

  “With you?”

  “With anything. What do you want?”

  He paused, deep in thought. “I want to be happy. I’d like to see where we can go, even after your stay here ends. I’ll be honest with you, Eve. You captivate me. You stir my soul.”

  His words were endearing, and I was curious about him. But I wasn’t sure how much I wanted to know. The more I knew, the more I feared falling for him. I rose from the floor and shifted to the couch. I needed to lie down.

  “Do my words scare you?” He lit a cigarette. “If I made you uncomfortable, I apologize. It’s not what I wanted to do.”

  I watched as he exhaled the smoke. It swirled around him, and the warm colors of the fire reflected against his skin. I didn’t want to be so serious so soon. He was taking speed dating to a whole new level.

  “Your words don’t scare me. Like I said, I’m not ready to give up my career, and I’m not sure if what you want is something I can give to you. I don’t want to lead you on. I enjoy our time together, and I like you. But if you’re searching for more, I can’t make promises, and I don’t want to hurt you.”

  I looked into his eyes and saw his forever in my never. He hung his head down, picking at a thread on his jeans. I was standing outside of his heaven, but I couldn’t accept his invitation. I wasn’t sure if I ever could.

  Val whispered, “Let’s forget this and enjoy each other while you’re here.” He rose from the floor. “I’m getting a drink. Would you like something?”

  “I’ll have whatever you’re having.”

  He called from the bar, “I suppose vodka it is.” He returned with a bottle in hand and a joint in another and sat next to me on the couch. “But I’m not sure if I should let you drink.”

  I reached for the bottle. “Nothing wrong with one shot. I can handle it.”

  He pulled away playfully, holding the bottle above his head. “Ah…no.”

  I grasped for it again, extending my body across his, rubbing my breasts on his arm and chest.

  “You can’t tempt me, evil woman.” He laughed, planting a kiss on my collarbone. He lingered there, kissing my neck tenderly. I stretched farther across him, grasping for the vodka.

  Crack!

  Val had smacked my ass.

  I pouted, rubbing my ass from his blow.

  “I told you not to tempt me if you can’t handle it,” he warned.

  “Oh, I can handle it.” I grabbed the vodka out of his hand. “But I prefer to know when it’s coming.” I took a swig from the bottle and passed it back.

  “That’s no fun.” His eyes sparkled like diamonds. He lit the joint and eyed me as we smoked in contemplative silence.

  His voice shattered the quiet. “Do you enjoy being dominated?”

  I shifted my gaze from the fire to him. “How so?”

  “Maybe I should have worded it different.” He paused for what seemed like an eternity. “Do you like it when I take control?”

  “In bed?” I questioned. The pot kicked in, and I knew I was about to become chatty.

  “You’re stoned, aren’t you?” he said with amusement.

  “Aren’t you?”

  “Not really. I’m used to it, I suppose,” he stated soberly.

  “Oh, well, I am. Yes, I am.” I giggled. “I’m not like this when I’m home. I’m totally straight. I don’t drink, do drugs, or have random sex. This…this is not me. I’m all work. Serious, straight-laced, focused, determined.” I paused to gather my thoughts.

  Val smiled, apparently pleased with my chatting. “Determined.” He reminded me of my place in the conversation.

  “Right. Determined. This is not me.” I waved the joint in my hand. “I haven’t smoked in years. I was a total stoner in college.” I stopped, regaining my thoughts. “I’m totally off topic. I’m sorry. What was the question?”

  He laughed so hard I thought he was going to fall off the couch. It felt good to be relaxed with him. I watched him, hoping for a clue.

  “Do you like it when I’m in control?” he asked again, with laughter in his voice. “And do you mind passing that to me?” He motioned to the joint in my hand.

  I passed him the joint. “Losing control is good sometimes. I’m sick of always being in control.”

  “I’ve brought out the wild child in you.” He blew smoke out with each word.

  “Perhaps. I like a man who knows what he wants and how to get what he wants. There’s a way to get everything. It’s just a matter of how you approach it. I’m sorry I’m being random. I’m going off topic again.”

  “No, no.” Val touched my leg, rubbing it with his hand. “Tell me more of what you like.”

  “I like you. I like how you’re confident. It’s a turn-on.” I glanced around the room. The marijuana put me in such a good mood I needed to move.

  “You know what I like? I like to dance.” I bounced to my feet.

  Val nearly spit out the vodka he was swallowing. “You want to dance? Right now?”

  “Why not?”

  “I don’t think either of us will have the coordination.” He took another shot of vodka. “I promise I will take you out dancing, but not tonight.”

  I pouted. “Fine, I will dance with myself. Where is your radio? Or do you have a speaker I can connect my phone to?” I began to search.

  “You’re not going to find anything. Come sit with me, darling.”

  Abruptly there was a knock on the door, startling me from my happiness. “Are you expecting someone?”

  He shook his head and flipped on the television above the fireplace. The security camera filled the screen, showing three girls outside the door. “Just fans. They’ll go away eventually.”

  I watched the television; it was odd to see fans waiting at the front door. They approached and knocked again, screaming his name.

  “Does this happen all the time?”

  “They’re harmless. Usually, if I’m quiet, they go away. Sometimes they leave gifts, notes, and numbers. It’s amusing.” He eyed the screen.

  “What would make them think you would fall for groupie antics?” I shook my head in amazement.

  “They’re
young and naïve. This isn’t the norm, but they all seem to know where I live.” He grabbed the remote and pressed a key. Automatic blinds started covering the windows.

  I loved that he had gadgets for this stuff. “Now if we could only tune them out.”

  Val flicked on the radio with the remote. “Done. Now come here. I miss you.” He patted the couch, trying to persuade me to sit.

  I strutted back seductively. “Dance with me?”

  “Ahh, Eve.” He stood up, placing the bottle of vodka on the table, and approached me, sliding his right hand around my waist and raising his left hand for me to take. I accepted, wrapping my arm around his shoulder.

  He looked down and kissed me on the cheek. “I promise I will take you dancing tomorrow. But right now, let’s just relax and talk.”

  Chapter 9

  “Where are you off to?” He pointed to my outfit.

  “I’m going running. I usually work out every morning.”

  He wrapped his arm around my waist. “You would be beautiful even if you never exercised again.”

  “Aww, you’re sweet. But I’m still going out.” I kissed him and placed my cup on the counter. “I should be back within two hours.”

  “You don’t know your way around. Are you sure you want to go out?” he asked.

  “I have my phone if I get lost.” I waved my phone and headed toward the door. “I may be a little longer if I head into town. But I’ll call you if I’m going to be late.”

  “Wait!” he called out. “I made you keys.”

  I turned around, shocked. “When did you get keys made?” I wondered if this was a set that passed from girlfriend to girlfriend or if he’d made them just for me.

  “When I got up this morning, I went into town and picked them up. By the way, I have one more surprise. Open the front door.”

  I was curious. What was up his sleeve? I opened the door and saw the metal sculpture on the front lawn. My mouth dropped open. I’d told him yesterday I would love to have it in front of my house. Was this his way of saying I was home?