by Lauren Luman
In all of my thirty-four years, I’ve never given my all to someone. The entirety of my mind, body, heart and soul have always remained my own. But this man whispering sweet nothings in my ear dares to possess it all.
Chapter 9
The next morning, I meet up with Jennifer at a downtown bakery for one of my favorite breakfast delights, chocolate croissants. I step into the shop, and the aroma of pastries and turnovers overwhelms the senses. Sidling up to Jennifer in the doorway, I give her a toothy grin, feeling like I’m on cloud nine.
“Hiya, bestie.” she smiles back and gives me a side hug.
“And good morning to you, m’lady.”
“Well, someone’s a bit perkier than usual this morning. I wonder why,” Jennifer teases.
“Yes, well … let’s just get breakfast. I am craving chocolate croissants. And some powdered sugar sprinkled on top. Mmmm,” I groan aloud. Then I catch myself, remembering those moments Malakai warned me against such erotic sounds when it comes to my love affair with food. I blush and take a deep breath to calm my arousal.
We approach the counter as the line moves forward and order up. For me, two chocolate croissants and hibiscus tea, and for Jennifer, a blueberry muffin and iced white chocolate mocha. The cashier hands us small plates with our goodies and numbered table tags corresponding with our orders for delivery to our table. I pick a high-top table, and we get settled in. As a barista brings our drinks, Jennifer and I have a moment of silence for those first bites of heavenly baked goods.
“So, you have to spill. What’s going on with you and Malakai?” Jennifer grills me.
“Jennifer, I don’t want to jinx myself, but I have a really good feeling about this thing we have going on. I know it’s been such a short time, but he has carved a spot for himself in my everyday thoughts. And every time I see him or talk to him, I have to keep myself from swooning at his feet.” I show her a picture we took together and she mimes fanning herself.
“You weren’t kidding about that celebrity look-a-like. I don’t blame you for wanting to fall at his feet. And I can see in your smile how happy he is making you. That right there is all I want for you.” Knowing one of the most important people in my life sees pure happiness shining on my face and is genuinely happy for me warms my heart even more.
I lean forward and envelop her in a fierce hug. “Thank you, Jennifer. I appreciate it.”
We finish eating and sip the rest of our tea and mocha.
“Jennifer I’m going to make a pit stop to the restroom before we leave. I’ll be right back.” I head toward the back hallway where the restrooms are located and accidentally bump into a man exiting the men’s room. I look up and recognize the man that saved my life all those years ago.
“Steve, wow. I haven’t seen you since, well …” My voice trails off, hinting at that horrific night where he swooped in and saved the day.
“Carrie, hi. Yeah, it has been a while. How have you been?” The look on his face is a bit off, almost bewildered, as if he’s been caught red-handed. We make a little small talk and exchange numbers, agreeing to catch up some time.
***
Later at home, my phone chimes with an incoming text message, and I punch in my code to unlock it. Opening my texts, I see an unread message from the man that has consumed my thoughts for the last couple of weeks. Butterflies soar in my stomach, up to my heart.
Malakai: Good afternoon, love.
Carrie: Well, hello there, handsome.
Malakai: Can you meet me at my place? I have a proposal for you.
Carrie: Sure, what time?
Malakai: Give me about thirty minutes, and I should be home.
Carrie: Yes, Sir ; )
Malakai: Not yet, love. But see you soon.
I take a quick shower to freshen up and dry off just in time to dress, quickly dry my hair and head upstairs to Malakai’s apartment. I knock on the door, and he yanks it open, grabbing my wrist and pulling me to his chest. He crushes his beautiful, talented lips against mine in an arousing hello. When he pulls away, I see that arousal from head to toe and in between. Malakai’s pupils are dilated and his pants are tented, showing the shape of his thick, hard dick, causing my mouth to water with the desire to taste more than just his lips.
“Now, that’s quite the hello,” I tease, my legs weak from his greeting.
“I’ve missed you.”
“You just saw me this morning.”
“I know. But when we’re apart, there’s this pull in me that demands we be together. I can’t explain it. It’s unlike anything I have ever experienced.” His response is laced with adoration, and I blush and avert my gaze to the floor. He places his hand underneath my chin and lifts my face to look him in the eye.
“I feel it too,” I admit breathlessly.
“Let’s sit for a moment. Would you like a glass of water?” He leads me to the couch, and I lower myself to the leather cushion.
“Yes. Thank you.” I respond.
He brings me a bottle of sparkling water from the refrigerator along with a tall glass of ice. Sitting on the couch next to me, Malakai tucks a piece of hair behind my ear and smiles adoringly.
“As I said, I have a proposal for you. Now, I’ll understand if you say no, but just hear me out.”
“I’m listening.”
“I want you to come to Red Velvet with me tonight. Be by my side. See the club buzzing with activity.” He’s alight with nervous anticipation. I know it took a lot for him to ask me to accompany him given my history with BDSM.
“Malakai, I’ve never been to a club like that, outside of your tour the other day.”
“I know, love, but please. I’d be honored to have you on my arm for everyone to see.”
I give it some thought and realize that if I want something real with this man, I have to accept his offer to step further into his world. This is what I’ve always wanted. A man to dominate me and help play out my most deviant fantasies while also cherishing the woman that I am outside of submission.
“Yes, Malakai. I will go, but I’d rather not engage while we are there. I just want to take in my surroundings and enjoy your company.”
“Of course. Whatever you want, but I’d like you to wear something sexy for me. Something I’ll want to rip off with my teeth later.” He winks with that request.
I feel my face heat with arousal again and rise from my position on the couch. I drape myself onto his lap, my thighs encasing his. I stare into his eyes and feel his hands cup my ass. I decide to further take the lead and lean down. I inhale his scent and lick from the base of his neck to his earlobe. Malakai grips my ass harder, and I feel a growl loosen from his chest.
“Carrie,” he breathes into my ear. My body erupts in goosebumps, and I close my eyes, inhaling deeply.
I lift up off of him and see his erection bulging in his pants. I get down on my knees slowly and place my hands on his thighs, ready to taste every drop of him.
“Unzip me, love. I want to feel your mouth on me.”
I heed his command, and he arches his hips to pull them down, leaving him clad in navy blue boxer briefs. I reach my hand down under the elastic waistband and gently pull out his long, thick hardness. Veins protruding. I angle my body forward and lick the drop of pre-cum leaking from the tip.
“Fuck, Carrie. Your tongue feels so damn good, but don’t tease me. I know what that mouth is capable of. Now show me.”
With that command, I widen my mouth and take as much of him as I can. When the tip hits the back of my throat, I gag a little but enjoy the feeling. Bringing this man pleasure does the same for me. I wrap my hand around the base and move up and down, stroking as I suction the tip with the back of my throat. This creates a gulping sound, and I feel Malakai’s thighs tense, signaling that he’s on edge, about to come.
“What the hell are you doing with your throat, Carrie? God, that feels amazing.” I look up to see his head lying back on the back of the couch. He brings his hand up to run his fingers th
rough my hair and grip. In that moment, I feel my pussy flood with wetness and my clit becomes sensitive. Malakai sees the abundance of need in my eyes, so he pulls me up off his length and leans forward to kiss me hard. He sweeps his tongue inside and nips my bottom lip playfully. The pain heightens my arousal and I moan into him. He breaks the kiss and reaches down to his pants, feeling for his wallet. Pulling out a condom, he rips the packet open with his teeth and quickly rolls it down his slick hardness.
“Ride me, love. I want to see your face when we come apart together.” With that, I stand up and straddle him, lowering down on his dick slowly. The way he stretches my pussy is gloriously painful. Once I’m all the way down, I pause for a moment to adjust and place my forehead on Malakai’s, breathing in and out slowly.
“You feel so good inside me, Sir. So long and thick and hard.” I start to undulate my hips then rise up and down. As I move faster, I feel Malakai use his thumb to put pressure on my hardened clit, spiking my arousal and bring me so close to the edge of the cliff.
“Carrie, I’m almost there too. I know you’re about to come. I can see it on your face, in the tension of your body. Let go for me.” And I come so hard, my body shaking. I release a guttural sound, as does Malakai while he spills into the condom. He grips my hair and rests his forehead on my shoulder as he continues to come … and come. It’s as if he’s been holding out on himself. Our chests are heaving, droplets of sweat dripping down between us.
Malakai gently lifts me off of him, and I wince as he pulls out of me. “Wait right here, love. I’ll get a washcloth to clean you.” He disappears to the guest bath down the hall and returns with a warm cloth. Gently, he reaches between my legs while I hold onto him for balance. I want to feel embarrassed, but I know this is all part of cherishing me. I feel so cared for by this man. Not just cared for, cared about.
“Are you okay love?” He asks quietly.
“Yes, Malakai. Very okay.” I smile against my words.
“I’m glad to hear that. Now, go downstairs and put on something ravishing. This little fun on my couch is just the tip of the iceberg for what I have planned after the club.”
“Okay. I will meet you back up here around nine-thirty. How does that sound?”
“Perfect. See you then.” We dress, and he walks me to the door, giving me another soul-stealing kiss on my way out and giving my butt a light smack. I move down the hallway toward the elevator, grinning from ear to ear.
***
Later that night, Malakai and I are sitting at the bar of Red Velvet, he with a scotch in hand, and I with a cranberry juice. I take in the sights and sounds of pure, unadulterated hedonism. It’s slightly overwhelming to see party-goers so open and unashamed with their desires, but it’s also quite liberating. Though I could never publicly indulge myself, but I can see the appeal for others. I sense the enjoyment and heightened arousal in the air, and it’s putting me on edge for what Malakai plans to do to me later. I can only imagine and hope.
“Tell me what’s on your mind, love” Malakai speaks up next to me. The music in the air is just low enough that we don’t have to yell in each other’s ears to communicate.
“I may have been envisioning what you’ll do to me later, after we leave.” I’ve decided bold and brazen will get me everywhere.
“And what does that entail?” He asks with a mischievous look in his eye.
“Well, after glancing over a couple of those public scenes, that flogger looks really nice. Maybe some nipple clamps. I’ve never tried those, and you know how sensitive mine are.” I try my hardest not to blush, but I still feel my cheeks heat at the mere thought of coming by his hand in the ways I’ve just described to him. I run my fingers through my hair and look him straight in the eye. Reflecting in his eyes is not only heat and arousal, but that commanding dominance that sets my body alight with the need to please. I feel my nipples harden underneath my clothes, and my panties start to dampen with arousal.
With that, Malakai takes me by the hand and leads me back to his office. He signals to his manager to handle the club for the rest of the night and out the back door we go.
Chapter 10
Steve: Hi, Carrie. Are you free for coffee later?
My phone chimes with an incoming message. I peer over at Malakai who is working on something on his laptop and turn to his direction. Before I respond to Steve, I have to let Malakai know.
“Malakai, do you remember when I told you about my attack, and the man that saved me?”
“Of course. Is everything okay?” He asks, concerned.
“Yes, yes. Well, I bumped into him yesterday morning when we were having brunch. I hadn’t seen him since the ordeal, but I always felt gratitude toward him for pulling me out that situation years ago. I want to let you know he asked to meet for coffee. He just wants to meet and catch up. That was him that just sent me a message.”
“Really, now? I’m not sure if I’m okay with my woman having coffee with another man.” He doesn’t sound mad, exactly, but I detect a hint of possessiveness that I’ve seen before.
“It’s just coffee, Malakai. I owe him that much for what he did years ago.” I stay calm on the outside, but I refuse to let him dictate my actions.
Carrie: Sure. Meet me at the same bakery at 3pm, in an hour.
“I’m not feeling good about this, Carrie, but I won’t try to control you. That’s not in my nature. I just care about you. You know that.” Malakai relents. I hear the sincerity in his tone. I also hear his frustration at the thought that I would meet with another man, even platonically.
“Thank you.”
***
I step into the same downtown bakery where just yesterday I’d seen someone from my past that I thought would never cross my path again. Though Steve and I were friendly acquaintances, it was nothing beyond that that would render the need to stay in touch after the attack.
I look around the seating area and see Steve sitting at a table in the front corner. With a coffee in hand and a plate filled with assorted pastries, I can see he’s been waiting for me. I wave then point to the counter to signal that I’m going to put my drink order in then join him.
After I order a green tea, I take a seat across from him. I’m not sure why, but he seems nervous, a little on edge. Just like yesterday. I don’t remember him being this way when I knew him before, but time changes people.
“Is everything okay, Steve? You seem nervous.” I try to calm him with a soothing voice, one usually reserved for my callers at work.
“Uh, yeah, sure. Everything is fine.” He takes a quick sip of his coffee just as a barista brings out my tea.
“All right. Let’s dig in, then. These look good.” I grab an apple turnover from the dish, along with a napkin from the dispenser on the table. We sit in awkward silence for a bit as we savor the food before us. Wiping my hands with my napkin, I swallow the bit I was chewing and break the silence.
“I know we were never really close or kept in touch, but I want to thank you again for saving me before. I think back then, I was blinded by the possibilities of what I could have with Troy to see who he truly was. He wore his possession and jealousy as part of his façade of dominance. And when it was too late, that’s when I realized I was sorely mistaken. If you hadn’t come home when you did … well I don’t want to think about what could have happened. I just felt like I never thanked you properly.”
Steve looks up from his pastry and just stares at me. I squirm a little, now the nervous one.
“Carrie, I always thought you were too good for Troy, but I didn’t want to say anything. It wasn’t my place. I wanted to say something to you about an incident with someone else he was with. Then when I found you, I felt immense guilt for holding back. That guilt was part of what led me to come to your aid.” He starts fidgeting, nervous again.
“Do you want to take a walk?” I ask, hoping some fresh air will do him some good. I didn’t think about how seeing me might dredge up the same chaotic memories, and ho
w he might react.
“Uh, sure. Yeah.” He goes to the counter to get a couple of to-go bags and we load up, carry our drinks out the door, and start walking through downtown. Mostly we talk about work, family, any other new things since we last knew each other. I casually mention Malakai, but Steve doesn’t mention any romantic interests on his end. Before I know it, we are standing directly in front of that same apartment building that just a few short years ago, was the scene of the worst experience of my life. I start to panic inside.
“Steve, what are we doing here?”
“Well, I still live in the building, just in a different apartment. I have some things you’d left behind upstairs but never got the chance to return them. Come up with me. It will be quick. Honestly, seeing you has been good for me. I struggled for a long time after everything happened. It was difficult to come to terms with knowing your best friend nearly murdered someone in a blind rage. I couldn’t stay in that apartment anymore.”
There’s an odd tone to his voice, but I attribute it to the possibility of anxiety. I myself am even battling a panic attack just being here.
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea for me to go up there. I’ve been doing fine not having to see you or Troy or even walk by this building.” Then suddenly, I start to feel a little dizzy, my legs weak beneath me.
“Steve, I don’t feel so well.” The last thing I remember is his hands around me, picking me up and carrying me inside.
***
When I come to, my head is pounding, and I feel extremely groggy. It’s almost as if I have a hangover, complete with the cottonmouth. I try to sit up but find that I’m in a bed, bound. Looking around, I see Steve sitting in an armchair in the corner of the room. As a matter of fact, the room looks nearly identical to how Troy’s was set up and decorated.
“Steve, what’s going on? What time is it?” I croak out.
Looking down at his watch, “It’s almost five p.m.” My gaze stumbles upon something startling on the wall to my right. Nearly the entire surface is covered with photos of me, some even with Malakai more recently. I try to scream, but the dryness in my throat won’t let me.
