Felisha Goulding's Stolen Innocence Series

by Felisha Goulding

  “So, Meg, what do you think will happen between you and Drake?”

  “I’m not sure anymore. After the night club incident I told you about, maybe I scared him off for good, but I hope that’s not the case. We had such a connection and truthfully, I will be heartbroken if I don’t see him again.”

  In a soft voice, Sarah replied, “Why don’t you pick up the phone and call him? I bet he would love to hear from you. Maybe he’s feeling insecure, or maybe he’s trying to give you a little space to figure this thing out.”

  “Nah, he’ll be back tomorrow. I can wait until then. I was kind of hoping he would initiate contact first.”

  “Meg, this is the twentieth century, girls initiate now. There’s nothing wrong with you making the first move here. If he really means that much to you, you should reach out to him. What if he decides you’re not interested and moves on. You both just met, space is the last thing you need between you.” Sarah straightened in her chair. “I have to ask, have you really thought this thing through? I mean, let’s say he calls you when he returns and you two decide to pick up where you left off. What will happen once you return to Toronto? How will you make this work with all this distance between you?”

  “Oh, come on, Sarah. I don’t know if he’s interested in long term. The guy can have anyone woman he wants and I’m not sure if that will be me. And right now, I’m questioning whether or not he ever wants to see me again. I really screwed this up.”

  Irritated, Sarah gave Meg the look. The look that told her she better listen and she better take her seriously. “Why do you keep selling yourself short, Meg? You’re beautiful, you’re kind, you’re sexy, you’re in perfect shape. You’re genuine and funny and anyone who would be foolish enough to pass all that up is crazy in my opinion. It’ll be his loss that’s for damn sure.” Sarah tilted her head slightly to the side before continuing. “Look, my point is this, you are fucking gorgeous, Meg Malone, and I am not just saying these things because you’re my best friend. I mean every word. You are the perfect package. Any guy to walk away from you is insane. I know John Lake is kicking himself over his loss.”

  “Oh, stop, you’re just trying to make me feel better. Besides, you’re supposed to say these things, you’re my best friend.”

  “No, Meg. I’m not. I don’t get how you don’t see your own beauty or what it is you have to offer as a woman.”

  “Sarah, I know I’m not ugly. I just don’t feel I stand out in a crowd and I lack experience, that’s all.”

  “Oh, but you do stand out in a crowd, Meg. You’ll see, now that you’re getting in touch with your sexual side, there’s no stopping you. I’m telling you, sex is good not only for the soul but it also makes you glow. You’ll exude confidence as a woman. You’ll be more in control of your thoughts and when you look confident, you get noticed. People tune in to that.”

  Meg thought about what Sarah said for a moment, wishing she had more experience in that department. She let out a deep breath. “Thank you, Sarah. You always make me feel better. I just need to figure out where I stand with him right now.” At that very moment, Meg’s cell vibrated in her purse. She grabbed it eagerly and was excited to see a BBM message from Drake. Her heart went up in her throat, and she held her breath as she read each word carefully.

  MM,

  You never cease to amaze me, and I can’t stop thinking about the balcony.

  Hope your head is filled with thoughts of me as well.

  I can still taste you. Mmm...

  DN

  A smile stretched across her face and she turned to Sarah. “It’s a message from Drake. With excitement coursing through her entire body, she eagerly responded.

  DN,

  You have filled my every thought for the past two days. Where are you?

  MM

  Sarah, the little vixen, leaned over the table, trying her best to grab Meg’s cell, but Meg managed to whip it away and held it over her shoulder.

  “Oh, come on, Meg. Let me see. I won’t say anything, I promise,” she managed to wrestle the phone from Meg’s grasp and read the message. “Oh my God, Meg. This guy is clearly hot for you. Is he talking about the taste of your mouth or is he by chance talking about your girly parts?” she said with her eyes wide open and covering her mouth for a more dramatic effect.

  Meg felt her face flush. “Sarah, what do you take me for?” But then she couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face as she thought back to that moment.

  “Oh my God.” Sarah’s eyes widened with incredulity, “I can’t believe it. You let him go down on you? Tell me more. Did you orgasm and you better not leave out any of the details. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me this, Meg. After all the conversations we have had over the years and earlier today, how dare you leave out the best part? I would have been splitting at the seams to tell you something like this.” Sarah knew Meg well enough to know these things weren’t talked about freely. Her friend was always so easily embarrassed when it came to intimate details. So she let it slide for now, but she wouldn’t give up until Meg shared more of the juicy details with her.

  Meg let out a low hum of appreciation. “Twice, Sarah,” she held up two fingers for her to see, and repeated herself, “I came twice.”

  “Now, I’m jealous. Does he have a brother? Please tell me he has a brother.”

  That was a good question, Meg thought to herself. She really didn’t know that much about him. With skepticism, she replied. “You know, I’m not quite sure.”

  They both laughed out loud and continued their sex talk. Meg finally opened up a little and exchanged some of the finer points of her time with Drake while Sarah listened in awe. Further into the conversation, Sarah admitted to having a threesome with two other models while she was away these past few days. Meg was shocked but interested in the details. Sarah was thrilled and left nothing out. “You know, Meg, I’ve always wondered what it would be like to be taken by two men at once. I can’t even begin to describe it, it was fucking amazing,” she said just before she stared off into space, obviously fantasizing over the hot, steamy moments in her head.

  Completely flabbergasted, Meg looked at Sarah, as though seeing her for the first time. She knew Sarah was extremely sexual and loved men and hot, steamy sex, but she had no idea to what extreme her desires went until now. “Sarah, I hope you used a condom.”

  “Jesus, Meg, give me some credit,” she looked at Meg in disgust, a sure sign she was telling the truth. “I always use protection, and I’ll have you know, I’ve never had sex without a condom.” With a cheeky response, she added, “If anything, I keep them in business.” She laughed.

  “I can’t believe you had sex with two men! How could you let them use you like that?” Meg wasn’t sure how she felt about the idea of Sarah being with two men. The idea was so new to her. She wasn’t sure if she liked it. She knew for certain that she was a one-man type of woman. But Sarah on the other hand never ceased to amaze her.

  “Come on, Meg. It was fun. I wanted it as much as they did. Besides, I was the one getting all the attention. So if you think about it, who got more out of the deal, them or me?” she replied, playfully wriggling her eyebrows in Meg’s direction.

  Meg’s face flushed with embarrassment; she leaned across the table so Sarah could hear her, and in a small voice, she begged her, “Sarah, not so loud. I’m turning fifty shades of red just listening to you for Christ sake and people are staring.”

  “Hmm, I wonder, Meg. Is that fifty shades of red or maybe it’s the thought of being with two men that’s got you all flustered over there.” She teased.

  “Why am I surprised by anything you say or do, Sarah? I mean, the whole ménage thing sounds interesting, but it’s not who I am. I’m happy with one man at a time, thank you very much.”

  “Meg, I’m not like you. I love sex. I’m not into relationships. I enjoy different men. I want variety. I’m not ready to settle down just yet and I don’t know that I ever will be. You on the other hand,
you fall hard. You were totally in love with John Lake for years. Now, I see that same undeniable look written on your face when you talk about Drake. We’re two different people, our needs are different. For example, when you mentioned that Drake has a dominant side to him, I pictured being whipped and spanked and told what to do and how to please him. There’s something about that whole scene that turns me on. It intrigues me, and I would love to explore that world.”

  “Sarah, you are headed toward some heavy shit if you explore that path. I don’t know much about Dominant/Submissive relationships, but is that something you really want to get involved in? I mean, from what I understand, it can be painful if that’s what they’re into.” Meg shook her head. “Sometimes you really freak me out.”

  Sarah looked at Meg as though she had lost her Godforsaken mind. “Meg, don’t you think that would involve two consenting adults who are both into that sort of lifestyle? People have all sorts of fetishes and they don’t all involve inflicting pain on one another. I’ve always been intrigued by that sort of relationship and if I were lucky enough to find someone into that sort of scene that is trustworthy enough, I would absolutely try it out. I think we all have fetishes deep inside us, we simply need to explore them and not be afraid to say what we want.”

  “I guess. Maybe I’m just uneducated and oblivious to what’s out there and all that’s involved in that world. I’m not saying that if you desire something enough you should simply set aside your feelings. You should absolutely explore your interests provided they are safe. I just don’t get it, that’s all. Now a dominatrix on the other hand could be very interesting.” They both laughed out loud, and Meg was sure the people around them were getting quite an earful.

  * * * *

  “Well, Meg, sounds to me like Drake Noble has had a taste of something that he can’t get enough of.” She licked her lips teasingly and nudged Meg on the shoulder as they walked away from the coffee shop. “So, what would you like to do this evening, clubbing? I know a few good spots not too far from home.”

  “I’m not really sure; maybe. Let’s head back, grab a bite to eat, and see if we feel up to it later. What do you say?”

  “Sounds good to me. I’m just glad you’re here,” she said just before she squeezed Meg’s shoulders. They both hugged in the middle of a busy street in New York City.

  Meg thought how great it was to have Sarah right here next to her. She missed having someone to talk to. “Me too, Sarah. It’s been way too long, and we promised to make time for one another when we left home. How on earth did we let eight years slip by and not one visit? We both have to make more of an effort. I miss you. I miss our talks.”

  “I guess it’s my turn to head out your way. I promise before next summer, I’ll come visit you in Toronto.”

  “I’m holding you to that promise, but now that I’ve had a taste of New York, I’m definitely coming back.” Meg had to admit she loved it here. It was fast paced, thrilling, and she loved running in Central Park. The small coffee shops and restaurants were wonderful. The fact that everyone simply blended into the crowd, no one really paid attention to you, made her feel she could fit right in. And the fact that her best friend was here amongst one other person that she fully intended to get to know better, made her think that maybe a change would be good.

  * * * *

  The afternoon quickly turned into evening and both women decided to go out for a few drinks. Despite the busy streets and loud sirens spilling from police cars and fire engines, it was a pretty laid back evening. After a few too many drinks at a little pub not too far from the condo, they staggered back holding onto one another, laughing loudly. New York was full of misfits and strange characters talking to themselves; it was a great evening all in all. The past came up a few times. They talked about Will, about Ethan, and how much they both missed their parents. Pleased with the way their evening ended, they finally made it in the door and settled on the couch after opening a bottle of red wine. “Meg, if you keep checking that phone of yours, I’m going to take it away from you,” Sarah said, clearly annoyed.

  “Sorry, I was hoping to hear back from Drake. He didn’t answer my last BBM message.”

  “Stop worrying so much, you’ll see him tomorrow.”

  * * * *

  The next morning shortly after breakfast, there was a buzz from the front desk followed by a faint knock on the door. Meg’s heart pulsated in her chest, the sound of blood gushed through her ears. She was hoping it would be Drake. Please let it be Drake. She heard voices, and Sarah came back with an envelope addressed to Meg. Meg’s heart sank when she took the large manila envelope. She sat on the couch and removed a letter inside addressed to her attention on letterhead from Noble Investments.

  After reading it twice, she sat back on the couch, confused with what the letter said. A blank look washed over her face, disappointment filled every part of her and an unwelcome emptiness filled her chest. She could hear Sarah in the background, she must have zoned out for a moment. “Meg, are you okay?” Sarah eyed her warily.

  Meg felt defeated and her voice came out shaky. “It’s a letter from Drake. He asked that I return to the office in Toronto. There’s no need for me to stay here in New York and that he would be in touch. I don’t understand, Sarah. Just yesterday, he sent me that BBM message giving me hope. I don’t get it. This letter is clearly a message to me that things are over. Not that we had a commitment or anything like that, but I guess he’s had a change of heart.” Confused by the coldness of the letter, she didn’t know what to think anymore. Meg turned away from her friend and tried her best to hide the disappointment.

  Sarah came over and sat on the couch beside her and laid her hand affectionately on Meg’s knee. “Meg, you should call him. Maybe he’s unsure how you feel, and it’s possible he’s as confused as you are.”

  “Come on, Sarah. Don’t you find it a little odd after that message I received from him yesterday? What could possibly have happened between then and now for him to simply pretend there’s nothing between us. The letter sounds so formal, so business like, he could easily have called me to tell me this. But I guess he doesn’t want to see me.”

  “I don’t know. You’re right, it is odd.” Sarah rubbed Meg’s knee trying to console her before continuing. “Why don’t you stay here with me for a little while longer? You don’t have to go back right away, your boss isn’t expecting you for another week."

  “No, I have to go back. The letter suggests he may be in touch with me at the office. I have to deal with this sale, and I can’t let Frank down just because I screwed up.” Meg’s world felt as though it were torn away from her. That was it. He was gone, and she lost any hope she had of being with him. He ruined her for any other man. There was no one that could possibly set her on fire the way Drake Noble did. No other man drew her to him the way he did.

  Chapter 14

  The following day after receiving the letter from Drake that ended things between them so abruptly, Meg landed at the Toronto airport on an early flight out and headed back to her lonely condo. She felt as though her entire world was upside down. Her heart was empty, and for the first time in a long time, she felt lost. Sarah was right. When I fall, I fall hard.

  The condo she’d invested in a few years back after her student loans were paid off was located in the heart of downtown Toronto looking out over the Lakeshore. It was truly beautiful here and certainly far more quiet than NYC but busy enough to know you were in a major city. Meg missed New York already. For the remainder of the day, she unpacked, did laundry, and did some house cleaning. After dinner, she prepared lunch for work the following day and debated calling Frank to let him know she was back in town. Later that evening, she decided she would simply show up at the office the following day and surprise him with her early return. She truly didn’t feel up to answering questions this evening. After a nice run along the lake, she decided to write a few more chapters in the book she had been working on over the past few years.
r />   * * * *

  The following day came quickly enough; back to the subway, no more limo to take her around. Meg walked up the steps from the subway and managed to arrive at the office early. Using her security pass, she let herself in and disabled the alarm system. The office was empty. She went directly to her cubicle and rebooted her computer. Two hundred and thirty-nine e-mails were sitting in her inbox. She got to work right away and went through the e-mails, deleting any unimportant items, ignoring any that didn’t require an immediate response, and replying to the more urgent ones. A little while later, she heard the door open, knowing full well it was Frank arriving at twenty past seven in the morning, his usual time.

  Frank was surprised to see Meg sitting at her desk. “Meg, what are you doing back so soon? You were supposed to be there for two weeks.” His smile disappeared quickly and was immediately replaced by concern. She looked up, “Well, good morning and welcome back to you too.” She couldn’t hold back the sarcasm.

  “I wasn’t expecting to see you. Sorry, welcome back.”

  “Mr. Noble requested that I return. He said there was no need for him to hold me up in New York.” Meg tried hard to hide her disappointment and continued. “He felt it would be best that I return here to the office if he should need to reach me for anything further.”

  “Come with me, you can give me an update and I can fill you in on what new developments I have. How was New York?” he asked looking back over his shoulder. Meg figured he was trying to make up for his rudeness earlier.