“Wine in the afternoon?”
“In Europe day drinking is all the rage.”
“But we’re not in Europe.” I mock protested through the stupidest grin.
“Come.” Eric assertively grabbed my hand and led me down the street and around the corner. I couldn’t believe my palm was touching his. The warmth from his touch made me feel hot and tingly. He opened the door for me when we arrived at the café. It was dimly lit and there was barely anyone there. Eric led me to table in a desolate corner. I felt like I was in a French film noire He pulled out my chair for me and my heart skipped a beat as he brushed past me to get to his seat.
The waiter appeared at our table almost immediately. “Monsieur, Mademoiselle.” He nodded at us. How may I serve you?
“We’ll have a bottle of your house red.”
“Right away, monsieur.” The waiter scurried away
“Ooooh! A French red how sophisticated.” I teased. “Are you trying to impress me?” I couldn’t hide my delight.
“Only if it’s working.” Eric flashed a devilish grin. Oh, those dimples. The waiter returned to our table and uncorked the bottle. He poured a taste for Eric. Eric inhaled as he swirled the wine below his nose. He took a long sip before nodding to the waiter. The waiter served both of us before excusing himself.
I took a small taste of my wine. “Mmmm…this is really good. It’s a little drier than what I’m used to but I like it. It’s very full bodied.” I took another sip and smiled across the table.
“It sounds like you have a very refined palette mon amie.”The sound of Eric addressing me a ‘mon aimie’ with his smoldering French accent made me quiver.
“I wouldn’t describe anything about me as refined, but thank you Eric.” I chuckled. Eric seductively raised his eyebrow.
“ Well lucky for you I like my ladies a little rough around the edges.”
“Mmmm…Eric….such a charmer.” I teased. I nervously bit my bottom lip before taking another sip of wine. There was an awkward silence between us. I shifted my weight as Eric’s eyed me from across the table.. I finally broke the silence by clearing my throat. “So, let’s get started.” I clicked on my digital recorder. “So what inspired you to start building elementary schools in third world countries?”
“Well me and some of the other members of the Falling for You cast were talking about how lucky we feel to be able to do what we love most and get paid for it. We get rewarded so greatly to play around in front of the camera when there are children overseas who can’t afford books and who don’t know how to read. The unfairness of it all started to make me feel empty inside. I knew there had to be more to life than Armani suits and red carpet galas so I decided to give back. I presented the idea to the cast and they were all for it. We partnered with some of the most prominent producers in the industry and we created the nonprofit organization Falling For Books. The ground breaking ceremony for our first school is scheduled for the end of this year in the Philippines.”
“Wow, that’s really sweet. I hope you all are able to raise a lot of money and open schools all over the globe.”
“That’s the goal.”
“I’m just curious, off the record. Now that you’ve gotten involved in philanthropy has the empty feeling inside gone away? Do you feel more fulfilled?”
“Off the record?”
“Yes.”
“Like just between us?”
“Exactly.”
Eric opened his mouth to speak but he cut himself off and reached across the table and shut off my digital recorder. “In front of the cameras I’m so happy and my life is so perfect. As we’ve discussed the public thinks I’m engaged to be married to Chastity Donovan. According to the story line my publicist cooked up I’m about to marry into show biz royalty and my life is just peachy.” Eric looked away as his voice trailed off.
“But what’s the real story, Eric? It’s just us. Talk to me. I can handle it now.” I leaned in to hear whatever Eric was willing to reveal. He tilted his head down as he gathered his thoughts. After a couple of moments of silence he looked up at me with those irresistible light blue eyes. I could sense a combination of vulnerability and longing in his gaze.
“Giavanna, no one has ever asked me about the real story. I’m always told exactly what to say and what to do. My agents, publicists and managers control my entire image from what I wear to the bars and nightclubs I attend after hours. My entire life is scripted. I’m like a Hollywood drone. You are the first person to ever seem like they gave a shit about what’s actually going on with me. So thank you.” I smiled silently. I didn’t want to interrupt Eric’s disclosure. “The truth is I’m bored out of my mind. My closet can only hold so many designer suits and my garage only has room for so many luxury cars.” Eric furrowed his brow and lowered his voice as he continued to open up to me. “I keep buying more and more shit hoping that it will make me feel complete but each shopping spree just leaves me more numb than the last one. I’m in a fake arranged engagement with no love, no affection and definitely no sex. My life is just empty. I feel so alone.” Eric scrunched up his face.
“So why do you keep up the charade? Why don’t just fire everyone, do what you want to do and be the real you?”
“It sounds easy but it’s way more complicated than that. First, I don’t even remember who the real me is. It would take some time for me to find myself again. And as much as I hate the fakeness of Hollywood I really want to make it on the A-List. I feel like once I get top billing in all of the movies I’ll have more control over my career. Then I can do the things I really want to do. It’s always been my dream to be a producer or a director. I want to write, direct and star in my own films. You know, make real art. But first I have to make a name for myself. So I have to do what all my handlers say and I have to bring in ticket sales with these silly formulaic romantic comedies.”
“ I totally understand Eric. I get you more than I let on before .” I gave him a knowing look. No offense to you but I’d rather be doing stories on the hard rock scene. I wish I could broaden my horizons beyond Hollywood but I want to make it to the A-List in my field. I am dying to have my own entertainment news show one day so I have to cover the stories that are hot even if I’m bored with them. My situation isn’t as complicated as yours but I can definitely relate to the boredom and the empty feeling.”
“It sounds like you totally get it.”
“I do, probably more than you know.”
“Giavanna, I’ve been feeling so empty and alone like there is just no point to anything. The void inside was practically eating me alive until that night that I saw you looking at me on the dance floor at The Hot Spot. When I made eye contact with you and you awkwardly turned away from me and told your friend to check me out, I thought it was the cutest thing. Meeting you gave me something to be genuinely excited about. Even though you made it more difficult than you had to trying to get to know you gave me something to strive for. Thank you for bringing me back to life.” Eric reached across the table and took my hand in his.” His touch made me melt.
“Eric, I’m sorry I keep running away. I’m really attracted to you I just don’t want to get tangled up in your situation but most importantly I don’t want to get sidetracked from my goals. On my birthday I made a vow to myself that I would abstain from men and put my career first. But every time I see you or hear from you, you make it harder and harder to resist. I have the same aching void you do but whenever I think of you I feel enchanted by life again.” I squeezed Eric’s hand.
“Giavanna, I don’t want to put you in a situation you’re not comfortable with but I’d like to take you back to my place and get to know you in private. There is so much I want to talk to you about. But you know the walls in Beverly Hills have ears so we can’t really talk here. Do you want to come over for a bit? I’m just a couple of miles away.”
“Are you sure you aren’t engaged?”
“I’m engaged in name only. Chastity and I have mutually
agreed to see other people. I told you that. We don’t love each other. But please don’t report that okay?”
“Okay.”
“Let’s get out of here.”
“Sure.”
After Eric took care of the check he escorted me to his silver BMW sports car and opened the door for me. My heart was racing and I could barely think straight. The thought of being alone with Eric Gadouas in his house made my skin damp with anticipation. Eeeek!! I wanted to behave myself but I didn’t know if I would be able to. Eric was literally irresistible. I suddenly was at a loss for words when Eric slid in next to me.
“ I like your car,” Was the most neutral thing I could muster after a long moment of silence.
“Thanks. I just got it a few weeks ago. It’s fresh off the lot.” Eric clicked a few buttons on his steering wheel and the car filled with music. It was Mint Condition “Pretty Brown Eyes” I remembered that song from high-school dances back in the day. I used to love it. Hearing Stokley William’s crooning made me feel warm and nostalgic. Playing an overly sweet 90’s R&B ballad to try to win me over was so corny. But I was loving it even though I didn’t want to admit it.
“You listen to Mint Condition?” I asked incredulously.
“ Contrary to my bad boy image in the media I do have a softer side. I enjoy a little Mint Condition from time to time when I’m in the mood for it. And this song is so fitting for a beautiful, intriguing and flawless lady like you. I had to play it for you. It seems as if they wrote it with you in mind. Those eyes.” Eric smiled. I loved the way his face lit up when he looked at me.
“Awww , Eric stop. You’re making me feel all mushy inside.” I cooed.
“That’s the point.” He leaned down and kissed me softly on the cheek before pulling out of his parking spot. I heard angels sing inside of my head. All I could do was sigh. I was speechless.
It was a short trip to his house in Beverly Hills I think I audibly gasped when we pulled up to a breath taking Victorian Style mansion on a sprawling gated lot. “Wow! How can you afford all of this land? You’ve only been in a few movies!” My face immediately flushed with embarrassment. I didn’t mean to be so blunt. “I’m sorry that was so tacky of me.” I stammered.
“It’s okay. I want you to know the truth. Richard Donovan bought this house for me. Chastity and I live separately but Mr. Donovan practically owns me. It’s all a part of the arranged engagement.”
“Oh.” I was sorry I asked. Eric walked around the car and opened the door for me. He took my hand in his as he escorted me out of the vehicle. His touch made it feel like electricity was pulsating through my entire body. My knees were so weak with desire that I felt unsteady on my feet.
“So do you make a habit of running off to secluded mansions with strangers?” Eric joked as he led me into an elaborate entry way with an oversized chandelier.
I waited until he closed the door before responding. “Only the breathtakingly irresistible ones.” I smiled.
“Oh, yeah? So you think I’m irresistible?” I blushed and looked away. Eric delicately stroked my chin and turned my head so that I was looking directly into his striking blue eyes. “Does that mean you won’t try to resist if I kiss you?” His forwardness made all of my muscles clench down below.
My heart skipped a beat as Eric leaned in so close that I could smell his cologne. I recognized the scent. It was Armani Acqua Di Gio. It was intoxicating. He gently pressed his mouth against mine. His lips were so full and soft I wanted to devour them. My heart fluttered as he began to kiss me with more fervor. He softly stroked my face with the back of his hand as he drove his tongue into my mouth. My entire body tingled. I ran my fingers through his wavy blond locks as my tongue massaged his in return. His kisses were making me feel warm and lightheaded. I arched my back and pressed my soft bosom against his toned athletic body. He let out a barely audible moan. I felt him harden through his pants. His hands caressed the small of my back and he pulled me into his embrace as he grinded against me. His tongue slowly withdrew from my mouth and he began to cover my neck with smoldering kisses. He ran his strong masculine hands up my thighs and under my dress. I gasped as he tugged down my panties and caressed my bare bottom. I was so wet with anticipation and my legs quivered with overwhelming excitement. Eric let out a ragged breath as I kicked my panties to the floor. I felt his hardness throb against me as he backed me up against the wall.
“I’ve been aching for you for days.” Eric murmured. His sexy French accent made my head spin. “Are you wet for me?”I exhaled and nodded my head.
“I was planning on taking my time with you.” Eric whispered as he slowly slid his body down the length of my torso and knelt before me. “But I don’t know how much longer I can wait. I am dying to get inside that tight wetness of yours.” Eric grunted as he unzipped his pants and slowly caressed his cock. The smoldering look in his eye and the sight of him touching himself as he looked up at me made me writhe in anticipation. “I am dying to drive my cock deep inside you. But first I want to make you ache for it the way I’ve ached for it. I want you to know exactly what’s it’s like to want and not have.” Eric murmured sensuously. He sounded so sexy when he was aroused. I was hot with anticipation.
He slid off one of my shoes and massaged my foot as he covered it with soft sensuous kisses. I leaned back against the wall for balance. My clit throbbed as he slid two of my toes slowly in and out of his mouth while gazing into my eyes. I moaned as he flicked his tongue between my toes before continuing to suck on them. I felt a combination of overwhelming pleasure and torturous temptation. I reached down and began to touch myself in attempts to satisfy my wildly aroused desires. Eric grabbed my hand to stop me from pleasuring myself. “Unh unh, you wait. You made me wait for days so now it’s your turn to wait if only for a few minutes.”
I exhaled in defeat as he continued to tease me by taking one of my fingers and sliding it in and out of his mouth. His tongue was warm and firm against my index finger. It felt more erotic than I could have ever imagined. I tugged on a handful of his hair with my other hand as my muscles clenched down below. I moaned as he released my finger and his mouth traveled slowly up my calf and across my inner thigh. The sight of him kneeling before me as he draped my leg over his shoulder and buried his face in my eager wetness drove me wild. I pulled up my dress so that I could get a better view. His hands roamed up and down my thighs as he French kissed the most delicate parts of my womanhood. I felt a volatile warmth start at my core and radiate through my entire being as he skillfully brought me to climax with his tongue. I softly cried out his name as he peeled off my dress and let his tongue travel across my stomach and up to my breasts. He toyed with my nipples until I was whimpering his name in anticipation. I pushed his already unzipped pants to the floor and I felt him wriggle out of his underwear as he kissed me deeply and passionately. He teased my clit with the head of his cock and my entire body began to tremble. I grit my teeth and let out a string of expletives under my breath. I felt like I was about to explode.
He moaned in my ear as he lifted my leg around his waist and pushed me firmly against the wall. I held my breath as his hardness slowly penetrated me. My muscles eagerly clenched around the girth of his manhood as he pleasured me with deep rhythmic thrusts. He kissed my neck as I ran my fingers through his hair. My breathing became rapid as he enveloped me in a tight embrace and his thrusts grew harder and more frenzied. I enjoyed the feeling of every inch of his body being thrust upon me. I called out his name as I felt myself slipping over the edge. Eric bit his bottom lip and grunted as he got his release with three hard pumps. My body shuddered as my feminine sweetness saturated the length of his manhood. He continued to slowly slide in and out of me as we both came down. He kissed me on the cheek as he withdrew from between my legs and fastened his pants. I bent over to gather my clothing and my shoes from off the floor and he scooped me into his arms. I squealed in delight as he carried me into the living room and laid me down on a sectional sofa. I melt
ed into him as he laid down next to me and pulled me into his embrace.
“Mmmm Giavanna. That was delightful. I’ve never felt so alive before.”
“ I’m sorry I pushed you away at first. I must say I’m glad I finally gave in.”
“Yeah me too.” He kissed me on the forehead and we fell asleep in each other’s arms.
When I opened my eyes it looked as if the sun was starting to go down outside. I nuzzled closer to Eric and enjoyed the sound of his heavy breathing. I sighed as I realized that the aching void that had been nagging me for so long had dissipated. I felt completely satiated. I finally figured out what had been lacking in my life. I really yearned for a romantic connection. I had never felt an authentic bond with any of the men I had dated before only a physical attraction. But with Eric I was not only extremely attracted to him but I also felt safe and fulfilled when I was with him. It was a completely novel feeling. Eric growled as he woke up and enveloped me in a bear hug.
“ I don’t ever want to let you go Giavanna. But we should probably get you back to your car.” Eric sat up and ran his fingers through his hair I stretched and reached for my dress that was on the floor. Eric grabbed my hand and brought it to his chest. “But first I want to take you one more time.”
I sat up and met Eric half way as he brought his lips to mine and slipped his tongue inside of my mouth. My heart palpitated as he caressed my breasts and toyed with my nipples. I crawled into his lap and straddled him as his mouth traveled down my neck and he buried his face between my breasts. I felt his hardness swell as he grinded his hips against me. He gazed into my eyes as he peeled his shirt off and tossed it to the floor. His body was tan and perfectly toned. He looked spectacular. I kissed his neck as I slowly unfastened his pants and began to stroke his manhood. He moaned as he wriggled out of his pants and pulled me down on top of him. He guided himself inside me as I pressed my hips into him. He let out a ragged breath as I circled my hips and covered his neck with smoldering kisses. He squeezed me in a passionate embrace as he began to drive into me harder and faster. I called out his name as I felt myself slip over the edge. He continued to drive into me and I felt the tension start to build again. My heart almost beat out of my chest when I heard someone open the front door as I was on the brink of my second orgasm. My eyes widened as I saw Richard Donovan and Chastity Donovan come into the living room with an arm full of shopping bags. Eric grunted as he got his release inside of me. I was paralyzed with shock.
BWWM: Bad Boy Billionaires Box Set (A Bad Boy BWWM Billionaire Collection) Page 62
