My heart rate soars and my mind goes cloudy. He chases my mouth, absorbing my climax gratefully.
“Tell me you’re mine, Lenore. Tell me this,” he slides his fingers up and down my sex, “this is mine, and will never be anyone else’s.” His voice is ignited, possessed by a feral need to claim me. It’s unexpected. And unexpectedly hot.
“I’m yours. Every part of me…” My eyes roll back into my skull as he sinks his fingers back into me and my orgasm has a second wave. His tongue glides along the curve of my neck and he gently sinks his teeth into my skin.
“…No one… elseah, fuck.”
His mouth claims mine once more. His kiss is demanding, desperate and filled with angst.
He releases my wrist and gently cups my face.
Quickly, and with surprising grace, I unbuckle his belt and tug his pants down to his knees. His erection pounces free. I gasp. It is such a thing of beauty. I crouch down, not wanting to put my knees onto the dirty floor, which is a challenge, because I am feeling more and more drunk as the seconds tick by. I’m intoxicated by him, and by what he knows to do to my body.
My hand runs up and down his body, from his taught abs down to his soft pubic hair and I run the tip of my tongue underneath his erection. I kiss the tip softly while looking him in the eyes. His gaze is hooded, his eyes carnal, his mouth slack.
“This never ceases to impress me,” I whisper, and kiss on his length from root to tip. He moans, and I take him inside my mouth as far as I can. I begin a torturous rhythm, pushing him in and out of my mouth lazily, swirling my tongue around the crown of his admirable erection. I love the taste of him. He tastes of Vincent, of pure, raw, perfect, Vincent.
It is such a turn on, watching him come apart. He grips my head and begins pushing himself in and out of my mouth, and then, coming to his senses, he hoists me up by my shoulders.
“No. I can’t. You shouldn’t…I can’t let you do this in here. You’re too good for this.” His expression is evidence of the physical pain it is for him to stop. He has such willpower and he’s always a gentleman. It fills me with pride to be with him, and to be respected by him.
“You’re my woman, I can’t let you do this in here. Let me take you home now,” he whispers into my ear, and I don’t know if it’s a threat or a promise. But the word home excites me for the first time. And I know that’s where I want to go.
I know it’s far too early before I even open my eyes. Vincent has to get curtains already. How does all this morning light not bother him? I keep my eyes closed and I pull the sheet over my head and try to go back to sleep. Vincent is lying next to me, putting his weight onto the sheet so that I can’t tug it far enough to get comfortable. A thin sticky layer of sweat covers me.
I give up. I can’t get comfortable again. Curtains. I resolve to get some damn curtains, today!
I get up as quietly as I can. I don’t want to wake him. I need some time alone. I feel like I haven’t had time alone for a century, but really it’s only been a few days. I’m used to being alone for the majority of the day, with the exception of my customers. So, this is all very new to me.
As I get up, I gaze at Vincent from the edge of the bed. He’s naked, gloriously naked. I don’t think I will ever tire of this splendid view.
He’s intense, and sometimes overwhelming, but his exemplary body manages to always derail me. I close my eyes in silent exasperation. I know it is all coming from a good place. I did agree to try, to try to be okay with him helping me. I do need help, so why is it so hard for me to accept it?
I pad my way to the bathroom and take a long hot shower. I see Vincent has purchased some conditioner for me, when did he manage to do that? I slather it into my hair; carefully covering my split ends, giving it a good coat. I need a trim.
Maybe I’ll do that today. I’ll call Jordan and Kazumi, and get my hair trimmed, I decide. I can go to a ballet class, and maybe have dinner with them. I need to run my ideas by them, get their advice on what I should do. A normal day with my friends is just what I need.
My safe! I remember suddenly. Vincent said Benny was bringing it over. I need to follow up on that. Yes, today I will take the day to myself. I will try my best to take care of whatever business I can. I’ll touch base with Maggie, too. I can’t wait around hoping for things to be solved by someone else.
I get out of the shower and dry off. I’m excited to start my day. I brush my teeth and open up the drawers in the bathroom vanity. I now have hairbrushes, products, and a makeup case. This man is too much.
I blow dry my hair, and put some Moroccan hair oil into the ends of my hair to smooth it down. My waves look instantly glossy and healthy. I eye the new blow dryer suspiciously. I apply my makeup, and just as I am applying the last bit of mascara, Vincent strolls in; hair in complete disarray, sleepy faced, and completely naked.
“Good morning, beautiful,” he says in his deep velvety voice that is so uniquely his. “Why are you up?”
I try to respond, but all I can do is sigh at the sight of him.
He chuckles softly and presses his plump lips against mine. He removes my towel and proceeds to pat me dry. He reaches into one of his drawers and brings out some baby oil. After squirting some into his hands, he carefully begins rubbing it into my skin. I watch him, mesmerized, still unable to speak, as he worships my body with his hands.
In one swoop he picks me up so that my torso rests over his shoulder. I yelp in surprise as he rubs, then smacks my behind roughly.
“Are you awake yet?”
I giggle, “Yes! I’m awake now!”
He turns to face his vanity mirror, I blush bright red as he continues to massage my rear end.
“Mmm, I could look at this view all day,” he mumbles, mostly to himself. He finally tears himself away from the mirror and carries me out into the makeshift hallway.
He sets me down in front of the closet and proceeds to dress me. I let him. He chooses a white, long sleeved, button up blouse with lace embroidery, and faded light blue jeans with a high waist. He slides them up for me and I keep my balance by placing my hands on his naked shoulders. He gently tucks the front of my shirt artfully into my jeans. He looks up at me as he buttons me up, and winks.
I sigh and melt again, like the utterly smitten creature that he has turned me into.
He grabs a pair of red kitten heels, almost identical to my old ones. My Vincent, he sure pays attention to detail.
“I’m going to shower, do you think you can make us some coffee?”
I nod, coming to life. And with that he turns and heads back into the bathroom and closes the door. I release a long held breath.
That is what I call a wake up call. Why does he have to be so irresistible? I grab a small weekend bag, and put in something for me to wear to ballet class. It isn’t the dance attire I had at home, but it will more than do. I’m sure Kazumi has some slippers I can use.
I amble into the kitchen and go about making us our coffee. Remembering Vincent likes to read the morning paper, I open the front door and collect the paper and set it out on the counter for him. I look into the breadbox and put a few slices into the toaster. I grab butter and jam, too. As I wait for the coffee and toast, I grab my phone and send Jordan and Kazumi a text message. Yes, I learned how to text. I smile to myself and hit send. They respond instantly.
Jordan:
*OMG! Look who joined us in the 21st century! I am all yours today, beautiful!*
Kazumi follows immediately after:
*You can join my 4pm class today. Then we can all go to dinner afterwards. Can’t wait to see you!*
I stare at the screen for a few seconds and my heart swells. I feel homesick for my old life. For my shop, my dog and even my friends. I know it’s only been a few days, but I miss them. I miss them randomly popping into my shop unannounced. I miss Bucky tearing down the steps for me to take him for a walk. Tears prick my eyes and I suck them back in as the toaster pops up our toast.
Vincent s
trolls out of the bathroom, dressed in a heather grey button up dress shirt, black tie and black slacks, and a hounds tooth vest to top it off. His hair is combed neatly; his glasses sit perfectly on his handsome face. He’s a fucking model.
He takes a seat next to me at the island and grabs his coffee, toast and paper. I lean against him and read over his shoulder. Nothing interesting.
“Thank you for the coffee and my paper,” he says as he settles in and presses his lips to my hair.
“Vincent?”
“Hmm?”
“Will you drop me off at Jordan’s? I made plans to hang out today.” I suck in my breath, I don’t know why, but it feels more like I’m asking permission to hang out with my friends. I don’t like that. I swallow, and try my best to hide my unease.
He stares at me for a beat, and then he clears his throat.
“Um...sure. What are your plans?” He looks back at his paper, but I can see his jaw tense.
“Nothing really. A hair cut, coffee, ballet, and dinner.”
“Oh, so all day then?”
I shrug. “Yeah, I guess.”
He inhales deeply. “Mmm. Keep your phone on and with you at all times.”
Oh?
“You can take the Mercedes and meet me at the new house after dinner.” He doesn’t look at me when he says this.
My eyes are like saucers.
“Really? You’re going to let me drive it!” I squeak. Keep it cool, Lenore!
He scoffs and smiles widely at me. “Yes. I was hoping you’d come with me to talk to the construction team. I plan to get a few projects started today, but it’s fine. Benny will be by the new house today with your safe. He couldn’t make it yesterday.” He shrugs.
“Anyway, be safe. I” He stops mid sentence.
I wait...
“Nothing. Have fun.” He cups the back of my head and brings his mouth to mine, planting a soft sweet kiss on my lips. I watch his eyelids grow heavy with need. Need for me. I nearly dissolve; I struggle to blink back into focus. My heart feels that familiar squeeze, now associated with Vincent.
I thinkno, I know, I miss him already. This is not good. I shake my head in an effort to harden myself against the growing ache in my chest. I get up and grab my purse, and walk over to him and hold out my hand expectantly.
He smirks and reaches into his pocket and produces a key, he places it into my hand.
“You can add that one to your key ring I gave you yesterday. You know how to get to Uptown from here right?”
I frown. “Um, I think so?” It comes out like a question.
He shakes his head.
“Where’s your phone?”
I take it out of my purse and hand it to him. He shows me how to go to Maps, and how to get the directions. It sounds simply enough. I’ll be taking streets; I’ve never driven on the freeway before. And according to Vincent, my phone will speak to me and give me step-by-step directions. How cool!
He walks me to the elevator after my lesson on how to use my phone, and how to drive safely and blah blah blah...
“I’ll miss you,” he whispers softly against my temple. I wrap my arms around his waist and look into his glittering blue eyes. I feel my cheeks turn pink.
“Me, too,” my voice is barely audible, but he grins widely in response. My heart begins thudding too hard inside my chest.
Oh, how he makes my body respond.
He slides the elevator doors open and waves as I make my way down. My heart lurches into my throat as he disappears from view.
Gah! Get a grip woman!
Even though I’ll miss him, I’m ridiculously excited to drive the Mercedes, and even more excited to see Kazumi and Jordan!
I enter the dark garage and I’m momentarily panicked. My bike was my preferred mode of transportation, and I’ve only ever driven Maggie’s old Buick. I stroke the hood of the Mercedes lovingly. I insert the key to open the driver side door. I step in and shut the heavy door behind me as I sit down. I adjust the seat and inhale that wonderful smell. Ah...smells like Vincent.
I put the key in and the engine roars to life. I make my way easily out of the garage. It doesn’t take long for me to become acquainted with the brakes and accelerator. For being an older car, she can move quickly!
I don’t put the radio on. I concentrate on the road, and by the time I arrive to Jordan’s print shop, my cheeks hurt from smiling. I love the way this baby drives! I step out of the car and lock the doors as Jordan bounds out of the shop. He picks me up, swinging me around and around. I scream and giggle.
“Lenore! I miss you! I’m so happy to have you all to myself!”
For Jordan, this much enthusiasm and affection is RARE! It must be Benny’s influence.
I smile and push him off of me.
“So...how do you like the ride?” I smile and gesture towards the car with flare.
“She’s lovely,” he rolls his eyes. “So. What shall we do?”
Jordan and I have our hair trimmed, our brows waxed, and our finger and toe nails buffed and polished. I chose Siren Red, and Jordan chose a matte black polish. Jordan insisted on paying…and seeing how I am broke and jobless, I had to accept.
I made a few phone calls while we leaned back in the silly, vibrating leather chairs the nail salon had. I was skeptical about turning the chair on, especially after looking at the complicated remote, but after Jordan adjusted it for me, it was really very enjoyable. Detective Bennet didn’t answer, and Maggie just grumbled for a few minutes and stressed that she will call me with any news, if and when she receives any.
Apparently Kazumi couldn’t join us because she’s having a meeting with the owners of the Speak Easy today. She texted to inform me that burlesque practice should resume soon, as well as performances. They’ve doubled security, and have new cameras in place, covering more of the club.
I still haven’t told anyone about that night, and the fact that it was Vincent who was being targeted. I think, for now, I should keep it to myself.
My day with Jordan is light and breezy, I nearly forget about everything that has happened with my shop until he brings it up.
“Maggie says the insurance company is being difficult, and it will be a long process either way. Detective Bennet...well, I think Vincent scared him. He hasn’t contacted me.”
“What? What do you mean Vincent scared him?” His brows shoot up to his hairline.
I shrug and explain that Vincent knows a few people and is having things investigated on his own.
“I think if Bennet will be contacting anyone, it will be Vincent,” I grumble. I stuff a carrot, covered in hummus, into my mouth. I hate Jordan’s idea of lunch. I want a burger.
Jordan rolls his eyes. “It’s your shop, Lenore. Vincent should mind his own damn business.”
I agree. He should. But I am secretly relieved he is helping me with the investigation. Vincent was right, Detective Bennet did seem overwhelmed, and didn’t ask enough questions, now that I think about it.
I just want to move past it all. Bury my head in the sand so to speak. I want to get things going with the online shop and move forward in that direction. I have so many ideas going through my head. I change the subject, and soon enough, Jordan is helping me sort out my thoughts and ideas about the possibility of my new online business. We jot our ideas down on a napkin. I carefully fold it up and tuck it into my purse, extremely thankful for my friend’s input.
“It seems as though the Reynier family is doing a good job taking care of you. And Viola, she must really like you.” He sounds genuine, and curious.
I smile. “I like her, too. She’s a really interesting woman. Have you met any of them yet?”
Jordan shakes his head sullenly and I know it’s because Benny is probably still too nervous to introduce Jordan to his family. He walks me to Kazumi’s studio and we arrange our meeting time and place for dinner. Benny will be joining us, too.
I check my phone as I wait for Kazumi to emerge from her office. She�
�s on the phone, and it sounds serious. She doesn’t so much as glance up as I enter and change into my gear. It feels like ages since I’ve danced ballet. I flex my toes in the spare slippers I found in the locker room and begin to warm up.
Kazumi emerges from her office and her face transforms into a smile when she see’s me. “Sorry. Just some boring business stuff,” she says gesturing towards her office. “How have you been, Lenore?” The concern in her voice warms my heart.
“I’m okay, I’m just...readjusting.”
“Yeah, I bet.” She grins at me mischievously.
I roll my eyes.
“Burlesque practice resumes next week on Wednesday and we’ll perform the Friday following.”
I soar through practice. My body relishes the comfort and familiarity of dance. I feel so comfortable and at ease in my own skin, moving more gracefully than ever before. I can’t think of a time in my life where I have felt this comfortable and secure in my own skin.
That was one of the difficult things for me when I began ballet. Leaving the confines of my little shop, my little world, and mingling out in the open with unfamiliar people. It would make me feel awkward and clumsy. Self-conscious doesn’t even begin to cover it.
There are a few new faces in class, I greet them with a smile and my body responds only to the musicnothing else. I’m a caterpillar in her chrysalis ready to emerge as a butterfly. I close my eyes as I feel that now familiar sting of tears desperate to emerge. I keep them at bay until the music ends and I no longer hear Kazumi’s soft voice whispering instructions.
When class is over I walk to the lockers to change and check my phone for a message from Vincent. Kazumi surprises me by following after me.
“Lenore, I don’t think I have ever seen you...I don’t know, move so gracefully,” she sighs. “I don’t know how to describe it. You looked professional. I’m astonished. Have you been practicing?”
Black Burlesque Page 37
