by Jayce, Aven
“Go on. I need more of an explanation than that.”
“You’re right about what you said last week. This is a seedy business. Not mine per se, but in general it can be. I have a few clients who, at times, can be possessive. They try to meet the women or men on my sites, or they think that an online conversation can turn into something more, if only they could see the person and speak to them face to face. There have been a few cases that could be perceived by some as stalking. I’ve had to call the police on occasion.”
“Will Mera be in any kind of danger?”
“No. I’ll make sure that she’s safe. It’s rare for clients to figure out where we film, where we live, and the real names of my employees. It’s usually the employee’s fault for giving out too much information about him or herself.”
“Keep going,” I say, still waiting to hear how Cove falls into all of this.
“My employees can get upset with the company as well. I have to let people go from time to time, sometimes it’s just because my clients want to see fresh faces online, other times it’s because my employees break their contracts.”
“How?”
“It’s like modeling, Sophia. They gain too much weight, or I can no longer film them based on a poor choice in tattoo, haircut, implant, and so on. It’s that simple. There’re plenty of beautiful people in this world waiting to take someone’s place. Plus, if they make a video for another company, that’s an immediate breach of contract. It’s moonlighting.”
“That seems kind of harsh, Dad. I’m sorry to admit this to you, but I’ve seen some online porn and there are plenty of overweight men and women, and people with bad tats or blemished bodies who are also beautiful.”
“I told you I have a quality product for a sophisticated clientele. I give them what they want, and in doing so, they pay a higher price than most. Plus they get guaranteed privacy when viewing my sites.”
“So, your tattoos are okay? That’s not in poor taste?”
My father takes a breath and lets out a heavy sigh. He pauses, and delays an answer. I can’t tell if it’s something he completely believes in.
“The tattoos started many years ago, but we’ve been having a few discussions about changing that policy. I see it as a company uniform, or a nametag.”
“What the fuck,” I yell. “That’s bullshit. Mera is now branded for life because of you. I have to be reminded of your porno business every time she wears a tank or a strapless dress, you asshole.”
“I’m sorry, kiddo, but that’s the way it is,” he says unapologetically. “This business is paying for your penthouse, and it paid for your car and your degree. You may not like certain aspects of it, but it is what it is.”
My stomach sinks and ties itself into a knot at that thought. I’m living in a place that was bought with money by people who needed jerk-off visuals. Fuck.
“So why do you need to protect me? You still haven’t explained the cameras in and outside of my place.”
“Sophia, hold on a second. I have to make a quick call.” My father places me on hold and I’m stuck listening to Michael Bolton. I can’t picture my father requesting this music to be used as the background for clients waiting on the other end of the line. How surreal and unfortunate for both my father and Michael Bolton.
I hear a phone chime from out in the hallway, and I run hurriedly over to look out my peephole. It’s Cove, he’s walking down the hall. As I open my door my phone clicks and my father’s back on the line.
“Close the door, Sophia. Let’s finish talking.”
Cove’s gone, already in his place. “Did you call him? Was he coming to talk to me, and you sent him away?”
“Yes.”
“Yes? That’s all you have to say to me? I want an explanation.”
“Let’s finish our conversation, Sophia.”
I close my door in utter disappointment with my father, and that I missed an opportunity to see and speak to Cove. “Tell me about him, and why I need protection.”
“As I was explaining, there are some people, whether they are clients, employees, or the competition, who wish me and my family harm. There are people who want to take my employees for their own business, or who are involved in business deals that have gone awry. The latter have led to threats. I’m referring to the casino business as well. If anyone found out where you lived, you would be in danger. I want to see who walks through that hallway, and who rings your doorbell. For now, most people are unaware that I even have children, and I want to keep it that way,” he sighs again, then takes a drink of something, swallowing hard. “The key card for the elevator is your first defense for safety; the cameras are your second. Cove is your third.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Cove is your protection, Sophia. Or at least he was supposed to be. I specifically gave you a list of four buildings to choose from because I have employees, and business partners in all four.”
My head spins with this new information and I need to sit down. “Wait, did you have cameras in my place with Evan?”
“Yes.”
“Do you have people watching me all the time?”
“Only when I receive a threat, or feel that you’re in a vulnerable place.”
“Give me some examples.”
“I’d rather not, Sophia. The less you know, the better.”
“I’m still pissed, Dad, give me some examples or I’m hanging up the phone.”
There’s another hesitation as my father takes a second gulp of whatever it is he’s drinking. I give him time to answer, but there’s only silence from his end.
“I’m hanging up now Dad. You can call me when you want to answer my questions.”
“Roger and Diane,” he says in a rush, not wanting to lose me from the line.
“They work for you?” I respond, completely appalled.
“They keep an eye on you when you’re on campus.”
“So, they don’t really have a son who’s in art school?”
“Yes, yes they do. They haven’t lied to you, and they really are interested in taking the class.”
“Let me guess, Haverty at The Dark Scarlett was another one?”
“Yes, but he works there as well. It was just complete luck that you showed up to that place, and that Cove already had an in-house person to keep an eye on you. Those are the type of places that I worry about the most. Those are the people who know me and who I do business with.”
“So you know more about me than you’ve mentioned in the past. Like, you probably knew about the parking garage before the owner called you. Right?”
“No, it’s not that extreme. When I do have someone follow you, I ask the person only to report back if there’s a situation. I don’t want to hear about your private life and what you do.”
“This is my private life, Dad; all of it. And so you’re saying you don’t know what I’m doing, but someone else does? Is that correct? People have seen me having sex?”
“These are people who have worked for my company for many years. They’ve seen hundreds, if not thousands of people having sex. Whatever you do is meaningless to them. It’s all just a job as far as they’re concerned. They only care about keeping you safe.”
“Well I’m glad you can be so nonchalant about all of this when I’m fucking sitting here feeling completely violated.”
“I’m sorry, Sophia. I’m doing this because I love you, and I only have your best interest in mind.”
“It’s going to take a while for my anger to subside and my brain to process what you’ve just told me.”
“I understand. Unfortunately, we still need to talk about Cove,” my father’s voice wavers as he says his name. “It’s apparent that you like him, but I don’t want you to go into his penthouse anymore. There are things you don’t know about the Evertons.”
“Excuse my language again Dad, but fuck you. You’re the one who gave me this building as an option as a place to live. If he’s so dangerous, what am I doin
g living next door to him?”
“He can hurt you in ways that you’ll never be able to understand. He was supposed to keep an eye on you from a distance… hold on again, Sophia.” He places me on hold and I race to my door. Fool me once, Dad, but not a second time.
I swing my door open just in time to see Cove walk into the elevator. His phone rings and he frowns as he views the name.
“Don’t answer it, Cove,” I say, as my father clicks back onto my line.
“Sophia, don’t do this. Trust me, you have no idea what you’re getting yourself into. It won’t work out, just turn around, get back in your place, and let’s finish talking about this.”
Cove looks down at his phone again.
“Don’t,” I say again, ending the call with my father.
The door begins to close and Cove places his foot in its path; he stares at me, conflicted.
I walk up to him, grab the front of his silky, black, button down shirt, and pull him close to my lips. I can smell the vanilla on his clothing. His breath is warm as he exhales. He places a hand up to my chest, blocking any closer movement.
“Sophia,” he says in a soft voice, causing my inner lips to moisten and swell. “I can’t. You don’t understand.”
My phone rings and Cove immediately jerks back, moves his foot and releases the elevator door. He disappears, and I’m left only with my reflection staring back in the stainless steel doors.
***
My phone rings for two hours until my father finally gives up. I spend time with Lewis while cleaning my place and ignoring his calls. I can’t help but walk out my entry door every hour to see if anyone is in the hall. My feet become chilled, standing on the cold, dark, marble floor tiles in the corridor, as I wait for the elevator to ding.
Silence.
I walk back inside and wonder what my father said to him. Should I call Mera? I need to talk to someone besides my father.
Her phone goes to voicemail and I tell her to call me when she gets home from work. I make a salad for lunch and then stand on my balcony, gazing at the heavy cloud cover. The sun is what’s missing from my life. I wouldn’t be so depressed if it would come out and warm my flesh.
My mind wanders back and forth from wishing I had a job, to daydreaming about Cove. I’m anxious, waiting for something to happen.
I’m relieved to hear my phone at five o’clock. It has to be Mera.
“Hey beautiful, I’m so glad you finally called. I think I have cabin fever.”
“Sorry, Soph. I’ve been swamped at work. Two concerts this week, and I’m exhausted from my period. You doing okay?”
“Yeah, well, no. My father and I are fighting about his business, amongst other things. My life is kind of a fucking mess right now.”
“I know. He called me to make sure you were okay. I told him I didn’t know anything, but that I was sure you were fine.”
“Did you know he has a camera in my foyer, and in my hallway leading to the elevator here at the penthouse?”
“What? What for?” Mera sounds just as annoyed as I am about the whole situation.
“He said it’s for protection, but I hung up on him before I got all the details. I’m tired of this bullshit.”
“You should have just stayed with Evan.”
“Mera,” my voice surly over such a horrendous comment. “Seriously?”
“I’m sorry, that’s not what I meant. I was referring to your old place, and not your old relationship.”
“He had a camera there as well.”
“Whoa, Soph. What’s going on?”
I have an incoming call from my father as I’m talking to Mera, and instantaneously there’s a knock at my door.
“Hey, Mera, I’ve got to go. Someone’s knocking, I’ll call you back, okay?”
“Yeah, make sure. I want to know what’s happening over there.”
I set my phone on the kitchen island and head over to the door.
It’s Cove.
His arm is raised above his head, supporting his body as he leans against the doorframe. He looks down at me, his dark hair falls forward, and his eyes pierce into mine. He smells clean, like he just got out of the shower and dabbed spicy cologne onto his body. He’s still wearing the black silk shirt from earlier, with faded blue jeans.
My phone rings again, and I ignore it.
Cove uses his free hand to pull a pair of keys out of his pocket.
“Hi, Sophia,” he says in a calm voice. “Your car is in the basement parking garage.”
My eyes widen as I realize I completely forgot about my car. Mera and I left it across from The Dark Scarlett days ago. I’m surprised it wasn’t towed.
“Thank you,” my face immersed in appreciation. “But where did you get a key?”
“Your father has the means of getting things when he needs to.”
“Of course. My father,” I say in a hateful tone. “Did he tell you I was asleep in the hallway? Is that how you found me?”
“Sophia,” Cove whispers. “He’s only trying to protect you.”
“So I’ve been told, many times.”
Cove frowns at my comment, looking past me and up toward the ceiling. My phone rings again, then his. He turns his off and places it in his pocket, and reaches his hand out for mine.
“Come with me. Let’s go somewhere a little more private.”
I take his hand and we walk down the hall to his place. My heart races and my legs feel like rubber as he closes the door, locking us inside.
He gazes at me, a deep hunger in his eyes. “Have you been thinking about me?”
I nod, my desire to have him so powerful that I’m incapable of forming any words. He walks past me, reaching for a set of switches on the wall; one dims the lights, the other closes all of the blinds in the room.
In one sudden swoop I’m off my feet and carried to the dining room table, my ass planted firmly onto its surface. I open my mouth, but Cove sets his finger over my lips to silence me.
“Shh. Not a word,” his voice low and restrained.
He slides the mid-length, black cotton dress I’m wearing up to reveal my sheer underwear. His eyes close for a moment and exhales. I lean back on the table as he tugs my underwear down my legs, then lifts my dress further up past my hips.
My head falls back and my chest rises high the moment his lips brush against my flesh. His moist tongue lunges inside of my inner space, instantly causing my juices to erupt. I’m dripping wet, craving more. He gently snakes around and out, flicking my clit. I moan and Cove hushes me, demanding silence. My legs tense as his finger touches my sensitive skin, replacing his mouth. Oh Jesus. He moves his finger gently around, swirling it over my pounding female erection. I’m disoriented, unable to focus.
His warm tongue returns, sliding further into my body as his finger rubs my clit, gradually gaining speed. My hands try to clench the table in search of stability, but to no avail. I writhe with my approaching orgasm. He tightens his hands around my hips, holds me steady, and continues to pleasure me, advancing into faster and more powerful licks.
The release I’ve been waiting for nearly causes me to pass out. Cove’s name is on the tip of my tongue as quick pulsations shoot through my body, down my legs, and up through my chest. He’s so good. Emotional and impassioned. I gasp in search of air, as my body quivers on the table. He stops, plunges over me, and pushes his tongue into my mouth. I pant heavily, the breathing between us violent, as he lifts me off the table and carries me into a first floor bedroom.
The room is similar to the guest bedroom in my place, only far more stylish. A dark colored dresser lines one wall, covered from end to end with small white candles. They glimmer in the dark room. I wonder how long they’ve been lit, and if all of this was planned. He releases my mouth and lowers me onto a king-size bed covered in a pure white comforter. I sink into it, like I’ve been laid in a deep pile of snow.
He takes off his jeans and releases himself from his boxers. His erection is solid, glowing
in the candlelight. Oh my God. Is he going to fuck me?
“Take off your dress. I want to feel your skin pressed against mine.”
Without any hesitation, I toss it on the floor next to him. I’m exposed… I’m ready.
He unbuttons his shirt and walks over to the dresser, pulling open the top drawer. I hear a bottle open and a squish of fluid. He walks back to me, his enormous cock hovering between the two of us. He’s a fucking giant. Colossal.
“Turn your body so your head is at the foot of the bed.”
I follow his instructions, not questioning how or where he wants me. He straddles my stomach, his shaft resting on my chest between my breasts.
“Make sure you stop me if I start to hurt you. I want you to enjoy yourself.”
I nod again, unable to speak as tiny pulsations flow around my inner lips from my still fresh orgasm.
Cove wipes his hand down my cleavage, leaving a line of lubrication on my skin. Pushing my breasts together, he lodges himself between them, sliding through the middle space. His crown reaches my chin, and touches my lips on deep thrusts. He moans with pleasure, closing his eyes, his lips parted in lust. I lift my head to allow him entrance into my mouth with each forward movement.
“That’s it, Sophia,” his voice yearning for more. “Keep your mouth open for me.”
He flows over my chest, squeezing my breasts tightly against his cock until he leans forward, and his entire length is pushed into my mouth.
“I ache for you right now,” he groans, fucking my mouth, deeper, faster.
He takes my head in both hands, his shaft moving intensely in and out. My gag reflex takes over as he thrusts further inside.
“Tell me when it’s too much,” he repeats, looking down at my face. My eyes water, and he diminishes the deep penetration from the back of my throat, moving slowly, with less power. My tongue circles around his long mass; flicking his sensitive head as he pushes in, and then sucking hard as he pulls back out.
His shirt hangs off his body, revealing a scar on his right shoulder and a tattoo that says NOVA above his left nipple. His abdominal muscles tighten as he prepares to come.
