by Angela Blake
“What are you doing?” She hissed furiously as she tried to snatch her top back and put it back on.
Collin was quicker than she was. He kicked the top out of the way. “I said I’d demonstrate. I need certain parts of you to be available to show you.”
Laurel gazed at him skeptically, her eyes swinging back and forth between him and the top.
Collin sighed. “I know this must seem like an attempt to have my wicked way with you without having to pay anything. I do want to have my wicked way with you, but I want that in a luxurious bed, or in my playroom. I want to be inside of you in many different ways, in many different rooms at all hours of the day, and I won’t be able to do that here.”
Laurel stared at him, a small noise coming out of the back of her throat.
“I don’t have to demonstrate anything if you’re uncomfortable, though I do hope you’ll give me the chance to show you that.”
Laurel narrowed her eyes and looked at him, waiting for the catch. When a minute ticked by, and he stood there, doing nothing, Laurel began to slowly relax as she gave him an imperceptible nod. She might as well find out what she was in for.
Collin gave her a sexy grin. “Okay, so if I were to immediately start playing with your nipples, like so.” He brought his hands up to her breasts and began to squeeze. He slowly removed the bra, and chills rose up and down her arms as her naked breasts sprung forward. “You’d feel like you wanted me, right?”
“Right,” she choked out, enjoying the feeling of his hand on her naked skin more than she’d care to admit.
“But it’s not an ache that would make you want to tear our clothes off and jump me right here.”
Laurel shrugged helplessly, not even sure what the difference was.
Collin brought his head down, so it was at eye level with her breasts. “However, if I were to bring my mouth closer to your breasts, and simply blow on them lightly without actually doing anything, you’d want me more. You’d feel that pool of desire coursing through your veins, and making your tummy ache.”
He moved his lips, so they were directly on top of her nipples and blew gently. His tongue darted out and briefly licked each nub, but other than that, he stood very still. Laurel found herself eagerly leaning forward, desire clinging to her very being.
“Well, I guess I see your point.” Laurel tried to sound nonchalant and breezy, but there was a slight tremor to her voice that betrayed how much she was really affected.
“You guess?” Collin gazed up at her from his spot between her breasts, her eyebrows arched in amusement. “I’d say you more than guess. I’d hazard a guess and say you even agree completely.”
“Let’s not get carried away.”
Collin gave her a wicked smile as he opened his mouth and lightly sucked on one of the nipples. A gasp escaped Laurel’s lips as her hands automatically traveled up and tangled themselves in his hair.
“Still think we shouldn’t get carried away?” He inquired, huskily.
Laurel cleared her throat. “I think it would definitely be better if we didn’t.”
Collin retracted his tongue, and lightly bit down, so that sparks of pleasure raced through her, and her hands tightened in his hair. “Are you sure about that?”
“No,” she breathed. Her eyes widened as she realized what she just said. “I mean, yes. I mean, um, I’m sure Julia will be back at any moment.”
Collin removed his mouth from her nipple, and Laurel immediately missed the feeling of his mouth there, but she tried not to let it show.
He gazed up at her. “I know she’s going to come back soon, but she did say we should get better acquainted, and I rather like how well we’re getting to know each other.”
“You call this getting to know each other?” A chuckle escaped Laurel’s lips as Collin remained where he was, not moving, eyeing her breasts rather fondly.
“Well, I tried to call it a friendship, but it wouldn’t answer.”
An unexpected laugh bubbled up to the surface as Laurel began to vibrate with laughter. He said, “I take it you approve of the term friendship more than an acquaintance.”
“I’d say not. I mean, I don’t know about your personal life, but this is definitely not how my friends and I deal with each other.”
An amused grin lit up Collin’s features. “Is that so? Why not?”
“Because there are limits to how you deal with certain people?” It came out as more of a question than a statement, so Laurel shook her head and tried again. “That wasn’t supposed to sound like a question. What I mean is, if this is what I do with my friends then what’s the difference between them and any kind of personal or intimate relations I might have with someone I’m dating?”
Collin nodded thoughtfully. “Good point.”
He gave her a soft smile before he leaned down and began to kiss her other breast. “So, your friends don’t do this, huh?”
“No.”
“How about this?” He began to twirl his tongue around the nub until Laurel was tugging on his head so hard, she was sure his scalp hurt by now, but he didn’t say a word, and were it not for the slight muscle ticking in his jaw, Laurel would’ve thought that he couldn’t feel it all. Much less feel turned on by it.
“That’s, oh!” she exclaimed as she pushed herself even closer to his tongue. She felt him wince slightly under her touch, so she eased her grip. He stopped what he was doing, and brought her hands up to his hair once more.
“Don’t stop.”
“But I’m hurting you,” she responded, keeping her hands perfectly still in his soft brown hair.
“That’s part of BDSM, love. It’s feeling pain and pleasure combined. Together, the two of them give a very potent mix. One unlike anything you will ever feel.”
Laurel stared at him. “So, you actually like this?”
Collin nodded. “I don’t just like it. I love it. It stimulates certain sensations, so don’t worry about hurting me. If it’s too much, I’ll let you know. For now, the grip you had was just right.”
A coy smile played on Laurel’s lips. “So, like this?” She yanked on his head softly.
Collin scoffed. “I know you can do better than that.”
Laurel smiled. “Like this?” She yanked even harder. Collin grunted in response and smiled up at her. “Exactly like that.”
He kissed the tips of her breasts and began nuzzling her neck. Laurel wrapped her head around his shoulders and sank into his touch. His mouth moved up until it was tugging on her earlobe. “Your ears. Hmm. I like your ears.”
Laurel laughed. “That’s a new one.”
“Well, it’s true.” He stopped nibbling on them and pulled back and began to stroke her cheek. He let his fingers lightly graze her skin causing every nerve ending to be on red alert, and eager for the warmth and electricity of his touch.
One half of his mouth titled into a grin, and Collin leaned gently forward.
Laurel could feel her heart hammering in her ears, blood pounding so hard, she couldn’t hear anything save the sound of her heavy labored breathing, and his ragged breaths. She could count every individual lash, and see a hit of freckles lightly smattered across his face.
She was so close that she could even see the flecks of gold that were reflected in his eyes. She wanted to run her hands over his long aristocratic nose, and trace his defined cheekbones, but instead she stood very still, unsure of what to do.
Collin stopped right before his lips could meet hers, and Laurel could hear the sound of their breathing intermingling together. She parted her lips slightly, and he brought his finger up to trace the smooth outline of her lips.
Her gaze collided with his, and for a moment, she thought he was finally going to kiss her. They smiled at each other, and just when he was about to seal the inch of space between them, the door swung open with a bang.
Chapter 4
Laurel and Collin jumped apart guiltily like two teenagers caught mak
ing out at prom. It was an odd feeling for Laurel considering they were both adults, and especially given the nature of what they were doing, but her hands flew to her chest, and she hastened to cover her naked breasts as her eyes wildly swung around the room for her shirt.
Julia stood there looking rather chagrined, a slight tint on her cheeks at having caught them in such a position. “I do apologize for interrupting your, er, bonding time, but I do believe it’s time to discuss the contract.”
Collin straightened up and ran his hands over his shirt to smooth out any creases. Aside from his hair, he looked every inch the business man he was, and Laurel couldn’t help notice the efficiency with which he was able to handle himself. There was also the fact that he looked practically impeccable even though they were close to being half naked.
Laurel couldn’t meet Julia’s gaze as she gazed at the shirt that lay discarded next to Collin. Collin’s eyes traveled to where hers were, bent down, retrieved the shirt and tossed it to Laurel as if they were just done discussing a business deal. His gaze did not meet hers, and Laurel felt a slight chill go over her at his sudden change in demeanor.
She shrugged it off as she quickly slipped her shirt back on and tugged on it self- consciously. She wanted to put on her bra, but she wasn’t sure she could do that without attracting any more unwanted attention, so she simply snatched her bra and bunched it up in her fists.
“I’d like a word with Laurel please, Mr. Randall.”
Collin nodded as he shoved his hands in his pocket and eyed Julia warily, as if he were afraid she might kick him out or something. Laurel wasn’t sure what Julia intended to do, to be honest, but she could tell by the slight clenching of her fists that she wasn’t too happy.
“Alone.” Julia added as Collin stood there, rooted to the spot. He looked surprised before he titled his head. “Right, of course. I’ll be in the waiting room outside.”
Collin strode across the room in two strides, and he quietly shut the door behind him. Laurel flinched at the sound even though it wasn’t that loud. She hung her head in shame as she shifted from one foot to the other suddenly realizing how precarious her position must seem.
Julia sighed. “Laurel, I thought you had a lot more self-control than that. How many times have I warned you girls about getting carried away?”
“Plenty of times.” Laurel mumbled.
“I don’t mind the kind of subtle tactics you can use to convince a man to seal the deal, but we outlined what is safe, and what isn’t. Kissing, groping, and occasion light touching is okay because it gets them all hot and heavy. However, I thought we made it clear that your clothes must not come off.”
“Yes.” Laurel felt like a child being scolded at Sunday school.
“You know all this already, Laurel, so why is it that when I walk in here you were half naked from the waist up?”
Her face burned. “I didn’t mean to, Julia. I got carried away, but I wasn’t going to let him get that far.”
Julia clicked her tongue. “I certainly hope not. Because you know what happens to girls who are compromised. Their market value all but vanishes, and they can no longer retire like they want.”
Laurel lifted her head, and met Julia’s gaze squarely. “I know, and you know that I would never risk that.”
Julia heaved a heavy sigh. “Good. I was just checking to make sure you still had that goal in mind. I was worried when I walked in especially because of that tension, and electric charge in the room.”
“What do you mean?”
“You couldn’t feel it? The way you two were drawn to each other? Well, anyway, I expect you’ll find out on your own. I’m going to call him back in to discuss the rest of the contract. I will let you know what happens.”
Julia walked to the door and held it open. Laurel ducked her head and passed through, dragging her feet awkwardly behind her. She caught Collin’s gaze and immediately looked away lest she be tempted to put herself in a precarious position again.
“Mr. Randall, come in, please.”
She could feel Collin drilling holes into the back of her head, but she resisted the urge to turn around and make eye contact with him. Instead, she willed herself forward, down the hall and to her room.
***
“So, do you think he’ll still go through with it?” Faith was sitting in their room staring at Laurel and trying to figure out what happened. Laurel told her what had transpired, and Faith started smiling, but then she began to frown as the story drew to a close.
“I don’t know, Faith. There’s something about him. Maybe it’s just the hormones talking, or maybe it’s the way he is with women. I have no idea. He’s just very compelling and magnetic.”
“Well, I think he’ll go through with it. In any case, you’ll find out sure enough, I’m sure. There’s no way Julia will keep the news to herself for long. She’ll want to spread it all over town.”
“Unless it’s bad news.”
Laurel made an ‘ompf’ sound when Faith tossed a pillow, and it smacked her right in the face. Faith made a face at her. “Stop with the negativity. Try being optimistic for a change. People wouldn’t know what to think”
The sound of their laughing was interrupted when there was a knock at the door. Faith tossed Laurel a puzzled smile before she stood up and answered the door. “Oh, hey Julia.”
Laurel’s heart skipped a beat as Julia emerged, looking very pleased with herself. “Get your bags ready, Laurel. You’ll be leaving first thing tomorrow.”
Chapter 5
Laurel wasn’t sure how to feel now that her final day at La Boheme was here. She supposed a part of her felt relieved, but there was another part of her that would miss this odd little home she’d come to think of as a haven for lost souls---people who had no home, and no way to rise in the world, or people who had simply given up on a typical lifestyle for whatever reason. Sometimes it was none of the above.
Whatever the reason, Julia made sure they felt safe and welcome here. That was one of the things she loved most about her. Julia didn’t ask questions, she just made sure you felt welcome and safe. That was all that mattered.
She would miss Faith too. The little blonde was like a sister to her, and she’d miss their late night chats, and the way they’d laugh together after a long day.
Laurel sighed as she zipped up her suitcase, and made sure the door was closed behind her. Faith barreled into her, and reeled her in for a bone crushing hug.
“I’m going to miss you so much, El. Please tell me you’ll keep in touch.”
“Faith, can’t breathe,” she wheezed out as she began coughing. For a petite blonde, that girl sure could squeeze!
Faith apologetically pulled away. “Oops, sorry, I get a little carried away, sometimes.”
Laurel began to hack and cough. “A little?” She glanced up at her through watery eyes. “You call that little? I’d hate to see what you’re like if you went full blown on me.”
Faith brushed her comment away. “Well, anyway, you’d better stay in contact, missy. It isn’t going to be the same around here without you.”
Laurel blinked back the tears. “Of course I will. You know I will. As soon as I get my own place when this is all over, you can come live with me, okay?”
Faith nodded. “Count on it.”
Laurel took one last look around, ran and gave Faith a big hug before she turned around and made her way down the stairs. She bid everyone she met on the way goodbye until she got to Julia’s office. She knocked. “Julia, I just wanted to let you know that I’m taking off.”
“I’ll walk you out.” Julia stood up, ran her hands down her clothes and escorted her to the car and chauffeur that were waiting to take her to Collin’s residence.
“You’re going to be just fine, Laurel. Just remember you always have a home at La Boheme. No matter what.”
Laurel could see the unshed tears in her eyes, and it touched her. She gave Julia a grateful smi
le. “Julia, I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me. I won’t ever forget that.”
Julia tried to look all serious and composed as she leaned in for hug, but she could feel her resolve weaken just a bit. “Good luck.”
Laurel got into the car and drove away from the life she’d began to call her own, and the place that made her feel safe for the first time in a long time. She wasn’t sure what would happen, but at least she knew where she’d been.
***
Soon she got to the house, which was actually more like a mansion with its sweeping garden, iron gates, and polished exterior of brown and beige. The house itself was like something out of a Hollywood movie set, especially the way it stood there, majestically towering over everything else. It looked colonial almost, but once she stepped inside, Laurel was surprised to find that it was actually state of the art with marble floors, high tech around every corner, and someone to attend to Collin’s every need.
The house also had an indoor swimming pool, outdoor swimming pool, basketball court, a spiraling staircase like in those old movies, and crystal chandeliers that hung and glistened like a million diamonds. Laurel forced her feet to move forward as the housekeeper took her on a tour of the house, and a man showed up to take her trunk to her room.
Laurel tried to keep her jaw from falling open as she was led from one spacious area to the next, feeling like she shouldn’t even breathe wrong on any of those things. The thing that really made her stop and gasp was his extensive library. Laurel loved books although she didn’t always have a lot of time to read, but she reverently breathed in the smell of books as the housekeeper urged to hurry along, so they could go find Collin.
He was in the basketball court out back dressed in a pair of shorts, and nothing else. He was dribbling the ball, sweat coursing down his back and rolling in beads off his forehead, making him glisten like some kind of golden Adonis.
