Falling Stars

by J. L. Brooks

  “Lila, I know you’re pissed and you will probably never forgive him. But he fell pretty hard for you. He couldn’t tell you goodbye. He said he knew he wouldn’t be able to let you get on that plane.”

  I glared at Mark and his attempt to defend his friend. I was angrier that I wasn’t able to do it first, because I would have done the same damn thing. I pictured him driving north through the redwoods of California and the thick forest of Washington, stopping to bike the rugged trails and take in the ocean vistas. However the butterflies were dead, they no longer fluttered in my belly at the thought of him.

  He was a coward, just like Hunter. It was just as well.

  By time we arrived in Reno and I walked down the jet way to board the plane, the tears had dried and my resolve became hardened. I hugged Mark and thanked him for the ride, telling him to keep my bike in exchange for the trouble. I had no use for it now. He tried to refuse, but ended up accepting it graciously. On the road I had called Lorenzo to let him know when I was arriving and to get my hotel information. He had set me up at Caesars and arranged a car service. I was absolutely disgusting from camping without a real shower. Between the layers of worn body paint and dust adhered by sweat, I looked like a desert nomad checking into the resort. I carefully placed towels under the luggage rack to prevent the carpet from getting coated in the thick dust.

  Lorenzo sent a text informing me that dinner would be at eight and to dress elegantly. Being on The Strip afforded me the ability to run to Forum shops and grab something last minute. With a few hours to pass, I crawled into the luxurious bed and tried my best to nap but without success. I realized it had been some time since I had contacted my family and sent another brief email explaining the situation and to let my mother know I was alive. I would have to call her eventually, yet she was patient with my need for space.

  As I stepped into the white strapless dress with a floral shrug, the memories of my exodus surfaced. That night I dressed prepared to lose everything, and here I had nothing to lose. A slight smile curved at my freshly glossed lips and my stride was tall walking into the lobby to greet Lorenzo. Immediately I recognized the handsome Italian sitting on a sofa engrossed in a slightly heated conversation. He held his finger up with a huge grin, while trying to get the other party off the phone.

  Something about him always made me ornery, and this certainly was no exception. Sliding the toe of my brand new stilettos against his calf, I smiled wickedly as he pulled my knee between his legs and stroked my thigh without pause. Ending the call, he licked his lips and went to stand.

  “Something tells me that you are looking for trouble, and based off of what you turned into me, you have grown quite fond of it.”

  I cocked my head and studied him in a new light. He looked tired, yet still dashing as ever. Holding my hands out to my side, I twirled around for approval.

  “I could use some trouble right now.”

  Giving me a smug smile and clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth, Lorenzo was more than ready to meet my requests. He closed the distance between us and brushed his lips against mine softly.

  “I think you have come to the right place and I make one hell of a tour guide.”

  Purring with a smile, I knew he wouldn't let me down.

  “Well I guess that makes me a lucky girl now doesn’t it?”

  Extending his elbow out, I laced my arm through and moved towards the valet ready to catch up with an old friend.

  Lorenzo kept his hand possessively on my thigh in the car and throughout dinner. He warned me of what was going to happen and not to act surprised by what he had negotiated. I noticed the agents eye our unusually comfortable interactions and try to make sense of why he would take me on as a client. Quietly I listened to the terms of the offer, and watched him ruthlessly place demands. He knew full well what this was worth and would not allow me to take less.

  “Mr. Aberaci, two million is more than Rectory House is prepared to offer as an advance. Although we have no doubt she will return the investment, very few authors get paid that.”

  The agents were nervous as the assistant scrambled to have a counteroffer ready before dinner was over. He was not satisfied with that answer and wiped his mouth before standing.

  “We are finished here. Thank you for wasting our time,” he said icily.

  I bit my tongue and went to join him and immediately we were asked to sit back down. The men bickered quietly back and forth while Lorenzo winked at me. Inside I was freaking out. I had ever been paid so much money before, yet Dinah knew this is what would happen. My excursions with Hunter and disappearance had made the story that much more desirable. Even Blank Page tried to make an offer and was immediately rebuked.

  Lorenzo squeezed my thigh to keep my heel from bouncing too loudly on the concrete floor. Beneath the tablecloth, I gripped his arm nervously. His steadfastness kept me calm as we waited for their response. And then it came.

  “We’ll do it. We need a few days to draw up the contract and will need Miss Keaton in New York to finalize the offer.”

  I froze in place astounded. Unsure of what to do, I followed Lorenzo as he raised a glass and offered a toast.

  “To Lila Keaton. And to Rectory House.”

  Sipping the champagne, the same words played over and over again in my mind.

  I did it. I really did it.

  After accepting the offer, the mood at the table lightened considerably and I was able to relax a bit and enjoy the dinner. Lorenzo kept control of the conversation so as to redirect any questions about my past whereabouts from becoming too uncomfortable. Fuck he was fabulous.

  “I’ve been writing and traveling. Some time in Moab and Colorado, it was lovely.”

  That was as much as I was willing to reveal. Still furious with Grant for leaving me alone with the guys, the bubbly alcohol did little to calm the storm within. Seeing my restlessness, Lorenzo excused us for the evening and headed out onto The Strip.

  With his hand still rested on my thigh, it crept higher until he was able to softly stroke against my silk panties. I did not stop him and opened my knees encouragingly. If sleeping with him was the least I could do for what he just pulled off, I was more than happy to oblige, especially since he refused a cut. I never considered myself a bed hopper, yet my run through men in the past few months would prove otherwise. Lorenzo was the perfect reminder of how foolish the previous week was. This was me one hundred percent, unapologetic about my sexuality and drive for success. Only when my heart was involved, did things fall out of my control. Now seemed as good a time as any to lock it away, what little bit remained, especially looking into Lorenzo’s lust glazed eyes.

  “I have a present for you Lila. I think you will like it. I made sure it was ready just for the occasion.”

  Intrigued, I danced my fingers over his groin and smiled.

  “Please tell me that it involves your cock.”

  Lorenzo shook his head and shifted his hips.

  “Maybe, since I have been such a good boy. But this is for you, and I know you are going to love it.”

  Pulling into the valet of another hotel on The Strip, we walked through the lobby and took an elevator up over twenty stories and gazed at the city below from the glass windows. Walking out onto a floor with only four doors, I was guided to the left and anxiously waited for the door to open. Rather than using a keycard, he knocked. Immediately a stunning woman in a black leather corset and sheer stockings with garters answered and ushered us in. Taking his jacket, she set it aside and directed us into the main room. Resting in the center was a sight that took my breath away. I turned to Lorenzo and gasped.

  “You really didn’t have to do this. I don’t know what to say.”

  Walking up to me slowly, he placed lazy kisses across my collarbone, his words hot on my skin.

  “Just say yes.”

  I smiled darkly at Lorenzo while running my fingers along the wooden bench with multiple leather straps and contraptions for restraint.
Great pains must have been taken to bring this into the hotel discreetly. His affection towards me could have not been more profound. A great agent knew their client and did everything they could to make them happy, and this made me very happy. I was fully aware of the power he welded, which was why I chose him to handle my manuscript, and prepared for the compensation he might request.

  His penchant for the extraordinary was not lost on this particular item. As much as I tried to keep myself from falling for Grant, this side of me would have revealed itself sooner or later, and shattered any preconceived notions he held about us. Lorenzo was one of the few that knew that I not only wrote erotica, but did it well based on first hand experiences. My trip to the club in Chicago was surprising in that Hunter was the one that took me. Swinging was never one of my higher interests, so I had never explored it. Seeing the bench was something that did intrigue me and by including it in the story, Lorenzo instantly cued in on one of my fantasies.

  “You read it?” I asked coyly.

  “Of course, it was brilliant. I don’t think you are quite prepared for what’s coming. Whatever it is that has happened to you in the past two months has made you a much stronger writer. I am very proud of you.”

  I blushed at his remark. Lorenzo did not freely dole out compliments, so I knew it was genuine.

  “I’m surprised you are okay with this, do you normally frolic with your clients?”

  “You are not a client Lila. That is the reason I refused your money. As far as I am concerned I was doing a favor for a friend, nothing more. You didn’t need me, yet you chose me. I am honored to give this to you. It takes a very strong woman to allow herself to become so vulnerable.”

  I sat in the bench and allowed my body to relax against the stiff wood, closing my eyes and imagining what would take place.

  “When do we begin?” I asked.

  “Tomorrow night. You need to take tomorrow to process everything and think about this. You don’t play Lila. The idea of doing something and really doing it are completely different. Just know if you want to, I will be here the whole time. Nothing will happen to you that you do not want.”

  I opened my eyes and stood to wrap my arms around Lorenzo’s shoulders. He was the reason I was so successful with Blank Page and now with Rectory House. If not for his adamant refusal to leave the ways of a bachelor, he was the kind of man I had always pictured myself with. Knowing his particular tastes would not so easily be understood by another, combined with his grueling work schedule, he accepted things as they were and was happy. I had lost that contentment when I lost my drive. Leaning in to kiss him, I bit his lower lip and giggled.

  “Thank you love.”

  He growled and pulled away to introduce me to the woman who was standing quietly in the background. As she drew closer, I was able to see her better. She was petite with an olive complexion and fierce dark eyes. Long dark locks fell into perfect waves over one shoulder.

  “Lila, this is Ellie. She is here to help you go over everything that will happen and will be here the whole time. Tomorrow you will meet her in the morning at the spa and go over everything necessary. Tonight you must rest so you are fully alert for the scene. Do not drink any alcohol, and if you change your mind at any point, notify me immediately.”

  I curtsied to Ellie before reaching out my hand.

  “Pleasure to meet you mademoiselle.”

  She curled her lips and assessed me more thoroughly. Despite not saying a word since we entered, I could sense she was very intense and methodic in how things took place.

  “The pleasure is mine.”

  I furrowed my brow trying to recognize her accent.

  “Russian? I know some.”

  Taken aback, she looked to Lorenzo and broke a full smile.

  “Very good, I am impressed. How is it that you speak Russian?”

  “A man of course.”

  Her eyes twinkled, yet she spoke no more. Lorenzo dismissed her and took my hand leading me back to the car. He escorted me as far as the elevator before stopping.

  “Lila, I am serious. Do not feel obligated to this in any way. I will not be upset if you decline the gift, it is your right. I simply wanted to give you the opportunity in a way I could control to protect you. I know you are scared to play and I want to remove that fear. Do you trust me?”

  Nodding my head, he kissed my cheek and rubbed his palm briskly against my arm before squeezing lightly.

  “Well then perhaps I will see you tomorrow, until then sweet dreams.”

  Giving a smile as he pushed the elevator button, it was only a moment before it chimed and the doors opened. Silently I stepped inside and used my keycard to ascend to my floor. Stripping out of my clothes, I took another shower and wiped the steam away from the mirror to see my reflection. In less than twenty four hours my life had completed another one hundred and eighty degree turn. I was back.

  Thinking I was ready to face what I had been avoiding, I opened my author email to sift through the queries and concerns, yet glanced for a moment and immediately logging back out. Working so hard had left little time to invest into an honest social life. Typically my engagements were prearranged and involved discussions about the industry. Dinah finding the shoebox was the first anyone in New York had heard about my past, including Lorenzo.

  It was always easier to be reclusive, especially since I felt that writing was already giving so much of my self away. But that was before everything happened. I had become a machine which was bound for a breakdown. I couldn’t go back to that, and now I didn’t have to. With a newfound sense of awareness, I had more control and would dictate how much of this life consumed me. Crawling into bed, I ran my fingers across the healing wounds on my leg. It was going to scar and I had to accept that.

  Thinking about the scene, the offer, Grant, Hunter and everything else, my mind was exhausted trying to process it all. The moment my head hit the pillow, I was gone. Waking several hours later, screams did not tear through the room, as if my subconscious knew that balance had been restored in my universe. I did not dream, nor toss about. Only being startled for a moment forgetting where I was, I quickly settled and laughed to myself. Crawling out of the bed and ripping the drapes open, Las Vegas and its entire splendor was at my feet.

  The clock indicated I had a half hour before I needed to meet Ellie at the spa. There was no way in hell I was backing out of tonight. She was waiting in the elegant entrance wearing a breezy summer dress and wedge sandals. Her transition from day to night was flawless, and one of envy. Looking at her now, you would never guess the kind of woman she really was, which made her that much more dangerous. She arranged for us to spend the day being massaged, waxed and prepared to perfection. I cringed as my feet slipped out of my flip flops and into the tub to soak my calluses. I really had let myself go.

  While looking into the mirror as the stylist was round brushing the final strands of the blow out, feelings of doubt began to creep in about the evening’s plans. Ellie eyed me curiously, yet did not say a word. It clicked why she was there, it wasn’t so much to prepare me, but watch and make sure I truly was ready. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily between us. If I wasn’t ready, this could seriously fuck me up. Was I truly in the mind frame to allow my body to be restrained and violated for pleasure? Lorenzo was right, I did want to play, yet was deathly afraid of giving up control. Knowing he would be there made all the difference. I did trust him, completely. Solidifying the decision in my mind, I smiled at Ellie and shimmied a bit in my seat.

  We ate a light meal and headed to the suite to get ready. A gold box with a giant black ribbon tied around it rested on the bed. Ellie handed it to me and indicated it was another gift. Inside was hand crafted lingerie even more beautiful than the set Hunter purchased for me in Chicago. The lace was a pale blue with gold details. Baby blue ribbons laced the bodice and decorated the garters. Matching crotch less panties with sheer stockings completed the outfit. Expecting stilettos, I inquired Ellie about
shoes and she informed me that they were not practical for maneuvering around and an injury could occur.

  I giggled as I slipped on the opulent garments and allowed her to lace me up. She too had changed into an outfit similar to the evening before, slipping into role and taking charge. She instructed me to rest a bit more before the men arrived. They would be directed to the other bedrooms separately and return to change and exit before my blindfold was removed. The only one I would know was Lorenzo, who had carefully chosen the men that would be present. I would not know their names, see their faces, nor suck their cocks. I made the exception for Lorenzo so that the fantasy would feel complete.

  Lying in the bed carefully so as to not ruin my makeup or hair, a soft knock on the door indicated that the men had arrived and it was time to begin. Ellie entered with Lorenzo, who kneeled at the edge of the bed with the blindfold in his hands. Seeing me dressed and ready darkened his eyes and changed his whole demeanor.

  “Are you ready?” he asked gravely.

  Unwaveringly I replied, “Yes.”

  He turned to Ellie for confirmation, in which she gave a single nod. Before tying the blindfold, Lorenzo asked Ellie to step out of the room. When the door closed, he held a finger to his mouth indicating me to be quiet and began to unbuckle his belt. Dropping his pants and kicking them to the side, he grabbed my waist and scooted me further onto the bed.

  “I get you first,” he growled as he crawled over me. Leaning down, I greedily took his mouth as his hands encouraged my knees apart. There was no tenderness as he forced his way into my body. Grunting hard, he thrust roughly in and out while pressing my knees to my chest. Trying my best to hold in my moans, it was impossible to stay silent. A few moments later he pulled out and began to pump his cock with his fist and aiming for my thighs, laying thick ropes of semen across them.

  “You bastard! Like a fucking dog marking a tree.” I laughed.

  Kissing me hard, he grinned against my mouth.