by J. A. Bailey
Well this peaked her interest once more. Belle had met plenty of men and women who were in full time BDSM relationships. Pretty much their entire lives were dictated by it. She didn’t fancy that personally and even enjoyed plain ol’ vanilla sex sometimes. But she had hoped she’d find someone who might want to indulge in a bit of domination and submission sometimes. The outgoing, outspoken part of her needed a break sometimes and she’d chatted enough with the girls at the club to learn that being a submissive was a great way to be someone else for a while. To relieve the burden of an outgoing personality. Sometimes she felt like two people. The quiet, uncertain girl and the fun, bubbly one. She liked the idea of being able to be both within a relationship.
The conversation flowed easily as she finished her main of some kind of sumptuous meat and grilled vegetables. Ali soon brought out dessert. Feeling the bowl, she realised it was a chilled dessert and unable to resist, Belle dipped her finger in it. When she put it in her mouth, she moaned as rich, velvety chocolate greeted her tongue. It was thick and creamy, and insanely decadent. God, she loved chocolate.
A slightly strangled cough came from across the table.
“What?” she asked indignantly.
“You just put your finger in your dessert, didn’t you?” Nicholas sounded like he was grinning.
“How could you possibly know that?” It was a bit of a bad habit of hers. There was something sexy about eating with your hands. She loved Moroccan because you could do that. It was reckless and uninhibited to use your fingers.
“Wild guess.” She practically heard his shrug. “You know,” he must have leaned closer because his knee brushed hers, sending shockwaves through her body, “those noises you make are so sexy. Eating with you is kind of torturous but very arousing at the same time.”
It was the first bit of physical contact they’d had, aside from the brief touch of his fingers earlier, and it electrified her. His words rang in her ears. Arousing… he was aroused by her. His knee remained—solid, warm, exciting. She had never before been turned on by just the touch of a knee but Nicholas was something else. They got on so well and he was charming and funny. He didn’t mind her bold tongue and he certainly didn’t seem like a stuck-up billionaire.
Deciding to risk it, Belle reached under the table and curled her hand around his thigh. Heat and muscle greeted her through expensive feeling, well-cut trousers. Well, the Santa suit had to have been padded, she concluded, as there was no way there was any fat on him. His muscles tightened and she heard the faintest hiss of breath as she inched her hand higher. To her frustration, she couldn’t reach any further. Her fingers itched with the need to see if he really was as aroused as he said he was.
“Are you aroused?” she asked huskily. Oh God, had she really just said that?
“What do you think?”
“I hope so.”
“Are you?” His tone was raw and rough. He certainly sounded it.
She swallowed. “Yes.”
“Spread your legs,” he murmured.
To her astonishment, her legs dropped open of their own accord. Her heated pussy welcomed the slight touch of fresh air and pulsed at his words, a rush of dampness pooling between her legs. With a slight rustle of the table cloth, he slid his knee between her legs until the fabric of his trousers pressed against her.
She wriggled and gasped at the welcome pressure. She was so stimulated, it was ridiculous. How could she be turned on just by words and sounds? Shifting again, a spark of pleasure alighted between her legs. It wouldn’t take much. Just a few subtle movements and she reckoned she’d be well on her way to an orgasm. But she could hardly do that in the middle of a restaurant, could she? Even if it was pitch black.
“Come for me,” he ordered quietly.
Her mouth dropped open. He really did want her to masturbate against him. And, God, she was in no position to resist. Their playful banter, and his crisp smell and muscular thigh had driven her over the edge.
She moved her hips, warily at first. The solid press of his knee was like heaven to her pussy. Her clit throbbed in time with her movements as warmth built between her legs. Strong, masculine fingers wrapped themselves around her wrist suddenly, the grip powerful but tender, and blood pounded in her ears. Belle fought to remain silent, and she worked and worked against that knee. Her other hand gripped her chair and she closed her eyes, even though there was nothing to see.
Sparks lit behind her closed lids, powered on by the touch of his hand and the strength of his thigh between hers. Belle imagined what it would be like to have that hand on her cunt, playing with her heat and thrusting into her. It was all she needed. She squeezed her thighs tight around his leg and worked frantically. The sudden rush of her orgasm made her release the tiniest squeal and she bit down on her lip. Satisfaction, warm and pleasant seeped through her muscles and she allowed her legs to flop open again.
Nicholas’ knee gradually retreated but he kept hold of her wrist, his thumb rubbing gently at the inside of her wrist.
“Wow, Belle, you are really something.”
She gave a shaky laugh. “I could say the same for you. I can’t believe I just did that.”
“I’m glad you did. Now, finish your dessert. I want to take you back to my hotel room.”
Belle’s jaw dropped open again. He said it as if she had no choice and that thrilled her. But she still didn’t know who he was really. Or did she? She knew he was witty and charming. He had the air of a Dominant but he’d told her he wasn’t a lifestyle Dom. Nicolas was surely rich to have bid so much on her so he presumably worked hard. All she didn’t know was what he looked like or how old he was, but at this point she didn’t care. Maybe he was disfigured somehow. But she wasn’t sure anything could put her off him now. The man inside was sexy as hell.
“Will you come back to my room with me?” he prompted as she remained silent.
“I—yes, I will.”
“You might be… a little surprised,” he warned.
“I like surprises, remember?” she answered easily and picked up her spoon to set to work on her dessert. She finished quickly, enjoying it but desperately keen to get out of the restaurant and see what Nicholas had in store for her.
“Will you do me a favour and wait outside for me while I settle the bill?” He skimmed his thumb over her wrist one last time, then lifted it and placed a gentle kiss to it.
Belle shuddered in anticipation. His lips were beautiful. She could tell just from that. Whatever he looked like, she couldn’t wait to spend the night with him.
***
Belle shuddered as the cold winter air touched her skin. Snow had begun to sprinkle from the sky, tickling her face. She pulled her jacket tightly about her and waited. The night was dark and the restaurant kept their exit area dim so you didn’t have to struggle with bright lights after the darkness of the dining room. Her heart stuttered in her chest as she waited. Excitement and nerves churned in her stomach. Was she really going to spend the night with a man she barely knew?
But, as she’d already told herself, she knew enough. He wouldn’t be some crazed criminal or he’d never have got past the club’s security checks. Even if they only shared one night, she was willing to bet it was going to be amazing. If just his knee could turn her on, then what could he do with the rest of his body?
Firm hands suddenly touched her shoulders and she jolted. “Don’t turn around yet.”
Belle obeyed, shivers and thrills traversing her spin while he swept aside her hair and laid his lips to the back of her neck.
“I’m very glad I bought you, Belle. I’ve been wanting you for a very long time. I’m going to bring you a lot of pleasure tonight.” He nipped her ear and she moaned. “But I need you to be open-minded and willing to put your trust in me. Can you do that?”
“Oh, yes.”
“Turn around.”
Licking her lips, Belle held her breath and turned. She kept her eyes lowered, almost fearful of what she might see. Normal
feet in polished shoes. Strong legs—well, she knew that already— and what looked to be a firm, flat stomach in a pretty sexy suit. And then…
“Shit!” Her knees threatened to drop out from underneath her as the face of her best friend—and flatmate—greeted her.
Nick put his hands on her shoulders to hold her up. “Hi, Belle,” he said, a sheepish smile on his handsome face, the gruff voice gone.
“Nick, what the hell?”
Oh God, she’d just been rubbing herself against Nick! The man who had seen her at her worse, who knew her better than anyone. They’d lived together for four years after a friend had told her she knew someone who had a room for rent. Belle had misheard and thought her friend had said Nicola, so she was surprised when it turned out Nick was letting the room. But they’d got on instantly so she’d decided to go for it. Nick had been her rock throughout her years of balancing college and work. He knew her inside out.
And now that rock had crumbled.
“Don’t freak out.” His green eyes were imploring.
“Don’t freak out? Of course I’m freaking out! You… I… I just came on your knee!”
“Yeah,” he gave a half shrug, “that was pretty hot.”
“Pretty hot? I thought you were a stranger. Some rich businessman.”
“I’m not exactly a businessman but…”
“What? You’re rich?” She found the strength to tear away from him and swiped a hand across her face. They both went to the same college though Nick was studying veterinary science while she was studying horticulture. He’d told her his flat in central London had been his inheritance which was why he didn’t have to work. He planned to set up a veterinary clinic as soon as he qualified.
“Look, let’s just say I come from money. A lot of money. I’ve never really said anything because I’m not really comfortable with it. But occasionally, a lot of money can come in handy…”
“Oh yeah, really handy,” she replied bitterly. “Great for buying a date with your best friend!”
“I had to, Belle. You have no idea how hard it’s been for me, trying to get you to wake up and see me as something else. See me as a man. You wander around in your little pyjamas and towels, and it’s like fucking torture.” He dragged a hand through his short, dark hair—a move of frustration that she recognised.
Belle paused and took a good look at Nick. A really good look. She loved Nick to death. They’d always just clicked. And she knew he was handsome. Girls fought over him. His chiselled jaw, slightly quirky nose and eyes that could charm you with a puppy dog look just drew women to him. But she’d never even considered him for herself. As soon as she’d met him, she’d thought him way out of her league. Even if sharing a flat meant sometimes she had to suffer seeing him shirtless and that made her mouth dry…
“You know…” Her voice came out breathy as if the thought of Nick shirtless stole the air from her lungs. “You could have just tried talking to me.”
“I tried, Belle, believe me I did, but you’re so quick to put yourself down. You just never got it and I didn’t want to ruin things. It felt like it was better to have you as a friend than not have you at all.”
“So why now? Why all this ruse?”
“I came to pick you up, to surprise you after your shift. I had thoughts of taking you out for breakfast and maybe seeing if I could persuade you to think about us—to think really seriously about us. I couldn’t stand the thought of another Christmas just pretending I wanted to be your friend. But then the security guys told me you were going to be part of the auction. For one, the thought of someone else buying you made me so fucking mad, and two, I saw it as a perfect opportunity. They leant me the Santa outfit and the rest…” he shoved his hands in his pockets and glanced at her from under his brow, “is history.”
“I… I don’t think I can take this. This is too much, Nick.” Belle tugged her coat tight. “I need to think.”
“Won’t you even give us a chance?”
“It’s just a shock. Please, I can’t…”
“I get it. You don’t feel the same.” Nick’s shoulders slumped. He looked thoroughly defeated. Almost broken hearted. But he’d turned everything on its head. She didn’t know what was real and what wasn’t now. “I’ll go to the hotel room I’ve got booked. Give you some space. It’s only around the corner,” he said quietly. “Be sure to get a taxi. I don’t want you walking home on your own.”
Her heart sank slightly, in spite of herself. She’d almost hoped he’d fight for her and force her to change her mind. “Okay,” she replied softly.
He cast his gaze down and nodded. “Night, Belle.” He turned and she watched him leave, the slight flurry of snow dusting his shoulders.
Belle’s chest ached as she watched him go. She almost thought to beg him to turn around but she couldn’t bring herself too. He disappeared around the corner and she made her way to a bus stop and sank onto the bench. She’d said she’d get a taxi but she didn’t really have enough money for that so the bus would do.
God, what an evening. She’d gone from nervous, to exhilarated, to—what?—heartbroken? Because that’s what it felt like. She thought she was going to have one night of unadulterated passion with a stranger and it turned out to be her closest friend. A friend she cared for very much. But did she really want to ruin everything by having sex with him?
He wanted her. It was a weird thought because she’d always believed she was way out of Nick’s league. She’d seen the kind of girls he dated. Skinny blondes or brunettes who always looked perfect in the morning unlike her. It never occurred to her Nick found her attractive.
But he did. God, that excited her. And scared her.
Belle stared at the slowly increasing build of snow on the ground and kicked it around with her shoe. Had she just made a mistake? She’d always said she liked surprises. Nick knew that and probably never thought she’d be angry about the way he’d gone about trying to get her on a date. Something spontaneous and crazy was more like something she’d do. So maybe he was trying to play things her way?
Nerves built in her chest and she twined her hands together. Should she take a chance? Nick was an amazing, sexy man. Potentially they could have an amazing, sexy time together. And they wouldn’t have to worry about getting to know each other’s flaws, because they already knew them all.
Belle stood and drew her shoulders straight. She’d learnt a lot about Nick tonight that she didn’t know though. He was richer than she’d realised, but clearly didn’t feel comfortable with the idea, which made him humble. And he liked to be a little dominant, which really excited her. If anything, tonight had shown her that, regardless of whether he was Nick or Nicholas, she really, really loved him, and probably not just as a friend. If her orgasm was anything to go by, he could blow her mind and have her fall head over heels in an instant.
Was she willing to take the risk?
She glanced at the Christmas decorations lighting the streets of London and the beautiful displays in the shop windows. Bright colours were everywhere, creating a magical feel in the snow dusted streets. If there was ever a time to take a chance, it was at Christmas, right?
Gripping her coat, she turned away from the bus stop and hurried down the street. She had no idea which hotel he was going to so she needed to be quick. Running in heels wasn’t easy though and she nearly snapped her ankle. Cursing, she paused and whipped them off, holding them by the heels. The snow nearly froze her toes, making her black stockings wet but she didn’t care.
Able to run more easily now, her heart leapt every time she saw a smart jacket but none of them turned out to be Nick. She paused at the end of South Street and glanced around. Most of the hotels in this area were along Park Lane, so she decided to head that way.
Almost out of breath, she scanned the street ahead but saw no sign of him. As she ran, she glanced in the doors of each hotel, anxious to spot him. Then as she ran past the Hilton, someone came out of the door and almost stumbled into her.
“Oh, sorry… Belle?”
Belle bent double, trying to catch her breath and then straightened to see Nick’s bemused expression.
“I—I just needed to…” She struggled to draw in air. “Oh God, I haven’t run like that in years.”
He scowled as he noted her bare feet and he took her heels from her. “Come inside. You’re going to catch a cold if you’re not careful.”
Before she could answer, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and led her into the hotel. His room was on the ground floor thankfully and it didn’t take long until they were in his hotel room. It was beautiful. A luxurious bed awaited them. Champagne sat in a bucket on the side and everything was elegant and tasteful with luxurious fabrics. A large wooden desk lined one wall and two padded chairs sat around a walnut coffee table.
“Did you… did you book this for me?” she asked as he guided her into one of the chairs.
“Yes.”
“Oh.” She couldn’t think of anything else to say. Not when he was now kneeling at her feet and working his fingers up her skirt to find the hem of her stockings.
Really it was a very romantic gesture. How many other men would go to so much effort?
“Why were you running barefoot, Belle?” he asked, his green gaze clashing with hers as his slightly cold fingers found the soft skin of her thigh. “Your stockings are soaked.”
“I needed to find you.” She shivered but not from cold. Dampness gathered between her legs again. “I-I think I made a mistake.”
An eyebrow arched while his fingers curled over the lace of her hold-up stockings. With deliberate slowness, he peeled it down, revealing her pale thigh. When the silk was down to her knee, Nick leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss to her inner thigh. Belle gasped, scalded by the heat of his mouth and the sight of his dark hair between her legs. How had she not seen how much she wanted him before? Nick had to be the hottest, kindest, sexiest man she knew, and yet it had never even occurred to her something could happen between them.
