by Ally Vance
Sexual fantasy.
I nod in understanding as we reach the bottom of the stairs.
“You’re required to wear a blindfold during your sessions, because while we go to great lengths to protect our members, we also protect the identity of our fantasy guides.”
“Am I required to wax?” I blurt randomly.
Desiree chuckles. “It’s your fantasy, Makayla. You can do whatever you want with your body. If you want to grow a bush, that’s entirely up to you. Our fantasy guides are here to please you, not the other way around.”
That makes me laugh. “Okay.”
The application process takes about a week, then another week to set up the membership. Aside from the STD test, I’m not worried about the application. I’m more concerned with the cost of the membership. Honestly, I can’t think of anything better to spend Victor’s money on, but I already know I can’t afford a membership. However, Desiree insists on covering my first session.
“Why would you do that for me?”
“Because you’re a friend of Heather’s, and I like you. I think you deserve to experience one night at Veil.”
Chapter Eleven
Cannon
My cell phone buzzes on my desk, and I look at the screen to see Desiree calling.
“How’d it go?”
“Are you fucking kidding me, Cannon?”
A grin tugs at my lips. “Is there a problem?”
“She’s a child.”
“She’s twenty-two.”
“What are you going to do with her? She doesn’t even know what she likes.”
“How is that her fault?”
“I can’t believe Victor.” She sighs heavily into the phone.
“She’s beautiful. Can you blame him?”
“I guess not, but it explains a lot.”
“She’s curious. Twelve years ago, you were a curious twentysomething,” I remind her. “That’s why Veil exists.”
“Whatever.” She snorts. “Have fun with your pillow princess.”
I smirk. “I plan on it.”
Chapter Twelve
Makayla
“Knock, knock,” Heather calls as she walks through the front door carrying a large gift basket wrapped in cellophane.
“What is that?”
“Housewarming gift.” She grins as she places it on the breakfast bar.
“You didn’t have to do that.” I gesture around my apartment. “This place is more than enough.”
After our trip to Veil two weeks ago, Heather dropped me back at the hotel and left to run some errands. The next day, she came to the hotel, helped me load the five suitcases into my Jeep, and then had me follow her to a beautifully remodeled apartment building her brother gifted to her for graduation. She was already halfway moved into her apartment and offered to rent me any of the three available. I chose the upstairs apartment across from hers.
We spent the rest of the afternoon and early evening shopping at IKEA and Magnolia Park Village.
Heather waves me off. “It worked out perfectly. I needed a tenant, and you needed a place to live.”
Once I got settled in, I called my parents to let them know Victor and I had broken up but that I was fine and staying with Heather, the girl they met at graduation. My mother was devastated, but my father seemed relieved.
“Speaking of tenants….” I grin. “Who’s the hottie who just moved in downstairs?”
She blushes. “His name is Jesse Carver. He’s a full-time firefighter and a part-time tattoo artist at Inkubus over in the village.”
“And did Jesse get one of these fabulous housewarming gifts?” I tease, fighting back a smile.
“Shut up and open your gift.”
Grabbing the scissors from the drawer, I cut the top of the cellophane and rip it away. Inside the basket is a bottle of champagne, two champagne flutes, all six seasons of Sex and the City on DVD, and a card.
“I wasn’t sure if you could use those because who watches DVDs anymore?”
“I do,” I admit with a snicker as I peel open the envelope and slip out the card.
In a world full of Charlottes, be a Samantha.
“Aww, Heather.” I open my arms and wrap her in a hug. “You’ve been such a good friend to me these past couple weeks. Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” She plucks the bottle of champagne from the basket and sticks it in the refrigerator. “We need to get this nice and chilled so we can celebrate later.”
“Oh?” I drawl. “What are we celebrating?”
Reaching into her back pocket, she pulls out a shiny black envelope not much bigger than the one holding the card in the basket. “This came today.”
Taking the envelope from her, I tear it open and pull out a black plastic card that looks like a credit card with “Veil” written in red.
I slap the card to my chest and grin. “When are we going?”
“We can go this weekend.”
I squeal in excitement and do a little happy dance.
“Just make sure you call Desiree so she can put you on the calendar,” she adds. “Her number’s on the back of the card.”
I turn and scan the apartment, looking for my phone. “Let me do that now.”
“So how’s the job hunt going?” Heather asks as she sashays into the living room carrying two champagne flutes.
“Not bad.” I close my laptop and set in on the coffee table. “I sent out five résumés today. I have a Zoom interview on Wednesday and another on Friday.”
She passes me a flute, then drops down at the end of the sofa facing me. “That’s good.”
“How do you like working with your brother?” I ask, stretching out my legs and propping my feet on the edge of the coffee table.
“Honestly, it’s going really well. It’s a lot, but he’s a good teacher.”
“I hope I’ll get to meet him one of these days.”
“Actually.” She brings the glass to her lips and takes a sip. “He’s in the middle of a huge deal, so he’s been tied up in meetings the last couple days, but I did mention to him that you were looking for a job.”
My eyes bug out. “Seriously?”
She gives a careless shrug. “It wouldn’t hurt to send in your résumé.”
Dropping my feet to the floor, I lean forward to set my glass on the table, then shift on the sofa to face her. “Heather, you’ve already done so much for me. I feel like a mooch.”
Heather frowns. “How?”
“I don’t know. Maybe mooch isn’t the right word. I feel needy, high maintenance.”
She tosses a throw pillow at me. “Stop it. You’ve never asked me for anything, Makayla.”
I hug the pillow to my chest. “True, but somehow I feel like you’re always saving me.”
“It’s called being a good friend.”
“The best.”
Chapter Thirteen
Makayla
“Thank you for your time, Mr. Caldwell,” I say with a smile.
“It was a pleasure, Makayla. We’ll be in touch.”
The screen goes blank, and I close my laptop on my last interview of the week. Taking a deep cleansing breath, I rub the tension from my neck and pick up my phone to check the time. It’s only 10:00 a.m., which gives me a full day to clean my apartment and run some errands.
My phone vibrates in my hand, and a call from an unknown local number flashes on the screen. It could be a callback from one of the interviews.
“This is Makayla,” I say in lieu of a hello.
“Good afternoon, Makayla. My name is Jane, and I’m calling from the Davis Corporation. We received your résumé and would like to proceed with an interview. Are you available to come in on Monday?”
I grin. “Yes, ma’am. What time?”
“Will 9:00 a.m. work for you?”
I nod even though she can’t see me. “That’s perfect.”
“Great.”
She rattles off the address, and we wrap up the call. I have no doubt Heat
her pulled some strings to get me this interview, and after the two shitty ones I had this week, I realize getting a job right out of college is all about who you know.
I spend the next two hours cleaning my apartment, then drive over to the village and grab a smoothie before heading to my mani-pedi appointment.
I press the unlock button on the key fob as I approach my Jeep but stop short when see a single blueish-purple colored rose under the wiper blade. The petals are slightly wilted from the Florida heat. I look around the parking lot to see no other cars have a rose, so I lift the wiper blade, remove the rose, and throw it on the ground before climbing behind the wheel. Tossing my purse in the passenger seat, I start the car and head back to the apartment.
Parking in my usual spot at the curb, I gather my things from the passenger seat and climb out. As I make my way through the courtyard, I cross paths with the new tenant, Jesse.
I extend my hand. “Hi, I’m Makayla.”
Keeping his eyes on mine, he takes my offered hand and rewards me with a heart-stopping smile. “Jesse. Nice to meet you.”
There’s no denying the man is fine. He doesn’t look much older than me. Strands of blond hair peek out from under a baseball cap that says “MPFD.” His eyes are light blue, and both arms are decorated with colorful tattoos. Jesse seems nice, and I appreciate that he doesn’t make a show of checking me out like every other man I’ve ever met.
“You, too. Are you on your way out?”
He shoves his hands in the front pockets of his shorts. “I am.”
I smile and edge toward the door. “Well, I won’t keep you. Just wanted to introduce myself. If you ever need anything—” I point to my apartment. “—I’m right up there.”
“Thanks.” He nods once. “See you around.”
“I can’t believe you’re ditching Veil to hang out with the hot firefighter,” I call from inside the closet. “I thought you didn’t do relationships?”
“Do you hear yourself?” She snorts. “I said I hadn’t met anyone worth the effort. I mean—” Her words are cut off by a knock at my door.
Brows pinched, I move to the doorway of the closet as she rolls from my bed and stands. “I’ll get it.” She points to my simple black cocktail dress. “I like that one,” she adds as she hurries from the room to answer the door.
A moment later, she returns carrying a shiny black box wrapped with a red satin ribbon. “Special delivery,” she sings as she sets the box down on the bed.
“What is it?”
Heather shrugs, stepping back and tucking her hands into the back pockets of her shorts. “I have no idea. Whoever delivered it left it at the door.”
I frown, staring at the box. “That’s weird.” I flick my gaze to her. “Do you think it’s safe to open?”
She raises her brows. “Do you want me to do it?”
“No.” I wave her off and move to the bed. “You haven’t known me long enough to risk your life for me,” I joke.
Heather snorts. “Open the damn box, Makayla.”
Carefully, I remove the satin ribbon over the box and toss it on the bed before lifting the lid. A shiny black envelope—exactly like the one containing the Veil card—sits on top of red tissue paper. Picking up the envelope, I tear it open and pull out a card.
Wear this for me tonight. ~ X
“Who’s it from?” Heather asks.
“X?” I pass her the card, then pull back the tissue paper to find three articles of clothing.
“X must be your fantasy guide,” she offers.
“With very naughty taste,” I tease, holding up the black satin strapless bra and matching thong.
“Damn.” She uses the card to fan her face dramatically.
I laugh at her theatrics as I fish out a see-through black lace bodice dress. I turn to her with brows raised and she grins, nodding her approval.
“That is hot.” She waves toward the closet. “Go change.”
“Wait.” I pause at the door and turn back around to face her. “It’s my fantasy. Shouldn’t I be the one sending him gifts?”
“Technically your fantasy begins in the bedroom. And if you don’t hurry up, you’re going to be late.”
Chapter Fourteen
Makayla
“I’m here,” I say into my Bluetooth as I stop outside the gate and roll down my window.
“Okay,” Heather’s voice echoes through the speakers. “Swipe your Veil card next to the keypad, just like a credit card.”
Grabbing my clutch from the passenger seat, I fish the card out before leaning through the open window. I swipe the card, and a moment later, there’s a buzz and the gates slowly swing open.
I roll up my window and ease through the gate. It looks different at night. It’s so dark, I can hardly make out the trees. The only illumination is the landscape lighting lining the driveway.
My stomach knots.
“Are you nervous?”
I stare wide-eyed at the windshield, as though she can see my face. “I can’t believe I’m actually doing this.”
“I promise you this will be the best night of your life.”
Light fills the car as the mansion comes into view. “All right, I’m pulling in. I’ll call you later.”
“Have fun,” she sings before the call disconnects.
I pull into the circular driveway, and a valet moves to open my door. “Fancy,” I mutter to myself as I climb out.
Brushing my shaky hands down the front of my dress, I suck in a deep breath, push my shoulders back, and walk into Veil.
Dim light seeps from the massive chandelier hanging in the center of the foyer. The smooth, melodic chime of classical music drifts from a hidden sound system. I glance to the right, toward the living area where I first met with Desiree. The room is bathed in soft light but empty. To my left is the bar. I make my way over and slide onto the empty stool on the end. A woman with short dark hair, slicked back from her face, and full lips painted a deep red greets me with a smile.
“Welcome to Veil. What would you like to drink?”
“A dirty martini, please.”
With a nod, she silently gets to work. It’s then I remember the rules that conversation is limited to pleasantries.
I reach into my clutch for some cash as the bartender slides the martini glass in front of me. She holds up her hand. “Drinks and tips are covered.”
“Oh.” I set my clutch on the bar and reach for my drink. “Thanks.”
“Good evening, Makayla,” Desiree’s sultry voice echoes from behind me before she appears at my side. Her gaze sweeps over my outfit. “You look amazing.”
“Thank you.” I start to tell her it was a gift from X, but we never discussed the rules on gifts, so I keep it to myself. I don’t want to get the man in trouble before we even have a chance to meet.
After I’ve finished my drink, Desiree shows me to my room. She has a calming presence about her, and any nerves I had are long gone.
I’m sure the martini helped.
It’s amazing the way the mind and body work in harmony. How losing one of your senses heightens the others. The silky material is secured tightly around my eyes, but I feel the shift in the air the moment he enters the room. I listen to the light tapping of his shoes against the wood floors echoing as he moves farther into the room. Goose bumps prick my skin as his footsteps bring him closer.
“Good evening, Makayla. I’m X, and I’ll be your fantasy guide this evening.”
His voice is soft but deep and smooth like honey. My pussy clenches, and I already want him inside me.
Jesus, Makayla, calm down. It’s been forty-five seconds.
I hear the rustling of fabric, followed by the clink of metal touching metal, and I imagine he’s taking off his clothes and hanging them up.
“What do you want, Makayla?”
I push back my shoulders and say, “I want you to touch me.”
“Where?”
“Everywhere.”
I squeeze my th
ighs together in anticipation, and my breath catches in my throat when I feel the gentlest touch of a fingertip trail across my collarbone and down my chest.
“You have beautiful breasts,” he whispers huskily.
I don’t know how to respond to that, so I say what I would with any compliment. “Thank you.”
He lifts my hands from my thighs. “Lie back,” he instructs as he helps me to the top of the bed with my head resting on a soft pillow.
“You doing okay so far?”
“Yes,” I breathe.
“You don’t need a safe word, Makayla. If I do anything that makes you uncomfortable, just tell me to stop.”
“Don’t stop.”
I hear him chuckle under his breath, and that makes me smile.
My heart pounds harder when I feel the bed dip and I feel the heat from his body as he hovers over me. A moment later, his soft lips press against the pulse in my neck. He kisses his way down my chest before sucking a nipple into his warm mouth, and a breathy moan slips past my lips. Instinctively my hands fly to his hair, sliding through the silky strands, my nails scraping over his scalp as he flicks his tongue over the sensitive peak while pinching the other between his fingers.
My body writhes beneath him as he moves to the other breast, licking and sucking before dragging his lips down my stomach, pausing to kiss me over the top of my panties.
“May I remove your panties?”
“Yes, please.”
I feel him sit back and settle between my parted thighs before hooking his fingers into the sides of my panties. He slowly guides them down my legs, and I bend my knees as they pass over my feet.
He shifts once again, sliding his hands under my thighs, cupping my ass and tilting my pelvis. His warm breath brushes over my pussy before I feel the first swipe of his tongue.
I arch my neck and moan, reaching back with both hands to grip the pillow when he sucks my clit into his mouth.
