Satisfaction (Taking Chances #2)

by Jeanne McDonald

  Addison stood next to Sebastian, talking to a blonde, masked woman. From the distance, I couldn’t tell who they were conversing with, but I had my suspicions. Sebastian was cool and debonair in his tuxedo, but Addison, she was the light that brightened the room. Seeing her there, I better understood why Sebastian struggled with the idea of her becoming an intricate player in Indulgence. I wouldn’t want some pervy sex freak lusting after my girlfriend, if she looked like Addison, either.

  “There they are,” I pointed out to Autumn.

  “She’s beautiful,” Autumn whispered as I pulled her toward the staircase. She wrenched back a little, slowing my pace.

  I stopped and turned to her.

  “What’s wrong?” I queried, feeling my brow furrow against my mask.

  Autumn let out a deep sigh, tugging at the fabric of her black dress. I knew good and well she was just as uncomfortable in formal attire as I was, yet she looked beautiful. Her dress flowed against her figure and the silver mask she’d chosen for the evening glittered in the dim light of the room.

  “Her,” she breathed, motioning toward the stairs.

  I glanced to Addison and back to Autumn. The expression on her face was somber, but anger twinged around the edges.

  “Talk to me, Autumn.”

  Her nostrils flared as she exhaled. Tears formed in her eyes. “I’m sorry. I really am.”

  I cupped the side of her face, forcing her to look at me. Her big eyes, lined in dark makeup peered into mine. “What are you sorry for?”

  Autumn shook her head. “I can’t go up there and pretend I’m okay with how she treated you last year.”

  And there it was. The last five months now made sense. Every time I went to hang out with Sebastian and Addison, Autumn found a reason to not go. Work was always a good one, and I never second guessed it. Then there was Sam. He was a perfect excuse for her weekends to be filled.

  My hands dropped to her shoulders and I squeezed them tight. “Autumn, my dear friend, I love you so much for always having my back, but you have no reason to hate her or them. I don’t.”

  “You should. She used you.”

  I kissed Autumn’s forehead and pulled her close to my chest. “No, she didn’t.”

  “But she─”

  “No. I could’ve taken her that night, but I chose not to. And I’m glad I let her go. Addison and Sebastian are amazing people. They’re good together.” I waved my arm out toward the room. “This is Indulgence. It’s not a place you come to and search for love. It’s a place you come to, well, ah, come.”

  Autumn chuckled. “True.”

  “And I came a lot that night,” I admitted. “But Addison wasn’t meant for me. She was meant for him.” I pointed toward the happy couple. “And I think, if you gave them a chance, you’d find you like them.”

  Autumn’s shoulders sank. She peered at the pair then back to me. “Are you sure you’re happy? I mean…”

  “Stop. Seriously. Do I look that unhappy?”

  Autumn shook her head. “Only when you draw that tree, but otherwise, you seem better than you have in a long time.”

  I pressed my fingers to the right side of my chest where that tree now resided. I’d convinced myself that it wasn’t the girl who’d captured me that night, but merely the experience. The tattoo, on the other hand, was simply cool. I’d always wanted one and that was the only one that had ever spoken to me. “I still can’t believe you tattooed something like that on you.”

  “I think it’s cool.”

  “You’re so weird,” Autumn teased, giving me a good bump in the arm.

  I patted her face haphazardly, resulting in her smacking my hand away. “You’re one to talk. Now, c’mon. They got us in. The least we can do is say hi.” We maneuvered our way through the crowd toward them.

  The room was filling up fast, and with Addison and Sebastian already among the general population, it was certain that naked time was speedily approaching.

  “Who’s the blonde?” Autumn asked as we approached the stairs.

  “Brix!” Addison called out before I could answer. “I was just telling Amber you should be here by now.”

  I bowed my head and grinned. Just as I suspected, the blonde conversing with Addison was none other than her oldest and dearest friend, Amber Sachs. Amber was basically Addison’s Autumn, which made me respect their relationship in every way. That didn’t stop me from joking with Amber, though. “I’m sure she smelled my blood a mile away,” I jested.

  Amber raised her eyebrows, giving them a wiggle. “Of course I did. As if I couldn’t smell your virgin ass the moment you entered the building.”

  The woman was a real piece of work. Amber was a svelte woman who was outlandish in everything she did. Addison warned me about Amber long before I met her, and she didn’t lie. Amber had the type of personality that filled the room to the point of suffocation. You either loved her or hated her. There was no in between with her. Personally, I liked the woman. She had a knack for making me laugh.

  “Now, now. Brix is no virgin,” Sebastian interrupted.

  “It’s Flex tonight,” I corrected, as I pulled Autumn in from behind me where she had melted. “Sebastian, Addison, and Amber,” I pointed them out as I spoke, “this is Autumn.”

  Addison’s smile exploded across her face as she reached for Autumn’s hand. “It’s so nice to finally meet you. Brix,” she cleared her throat casting me a knowing glance, “I mean, Flex talks about you nonstop.”

  “All good, I hope.”

  “Too good to be true,” Amber suggested. “I was starting to think you were either a figment of his imagination or you were an actual saint.” She sidled up to Autumn. “Should I get down on my knees tonight and worship you, Saint Autumn?”

  I smirked, being used to Amber’s constant rage of hormones. Lord knows how many times I was tempted to take her up on her solicitations. But I always stopped, heeding Addison’s warning of not toying with Amber. She seemed to think Amber would chew me up and spit me out. I trusted her instinct.

  Autumn glanced at me then back to Amber. “Sweetheart, this body's a temple.” She motioned along her torso. “Only those whom I deem worthy are permitted to worship at my feet.”

  A loud roar of ohs and ahs burst from the remainder of the group. A cool smile drew upon Amber’s face. “I like her.” She thumbed toward Autumn. “Why haven’t you brought her around sooner?”

  Before I could respond, Autumn jumped in, “Because I was dating a man who turned out unworthy of my talents.”

  “Douche nozzles,” Amber groaned. “They’re all alike.” She wrapped her arm around Autumn. “Stick with me, Mother Teresa. We’ll get your mind off that dickwad in no time.”

  I covered my face and groaned. I’d landed Autumn right smack dab into the middle of the lion’s den.

  Sebastian glanced down at his watch. “Red, it’s time,” he announced. He looked to me. “I’d tell you to stick around, but I figure you’ll want to head to a room once you’ve stripped down.”

  I felt my ears burn at his suggestion. It was time for Flex Grayson to takeover. “Yeah. And I’m sure you and Addison will be embarking on the Fortress of Solitude.” I wiggled my eyebrows, already aware of what Sebastian had in mind for the evening.

  We’d bonded one night over a heated discussion as to which DC superhero would win in a one-on-one battle. He was all Superman and I quickly reminded him that one drop of Kryptonite and his boy was down for the count. Poor Addison looked as if she would rip her ears off by the time the night was over. But since that night, Sebastian and I had become inseparable. It was cool to know Bass Hawk, the man outside of Sebastian Hawk – the world-renowned author.

  “You know it.” Sebastian beamed.

  I gave him two thumbs up and backed away from the staircase.

  Sebastian took Addison by the hand and led her to the top of the stairs. “Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention please.”

  The room silenced instantly and ever
yone devoted their undivided attention to the couple standing at the top of the stairs. Addison glowed beneath the soft light. She belonged at Sebastian’s side. If I’d held any animosity toward her before this moment, which I didn’t, but if I had, it would’ve evaporated. She was right where she belonged. Her smile alone expressed sheer joy.

  “Good evening and welcome to Indulgence,” Sebastian announced. “We are pleased to have you here tonight. As you all know, I am Sebastian Hawk, and this gorgeous woman standing beside me is Addison George.”

  The room resounded with cheers and clapping for our host and his lovely companion.

  When the clapping died, Sebastian continued, “It is a great honor that you would spend your final hours of this year helping us ring in the New Year. Now, as is the tradition of Indulgence, there are a few guidelines we must remind you of before we get started.”

  Sebastian glanced at Addison before returning his gaze to the crowd. Everyone was captivated by this man, almost as if he’d placed a spell on them.

  “You will find that each room is listed with an indulgence for your tasting. Please keep in mind that if a room does not have a name, then it’s off bounds. There are rest lounges throughout the house. You’re more than welcome to take advantage of them whenever you need a break, however, sexual activity is prohibited in these designated areas.”

  He placed his hand around Addison’s waist. I watched as her chest rose and fell. She was breathing the nerves away. It was kind of cute. “Your bodies are important, so we ask that protection is used for all indulgences,” she advised. “To ensure your safety, such protection, as well as an array of lubricants, are available in each room. You are required to use fresh protection during each encounter. If you are to become injured in anyway and need medical attention, we have a full medical staff available.”

  “She’s a pro,” Amber cooed. I hadn’t realized she’d moved in next to me.

  “That she is.”

  “And to think, she fought me about coming last year.”

  “Really?”

  “The kitchen and bar are open all evening,” echoed Addison’s voice.

  Amber nodded. “Yeah. She was so upset that night after Jacoby pulled his asshole move.”

  I jerked my head around. “What are you talking about?”

  Amber placed her hand over her bright red lips. Her eyes widened beneath her gold mask. “Holy crap,” she whispered. “I thought you knew.” Amber shook her head. “She had it in her head that she and Jacoby were getting back together.”

  “He’s gay.”

  “Thank you, Captain Obvious.”

  I rubbed the back of my neck. “I’m so confused.”

  “You remember her running out of your studio?”

  I nodded. “She was upset over causing several people to fall.”

  Amber let out a squeak of a laugh. “She was upset because Jacoby wanted her to be in his wedding instead of getting back together.”

  “She thought…”

  “Yeah.”

  “Wow.”

  Amber nudged me with her elbow. “Bet you didn’t know this either, but she liked you back then. Had you asked her out, she would’ve said yes.”

  Stomach meet floor.

  Jacoby was telling the truth that night. If I’d pushed through my own head, I would’ve had a date with Addison George. Not that it mattered now. The strong, confident woman standing next to the man she loved was proof enough of that. I’d had a shot and I blew it. The story of my life.

  “I didn’t tell you that to upset you,” Amber clarified. “She’s where she belongs.”

  “I agree,” I muttered.

  Autumn flanked my other side. “And you’re where you belong.”

  Sebastian was once again talking to the crowd. “Anyone caught breaking these rules will be removed from the premises immediately.”

  “At an erotic masquerade?” I jested.

  “There’s magic in the air tonight. Don’t you feel it?” Autumn implored.

  I stood there near the foot of that staircase and let her words sink in. I did feel it. It crackled and sizzled like a live wire. Tonight would break my curse. Flex Grayson, the smooth, charismatic persona I created in my head, would meld with Brix Johnson, the shy boy next door. Anything was possible.

  “If you will, at this time, please remove your clothing. My staff will be around to collect your belongings. A claim stamp will be applied to your partner card.” Sebastian pulled Addison’s hand to his lips and placed a gentle kiss against her skin. “We wish you all a wonderful evening and a Happy New Year.”

  Like the gates at the Kentucky Derby, the night was open for anything, and this time, I was ready.

  A weird sense of shyness fell over me as we disrobed.

  I did everything within my power to avoid eye contact with Addison and Sebastian while, at the same time, staring above Autumn’s head to keep from seeing her unclothed. I’d forgotten the awkwardness between us during this process last year. It’d seemed so natural in my mind when I requested her attendance. Now, stripping with the woman I considered my surrogate sister, I realized how I must’ve blocked out the memory of this moment from the previous year. The very thought left me feeling strange and not in that I’d-do-her kind of way. More like horrified terror.

  A slender hand slinked up my arm, sending my already squirmy skin into full on goosebumps. “Hey, Brix,” Amber purred beside me. “I’m taking Autumn upstairs to the girl on girl room after they collect our clothes. You know, if you want to join us…”

  I shivered at the thought. Not that watching Amber in action didn’t already have me hard as a rock. That much was self-evident, but the idea of watching Autumn…

  No. I couldn’t. It would be like walking in on my mother having sex. Gross!

  “Thanks,” I croaked, “but I don’t think so.”

  “Oh, thank God,” I heard Autumn mutter.

  Phew! She was as wigged out by the concept as I was.

  “You two are such prudes,” Amber barked. “I’d totally watch Addison. Hell, I’d fuck her if Sebastian would let me.”

  “There’s not a doubt in my mind that’s true,” I admitted with a twisted chuckle.

  An attendant came by and collected our belongings. Much like the women at the front, this woman was intimidating. Dressed in all black, except for her plain white mask. She stamped a number to my card and placed my clothing into a garment bag marked with the same number. With my clothes secured, she moved to the next person, following the process all over again.

  Once the attendant moved on, I leaned into Autumn. While keeping my eyes peeled to the ceiling, I managed to place a kiss on the top of her head. At least I hoped it was Autumn’s head, otherwise...awkward. “Please be safe. Meet me right here in the morning, all right?”

  “I will, and you do the same. Don’t be all chivalrous tonight. Grab a woman by the hair and fuck the shit out of her.”

  I snorted. “Of course I will. Flex Grayson never lets down the ladies.”

  Autumn groaned. Still refusing to look down, I figured I’d also gotten some sort of eye roll.

  “C’mon, Autumn. Let’s go before I hop that rod Brix is sporting.”

  “Dammit! I didn’t want to know that,” Autumn bellowed.

  “Later, Brix,” Amber called out. I felt the women distance themselves from me and soon I couldn’t hear either of them chatting.

  Confident I was alone and could drop my eyes, I gazed around the room. Everyone had veered off, heading to the area which housed their favorite carnal desires. It never ceased to amaze me how fast people scampered off. The great hall, in a matter of minutes, was practically empty. There were only a few stragglers; mainly those who were still inventorying their belongings.

  I cracked my knuckles and dared to peek at the staircase. Throngs of people peppered the marble stairs but Sebastian and Addison were long gone. It was customary for Sebastian to slip out during the disrobing, so their disappearing act was expected. />
  I circled around in place, considering all my options.

  Hmm. Where should I start first?

  Maybe the bar?

  The idea of getting some alcohol in me was appealing. Then it struck me. Flex Grayson wouldn’t need liquor. He’d go straight to a room and find the first bird to pop his cock in.

  Even I had to roll my eyes at such a thought.

  Flex Grayson was suave. He was cool. He was debonair.

  Immersed in my new persona, I puffed my chest out and meandered up the stairs. The first room I came upon was voyeurism.

  That didn’t interest me. I wanted hard core sex...I mean, Flex wanted hard core sex. Watching or being watched wouldn’t cut what I desired.

  BDSM?

  Ummmm….No. Flex might be up for spanking a girl or two, but bondage was alien to me.

  My feet led me to the corridor I’d avoided the year before. Mainly because I didn’t want to feel as though I was in competition with anyone.

  Threesomes.

  Now, I realize most guys dream of threesomes, but they’ve never held any interest to me. One person in the sack was difficult enough to keep up with, adding a third only made a complicated situation even more convoluted.

  I entered the massive room and glanced around. It was broken down by elaborate partitions. Each section was labeled.

  Threesomes - same sex: male.

  Um. Not my cup of tea.

  Threesomes - same sex: female.

  Welp, I was out on that one. Last I checked, I didn’t have a vagina.

  Threesomes - 1 male, two females.

  Now that sounded like fun, but mathematically complicated. One woman was difficult enough to satisfy, let alone two.

  Then my eyes scanned to the last and final section.

  Threesomes - 1 female, two males.

  Um, I wasn’t so sure about that one either, yet I was compelled to check it out. A woman who engaged in a threesome of this magnitude was out for one thing and one thing only – complete satisfaction. Her body would be stimulated in a multitude of ways. To watch her squirm with pleasure as two men tantalized her had me oozing with excitement.

  I inhaled deep and pushed past the anxiety of Brix Johnson to find the confidence of Flex Grayson.