“If you had agreed straight off, without asking, I’d have sent you home. So, congratulations. You’re off on the right foot.” His mouth tipped up at one corner. “Inside there is a lot of…variety. Judgment has no place here. If what you’re shown is not the pleasure you seek, keep going. Pick something else. No one is to be demeaned for their selection.”
“Of course.” She nodded. What kind of asshole did they think she was anyway?
“At Underground, all that matters is the moment. Don’t ask questions. Who? What? Why? Irrelevant. People come here to escape. We can guarantee you that no one is married, or at least not present without the consent of their spouse. Our screening ensures this as well as the health of our members. Henry forwarded me your files. You’re clear.”
“Wow.” She had no idea how he’d done that, but it shouldn’t have surprised her. As for the rest, it was better than she could have hoped. Lies wouldn’t be necessary to evade questions about her job.
Damn, Henry had been holding out on her all this time.
Underground could be everything she needed.
“Finally, what happens here stays here.”
“Like Vegas.” She grinned.
“Exactly.” Her welcoming committee joined her. His stunning smile had her realizing just how handsome he was beneath his cool, collected exterior. “But better. So much better.”
“So, what’re we waiting for?” Linley strode toward him and he pivoted, extending his arm. She threaded her hand through the space between it and his solid torso, her fingers landing on the crook of his elbow. The support was appreciated. Between her high heels and the shivers of excitement now racking her, she leaned on him.
The moment they entered the short hallway and headed into the heart of Underground, Linley realized she hadn’t set her expectations high enough. Beautiful people surrounded her, peering at the fresh meat being escorted into their midst.
Lavish furnishings in maroon damask, plus black chandeliers, could have made the place reek of bordello. Somehow it didn’t. The sophisticated taste of the pieces ensured they enhanced the sensuality of the environment without tipping into gaudy.
Candelabras illuminated the space with a warm glow that turned marble and velvet into hospitable finishes. If she hadn’t been so focused on what awaited ahead, she would have paused to admire the erotic art adorning the walls.
Henry had some explaining to do.
“Ms. Lane.” Her guide ushered her into a gathering room. A large one. Fireplaces cast sultry shadows across expansive area rugs. Plush and inviting, she could easily lounge here for a decade or two. Busy observing the mingling couples—or more—she didn’t realize the greeter had led her to a secluded corner booth with an ornate silver table in the center.
A bottle of champagne chilled on ice. She recognized the label as a premier vintage. The three glasses surrounding it gave her pause.
Linley looked up to find two men occupying the table.
One blond and well kept. The other dark and scruffy.
Manners, or maybe some innate formality on his part, dictated the light-haired gentleman rise. He offered her his hand and helped her get situated in the intimate space. His grip was warm and strong. Who was he? Why was she drinking with him and his friend?
As if her greeter could sense the uncertainty swirling around her brain, he explained. “You’ll require a guide for your adventure tonight. New members are always paired with a veteran on their first go around to ensure their enjoyment.”
“I thought that was your job?” She tipped her head as she examined his expression.
“I wish I were so lucky.” He gave her a tiny bow. “Chase and Ryder have both offered their company this evening. We’ll leave the choice to you. Play nice, boys.”
The greeter winked at her before retreating, perhaps to collect another very willing guest from the garage.
“So long as I don’t have to fight fair.” The bump on scruffy guy’s nose attested to his experience with brawling. She felt bad for prince charming across the table if things came to blows.
“Wouldn’t expect you to, Ryder.” The burnished blond shook his head though he smiled as he said it.
Dashing, dangerous, and devilish, Ryder scooted closer and laid his palm high on her thigh. Entirely too close to the hem of her dress for someone she hadn’t even officially been introduced to yet.
Denying the electricity his skin conducted would have been pure insanity. Hot and firm, his touch did things to her she’d never imagined possible with a single contact. He didn’t wait for her approval or shrink from her—Linley Lane, CEO.
Was it like this for other women? Or was this man something special?
A tiny connection and he did more for her than the parade of perfect men who’d come before him. She blew out a sigh that ruffled her bangs, washing her cheeks with a cool breeze.
“Hands off my lady, please.” Chase didn’t seem disturbed by the zero-to-a-million-and-sixty approach Ryder adopted with her. His quiet confidence made her do a double take at his model good looks. Hell, he had most of Hollywood beat in her book.
Piercing blue eyes met her curious stare. He didn’t flinch from her inspection. Patient yet persistent, he waited for her to look her fill. With thick lashes and a couple of laugh lines that hinted at a good nature, she hoped she wasn’t drooling.
What were the odds? Two men. Both of whom she had compelling—if completely opposite—chemistry with.
Hot damn.
Linley licked her lips.
“Would you care for a drink?” Chase’s smooth baritone made her blink twice before she deciphered his offer.
“Yes, please.” She studied his expert handling of the bottle, impressed with how he poured the crisp liquid without spilling a single bubbly drop. When she reached for the stemware he proffered, he surprised her by clasping her fingers in a gentle yet sure hold then dusting the back of her hand with his lips.
A tantalizing appetizer.
Before she could dig in, he slipped the glass into her hand and wrapped her fingers around the delicate crystal.
“What century are you from?” Ryder growled as he ignored his rival to focus on her. “Either way, you’ll be ancient before you get to the good shit with him.”
The rebel’s fingers hadn’t moved from her leg. Well, maybe they had. Higher.
Instead of creeping her out, his deft massage encouraged Linley to sink into the tufted velvet, allowing her thighs to relax and part. Just a bit.
“You didn’t come here tonight to be bored, did you?” Ryder reached across her to cup her cheek in his broad, slightly callused hand while the other continued to mesmerize her with his intuitive knowledge of her erogenous zones. Nudging her chin up, he forced her to meet his gaze. His fingers curled around her nape, and he leaned forward until his lips nearly collided with hers. “Pick me. I’ll make sure you never forget the night you decided to be a bad girl.”
When she nearly succumbed to the promise of his slightly rough cheek to steal a kiss, he retreated, though his skilled fingers continued their insidious assault.
“I hardly call romance dull.” Chase sipped from his glass, reminding her of the treat fizzing away before her.
Linley downed a swallow or two. Moisture gathered at the corner of her mouth. Before she could reach for her napkin, Chase swiped a droplet from her lips with his thumb then sampled the mingled flavor of the alcohol and her skin.
“Delicious.” He savored the taste and looked like he might go for another.
She wished he would. Instead he withheld the pleasure, making her yearn for more.
A glint from Ryder’s direction had her glancing away in time to see him chug his drink then pour another round. The powerful flex of his throat—primal and strong—inspired her. In her mind, she could picture nibbling the cords there as he rode her. With him, she wouldn’t have to beg for what she wanted.
He wouldn’t make her take.
So many times, she had to be the ag
gressor. In meetings. In dating. Handing over the reins would be a welcome relief. This man would afford her that luxury.
When he was down to the last sip of the second round, he held it in his mouth and set his glass on the table with a clunk. This time he didn’t stop when he swooped in. His lips landed on hers without apology.
Ryder proved that though he might lack stealth, he had finesse in abundance. His mouth turned hers pliant as he shared the rich drink and a taste of what a night with him would be like. He sucked on her tongue, using the slightest edge of his teeth to awaken nerves gone drowsy with an intoxicating blend of allures.
When he withdrew, he bit her lip lightly, letting the subtle sting remind her of the things he’d done to her body without effort. Her nipples rubbed against the padding of her bra. She attempted to cross her legs to appease the part of her that screamed for pressure right where she needed it most.
To her surprise, it was Chase who prevented her from trapping Ryder’s palm between her thighs. “No, love. Don’t hide. You didn’t come here tonight for that.”
“And what if I’ve changed my mind?” Having two men bracketing her, promising her their own brand of sexy fun, overwhelmed her. For a moment, she wondered if she could handle it. Or would she disappoint them? It wasn’t like she had a ton of experience.
“Then let me take you home.” Chase’s solution seemed genuine. “That’s not code for anything, by the way. I’ll drop you at your door, safe and sound, if you’d prefer.”
“No one’s forcing her.” Ryder seemed offended. “But I won’t let you lie to yourself, wildcat. You came hunting for this. You’re soaked. My finger isn’t sliding around on its own down there. I’ll make it easy for you, give you things you never dreamed you needed.”
Linley’s head thunked against the seat as she dropped it backward. “Too bad I can’t have you both.”
Ryder laughed. The easy, boisterous sound made it clear he did it often. With gusto. “In my world, that’s an option. Here we’re Underground. The next level below us is called Downstairs. I hang out a bit deeper. The Basement of the club offers the possibility of ménage, among other more daring pursuits. Chase doesn’t sink that low, though.”
She peeked up in time to catch the other man’s tiny frown.
“That’s true,” Chase confirmed. “I prefer to stick to Downstairs. And I fly solo. I assure you, you won’t need other men when you have my full attention. For dipping your toe in, I recommend the first level of the club. Perfect for wading.”
“Screw that. Jump into the deep end.” Ryder lifted his palm from her saturated thigh, licked his finger, and then held out his hand. “I won’t let you drown.”
“Neither will I.” Chase extended one of his as well.
“So, who will it be, Linley?” She didn’t have time to wonder how they knew her name.
Instead she searched inside and uttered her preference for tonight.
If Linley said Chase click here or search for 2A - Linley Picked Chase.
If Linley said Ryder click here or search for 2B - Linley Picked Ryder.
3C - Play Downstairs
“I saw plenty to keep me busy up here.” A sigh of relief passed her lips when he didn’t seem in the least disappointed.
“Hell, yes.” He hugged her to him and laid a wet kiss on her lips. “I probably couldn’t have controlled myself long enough to show you around the Basement properly tonight. I would have done my best. But you’re firing me up, Linley.”
“I’ll take a rain check.” Was it okay to suggest they might play again someday? She hoped so. Now that she’d discovered this incredible chemistry, she had no delusions that one night—however insanely good it was—would be enough.
“You got it.” Ryder nodded. “Anytime.”
“So how do these rooms work?” She lifted her chin toward the one on the end marked Ties That Bind.
“See the little red light?”
Linley nodded.
“That means it’s occupied. If you’re interested, we’d tell one of the servers to put us on the waiting list. You can specify a room—the popular ones have a couple of spares around the backside—or ask for the next available if you’re feeling lucky…or horny.” He gave his cock a few tugs as if to settle himself. She swallowed hard. “Once the players are finished and the room is cleaned and reset, someone will notify us.”
“I see.” Damn it, both of the possibilities she’d fantasized about forever had a red light on their doors.
“Why? Do you know what you want already?” He narrowed his eyes.
“Yes, I think so.” She bit her lip, wondering if she could stand the delay or if she should settle for something else. Anything would do as long as her date administered corresponding pleasure. Soon she wouldn’t be able to stand for the desire pulsing through her core.
Ryder snagged a passing dude. The guy was built like a football player yet moved with nimble strides. “The lady would like to reserve a room.”
When she opened her mouth to put in her request, Ryder held out his hand with one finger up and the rest curled into a fist. “Hang on.”
Her order died in her throat. Had he changed his mind? Did he want to set their course? She wouldn’t mind giving him full control once inside, but picking the room allowed her to put some boundaries in place.
“No, no.” He shook his head after taking one peek at her crestfallen face. “Not what you’re thinking. Just… Why don’t you whisper your selection to Robbie? I’m kind of a sucker for surprises. Spontaneity. I don’t want to know until we’re crossing the threshold what the night has in store for us. Besides, I might not be able to contain myself. I can be impatient on occasion.”
The server chuckled. “You’re not usually one of the guys who ends up fucking his date against the wall then heading home without enjoying the finer pleasures we have to offer. It’s kind of nice to see someone giving as good as they get with you, Ry.”
Ryder flipped the guy off. “Go ahead, tell the smartass your choice so we can take care of some business. I might succumb tonight. If I do, though, I swear there’s more waiting for you, Linley. You’re not leaving here tonight less than totally satisfied. If we have to get someone from the Basement to help, we will.”
“Thanks, but I have no doubts you’re going to rock my world.” It was a given. He already had. She didn’t know if anything could ever live up to this. Tonight might very well be the highlight of her sex life. Then what?
“And what room is he going to do that in, sweetheart?” The server leaned down so she could reach his ear. It felt odd to be surrounded by men and not have her power heels on. Or her business suit. Or any kind of pants at all for that matter.
Linley whispered her selection into his ear.
“Very nice.” Robbie winked at her. “He’ll adore accommodating your desires.”
“I hope so,” she muttered as the man returned to his post and tapped their request into the computer stationed there.
“Enough of that, wildcat.” Ryder cupped her cheek in his palm and angled her face toward him. “I’ll enjoy this as much as you do. I bet you’re stunning when you come apart.”
What the hell was the heat flashing across her cheeks? A blush! She hadn’t done that since she was a preteen, she was sure.
“Until our room is ready, let’s see how bold you can be.” Ryder led her to the lounge area. She realized now it was more than a simple waiting room or a mingle zone.
The visual stimulation provided by couples engaging in full-on intercourse—right in the open where others could observe—had her rocking backward. Certainly not in disgust either.
“You like the idea?” He brushed her hair off her shoulder then dropped light kisses on the bare skin there.
“Mmm.” She glanced over her shoulder. “There’s something about the pride it takes to show off like that. Both in yourself and your partner.”
“Yeah.” He grunted. “I totally agree. And I’m willing to make every man in this r
oom jealous that I have you to myself tonight. Even if I let them have a peep or two of how spectacular you’re going to be.”
“How do you know that?” She worried about the level of experience a lot of these patrons clearly had that she didn’t.
“Because I can see it in your eyes. You wouldn’t have come here tonight if you didn’t have it in you. Maybe your inner vixen took a while to present itself but…you need this. Tonight. Maybe forever after. You do realize that’s a risk, right? Getting hooked on the adrenaline high this place can give you?”
“Is that why you come?” she wondered out loud before considering what barriers she might have crossed.
“I’m not sure.” He scrubbed his hand over his scruffy jaw. “I think I might have kept my platinum membership status because I was searching for something I hadn’t found yet. Fun and fucking occupied me for a while. Tonight is different, Linley. It’s more intense. And that’s saying something—trust me.”
She nodded, unsure of what to say. After all, it was her first time. Of course it felt surreal and powerful to her. The lust pumping through her had smashed the ceiling of her prior encounters almost from the first instant he’d laid his hand on her thigh less than five seconds after being introduced.
Linley couldn’t take much more without some relief. The pressure between her legs, in her breasts, and deep inside her soul began to overwhelm her logic. For a levelheaded businesswoman, it was disturbing. And a wonderful rush.
Ryder was right. She could easily become obsessed with this. With him.
Was that the biggest mistake of her life?
“Let me take the edge off for you.” He brushed aside her long waves to kiss the nape of her neck. “I’ll have enough time to get you back in the game for the main event, I promise.”
“Here?” she squeaked.
“Why not?” He shuffled until he stood behind her. His arms wrapped around her waist for a brief hug before roaming across her body from her stomach to her hips to her breasts to the moist panel of lace over her waxed mound. “Like you said, it’s a compliment. One I’d like to pay you. I’m damn lucky to be the guy escorting you tonight. I know it, and I’d love to rub it in just a little.”
A_Taste_of_Decadence_ARE Page 78
