At the other end of the table, Lucinda was becoming increasingly frustrated. She had teased and flirted and whispered in Robbie’s ear, but he simply wasn’t responding, and she couldn’t understand why her charms were lost on the handsome rocker. What she didn’t know, what few people in the world knew, was that Robbie was gay. He was always seen with a gorgeous girl on his arm, but his heart belonged to a young man named Jeremy, and it was how Darren Hardcastle controlled him.
Darren had signed the talented young singer years before, after discovering him in a basement rock club. With his connections and savvy, Darren had turned him into a star, but when his contract expired, and Robbie wanted to leave to sign with different management, paying less of a percentage and having more say in his career, Darren had done what Darren did best.
Played dirty.
Knowing of Robbie’s fervent desire to keep his sexuality a secret, Darren had managed to record a video of Robbie and his lover. When Robbie had seen it he’d been utterly mortified, and was forced to not only renew his contract, but give up an additional ten-percent as punishment. Robbie had been at Darren’s beck and call ever since.
Coffee was served, and Joseph watched with growing concern as Lucinda’s behavior grew increasingly physical. The more Robbie turned a cold shoulder, the more aggressive she became. When Hardcastle stood up and suggested the party move into the reception room for after-dinner cocktails, Joseph said a silent prayer of thanks, and telling Darren he’d join him in the billiard room shortly, he moved quickly to Lucinda’s side.
The dinner guests were standing and mingling, slowly making their way from the room, and as he approached he saw a look in Robbie’s eyes that surprised him; the rocker wanted to escape. Lucinda was a beautiful young woman, and she was literally throwing herself at him, but Robbie wanted no part of her advances.
“I need to talk to you for a moment,” Joseph said calmly, taking her elbow.
“I’m busy with Robbie,” she replied tersely. “He’s telling me all about how he runs marathons and does rock climbing to stay in shape. Tell me more, Robbie,” she purred.
“I, uh, have to mingle,” Robbie replied diplomatically, “but it was great to meet you, and good luck with the movie.”
“Yes, Joseph, what is it?” Lucinda asked impatiently, turning to face him. “Robbie and I were hitting it off, like you and that redhead.”
Gripping her arm he moved her to a corner of the room, smiling at the other guests as they passed. Finally alone, he did a quick scan and saw that Hardcastle and Katherine had left, and there were only a few loiterers finishing their coffee and conversation at the table.
“Listen to me very carefully,” he said firmly.
“I don’t have to listen to anything you say,” she quipped. “You don’t own me.”
“No, but I’ll be happy to put you over my knee in front of all these people if you don’t pay attention,” he threatened, though in the circumstances he wouldn’t have, but she didn’t know that.
“You wouldn’t dare,” she scoffed.
“You wanna roll those dice?” he asked, locking her eyes.
“Not particularly,” she frowned, her bluster evaporating.
“Then listen to me. I am not, I repeat, I am not interested in Katherine McManus, or anyone else. I was simply responding to her for the sake of our host. There’s more going on here than you know.”
“Uh-huh,” she replied sarcastically.
“Lucinda, I mean it,” he growled, “and you can either help me, or-”
“What do you mean, help you?” she interrupted, her jealous anger abruptly fading.
“I’m going to play pool with Darren, and Katherine McManus will be keeping you company,” he began. “If she asks you anything about me, or Simon, tell her that Simon and I barely know each other, but on the few occasions we’ve met it’s been like oil and water. Can you do that for me?”
“What’s this all about?” she asked, completely intrigued.
“I’ll tell you later, but it’s extremely important. Don’t be obvious, just-”
“Please, I’m an actress, remember?” she replied, rolling her eyes, “and I’ll do it on one condition, if you’ll let me sleep in your bed again tonight,” she purred.
“That’s blackmail!”
“No, it’s just my condition,” she quipped.
“Okay, Lucinda,” he agreed, not having the time or inclination to argue, and yes, it is blackmail, and you’re going to get your bottom tanned for it.
They headed into the reception room and found Katherine wandering through the guests looking for them.
“Ah, there you are,’ she smiled. “Darren has asked me to show you to the game room.”
“Lead the way,” Joseph replied, and with a gentle hand on Lucinda’s back, he guided her in front of him.
The game room was exactly as Joseph imagined it would be, larger than life, with two gorgeous game tables, one for pocket billiards, otherwise known as pool, the other for English Billiards, the modern day version of the centuries-old game. There was also an antique juke box, a dart board, a full wet bar, and bronzes of race horses were strategically placed on pedestals, while various paintings depicting sporting events graced the walls.
“What would you like to drink?” Darren asked.
“Nothing for me, thank you,” Joseph replied. He hadn’t touched a drop of anything throughout the evening, wishing to retain his sharp edge.
“Lucinda?”
“Champagne, please,” she replied.
Darren lifted his hand and a young man stepped forward.
“Glass of Dom for the young lady,” Darren directed, “and bring me another scotch.”
The waiter nodded and disappeared, and Darren made a move towards the cues lined up against the wall, gesturing for Joseph to join him, while Katherine led Lucinda off towards the juke box.
“Lovely lass that Katherine,” Darren remarked.
“She is,” Joseph agreed.
“Close friend of mine. Do just about anything for me,” Darren continued.
“Close friends, especially attractive ones like that, are always nice to have,” Joseph chuckled, playing along.
“Are you attached, Joseph?” Darren asked.
“Nope.”
“If you’d like her number I’m sure she’d be happy to spend some time with you,” Darren winked.
“Ah, very kind, but I really am unavailable for such things on this trip,” Joseph replied.
They each selected a cue and made their way to the pool table, the billiards table already in use.
“Are you interested in making a bit of extra cash while you’re here?” Darren asked casually as they began to play.
“I’m always interested in making money,” Joseph smiled, “but as I told you, my days are spoken for.”
“What I have in mind wouldn’t take you away from your responsibilities,” Darren replied.
Purposely missing a shot and relinquishing his turn, Joseph stood up and walked over to him.
“You’ve got my attention,” he said quietly, “but if it’s anything illegal…”
“Not at all,” Darren responded shaking his head.
“Then, sure,” Joseph nodded. “What is it you need?”
“Give me your mobile number and I’ll call you. Just need to check a few things,” Darren replied, bending down to line up his cue.
“I’ll make sure you have it before I leave,” Joseph replied, moving away, leaving him to make his shot.
The soft murmurs of several conversations had been the only sound in the room, until the mellow chords of a 1950s Sam Cooke song filled the air.
Darling, you send me
I know you send me
Darling, you send me
Honest, you do, honest, you do
Honest, you do
As Darren studied his shot, Joseph glanced across at the juke box. Katherine was flipping through the song choices, Lucinda next to her, but as Joseph’s gaze
touched her, Lucinda turned around and caught his eye, the lyrics of the love song floating between them.
Ohhh, you thrill me
I know you, you, you thrill me
Darling, you, you, you thrill me
Honest, you do
A surge of emotion filled his heart, and his unspoken words sparkled across the room. Lucinda heard, and smiled.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Though the conversation on the drive home had been about Simon, Simon’s father, and Darren Hardcastle, it merely served as a thin crust covering what was actually happening between them. The air was electric, and while Joseph knew what he was feeling, he had grave concerns about a relationship with the highly strung actress. Not her personality, he knew he could manage that, but the differences in their lifestyle. Lucinda, however, had no such worries; she was too caught up in her emotions.
The air between them was crackling as they rode the elevator to the second floor, and when they entered their suite Lucinda immediately headed towards his room, but Joseph paused, standing just inside the door. Realizing he wasn’t behind her, Lucinda stopped and turned, staring at him quizzically.
Two small table lamps offered the only light, but it was enough for him to see her expression. He knew why she didn’t understand his hesitation, it made no sense. The energy between them was alive and sparkling; why was he waiting there, unmoving?
They stood, staring at each other in frozen silence. Lucinda was afraid if she moved or spoke it would break their spell and he would reject her, and Joseph, caught like a deer in headlights, wanted her desperately, but didn’t trust what that might mean.
This isn’t like you, pal.
Yeah? Well, neither are these feelings.
She’s there, waiting for you, what are you afraid of?
Hurting her.
Bullshit.
Okay, you’re right. I’m afraid we’re too different and we’ll both end up in little pieces, just like that vase she broke.
Since when did you become a coward?
I’m not being a coward.
The hell you’re not.
Shit, you’re right.
How long are you gonna stand there?
Hello? I said, how long are you gonna stand there?
I’m not.
Bursting through the invisible barrier, Joseph strode forward, and grabbing her hair with both hands, he kissed her.
It wasn’t a soft kiss, or strong kiss, it was an all-consuming kiss, a kiss that said, ‘you’re mine,’ a kiss that said, ‘I take no prisoners,’ a kiss that said, ‘I adore you,’ and a kiss that said, ‘I’m going to fuck your brains out, and make sweet, gentle, delicious love to you, all at the same time,’ and when he broke away and stared down at her, he saw a woman whose eyes were filled with a deep and heavy longing.
“I’ve never been kissed like that in my life,” she whispered. “I don’t think I can walk.”
Lifting here effortlessly, he carried her through to the bedroom, and laying her on his bed, stripped quickly, then slowly began to unwrap her, starting with her stockings. As he undid the garters, his fingers whispered across the gusset of her panties, eliciting small gasps of need, and as he rolled down each in turn, he kissed the inside of her thighs, lingering, teasing, his wet breath making her sigh and beg for more.
Leaving her knickers in place, he slid her dress up her body, though he didn’t pull it over her head and off, but laid it across her face, then deftly slipping his hand behind her back, popped her bra, releasing her luscious breasts. Sliding it down her arms and tossing it aside, he covered her delicious mounds with hungry kisses, then gently plucked her nipples with his fingertips, making them rise in joy.
He could hear her muttering his name, and when his hand stole inside her panties, he found her warm, sweet pussy drenched and aching for him. Moving his lips to her neck, he kissed her warmly, then finally slid the dress over her head, dropping it on the floor, and carried his mouth to hers, kissing her softly, then aggressively, then softly again.
“Yes, I’m going to make love to you,” he whispered, “but first I’m going to roll your over and tan your butt.”
“What? Why?” she whimpered.
“Because you attempted to blackmail me tonight. You didn’t think I was going to let you get away with that, did you?”
“I thought it was too easy,” she muttered. “Do you have to spank me? I won’t do it again.”
“Yes, I certainly do have to spank you, and that’s exactly why you won’t do it again,” he replied firmly.
“Okay, so long as it’s not too hard,” she remarked.
“You don’t get to dictate how hard I smack your butt.”
“Dammit.”
“On to your stomach, young lady,” he ordered, “and no more stalling.”
“I’m not stalling,” she protested, but made no sign of moving, so placing his hands under her body he flipped her over, causing her to let out a loud squeal, and pressing on the small of her back with one hand, he pulled down her panties with the other.
Her bottom was as luscious as he expected it would be, and he traveled his palm across it, reveling in it’s plump firmness.
“You are a very naughty girl,” he scolded, “attempting to get your way by putting a condition on the help I needed.”
“Sorry,” she apologized, sighing with the delicious feel of his caress.
“You should be,” he declared, slapping his hand down firmly.
“OUCH! I said I was sorry,” she complained.
“Bury your head in that pillow. I’m going to spank you quickly, and it will hurt, just as it should. We don’t need Henry up here trying to find out what all your yelling is about. Believe me, I’ll tell him in a heartbeat, so if you-”
“Okay,” she interrupted.
Climbing on the bed he straddled the small of her back, facing her feet, kneeling on her just enough to hold her in place and control any squirming, then began swatting her backside, firing from one cheek to the next, landing his hand on the same spot each time. He could hear her muffled cries, and though he adored her and couldn’t wait to fuck her brains out, he refused to allow his warm and fuzzy feelings to interfere with her much needed discipline.
He continued his work until her butt had turned from pale pink to sunburned red, then he stopped, squeezing and pinching.
“Are we clear?” he asked firmly. “Next time I ask you to do something for me, no games.”
“Yes, okay,” she gasped. “You’re right, I’m sorry.”
Climbing off the bed, he sat at her side and rubbed her burnt skin softly, then gently rolled her on to her back. Her face was almost as red as her roasted behind, but there was a sparkle in her large, blue eyes.
“Do you still want me?” he crooned.
Dropping her gaze, she nodded.
“Are you sure? The last time I spanked you, you were mad at me. Are you mad at me now?”
“No,” she whispered, “I’m more crazy about you than ever.”
Leaning over, he kissed her tenderly, and smoothed the hair off her face.
“You’re superb,” he whispered. “Close your eyes, catch your breath, and I’ll be right back.”
Squeezing her eyes shut, she felt him leave the bed, but he returned quickly, and laying on top of her, his cock, now safely ensconced in a condom, began searching her out, and finding her wet, hungry entrance, snaked inside her.
“Joseph,” she breathed, “you feel incredible.”
She was lost in him, lost in the sweet scratching of his chest hair against her nipples, in his large, strong hands roaming across her body, clutching her bottom, squeezing her tits, holding her down, lost in his lips that seemed to be kissing and licking every part of her, lost in his powerful thrusting, his cock surging deeper and faster and harder with every second, and suddenly her orgasm swept over her, and she cried out his name as the powerful spasms shook her body, vibrating through her as she clung to him, clenching her thighs, never wanting
him to leave her, and as she heard his deep, satisfying groans, and felt his fingers grip her arms, she knew her life would never be the same.
A few minutes later she opened her eyes, rising from the depths of her passionate bliss, finding herself cradled against his chest, his heart pounding against her ear, and slowly she propped herself up on her elbow to stare down at him.
“Can I say something?” she whispered.
His arm lifted and he grabbed the back of her head, clutching her hair as he pulled her down to share a kiss.
“Now you can,” he smiled, releasing her.
“This is going to sound hokey,” she began.
“I won’t laugh,” he promised. “What is it?”
“I feel as if you’re the first man I’ve ever slept with.”
“In what way?” he frowned.
“It’s as if the other guys I’ve been with…were just boys.”
Not sure what to say, he didn’t say anything, but pulled her back and kissed her again.
“You know what else?” she whispered as she lifted her head.
“Tell me,” he whispered back.
“My whole life, everyone has wanted something from me. When I was young I had to sing all the time, or perform, or enter talent contests or beauty contests, and now that I’m older I feel as if guys only go out with me because they want to be seen with me, but you, you like me for me. You don’t care about any of that stuff.”
“Lucinda, I do care. You’re incredibly talented and I’m very proud of you, but you’re right. If you didn’t have all that talent I would still feel the same way about you, though, I don’t think you’d be such a brat.”
“I’m not a brat,” she protested.
“Yes, you are, and you know you are.”
“Joseph,” she sighed.
“Yes?”
“I’m really happy to be here,” she yawned. “I love sleeping with you.”
The British Billionaire Bachelor, Act Three Page 10
