by Ivy Nelson
“Good to see you here Darci. We’ve missed you.” Gary opened his arms for a hug and Darci stepped into them.
Squeezing him tight, she said, “It’s great to be back again. I’m sorry I’ve stayed away so long.” She spent the next couple of hours in the social area catching up with Gary and some other club regulars. Being among these people again was calming and helped ease the awkwardness of being back. She discovered Bradley had been a member of the club about as long as she had been away. What a small world it was. She wondered how often he came here. As she was finishing a drink, a hand touched her shoulder. Turning, she smiled when she saw Michael.
“I didn’t think you were coming,” she said as she stood to hug him.
“I wasn’t going to, but when you told me you might show up for the first time in almost a year, I figured I needed to come keep an eye on you.” Michael grinned when she punched him in the arm. “I’m kidding. I came to talk to Gary and no, you cannot have details,” he added before she could ask.
Michael and Gary excused themselves to Gary’s office. Darci looked at the clock; it was already midnight. The club would stay open until two, but she wouldn’t stay that late, without a partner to play with.
She thought she made it through the night with no more awkward encounters when she heard a voice behind her.
“Master says you're a fan of whiskey. Would you like to have a glass with me?” It was Peggy, and she had already picked up two glasses from the small bar across the room. The night was winding down, and most people were enjoying a drink after their scenes. Not wanting to be rude, Darci accepted the drink and found a couch so the two could sit and chat. She was grateful that the girl had changed back into her dress. Talking to a topless Peggy would have made her more self-conscious.
“I've been a fan of your work for years, Darci,” Peggy gushed as they settled onto the couch. “You're so lucky to be able to be so open with your life.” Darci tried her best not to grimace, the girl was too energetic for her taste.
“I count myself fortunate. I wish everyone could be open about the lifestyle they enjoy, but I also wish that more people would learn to stay out of the affairs of others.” She put on her spokesperson face to make it easier to get through the conversation. It lasted only a few more uncomfortable moments, and Peggy did most of the talking. For that, Darci was thankful. She finished her drink and excused herself to gather her belongings and say goodbye to a few friends who were leaving.
“It was lovely to chat with you Peggy. Perhaps we'll run into each other again soon.” Peggy offered an enthusiastic hug and pranced off to find Bradley. Darci rolled her eyes at the ball of energy and left the club. She waived at the security guard stationed outside the building as she climbed into a waiting cab to head back to her apartment.
Chapter Five
Darci spent the latter part of the day at her standing appointment with her therapist, Dr. Martin. The conversation this week had been emotionally taxing because Darci couldn’t shake Tessa from her mind. She had told the good doctor all she could without breaking confidence. Her sessions with Dr. Martin usually energized her but this week it had drained her. She also mentioned meeting Bradley and the conflicting feelings she had about him. The therapist was kink friendly, so she was able to go into detail about the places she had run into him. Now, she was on her way home to get ready for Marlie’s benefit, and she was looking forward to spending time with friends tonight.
She rushed through the door of her fifth-floor, downtown apartment after walking from the metro station. On her way through the small living-room, she kicked off her work shoes by the couch and dropped her purse on the coffee table. In the bedroom, she walked into the small closet, pulled a black cocktail dress from the rack and laid it on the bed. If she was going to make it on time, she needed to be dressed and back on the subway in forty-five minutes. After a quick shower, she towel-dried her hair and went to work trying to tame the curls.
Thirty-five minutes later she was slipping into slim black heels that would have her feet throbbing before the night was over. Her hair was styled in a fashionable up-do with a pile of curls spilling down. Silver jewelry and simple makeup finished her look. She grabbed a black clutch and tossed her phone, ID, and other essentials from her purse into it before running out the door. The nearest subway stop was only three blocks away and Darci felt comfortable walking, even in heels.
She arrived at the platform seconds before her train arrived and her perfect timing made her smile as she pushed her way into the car. Traveling by Metro was her favorite. It gave her time to watch all the fascinating people who lived in and visited her city. What kind of music was that man listening to? What’s going on at that woman’s job that has her so stressed out? So many stories and Darci wanted to know them all. Sometimes she would strike up a conversation. Other times she passed the time by making up stories in her head about fellow passengers.
Tonight, she was watching a family of tourists heading to dinner. They were having an animated conversation about all the monuments and museums they had visited today. The little girl preferred the Lincoln Memorial while the older boy enjoyed the International Spy Museum. She smiled. Most residents of the city hated tourists and all the touristy spots. but she loved it all. And she enjoyed playing tourist in her own backyard whenever she got the chance.
When the train arrived at her stop and offered a wave and a wink to the little girl as she stepped off. Five minutes later she was in a cab on her way to the hotel. She messaged Marlie to let her know she was almost there.
There was a line at the coat check station, but it was moving at a steady pace. At the counter, she smiled at the woman taking coats. When the attendant smiled back, Darci thought she looked familiar. She handed over her coat, and they exchanged pleasantries. “Have I seen you at one of these things before?” Darci asked as the young woman handed her a ticket.
“I don’t think so ma’am. I haven’t been doing this long, but I’ve already been at several events across the city, so I suppose it’s possible.” The attendant winked at her and told her to have a fun time. She shook her head and made her way into the ballroom. It wasn't a formal dinner party like some of these events were. Instead, there would be cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, dancing, a silent auction, and later a decadent dessert buffet. Darci told herself she should skip that part.
Scanning the ballroom, she spotted Marlie, the host of tonight’s shindig. Her hands flew in all directions as she gave instructions to one of the event staff. Marlie was an attractive brunette in her mid-forties. She was well known in D.C. for her charity work and fundraising capabilities. The woman could charm a check out of anyone. When Marlie noticed Darci, she rushed toward her and wrapped her in a tight hug.
“Darci! I'm so glad you came darling.”
“I wouldn't miss it. You're raising awareness and money for a worthy cause. Sexual assault on college campuses needs more spotlight.”
Darci had tried to talk Tessa into attending, but the girl had declined, saying she was still feeling raw from telling her story the other day. Darci didn’t blame her.
“I’m so glad you came to the club last night.” Marlie said with a wink. Darci felt her face heat. This was not an appropriate place to discuss this. Marlie seemed to sense her discomfort. “Oh, I’m sorry darling that was terribly indiscreet of me, but honestly I do hope you’re back for good.”
Darci smiled. “I needed time after Damion.” Marlie rubbed her shoulder.
“Of course, dear. I’m glad you’re here. We wouldn’t have this big of a crowd if it weren’t for the ACSL. Thank your boss again for me.” She agreed she would, and Marlie excused herself to greet high-profile guests.
Darci headed for the open bar. It was Friday, a few drinks wouldn't hurt. Halfway to the bar, she stopped when a couple entering caught her eye. He was tall and broad shouldered. What on earth is Bradley Givens doing here? He looked damn fine in a tuxedo. She was having trouble deciding if she preferred him in the jea
ns from last night or his current evening wear.
• • •
Bradley needed a drink. It had taken Peggy less than ten minutes to find champagne and a celebrity to giggle over. He brought her to these events to add to conversations with politician’s spouses, but sometimes she got too excited. The event was for a charitable cause though, so it was worth the seven hundred- and fifty-dollar tickets plus whatever they spent on the silent auction.
Peggy came floating by, chasing someone it would seem, but he reached out and stopped her with a hand on her arm. She stopped frustrated at first, but her demeanor changed when she saw the look on his face. “Eyes on me for a minute please,” he said pulling her closer to him and out of the pathway.
He smiled when she obliged him. “Don’t forget our arrangement,” he continued once he had her full attention. “Don’t drink too much and don’t embarrass me.” Peggy was a professional and ran a non-profit organization, but sometimes he needed to remind her of the experiment they were doing—a D/s relationship that wasn’t romantic. She nodded, her eyes never leaving his. “Excuse me?” he said with a raised eyebrow.
“Yes, Sir,” she murmured. He smiled and kissed her cheek.
“Good girl. You can go now. We’re leaving at midnight. Meet me at the coat check by then, or there will be consequences,” he said into her ear. It might have sounded like a threat, but there was a grin on his face and a wicked gleam in his eyes. The blonde giggled, and he felt, more than heard, her breath catch as she kissed his cheek before running off to socialize.
Bradley sighed. He could have ordered her to spend the evening on his arm. That is why he brought her after all, but then she would have spent most of the night pouting. Not for the first time in recent weeks, he was fighting feelings of discontent with their arrangement. He would have to address that. Soon. They had been friends for years and only recently agreed to experiment with the dynamic of their relationship. He worried that if it didn’t work out the friendship would be ruined, and he didn’t want that. Lost in thought, he turned to find the bar and found himself staring down into familiar green eyes instead.
“Mr. Givens,” Darci said, smiling up at him. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here tonight. You seem to be popping up in all kinds of unexpected places.”
“I could say the same of you, Darci. I thought I asked you to call me Bradley,” he responded with a wink.
“Fair enough, Bradley. Where’s your date?”
“She’s star struck and chasing a celebrity if I had to guess,” he replied, not bothering to correct her about it not being a date. To the outside world that’s exactly what it looked like.
“Can I get you a drink?”
“That would be lovely.”
He turned toward a waiter carrying flutes of champagne and grabbed two.
Handing her one he asked, “Will this do, or do you prefer whiskey?”
She grinned, accepting the flute. “This will do just fine. Thanks for not running into me this time,” she said with a wink, bumping her hip playfully into his. He let out a laugh and sipped his own champagne.
“What brings you here tonight?”
“It’s a great cause, and my dear friend Marlie Dixon is the hostess. And you?”
“Same, well, I can’t say I know Ms. Dixon well, but we share a social circle and I’m a fan of her organization.” He smiled, glad they had common ground. Bradley placed his hand on Darci's elbow and steered her to a nearby table. “Are you here with someone?” he asked, not sure why he wanted to know.
“Not tonight. I'm here to support a friend and perhaps drum up opposition support for your boss’s bill.”
“Now, now, let's not ruin a pleasant evening with shop talk Miss Sanders. Though my assistant is not happy I am entertaining the thought of letting you meet with Atleigh. You pissed her off when the two of you spoke on the phone.” He tried to look stern, but he couldn’t keep the corner of his mouth from turning upward when she grinned at him.
“I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t piss someone off. But you're right, tonight is about something bigger than politics.”
When he asked her how long she’d been in D.C., it surprised him to learn she was a native. That was not a tidbit he’d picked up from reading her blog. Then again, her blog was definitely not a local blog. He had to work to keep the smirk off his face at that thought. The urge to talk to her about her blog and her involvement with Exposure was strong but he knew this wasn’t the right place for that.
So instead, he asked, “How did you know my father is running for President?”
She grinned, “So it is true. I didn’t know for sure. My assistant is dating someone who works for him and I heard a rumor.”
“Well, he hasn’t announced yet, but he was waiting for me in my office Wednesday and gave me the news then.”
Their conversation changed direction, and they talked about life in D.C. As they finished their champagne, Marlie took the stage to welcome everyone and thank those who helped make the event possible. She encouraged everyone to be generous in the silent auction and declared both the auction and the dance floor open. The band struck up a lively number
“Would you care to dance Miss Sanders?”
“What about your date?”
“What about her? I'm sure she's wooed a football player or actor to share the first dance with her, and I can think of no one else I would rather share mine with than you.”
It looked at first like she might object. Instead, she smiled and accepted his outstretched hand, and he led them to the dance floor. They danced three songs, and Bradley loved the way she fit in his arms. She was an excellent dance partner who let him lead. They laughed and shared light conversation about the music, fashion choices of the evening, and high school dance crazes.
At the end of the third song, Darci excused herself, thanking him for a wonderful time. Even though he was sad to lose her company, he understood how important it was to see and be seen at these events. For a few minutes after she left, he watched her flit about the ballroom, enthralled with the way she lit up the room. He should do his own handshaking.
Glancing around in search of someone to speak to, he spotted Peggy chatting with a senator’s wife. When he joined them, she played her role as companion and introduced him to the older woman. He shook her hand and encouraged them to carry on their conversation, adding to it where he could.
A few minutes later he excused himself when he spotted someone he wanted to speak with. He kissed Peggy on the cheek and reminded her they needed to leave at midnight. That was still two hours away though, so he had time to make contacts. He approached the bar and shook hands with a short, round gentleman who worked for another politician in his building. They exchanged pleasantries and Bradley went to work trying to forge connections with the senator from Texas.
Throughout the rest of the night, he had a tough time keeping his eyes off a certain redhead as she made her rounds about the ballroom. He thought he caught her watching him a few times but told himself he imagined it, feeling guilty for his own gawking. At midnight, he stood near the coat check station checking his smart watch for the third time.
“The redhead already left,” a voice behind him said. Bradley turned, confused. It was the attendant poking her head out from coat check.
“I think you have me confused with someone else,” he told the girl as he checked his watch again. Ten minutes later, a very tipsy Peggy came rushing in. He scowled. “You’re late. Let’s go.” He stopped her when she tried to apologize. “We’ll discuss it in the car. Get your coat. Now please.”
Peggy pouted and teetered to the desk to pick up her coat. Bradley thought about punishing the girl, but that meant staying up even later. He would deal with it another time.
He was silent the entire trip to Peggy’s house. She chattered non-stop, seeming to have forgotten his displeasure over her being late. He kissed her dutifully on the cheek before she stepped out of the car and walked into her house.
/>
At home, he found himself browsing Darci’s blog and smiling at the memory of the dancing and conversation they had shared. Her blog told him she was open minded enough to be OK with his lifestyle choices, as did running into her at Exposure.
The direction of his thoughts made him frown. It was time to talk to Peggy. He didn’t want to lose her friendship, but they had agreed to honest conversation if one or the other ever felt like the experiment was failing. Sure, she let him dominate her, but she was also naturally a bratty submissive and ultimately that just wasn’t his thing. Bradley scrubbed a hand over his face and closed his browser. He had a campaign to focus on.
Chapter Six
Saturday morning, Darci sat at the small desk in her home office scrolling through the morning headlines. A glass of diet soda was forming a water ring on the weathered wood. It was one of many. She sipped her drink while bookmarking articles and making notes for her blog. The glass, slick with condensation, slipped from her fingers as a familiar face appeared on her screen. In bold letters, the headline above the photo read, Local Charity Organizer Found Dead.
It was Marlie Dixon. Shit. Darci had been with Marlie last night.
“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” Darci said out loud as she read the article. Marlie had been murdered. When she finished reading, she did a quick search and found five more articles about the murder. As she read, her eyes grew wide. This was even worse than she imagined. Two of the five articles referenced her involvement in S&M.
How did the press know she was in the lifestyle? That wasn’t something she liked to broadcast. She was well known in the kink community as was Darci, but unlike her, Marlie didn’t share her adventures with the world. Most people thought Darci was crazy for writing such an open and honest blog about her sexual choices, but she felt it went hand in hand with fighting for sexual liberty. After staring at the screen for a few minutes, it dawned on Darci that sticky soda coated her lap and broken glass lay at her feet.
