He’ll put her on display, if that’s what it takes to keep her…
Paolo’s Playhouse, Book 1 When it comes to sexy and sassy, Piper, the most popular waitress at Ben’s bar, has it all going on. Now that they’re dating, though, Ben wishes she’d dial down the skimpy clothes and flirty attitude, and her habit of dancing around the bar and flashing to her favorite song. Every teasing peek at her body, every laugh at some customer’s lousy joke, is certainly good for business—but it sends his jealousy meter into the red zone. They’re dating, sure, but he’s no muscled, tattooed stud with diamonds in his ears. How can he compete, especially when she refuses to even spend the night at his place? Desperate, Ben books a room at his friend Paolo’s fantasy club, hoping an erotic night in front of a two-way mirror will get her exhibitionist streak out of her system. Praying it won’t prove his greatest fears—that she lives only to show off. And he’s not that special to her at all…
Warning: Flirting and pole dancing, hot sex and showing off for an invisible audience. Stop by the playhouse and live out your fantasies!
eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work. This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental. Samhain Publishing, Ltd. 577 Mulberry Street, Suite 1520 Macon GA 31201 Flaunt It Copyright © 2011 by Natasha Moore ISBN: 978-1-60928-388-9 Edited by Sue Ellen Gower Cover by Scott Carpenter All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. First Samhain Publishing, Ltd. electronic publication: August 2011 www.samhainpublishing.com
Flaunt It Natasha Moore
Dedication
To Craig, who brings me wine and makes me smile.
Chapter One
“Whoa, you weren’t kidding, Dave. That waitress is hot!” Ben narrowed his eyes as the burly bald guy hauled himself onto a stool next to his buddy and immediately swung around to stare at Piper. After taking a deep breath, Ben plastered a smile on his face for the two guys who’d just sat at his bar. Customers. They were customers. He slapped a square white napkin down in front of each of them, but they didn’t even notice him as they blatantly gawked at Piper. She was taking drink orders at a table of four regulars across the room, laughing and talking and moving her hips to the beat of the music pulsing through the speakers all at the same time. Ben’s cock twitched as he watched Piper’s ass swishing beneath her short skirt. He never got tired of watching her, even though he had to hide the bulge in his pants. He was glad his job kept him behind the bar because she kept him in a perpetual state of arousal. Piper worked the room like the pro she was. She’d been teasing him—and everyone else at the bar— for the past year with her short skirts and tight shirts. She was the only woman he knew who could make plain old canvas sneakers look sexy. She had them in every color and pattern imaginable. Today they were hot pink. She glanced over her shoulder and he could tell when she noticed the two guys at the bar watching her like she was putting on a show. She raised her brows and worked her hips as she crossed the floor, making a beeline for them. They must have noticed her heading for them because they suddenly swiveled around on the stools as if they could pretend they hadn’t been ogling her. Dave, nearly as wide as his friend but with a head of shaggy brown hair, had been coming into Scandals pretty regularly. He nodded at Ben and opened his mouth, probably to order his draft, but he froze as Piper wedged her tiny body in between the two big guys. Her head barely reached the top of their shoulders. Did she know how much cleavage they could see from that angle? She draped her arms around their waists and then winked at Ben. “Hey, Dave, great to see you tonight. Who’s your friend?” she asked. “This is Tony,” Dave said after he cleared his throat and got his mouth moving again. “I told him that this place had the prettiest waitress in town.” “Well, aren’t you just full of shit.” She laughed and pulled him down to place a quick kiss on his cheek. “Thanks.”
Flaunt It
Ben’s gut twisted as she rubbed up against the guys. Customers. They were customers. Well, she wasn’t really rubbing her body against them, but she might as well have been. Every part of her body was touching part of theirs and it made him want to growl and push them away from her. “Welcome to Scandals, Tony,” Piper said, her bright smile lighting up her face. Ben knew there wasn’t a prettier waitress in the whole damn country. “How come you guys don’t have any drinks yet?” she asked with a wink. “Aren’t you thirsty?” “Oh yeah, we’re dying of thirst,” Tony said as if they hadn’t had their tongues hanging out of their heads watching her instead of ordering. “Isn’t this cute bartender taking care of you?” she asked. Ben frowned but she just grinned up at him. “I have to keep him on his toes, you know. Ben, get these guys some drinks.” Ben swore she rubbed up against them again. “They’re so thirsty.” They quickly ordered their drafts. Ben almost handed them some extra napkins to wipe up their drool. Piper pushed out from between their broad bodies and stepped away. From behind them, she caught Ben’s eye and wiped imaginary sweat off her brow. Then she climbed up on an empty stool at the end of the bar. “Hey, lover,” she said, her voice lower, seductive. Desire surged through his system, just like that. “The usual for Bob’s table.” But before he could turn away to mix a Bloody Mary, pour a whiskey and water, and two white wines, she leaned over the bar and kissed him. The crowd whooped it up as they always did, but Ben tuned out everything but the smooth slide of her lips over his and the sweet taste of Piper. She pulled away all too soon. “Be right back.” She headed over to wait on some newcomers he hadn’t even noticed. Good thing she kept track of the customers. It took all Ben’s time and energy to tend bar and keep track of Piper. While he continued to fill drink orders, he snuck glances at the petite blonde who’d turned his life upside down. She laughed and joked with the happy-hour crowd, taking orders, clearing dirty glasses and leaning—oh shit—leaning across an empty table to wipe it clean. Ben froze as Piper’s short skirt rose up to reveal two firm, pale cheeks divided by a narrow strip of black lace. His mouth was suddenly dry as dust. He had to swallow before he slammed two drafts onto the bar. He didn’t even bother to check to see how many of the patrons had noticed her too. He still couldn’t seem to control his reactions to her, even after they’d begun seeing each other outside of work. And she hadn’t changed at all either since they’d become lovers. She still came to work scantily dressed, still left her bra at home. Hell, maybe she didn’t even own a bra. The customers loved to ogle her pert little tits and tight nipples, loved to check out her slender legs and sneak peeks at her firm ass. As the proud owner of Scandals he knew he should be happy she drew in a crowd. But the jealous caveman inside him wanted her to save her exhibitionist side for him alone.
www.samhainpublishing.com
7
Natasha Moore
Customers came and went. Dave and Tony had left after they got their fill of drinking beer and looking at Piper. Ben was talking with Jake, another regular, when Piper came to pick up another order. “Hey, handsome.” She wasn’t talking to Ben, of course, she was chatting up Jake. She sauntered up to the bar and winked at Ben though, before she scooped up the two mugs. Then she leaned against Jake, who was sitting on his usual bar stool, and rubbed her shoulder against his. “You’re looking mighty buff tonight. Have you been working out?” She grinned as Jake turned red to the roots of his short blond hair, and then spun around to deliver the beers to two guys in suits across the room. A group of young women burst through the door. They were all talking and laughing at once, obviously trying to draw the attention of all the guys in the place. Ben cast an appreciative glance their way, but none of them were more interesting to him than his sexy waitress. Someone picked A7 on the jukebox. Ben put his money on Chad. The quiet truck driver at the booth in the corner knew Piper loved “Bad Girlfriend”. As soon as the opening chord blasted through the speakers, she whooped and started shaking her booty. She flung her arms up in the air and shimmied her hips, dancing all around the hardwood floor. Everyone in the place laughed and clapped. Everyone except Ben. He clenched his jaw as he watched her boobs bounce with each dance move she made. So did every other guy in the room. And yet at the same time that his stomach was twisting, he could see how much fun she was having. His cell phone rang. Ben checked the caller ID and turned away from the bar, but kept his eye on Piper through the mirror behind the bottle display. Her short skirt flipped up as she twirled. He, and everyone else in the bar, could see she wore a black thong tonight, if they hadn’t noticed it earlier. He swallowed before he could speak. “Hey, Paolo. What’s up, bud?” “Hello, Ben. Sounds like it’s a busy night over there.” The whooping of the crowd nearly drowned out the music. “Happy hour,” he said, trying to keep his voice even. “Piper’s dancing. The room loves it.” His friend laughed. “I would like to meet your girlfriend sometime. She sounds like she’s good for you.” Ben didn’t know how good she was for him, but he knew he didn’t want to live without her. “How’s it going with your new girl?” “It didn’t work out. As usual.” His friend’s short bark of laughter sounded harsh, especially in contrast to the music and laughter ringing around Ben. “Ah man, maybe the next one—” “No. I’m done looking. It’s not worth the trouble.” “Man, when did you become so jaded?” The song throbbed through the room. It seemed to build with Piper’s energy. Everyone was singing along.
8
www.samhainpublishing.com
Flaunt It
“I’m simply being realistic, my friend. Listen, I know you are busy. I didn’t call to complain about my lousy love life. I was calling to see if you were still interested in trying out the Playhouse gold room.” Ben narrowed his eyes as he watched Piper’s reflection as she shimmied in front of a booth full of college kids. “Yeah. I’m interested.” “A couple just reserved the blue room for tonight. Is that too short notice for you?” “No. No problem.” They worked out the time and then Ben made a couple of quick calls to get employees to cover for them tonight. All the while he wondered in the back of his mind how Piper would react to the plans he’d made. The song had finally ended and so did her dance. Guys all over the room were draining their drinks, calling to her for refills. Yeah, she was good for business. But hell on his heart. Shit, now he sounded like some old country song. Maybe he needed to join Paolo in Club Women-Aren’t-Worth-It. One look at Piper and Ben knew she was worth anything. Everything. He spent the next few minutes taking care of all the refills, grateful for something to take his mind off what he’d impulsively arranged for tonight. But once he got a break, it all came flooding back. He washed up some glasses as he wondered if he’d made a mistake. Would Piper be happy about it? Or hurt? Or angry? He ran his gaze over the room to find her. He saw her lean over to place napkins in front of a couple of kids barely old enough to drink. Neither one was looking at her pretty face. She laughed at whatever they said to her. Ben looked away and nodded at a guy with a black leather vest and tattoos who’d just taken a stool at the end of the bar. Scandals catered to a wide range of customers, a fact that normally pleased Ben. College kids, rednecks and leather-clad dudes shared space with some office geeks and even a few businessmen who stopped in to unwind after work. He didn’t kid himself, though. Most of them came in to see Piper as much as for the booze or the company. He poured the tattoo guy a whiskey and then looked for Piper again. It was second nature to him now. He caught sight of her in the middle of the room. The red lips tattooed on her right ass cheek seemed to blow him a kiss when she bent over to pick up a napkin off the floor. His breath caught in his throat, even though he’d often placed his own lips on that very spot. Instead of walking over to Ben, Piper headed for the new guy with the tats. Ben supposed women would think he was sexy with his long dark hair, a tribal tattoo spanning his massive biceps, and the diamond stud in his ear. Even though he already had his drink, she hung out at the end of the bar for much longer than Ben thought she needed to. She laughed at something the guy said then leaned into him and placed her hand on his muscular arm. The bastard reached out and brushed her soft hair back over the curve of her ear. Ben glared at them, but neither of them looked his way.
www.samhainpublishing.com
9
Natasha Moore
How could he compete with these guys? He was just an average guy. No big muscles. No tats or piercings. He was pretty bland and boring compared to a lot of guys who came into the bar. Piper was anything but boring. Ben got Jake a refill and then made his way down to the end of the bar. He was about to ask the leather and diamond-stud guy if he wanted another whiskey when he heard him ask Piper what time she got off work. Ben froze when all he wanted to do was reach across the bar and rip the guy’s throat out. He waited to see what Piper would say. She smiled and patted the guy’s arm. Then she rose up on her toes and whispered something in the guy’s ear. He shifted his gaze to Ben then smiled and tipped his head. In recognition? Or in triumph? Ben couldn’t tell for sure. But Piper left the bar to make the rounds of the tables and the tattoo guy left soon after. When she came back with a few orders, he noticed the weariness etched around her eyes. “Are you okay?” He poured her a cola and slid the glass across the bar. “Did all that dancing tire you out?” He winced at how nasty that sounded and added a laugh to let her know he didn’t really mind her putting on a show for all the guys in the bar. Not really. She must have been too tired to notice the edge to his voice. Either that or she just ignored it. She took a sip of soda. “That new guy in the apartment upstairs is so noisy when I’m trying to sleep. I think he’s raising a herd of elephants up there.” Ben opened his mouth to reply but she held up her hand to stop him before he could get a word out. “I know what you’re going to say.” He sighed and said it anyway. “You know you can spend the night at my house. No noisy neighbors. Big warm bed.” He grabbed her hand. “Come home with me tonight and get some sleep.” “Ah, but would I get any sleep?” she asked with a grin. She tried to make it a joke but Ben knew better. He wanted her to move in with him and yet she’d never even agreed to spend the night at his house. He didn’t say anything to Piper about the Playhouse until their relief arrived. She climbed up on a barstool with a curious grin on her pink lips. Her lip color matched the wide pink stripe of hair at her temple, a bright contrast to the rest of her short, spiky, platinum blonde hair. “I didn’t know Chuck and Tanya were working tonight.” She grabbed a couple of swizzle sticks and drummed them on the bar. “I thought we were working late. What’s going on?” “Last-minute plans,” he said smoothly. “Hope that’s okay.” “Sure. Spontaneous is cool.” She tossed the sticks aside and leaned closer. She smelled like sunshine, even after dancing and working the floor for hours. “Can you tell me about it or is it a big secret?” He took a deep breath. “Remember my friend, Paolo? I’ve told you about him.” “Yeah, I remember. The guy who has the sex place, right?”
10
www.samhainpublishing.com
Flaunt It
“Right. We’re going there tonight.” Her eyes widened. “Is it like one of those dungeons I’ve heard about?” He couldn’t tell if she hoped it was, or not. “No. There aren’t any public rooms at the Playhouse. Just private playrooms for private fantasies.” “That’s right. I remember. There are different rooms for different fantasies, right?” He eyed her cautiously. “Yeah.” Her whole face lit up. “Ooh, I’m excited. Which one?” Nothing seemed to faze her and for some reason it irritated him. Probably because everything she did fazed him. “Are you sure you’re not too tired?” “No! I’m fine, Ben. Which room?” No way was he telling her now. “You’ll see.” “Wait.” She grabbed onto the front of his shirt, pulled him forward and kissed him, hard and fast. She tasted like peppermint. “You’re not going to tell me?” She was too damn cute when she pouted. “It’s a surprise, all right?” He didn’t want to give her time to worry about the reasons he picked the room he did. “But how can I get ready for the fantasy? What if I need…I don’t know…ropes or something?” “Do you want ropes?” he snapped. She released his shirt abruptly and he took a step away. “Want me to tie you up? Or maybe you want to tie me up?” Jake and everyone else within hearing distance was taking in every word. She frowned. He didn’t blame her. “No, not really. I’m just sayin’.” He didn’t know why he was being such a jerk. Maybe guilt did that to a guy. He softened his tone. “You let me worry about that, babe. Besides, everything we need will already be there.” Her eyes had lost some of their spark but her bright smile almost made up for it. “Okay. What should I wear?” He shrugged. “What you have on is fine.” From the horrified look on her face, you’d think he’d told her to wear a paper bag. “No. These are work clothes.” He reached across the bar and hooked his finger in the deep V of her top. Then he pulled her forward this time and kissed the tip of her turned-up nose. The patrons loved their give and take across the bar, but this time wasn’t for their benefit. “It doesn’t matter what you wear, Piper.” If he had his way, she’d be naked before long. “Maybe not to you, but it does to me. How much time do I have?” “Not long. I thought we could just leave from here.” “Not in my work clothes, Ben. Not without a shower.” She hopped off the bar stool and waved to Chuck who was taking over as bartender. Piper met Ben at the end of the bar and she leaned into him,
www.samhainpublishing.com
11
Natasha Moore
kissing him hard, the way he liked it. Her breasts pressed into his chest. His cock barely had time to appreciate the brush of her hips before she pulled away. “Pick me up in half an hour. I’ll be ready. Promise.” Ben watched her bounce out the door. That was Piper, up for anything. Except commitment. Would tonight get that exhibitionist streak out of her system? Or would he have to resign himself to the fact that she lived for showing off for everybody? That he wasn’t special at all.
12
www.samhainpublishing.com
Chapter Two
The sky was beginning to cloud up by the time Ben got to Piper’s place. She lived in a sprawling firstfloor apartment in an old brick Victorian house. As he climbed the stairs to the door she’d painted bright yellow, he could hear loud music blasting through the open upstairs windows. Was that banjo picking? Her doorbell played “I Love Rock and Roll”. When she opened her apartment door to let him in, he said, “Do you want me to say something to the guy upstairs about the music?” Just don’t tell me he’s six foot five and built like a linebacker. “No, it’s okay. We’re going out anyway.” She kissed his cheek as he walked through the door into the long hallway painted the same color as the door. “But thanks for the offer.” Ben finally got a chance to really look at Piper when they reached the large living room with the high ceilings and the bow window. His breath left his lungs as he stared at her. Soft had never been a word he’d use to describe Piper. She was bold, brash, sexy, even a little bit wild. But tonight for some reason, she’d softened her edge. Her short platinum blonde hair was smooth around her face with a gentle flip at the ends. The pink streak was barely visible. Her makeup seemed softer too, although he couldn’t really say how. “Wow. That dress.” He swallowed. “You look great.” It was a piece of silky silver sin, held up by skinny straps and skimming her body in all the right places. He couldn’t wait to get it off her. “And look at those shoes.” No sneakers tonight. She wore sparkly silver sandals with heels higher than he’d ever seen her wear before. “Very nice.” Her eyes lit up at the compliments. Hmm, maybe he didn’t say those pretty words often enough. She stepped up to him and smoothed the front of his black button-down shirt. “Mmm. You clean up well too.” She kissed him then, her lips hot and wet, her mouth hungry as she nibbled on his lower lip. She rubbed up against his body with a promise of what was to come. He pulled away long enough to stare into her blue eyes and gasp for breath. “Thanks.” He captured her lips once more and she made those sounds in the back of her throat that always drove him crazy. Everything in him wanted to lay her down and take her. Right here. Right now. He eyed her carefully. “How are you doing? Still up for this tonight?” “Yeah, I’m good. I got my second wind in the shower.” Her eyes were bright again. So was her smile. “In the shower? You had to mention the shower?” Piper wet. Naked. Ben was even harder than he had been a moment ago. “The thought of you all soapy and slippery is driving me crazy.” He groaned and
Natasha Moore
rubbed his face against her silky hair. “God, you smell good.” He pressed his aching cock into her hip. “You feel good too, Piper. Too good.” Piper swayed in his arms to the music playing in the background. She always had music playing, no matter where they were. Tonight it was bluesy jazz. She probably wouldn’t mind the music coming from upstairs if it wasn’t old-school country; she’d never been a fan of twang. She brushed her body seductively against his erection with every move she made. “Are you going to tell me now what the fantasy is?” “Let’s keep it a surprise.” “You’re mean, Ben,” she said with a frown. There was that cute little pout again. “You’re a mean, mean man.” He growled in jest and nipped her neck. “Yep, that’s me. Pure evil.” Her laughter was the only music he needed. She slid one hand down to rub the ridge beneath his zipper. “Are we in a hurry?” Damn but it was tempting. He glanced up at the daisy clock on the wall. They didn’t have much time. But the way her small hand was strumming his zipper made up his mind for him. How could he resist that invitation? What the hell, the Playhouse was right down the street. Maybe it would be a good idea to take the edge off their arousal. Otherwise, it might be a real short visit to the playroom. He glanced at his watch and pretended to contemplate the question. “I guess we’ve got a little time.” She smiled and gracefully sank to her knees. Her busy hands had his zipper down and his cock released in a matter of seconds. A shiver ran through his body when she took him in her hands and began to stroke. “Are you sure you can’t tell me what room we’re going to?” She didn’t look up at him, appeared instead to be concentrating on his throbbing dick. Ben’s laugh sounded more like a groan. Oh hell, it was a groan. He thought a little sex would be enough to get her mind off her questions for a few minutes, but he should have known better. “It’s a surprise.” Piper ran her tongue lightly along the length of his cock, not much more than a tease. “I don’t think I like surprises.” He grasped her hair and tipped her head up so he could look in her big blue eyes. “You love surprises. Now open your mouth.” Her grin widened and she parted her lips for him. It was heaven to sink into her hot, wet mouth. Her tongue was like velvet rubbing against his throbbing shaft. He kept his hands on her head, as if he could ever keep her where he wanted her to be. She twisted her head for a moment, doing a little corkscrew sucking that nearly drove him over the edge. Then she stopped. Stopped dead. His cock was still buried in her mouth, but she didn’t move, didn’t suck or lick. She raised her wide eyes to meet his and he could see the mischievous glint in their depths.
14
www.samhainpublishing.com
Flaunt It
He could have rocked his hips and fucked her mouth, but that wasn’t the way he wanted the night to go. He was already forcing her to go to the Playhouse, to a room she might not be too happy about. He released his grip on her hair and she sat back on her heels just far enough that he slipped from her mouth. “Tease,” he groaned. He couldn’t help but laugh at the look of feigned innocence on her face. She leaned forward and licked the very tip of his cock. He jumped at the touch of her soft, wet tongue. Then she slowly straightened. “Are you sure you don’t want to tell me?” Her voice was light yet seductive. One more lick and another seductive smile. Yeah, she was teasing him. He couldn’t let her get away with that, could he? He grabbed her arm and hauled her to her feet. She laughed and pretended to drag her feet as he pulled her over to the old plaid sofa. She’d told him she bought it at a second-hand store because it was so long and deep it must have been built with sex in mind. “I don’t like to be teased. You should know better than that.” His voice was rough and edgy, but they’d played this game before. He plopped down onto the soft cushions in the center of the sofa and hauled her over his lap. She wriggled, and although it would appear to anyone watching that she was struggling, she was actually moving her body into position. She stretched out and as soon as her abdomen rested atop his aching hard-on, she stilled. He swallowed the groan that wanted to escape his lips. Instead, he slid his hand up her thigh to push her silky skirt up over the curve of her ass. When he met nothing but bare skin, he couldn’t stop the groan from rumbling free. Not even a lacy strip of thong to bar his way. His cock pulsed against her stomach. She wriggled that bare ass, teasing him even more. He stroked the soft skin, gently at first, as if he was learning the shape of her body, as if he hadn’t already touched her like this before. The tips of his fingers slid across her ass until they were almost brushing against her pussy. But he pulled his hand back along her skin, away from the spot he knew she ached for him to touch. The first sharp slap barely stung his hand. Her squeal made him chuckle. She raised up on her elbows and glared at him over her shoulder. He caught her eye and spanked her even harder, right on those tattooed lips. The narrowed eyes and frown soon slackened as he continued to rain slaps on her pale skin. By the time his palm was hot and stinging, her head was down on the sofa cushion, resting on top of her hands. Her ass cheeks were turning a little red but she was moaning and pressing the heated flesh up into his hands, wanting more. To stop now would be more of a punishment for her than continuing the spanking, but he didn’t want her red and hurting for the rest of the night. He lightly stroked her skin with one hand while he slid the fingers of his other hand between her thighs. She bent her knees and lifted her hips to give him better access to the slick flesh hidden there. She was so wet and aroused, his fingers slipped along the puffy lips
www.samhainpublishing.com
15
Natasha Moore
and reached her clit. As soon as he pinched the hard button between his fingers, she gasped and cried out his name. She exploded over his fingers, her hips rocking, her juices gushing over him. She’d never been quiet during her orgasms and this time was no different. Her cries and gasps rang out through the room, drowning out both the music playing through her speakers and the tunes reaching them from upstairs. “God, Ben, that was good!” She scrambled to her knees and quickly straddled him. With one small hand around his cock to guide him, she lowered herself onto his stiff erection. He moaned at the incredible feeling of her surrounding him with her slick warmth. He grabbed her waist and held on. She rested her hands on his shoulders and practically danced over his body, her graceful body riding up and down his cock, her breasts brushing against his shirt in rhythm with the smooth jazz. She leaned forward and ran her lips across his. She was humming along with the music and the buzz vibrated his lips. The pressure began building as she stroked his cock with her sweet pussy. His grip on her waist tightened and then the orgasm hit him. He bucked beneath her, around her. She captured his lips and kissed him as she continued to ride him, milking every last bit of come from him. Finally his hands dropped to his sides and his head fell back. “Babe, I sure do like the way you fuck me.” She smiled and hummed her agreement. “Be right back.” She climbed off him and headed for the bathroom. He lay there like a boneless puddle and watched her hips sway as she walked away from him. Maybe he should just say to hell with the Playhouse. But no, he had to follow through or he’d always wonder. He’d never know for sure. He waited for her to finish in her tiny bathroom and then quickly cleaned himself up. When he came back out, she was waiting by the door. “Ready to go?” he asked. She nodded, grinning. “I can’t wait.” They rode in silence for a few minutes. The sky was still cloudy and a few sprinkles began to dot the windshield. Their favorite acoustic rock station played on the radio. Piper turned to him and asked, “So what’s your fantasy? Come on. You can tell me now.” “Hold on.” Ben stopped at a red light and glanced at her. She’d find out soon enough now. “It’s not my fantasy we’re acting out tonight. It’s yours.” “Mine? I’ve never told you any of my fantasies.” “You didn’t have to, babe.” The sky opened up and it began to pour. He turned the wipers on high and focused on the road. He’d been hoping they could save this discussion until they actually got to the room and she’d be so horny and overwhelmed that she’d just go with it. “What do you mean?” she asked slowly. She didn’t sound ready to go with it. “What do you think my fantasy is?”
16
www.samhainpublishing.com
Flaunt It
The former warehouse that housed Paolo’s Playhouse was straight ahead and Ben let out a silent sigh of relief. “We’re here.” He pulled into the parking lot and parked as close to the doors as possible. “We’re going to get wet. I don’t have an umbrella.” “I don’t care about that,” she said with a wave of her hand. “What do you think my fantasy is, Ben?” He leaned over and gave her a quick, reassuring kiss. “You’ll see in a minute. If I was wrong, well, I hope we can still have a good time tonight.” He hoped she’d forgive him if he’d made a mistake. He didn’t want to lose what he had with her. Hell, he didn’t want to lose her, period. Her eyes brightened as she looked up at him, but he didn’t quite believe the smile on her lips. “Sure. I was just curious. Wondering what you thought of me.” “I’m crazy about you.” He glanced in the backseat and saw a lightweight jacket he’d thrown back there recently. He grabbed it, ran to the other side of the car and opened the door for her. He held the jacket over their heads and they dashed through the rain. When they got inside the small foyer, he pulled her into his arms. “I just thought this would be fun, Piper. Don’t read any more into it than that.” But as Piper looked at him, he knew she could tell he was holding something back. She probably wanted to get into it but they didn’t have time. Paolo met them at the elevator door and shook Ben’s hand as he led them into the Playhouse. “I am so pleased to finally meet Ben’s special lady,” Paolo said, taking her hand and kissing her fingers. Ben frowned. What was that charmer trying to prove? As if his Italian accent wasn’t enough, he had to kiss her hand? Piper giggled and her face turned a surprising shade of pink. Ben couldn’t remember ever seeing her blush before. “I can’t believe Ben never introduced us before tonight,” she said, her voice taking on that flirting tone she used at work. She looked over the small reception area. “Wow. This place is beautiful. Classy. Not scary at all.” “Did you think it was going to be scary?” Paolo asked, amusement clear in his voice. “Maybe.” She glanced over her shoulder at Ben and raised her brow as if she was accusing him of giving her that impression. “I didn’t say it was scary here.” “But you didn’t say it was decorated in all these pretty burgundy and emerald colors. Or that there were amazing paintings on the wall. This looks almost like an art gallery or something, not a sex club. I thought it was going to be, I don’t know, like a motel you booked by the hour.” Paolo laughed and offered her his arm. “I’m certain Ben didn’t tell you the Playhouse was a sleazy motel.” “Okay, no, he didn’t.” She wrapped her fingers around Paolo’s biceps. “But he certainly never told me you would have the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen.”
www.samhainpublishing.com
17
Natasha Moore
Ben followed them down the hallway, rolling his plain old brown eyes at the nonsense coming out of her mouth. He’d never been the charming type. In his line of work he might have been practiced at small talk, but sweet talk had never been his thing. He’d never thought Piper needed sweet talk. Maybe he was wrong about that too. “So how did you and Ben meet?” she asked Paolo as they walked down the long hallway. Ben had gotten a tour of the place after Paolo had first bought it. He’d prettied it up a lot since then. “I told you we met in college,” Ben grumbled from behind them. She threw a glance over her shoulder. “I know. I just wanted Paolo’s side of the story.” “Business 101,” Paolo replied with a grin. “We both knew we wanted to own our own businesses. Of course, I was thinking art studio or gallery, but I think Ben knew he’d someday have a bar or restaurant even back then.” Ben didn’t bother to reply. So he didn’t have exotic dreams. Scandals was everything he’d ever wanted. Except for the woman holding onto his friend’s arm. “What made you decide to open this place instead of an art gallery?” Piper asked. Paolo shrugged. “Some dreams change. There seemed to be enough art galleries but not enough safe places for people to indulge in a few private fantasies.” They stopped in front of a plain, nondescript door. “I hope you enjoy your evening,” Paolo said. “And I hope that all your fantasies come to life.” “Thank you,” Piper said softly. Paolo opened the door and ushered them both inside. “Please look around and let me know if you need anything else.” Piper walked into the room but Ben stopped at the door with Paolo. “I will, man. Thanks.” “The couple who booked the blue room should be here shortly,” Paolo said softly. “You have a few minutes to get ready.” Ben shook Paolo’s hand and his friend left them, closing the door softly behind him. Ben turned to see Piper wandering around the room, checking it out. It had been a while since Paolo had given him a tour of the place and this room had been just one big open space back then. Now a large bed sat in the center of the floor, a thick mattress sitting on a raised platform. It was made up with some fancy pillows and blankets all in shades of gold. And each corner of the platform had a smooth round post that ran from floor to ceiling. “Wow, he’s got a bit of everything in this room,” Piper said. She stood in front of a St. Andrew’s cross. Paolo had told him it could be rolled out from the wall to be displayed while it was in use. Ben had never been into bondage, but the sight of Piper standing beside the wooden apparatus in her sexy dress made him hard as a rock. She looked at him over her shoulder. “You didn’t think my fantasy was to be tied to this thing, did you?”
18
www.samhainpublishing.com
Flaunt It
“No.” “Good.” She ran her hand along smooth wood of the cross. “Now I’m not saying I wouldn’t want to try it sometime, but that’s not my fantasy.” He watched her circle the room. He knew the cabinets next to him would be stocked with toys and other equipment like floggers and vibrators, blindfolds and handcuffs. He didn’t open any of the drawers. They didn’t need toys tonight. Of course, Piper stopped in front of a CD player mounted in the wall. She flipped through a selection of discs on the shelf beside it and chose one, popping it into the player. Sensual instrumental music, heavy on the bass, soared through hidden speakers. She stood there, on the other side of the room, and swished her hips to the beat of the music. He swallowed and prayed for patience when all he wanted to do was grab her and take her on that big bed, even though she’d wrung him dry not that long ago. “Piper.” His voice sounded rough. “Come here, babe.” “I’m still trying to decide what fantasy this room is for.” She turned to look at him, her movements smooth and graceful. She’d told him she’d studied dance when she was younger and he could see it in every move she made. “Are you finally going to tell me?” He had to get his hands on her. “Yes. Come here.” A sly, half-smile lifted her lips. “Okay.” She slowly sauntered around the bed until she stopped in front of him. “Hi.” “Hey, babe.” He pulled her into his arms and brushed his lips over hers. She sighed and pressed into him, molding her soft body to his. “Did I ever tell you that you’re a great kisser?” she asked. “No.” He was a little surprised. He’d never put a whole lot of thought into kissing. As far as he was concerned, it was just a prelude of things to come. “Well, you are,” she said, threading her fingers through his hair. “Kiss me again.” Ben ran his tongue across her slick pink lips. She tasted so sweet. But a taste wasn’t enough. Never enough. He pressed against the seam of her lips and she opened to him. When he plunged his tongue into her mouth, Piper moaned and leaned into him. She started to suck greedily on his tongue, and each pull caused his cock to throb in a matching rhythm. His heart raced; his breathing kicked up too. There wasn’t anything better than the feel of her body stretched along his, her softness cradling his hardness. Except when his cock was buried deep inside her. And if they didn’t slow things down just a bit, this evening was going to be over real quick. She didn’t need another quickie. He let up his grip on her shoulders and they broke apart. Her breathing was just as ragged as his.
www.samhainpublishing.com
19
Natasha Moore
Whatever made him think a quickie in her apartment would make any difference in the way he wanted her now? “Off,” she demanded and tugged his shirttails out of his trousers. He helped her with the buttons and shrugged out of the shirt. “So are we just going to screw around or what?” she asked. “’Cuz I’m getting that itch between my toes again if you know what I mean.” Yeah, he knew. She reached for his belt and Ben stopped her hands with his own. They were usually equals when it came to controlling their sex play, but tonight he was going to direct the action. “Wait,” he said. She looked up at him, her eyes wide and curious. He led her over to the deep gold curtains that covered one entire wall. He placed his hands on her shoulders and moved her to the center of the space, facing the curtain. “You wanted to know what this room is for? What fantasy you can live out in here?” Piper nodded and without a sound watched as he walked to the corner of the room and pulled on the cord. The curtains parted smoothly, silently, revealing a mirror that covered the entire wall from floor to ceiling, from one corner to the other. He met Piper’s confused gaze in the mirror. “Some people like to watch. Some people like to be watched.” He came up behind her and slid his arms around her, pulling her against him so that her ass rubbed against his aching cock. “And I know you like it, babe. You like to be watched.” Her eyes widened and she might have tried to back up, but he was pressed up against her and she couldn’t move. “This is a two-way mirror?” She stared into the mirror as if she was trying to see through to the other side. “There’s someone on the other side watching us?” “Your fantasy, right? I know you like to be looked at.” He slid his hands up to her breasts and squeezed. “If you’ve got it, flaunt it.” She pulled away from him and he dropped his arms. “Do you like it?” She turned to look at him through narrowed eyes. This didn’t look good. “Do you like to watch me?” “You know I do.” She circled him until he was the one in full view and she was standing behind him. “But do you like to be watched?” Her voice had a little edge to it. She reached around him and cupped his cock with her hand. He tried not to jump through the ceiling when she squeezed. “Because you’re gonna be putting on a show tonight too.” Ben didn’t answer. He hadn’t thought about that. Hadn’t thought about anything but Piper getting her exhibitionism out of her system. How did he feel about someone else watching him get it on with his girlfriend? His cock jerked against her hand.
20
www.samhainpublishing.com
Flaunt It
She dropped her grip on his goods and walked away from him, crossed the room, as if she needed a little distance. From the mirror? Or from him? He watched her pace for a moment, the twitch of her hips teasing him, driving him more than a little crazy. Was she going to call a halt to things? Had he crossed the line? “Piper, we can close the curtains if it makes you uncomfortable. It was just an idea.” She stared at him from across the mattress. She nodded toward the mirror. He couldn’t decipher the expression on her face. “Is there really someone watching us?” He shrugged, trying to make it seem as if it was no big deal, but he didn’t fool Piper and he didn’t fool himself. “They booked the room. I assume they’re in there.” Who was on the other side of the mirror? Some horny guy who hadn’t gotten any in a long time? No, Paolo had said it was a couple. Did they like to watch through the window as if this was their own private porn movie? “Then we better give them their money’s worth.” “Shit, Piper, don’t make it sound like we’re here because someone wants to watch a show. We’re here because you want to put on a show.” “Is that what you think I want?” The question didn’t come out cocky or sassy. Her voice was soft, her expression serious. And if he didn’t know better, he’d think she was hurt. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt her. But just as quickly the look was gone. She turned away from him. Ben watched as Piper sauntered up to the mirror. “This is just like dance class. All that’s missing is the barre.” She swayed her hips in beat to the music throbbing through the speakers. Her lips lifted into a seductive smile he could see reflected in the mirror. She swept her hands down her sides, skimming her fingers along the slight curve of her breasts, down her ribs and over the hips that hadn’t stopped swaying. She caught his appreciative gaze in the mirror. From his vantage point, he could see everything about her. Her firm ass shifted beneath the silky skirt. He clenched his fingers as he thought about sweeping his hands over the soft cheeks again. He wondered if they still stung a little from the spanking he’d given her. How soon would it be before he could delve between the cheeks, tease the tight hole, finger the slick flesh between her thighs? And he would. But he could wait for now. He could see his own reflection behind Piper’s. He was naked to the waist. Even from this distance, he could see the bulge in the front of his trousers. His cock ached with the never-ending need to plunge deep into her wet heat. Even though her back was facing him, he could see the front of her just as clearly in the mirror. She appeared to be staring straight through the two-way mirror, focusing on the invisible audience, but he thought she might have actually been looking at him. Holding his gaze, she curled her fingers into each side of her skirt and dragged the fabric up her thighs, still moving her body in time with the music.
www.samhainpublishing.com
21
Natasha Moore
He swallowed, his head pounding and his pulse racing. The skirt rode higher and higher on her undulating hips. She gave him a too-brief glimpse of her bare pussy in the mirror before she grinned and dropped the skirt. Shit. She still hadn’t put on any underwear. He reached her in an instant, wrapped his arms around her, slid his hands up to cup her breasts again. He watched their reflections as Piper reached up and behind her to comb her fingers through his hair. She arched her back, pushing her breasts into his hands. They were so close to the mirror, his knuckles brushed the cool surface of the glass. Piper turned her head and pulled his down to meet her. Their lips met, slipping and sliding against each other. A small moan escaped her lips and she nipped his lower lip with her teeth. The sharp bite sent a spike of arousal though his already stimulated body. Shit, this was crazy. What were they doing here? What had he been thinking? Enough. He had to get this sexy dress off her. He needed skin and lots of it. Ben bent over and kissed the back of her neck, nipping at the tender skin, licking that length of sexy spine that started beneath the pink hair and ran down between her taut shoulder blades until it disappeared beneath the silver silk. Ben dropped to his knees and pulled the zipper down, revealing the small of her back and then the upper curve of her bare ass. “Oh babe,” he groaned. So gracefully, she arched her back, her arms stretched out behind her. The skinny straps slid down her arms and the dress slithered over her curves and puddled at her feet. She stepped out of the fabric and kicked it away. The firm cheeks of her fabulous ass stared him in the face. They were barely pink. He couldn’t resist dropping a kiss on her saucy tattoo. He drew in a deep breath and took in the musky scent of her arousal. Yeah. This turned her on. He stood, sweeping his hands along her bare skin as he rose to his feet behind her. “Look at you,” he said, catching her gaze in the mirror. “Look at how beautiful you are.” He rested his chin on the top of her head. “Look at what they see through the glass. That pretty pussy all wet and shiny. Your big blue eyes and bright pink lips. Your perfect breasts, the nipples all tight and puckery.” He flicked his fingers across the tips. “I love them that way. I bet they do too. I bet they want to know what your breasts feel like. They probably want to know if you’ll gasp when I do this.” He took each nipple between a thumb and finger and rolled the sensitive flesh between them. Of course, she gasped. She always did. Her nipples were so sensitive he’d learned it didn’t take much to make her respond. “Can they hear us?” she whispered. Her voice was already that breathy mix of passion and excitement. He pinched her nipples and her fingers curled at her side.
22
www.samhainpublishing.com
Flaunt It
“No.” He nipped her ear. “They can only watch.” He slid his hands down to cup her pussy. The wet heat moistened his palm. “They can only see me touching you.” His fingers slid easily through her slick folds. “I love touching you. Your soft skin. Your hot pussy. Your tasty lips.” “Mmm.” Piper turned around in his arms and he captured her lips with his. He’d never get enough of her sweet taste. Ben groaned as she rubbed her body against his, like a sensual cat, petting herself against him. He pulled her tighter and pressed his aching cock along her stomach. “Oh God, Piper, I need to be inside you. I need to fuck you now.” “Not yet,” she said, slipping away from him. “I think they should have to wait a little longer. Build up some anticipation.” Ben groaned as he let her go. Was she talking about the audience? Or about him? “Babe, I think I’ve had about all the anticipation I can stand.” She shook her head slowly as she brushed her lips across his. “Are you kidding? We’re just getting started.” She sauntered over to the bed and stood at one corner, in front of one of those poles that reached from floor to ceiling. She slid her hands up the pole, until she was stretched long and lean against the smooth wood. Her breasts jutted out from either side, the nipples tight and as tempting as fresh berries. Her slender thighs were taut and firm. She rose up onto her toes as she stretched even farther. She swayed her body to the beat of the music while she lowered herself back down onto her heels. But she didn’t stop there. She kept her body moving as she dropped down into a crouch. Her thighs parted, giving him a quick look at her glistening pussy. Her ass nearly brushed the floor. It probably would have if she hadn’t been wearing those heels. Ben barely breathed as he watched her ride the pole back up. And back down. And back up again. He silently crossed the floor until he was close enough to touch her. But he didn’t, even though he wanted to. He ached with the rhythm of the music. He yearned with each peek of her pussy, each bounce of her breasts. She glanced at the mirror and smiled. He let her put on her show. Then she stopped moving, caught his eye and winked. Still clasping the pole, she lowered her hands to waist height. Still on her toes, she pushed out her luscious ass behind her as she slowly bent at the waist. Oh man, he wanted to plunge into her. Take her from behind and bury his aching cock into her soft heat. He fumbled with the button of his jeans, the tight zipper. He couldn’t get rid of his clothes fast enough. “Not so fast,” she called out. “Slow down a little so the audience can enjoy your strip show.” She straightened, her gaze hot and eager. “And me. I want to enjoy it too.” Shit, he’d forgotten all about the people watching them. But obviously Piper hadn’t.
www.samhainpublishing.com
23
Natasha Moore
He hesitated with his hand on his zipper. Did he really want to strip naked in front of strangers? Whatever made him think this was a good idea? “Don’t make me wait, lover,” Piper said softly, her voice deeper than he’d heard it before. “I didn’t mean it. I don’t want you to go slow. I want to see you now.” That was all the encouragement he needed. He stripped off his shoes, socks, pants and underwear as fast as he could. Now it was Piper who was watching. Her hands were still tightly grasping the pole. Her gaze was so intense he swore he could feel the strokes along his skin. She dropped her hands, made to step toward him, but he suddenly held up his hand to stop her. “Dance for me, Piper.” She stared at him for a moment and then slowly nodded. “For you.” Ben fisted his cock as he watched her ride the pole. She caught his gaze and smiled. She wound her body gracefully around the pole, never breaking eye contact. This time she wasn’t dancing for the audience. This time she was doing it for him. As he watched her pole dance, he worked his cock with his hand. He couldn’t help it. It was impossible to ignore the throbbing anymore. Piper raised her leg, ran it over the pole, giving him another glimpse of her pussy. He groaned, grasping his aching erection tighter than he should have. He winced and wrenched his gaze away from her tempting body. And caught a glimpse of their bodies in the mirror. It was almost as if he was looking at some other man and woman. Lots of bare skin glistening with a sheen of sweat. The graceful woman dancing. The horny man beating his dick. But their expressions… He hadn’t expected the raw desire that was clear on both their faces. “That’s so hot,” Piper said on a ragged moan. “I love to see you working your cock like that.” She let go of the pole and step by slow, sensual step crossed the floor until she was standing in front of him. “You’re driving me crazy.” She sank to her knees before him and took his throbbing cock out of his hand and into hers. “You’ve been teasing me with this gorgeous cock.” She ran her wet tongue along the length of him and he sucked in his breath. “It’s my turn to enjoy.” Then he was in heaven as Piper closed her lips around his aching erection and sucked him deep into her wet, hot mouth. Ben wanted to close his eyes, wanted to focus on nothing but the ecstasy he was experiencing. But he glanced down at the sight of Piper on her knees, her slick pink lips sliding along his dark cock, her wide eyes looking up at him as she moved along his length, and he couldn’t close his eyes. She rocked on her knees, putting her whole body into this act of pleasuring him. He’d never seen her look so sexy. He moaned and tangled his hands into her hair, thrusting harder into her mouth. She grabbed onto his hips and let him set the rhythm. Before the pressure built to the point of no return, he forced himself to slow, to stop, to pull out of the paradise that was her mouth.
24
www.samhainpublishing.com
Flaunt It
“Not yet,” he groaned. This night wasn’t for him. It was for Piper. He grabbed her shoulders and pulled her to her feet. He brought her back over to the mirror. “How many pairs of eyes do you think are on you right now?” Ben asked, his voice rough. He might have been asking as much for himself as for Piper. Dozens of pairs of eyes seemed to burn into his skin. He hadn’t stopped to think about the fact that those eyes were crawling all over Piper, lusting after his girl. What had he been thinking? But even as jealousy twisted in his stomach, Ben had never been so hard in his life. He wanted to take her, possess her, show anyone who was watching that she was his woman. Man, he was so fucked up. He turned her into his arms, cupped her face and crushed his lips to hers. “Come home with me tonight. Stay with me tonight.” He needed to know she was committed to him. That she wasn’t just as happy dancing for invisible strangers as she was for him. “Move in with me.” Tears glittered in her eyes. “I can’t.” She pulled away from him and he let her go.
www.samhainpublishing.com
25
Chapter Three
“Are you upset about the playroom?” he asked, grasping at another possible reason for her rejection besides the fact that he wasn’t enough to make her happy. “Because we can leave right now. We can close these curtains and get the hell out of here. I don’t know what I was thinking.” “No, Ben,” she said, her voice a little sad. “That has nothing to do with it.” “Then why? Why do you say no every time I ask you?” He’d never come out and asked her before because he wasn’t sure he wanted to know the answer. But now he did. No matter what it was. She crossed her arms in front of her and rubbed her skin as if she was suddenly cold. The look of anguish on her face was enough to make him want to walk away from her right now, just so she wouldn’t look so sad. “Why should I say yes?” she asked, lifting her chin with the challenge. “Why should I change my whole life because of you?” “Because I love you, dammit,” he shouted. She’d already rejected him, it couldn’t possibly hurt any more than it already did to speak the words he’d been reluctant to say out loud. The words he’d been certain would send her running. “Because my life is so much better when you’re a part of it.” She just stared at him, not saying a word. His heart raced, his body chilled. He lowered his voice to a whisper. “I love you, Piper.” Oh shit, those were tears streaming down her face. But she didn’t run away from him like he’d been afraid she would. Instead, she rushed up to him and wrapped her arms around him. “Well, it took you long enough to say so.” “What?” He wasn’t sure he understood what was going on, but he gathered her close, soaking up her warmth. This time he might never let her go. “Don’t you get it? I love you too much to be just another girl.” She stepped back just far enough to swipe at her tears. “I wasn’t sure how you felt about me. I couldn’t stay with you if you didn’t love me. I couldn’t move in with you if you didn’t feel the same way about me that I felt about you.” Ben stood there like a fool, with his mouth half-open, while he tried to find the words to tell her how he felt. Finally he just croaked out, “You love me?” “Don’t look so surprised.” She tilted her head to study him. “Why do you look so surprised?” “You could have any guy you want.” “I don’t want just any guy, you ass. I want you.” “But the way you dress. The way you flirt with all the guys at the bar.”
Flaunt It
“Okay, so I admit I like the attention.” She cocked her head to the mirror. “I like that attention. But I do it for you.” She slid one hand up his chest and rested it over his heart. “When all that attention gets me hot and horny, I leave with you, don’t I? I take all that pent-up sexual energy and I give it all to you.” Yes, she did. How could he not have realized that? He gathered her into his arms. “I love you, babe.” She kissed him, lightly, teasingly. “So I heard. I love you too.” She reached around him and squeezed his ass. “How many pairs of eyes are on your butt right now, Ben?” Mischief glimmered in her eyes. “I happen to love your ass and to think that there is a woman on the other side of the mirror staring and wanting and not being able to have what I have right now…well, lover, it just makes me so hot I can hardly stand it.” He was so hot he could hardly stand it. “Really?” She nodded and squeezed his cheeks again. His cock jerked against her bare stomach. He grabbed her ass too and pulled her up against him, grinding his aching erection into her softness. “So showing off like this, it makes you hot for me?” he asked. “Doesn’t it make you hot for me?” She narrowed her eyes and glared at him. “Or does knowing there’s another woman over there admiring your body make you want to go out and screw someone else?” “Of course not.” She smiled. “Well then.” “You drive me crazy, though, flirting with all those guys. Letting them…” “Letting them what?” “Get little peeks of you.” “You get to peek too, don’t you? It gets you hot, doesn’t it?” “Yeah.” “That’s what I want. That’s why I do it. To get you hot and drive you a little crazy.” She winked. “Besides, it’s good for business.” “I love smart, sexy women.” He pulled her close. “This smart, sexy woman.” And this time when she kissed him it felt different, even though he knew it couldn’t be. It felt special, this kiss between two people who loved each other. When they pulled apart, Ben looked over to the mirror, wondering about the people on the other side. Did they get what they expected from their evening here? Would they feel shortchanged if he and Piper left right now? He wanted to give her the attention she deserved, not worry about putting on a show for a bunch of strangers. She cupped his face in her hand and turned him back around to look at her. “Don’t think about them,” she said. “We’re here to have a good time. We’re here to show them how good we are together. Isn’t that why we’re here?”
www.samhainpublishing.com
27
Natasha Moore
Was that it? Had he really brought her here to show her off? Did this have more to do with him and his insecurities than with what he thought of as Piper’s exhibitionism? Was it simply that she was secure in who she was? What she wanted? What had he been trying to prove? “Let’s show them how a couple in love has sex,” she whispered. “No,” he said, certain now of what he felt and what he wanted. “Let’s show them what it’s like to really make love.” He took her small warm hand and led her over to the bed. Piper kicked off her shoes and then climbed up into the middle of the large mattress, giving him a chance to take a long look at her ass before she knelt down and crooked her finger, beckoning him to join her. At this point he would have followed her anywhere. He joined her in the center of the mattress and knelt in front of her, close enough that her nipples grazed his chest. His cock bobbed then rested against her stomach. Her gaze raced over his face, as if she was trying to read him now, but Ben wasn’t afraid of what she might see. He figured she’d known him from the beginning. Knew what he needed. What he wanted. Knew that she was the perfect woman for him. It just took him a little while to catch up. He laid her down on the mattress gently to show her how precious she was to him. She looked up at him with a soft smile. Ben cupped her beautiful face with his hands and brushed her pink lips with his. “I love you,” he said again, his lips still touching hers as he said it. He should have told her months ago. He’d have to keep telling her, over and over. He didn’t want her to ever forget it. He proceeded to kiss his way down her body, starting with her graceful jaw, her slender neck, her soft shoulders. When he reached the swell of her breasts, he lingered there, gathering the pert globes in his hands and kneading the firm flesh with his fingers. Then he lowered his mouth again to taste each perfect nipple, to suck on them, to roll them around on his tongue and tease them with his teeth. She arched up into him, grabbing his shoulders and digging her fingernails into his flesh. He sucked harder and she shuddered beneath him. Finally he relinquished his hold on her breasts and took his attention lower on her body. The skin on her flat stomach was slightly salty when he swept his tongue along the concave path. Piper’s hands had dropped from his shoulders and now clutched the bedclothes on either side of her body. When he dipped the tip of his tongue into her navel, she made that little cry that shot his arousal off the charts. Ben settled between her thighs, inhaling that Piper scent that had his mouth watering. With the first lick through her puffy folds, her whole body jerked. He chuckled and dove in with relish, licking and sucking her sensitive flesh, drinking in her juices and teasing her swollen clit. She whimpered and writhed beneath him. He cupped her ass and lifted her hips to give him even better access to her sweet pussy.
28
www.samhainpublishing.com
Flaunt It
She cried out his name, rocked her hips, grabbed onto his hair. He rubbed her tiny bud hard with his tongue, hoping he was driving her every bit as crazy as she’d ever made him. Then when he decided he’d given her about as much sweet torture as she could stand, he scraped that sensitive nub with his teeth. He could tell the moment before the orgasm hit her. Everything tensed up in her body, from the thighs wrapped around him, to the fingers holding his head in place, to the clit tightening between his teeth. And after that split second of frozen motion, her body was riding the sensations. Her wild cries echoed through the room. Ben kept his hold on her hips and continued his assault on her clit, wanting to drive her higher, wanting to give her as much pleasure as he possibly could. For the rest of their lives. That was just a little bit more than he wanted to think about right now. Piper’s frenzied movements had lessened and Ben licked one last time, drinking in as much of her juices as he could. He let go of her hips and her body settled back down onto the mattress, limp. She gazed up at him, her eyes a bit unfocused, her mouth slightly open. She licked her lips before she spoke. “Wow. I think my bones all turned to jelly.” Her voice was ragged, breathless. “I can’t move.” And he didn’t think he could be any more aroused. “You don’t have to.” Ben crawled up her body, sliding along her damp skin, aiming his cock for her heated core. When he found the spot, she was open and ready and he plunged to the hilt in one smooth stroke. Damn, that was good. Buried in her sweet heat, Ben looked down at the woman he loved. Her eyes were open, clear now, staring back at him. Her lips lifted in a slow smile. “Hey, lover.” Her voice wasn’t more than a rough whisper. “Welcome home.” He was home. He began to move inside her. Slowly at first, savoring the sensations rippling through him with each deliberate plunge into her hot core. But it wasn’t long before his thrusts grew faster, turned harder. Not long before he had no control over the drag of his cock along her slick passage. He might wish he could enjoy a little longer, but instinct took over, pushing him toward the finish he couldn’t delay any longer. Piper wrapped her legs around his hips and pulled him even deeper inside her. He caught her mouth with his and he exploded, shooting his come into her with strong pulses. When his body bucked with the intensity of the orgasm, she hugged him close and swallowed his cries of completion. He didn’t even realize he’d collapsed on top of her until she nipped his bottom lip and groaned, “Can’t. Breathe.” “Sorry.” He rose onto his elbows, not wanting quite yet to move any farther away from her. Not wanting to sever that connection to her.
www.samhainpublishing.com
29
Natasha Moore
He caught movement out of the corner of his eye and remembered the mirror. The audience. Fuck the audience, he had something more important to be concerned about right now. He looked back down at Piper. “Are you okay?” “I’m great.” She reached up and brushed his hair back from his forehead. “That was it, you know.” “That was what?” “My fantasy. Just holding you, the man that I love, while we make love. No toys. No games. Just skin on skin. Just heart to heart.” “But you’re always up for the fun stuff. The kinky stuff.” “Well yeah, but not all the time, Ben. Sometimes it’s best with just you and me.” “I can go along with that.” He nodded toward the mirror. “We probably didn’t give them much of a show when we actually got down to it.” “I don’t care,” Piper said. She pulled him down and kissed him wet and deep. “It was fun.” She kissed him again. And again. “It was more than fun. It was amazing.” She was amazing. He slipped from her body and stretched out beside her. “Do you think that was because we knew someone was watching us?” She shrugged and brushed her fingertips along his cheek. “It was fun because someone was watching us. It was amazing because we love each other.” It sounded so simple when she said it like that. “Did I ever tell you that you are smart?” She laughed and his heart soared just knowing he’d made her happy. “You know,” she said softly, looking over at him through her long lashes, “if you don’t mind, I’d love to go home with you tonight.” Then she grinned and the sassy Piper was back. “Although I still don’t know if I’ll get a decent night’s sleep.” If his heart was already soaring, it must have just made it to the stars. “I might be able to restrain myself long enough for you to get a few z’s.” “Thanks for bringing me here tonight.” She stretched, managing to sweep her hand along his body as she did. His cock stirred even though he was totally spent. He didn’t doubt it always would as long as they were in the same room. Hell, as long as they were in the same country. “I suppose we should get up and let someone else have a turn at the room,” she said with a sigh. “Let someone else get lucky.” “I guess you’re right.” They slid off the bed and Ben watched as Piper strutted up to the mirror and pulled the curtain closed, blowing a kiss to the invisible audience before the panels closed completely. “We should try this again sometime,” Ben said, surprising himself. He stepped into his pants while Piper put her dress back on. “We could reserve this room again. Or try another one.”
30
www.samhainpublishing.com
Flaunt It
“I’d love that,” she said brightly. “We didn’t even get a chance to try some of the toys in those cabinets.” That was his Piper, up for anything. “But right now I’m starved. I worked up quite an appetite. How about you?” “Let’s grab a bite to eat and head back to my place.” Ben slid his arm around her waist and tugged her against him. “Just you and me.” For the rest of their lives sounded better all the time.
www.samhainpublishing.com
31
About the Author
Natasha Moore fell in love with the written word as soon as she could read. As she grew up, she discovered romance and now enjoys the chance to add some extra sizzle to her stories. She lives in New York State with her real-life hero who is happy to tell everyone that he’s her inspiration. They travel in their RV whenever possible. The great thing about writing is she can take it anywhere. To learn more about Natasha Moore, please visit www.natashamoore.com. Send an email to Natasha Moore at
[email protected] or join her Yahoo! group to join in the fun with other readers as well as Natasha Moore! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/natashamoore Find her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter too. And stop by Natasha Moore’s group blog, Fierce Romance. http://fierceromance.blogspot.com
Look for these titles by Natasha Moore
Now Available: The Ride of Her Life The Passion-Minded Professor Bound by Design Binding Ties See Me
Coming Soon: Paolo’s Playhouse Taking Chances Birthday Girl Plaything
All she wants for Christmas is him. All he wants is everything…for her.
Priceless © 2011 Lena Matthews Urban Fairytales, Book 3 As Christmas bears down on Eric Athers’s empty wallet, one question plagues him: What to get the love of his life when he has less than nothing? It doesn’t help that his wife, Nia, who works extra shifts to support him through his medical residency, practically glows with holiday spirit. Her determination to put the “Merry” in Merry Christmas only serves as a painful reminder of everything he’s unable to provide for her. Nia loves her husband to distraction, and she can’t for the life of her figure out how someone so smart can be so dumb when it comes to something as simple as a little holiday. Christmas is so much more than presents and shopping malls. All she has to do is show her own personal Scrooge that the best gifts come from the heart. Warning: This story is guaranteed to melt your snowman.
Enjoy the following excerpt for Priceless: Eric’s words were so unexpected it took a minute for his meaning to sink in. “Decorate me.” Nia licked her lips, and she took a few steps back. “That sounds a bit…kinky.” “Your point is…?” Her throat suddenly felt very dry. “Yeah…not sure I have one,” she admitted, still a little floored by Eric’s suggestion. Although he hadn’t been her first lover, he was definitely the most passionate and inventive. “What exactly do you mean though?” “What I said.” Nia glanced over at the box on the floor then back at her husband. He couldn’t really mean… “Are we talking star on head, ornaments on nipples, decorate?” “Well…” Eric tilted his head to the side, a contemplative look on his face. “Not star on head.” But nipples and stuff were apparently fair game. “Oh,” she said after a few seconds, because she really had no comeback for that. “Any objections?” She blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “The hooks might scratch a bit.” “Possibly, but I promise to kiss it better.” Without waiting for her to reply, Eric made his way over to the box which held the leftovers. He picked up the box and carried it to the table, setting it down with a resounding thump. Carefully, as was his way, he began to sort through the remaining decorations. “Hmmm…looks like we have lots to choose from.”
Words escaped her. He was absolutely serious. One second he’d been dogging her tree, the next talking about using her as a tree. Nia shook her head in amazement. Every time she thought she had a handle on her husband he would do or say something completely out of character. Some days she wasn’t sure who she was married to—the focused, studious, determined doctor, or the sensual, dominating, erotic lover. Nia was torn between wanting to say hell no, and her desire to do every depraved thing he hinted at. No, that wasn’t true, she wasn’t torn at all. “What about rules? I think we should have them.” “Fair enough.” Eric strolled over to the oven. Warm air burst from the door as he opened the appliance, taking a bit of the sting out of the room. They’d learned quickly to use that part of the stove as a heating source when they were in the kitchen. “First rule, I make all the rules.” Nia crossed her arms over her breasts, not because she was upset, but in hopes of hiding her nipples, which instantly hardened at his words. “Sounds…” she cleared her throat before continuing, “…like a game we’ve played before.” Eric switched on the burners on the stove, then turned, facing her once more. “We’ve never played this.” “Maybe not, but the rules are always the same.” With a wicked little smile on his lips, he walked over to her, stopping only when he was standing directly in front of her. “Because they make you wet.” He was so close she had to drop her arms or risk having them pinned. “Don’t they?” His voice was low and rich and held not an ounce of compromise in it. “Maybe.” Standing this close to him, with the heat seeping into the room, she began to feel a little lightheaded. His delicious, heady aroma filled the air around her and toyed with her senses, much in the way the man standing in front of her did with her libido. “You don’t play fair,” she said after a moment. “I play to win.” “What do you consider a win?” “The sweet sound you make when you come.” His words took her aback. Damn he was good. “You should have been a lawyer.” “Then do I have your consent to drive you out of your mind?” “Yes.” “Good. First things first.” Eric slipped his hand under her sweater and cupped her butt. “Take everything off.” “But it’s still chilly in here.” Nia tried to focus on his words and not the lazy pattern his fingers were making on her behind. “I promise you this.” His voice was soft, his breath warm as he lowered his lips to kiss right below her left ear—one of the many spots on her body he’d found that could turn her to mush when toyed with just right. “You won’t be cold for long, and you’ll never look at Christmas decorations the same way again.”
With his lips on her neck once more and his hands on her hips, cold was the very last thing Nia felt. Closing her eyes, she tilted her head to the side, giving him better access and surrendered to the moment, to the man and to the delicious tremors he sent through her body with the barest of his touches. “Sunshine.” Nia opened her eyes, drunkenly raised her head and peered at her husband. “Yes?” “Take off everything then sit here on the table.” There wasn’t even a need to reply. Nia obeyed while he watched with lust-filled eyes. Eric was quiet the entire time she undressed, silent but attentive. She felt his gaze heavy on her even when she bent over to slip off her shoes and step out of her pants and panties. When she was wearing nothing but her grandmother’s heirloom, silver-filigree, garnet-pendant necklace, she placed her hand on her hip and stood proudly in front of him. She was going for a sexy comehither look, but the shiver she let out and the goose bumps that broke out all over her arms instantly ruined it. The only thing remotely sexy about her now was how her nipples were erect, but even that had more to do with the crisp air than their naughty game. “Waiting for you to warm me.” Eric picked her up and set her next to the box on the table. “You mean these dark berries didn’t come out to play just for me?” he asked as he ran his hands up and down her arms, giving a little warmth to her chilled limbs. “Traitorous bitches.” “I think I might have to teach them a lesson, but first.” Eric let her go and pulled a Santa hat out of the box. He dangled the red fabric with the white trim in the air and smiled in his devilish way. Chill forgotten, Nia was ready for the fun. “Oh, Santa, I’ve been a very naughty girl.” “I hope so, but it’s not for me.” To her surprise, Eric set the hat in her lap and reached up behind her with both hands to free her hair from her ponytail. He tossed the band over his shoulder as if it were of no importance then ran his fingers through her thick strands. When it was down on her shoulders, Eric picked up the hat from her lap and arranged it on her head. When it was situated just right, he took a step away to admire his work. “Perfect. You might make a Christmas lover out of me yet.” “I do what I can for the cause.” “Good. Do you trust me?” “Absolutely,” she answered without hesitation. Eric pulled roughly an arm’s length of wide silver ribbon off its spool, then took out a pair of scissors he’d found stored in the box. He turned the shears until the sharp part was pointing toward himself and handed them to Nia. “Cut right there.” It only took one snip to slice through the material, but when she was done, he took the scissors away and set them along with the remaining ribbon on the table next to her. “I’m going to blindfold you now.”
“I—” “Do you trust me?” he asked again, just as patiently as he had the first time. They’d played trust games before, and Nia knew if she wanted to quit at any time, all she had to do was say so. “With my life.” Nia closed her eyes, but then promptly opened them to give Eric a warning glare. “But if I hear one click from a camera, you’re a dead man.” His lips twitched as if he were trying not to smile. “Duly noted.” Content, she closed her eyes again and held still as he used the ribbon to blindfold her. The thin material was in no way the correct size for something like this. If she wanted, Nia could very well blink her eyes a couple of times to move it about so she could see, but that would ruin the game. So instead she held still as he tied the ribbon behind her head, before covering the back of the satin material with the bottom of the Santa hat. “Now clasp your hands together behind your back.” “Looks as if someone is getting into the Christmas spirit after all,” she said as she did as he requested. “Oh yeah, I’m feeling all kinds of jolly.” Being unable to see, she tried her best to figure out what he was up to. She had a general idea that was confirmed when she heard the scissors cut through another piece of fabric. Then, as she’d expected, her hands were gathered behind her and tied together with what felt like ribbon. Nia wiggled her fingers and moved her wrists back and forth, testing the bonds, but they didn’t give. “Satisfied, Kinky Klause?” “Close.” The sharp sound of something being pulled across the floor startled her. She jerked and almost lost her balance, but as usual, Eric came to her rescue and helped her right herself. “Careful.” “I’d be more careful if I knew what was going on.” “Yeah.” The scraping sound grew closer. “But where’s the fun in that?” “What are you…?” Before she could finish her sentence, Eric lifted her leg then set her foot on what felt like one of the kitchen chairs. Her hearing, extra sensitive now that her sight was restricted, detected the nimble snip of the scissors. Frowning, she tried to figure out what he was up to, but before she could ask, Eric placed her leg against the back of the cool chair and then tied her ankle to it. As soon as he was done, he lifted her free foot and placed it in a similar fashion, securing her to a second chair. “Eric,” she whispered. “Shh…” Eric took hold of her hips and pulled her dangerously close to the edge of the table. Her feeling of vulnerability increased tenfold as he pushed the two chairs out a bit, forcing her legs to spread lewdly.
Silence was something she could not do. Nia knew he was her husband and he’d seen parts of her body she’d never even seen, but this just seemed vulgar, for her to be spread open, exposed before him. “Eric…this is just…” “Just the beginning.”
Love is the hardest limit.
Bottoms Up © 2010 Miranda Baker “I’m an Aries. We don’t submit.” “I’m a Leo. Wanna bet?”
Destiny Blake senses that her boredom with blond pretty boys is about to come to a flesh-tingling end. Since her first love left her for a more experienced Domme, she’s honed her topping skills to a fine edge. Yet the idea of bottoming for the hard-bodied owner of her favorite BDSM club is an erotic challenge she can’t resist. Destiny isn’t Johnny Delcorral’s type. Tangling with her, even for one night, is a dangerous proposition for a man with good reason for needing his women submissive. But he suspects she's hiding a submissive streak under her dreadlocks and leather, and he hungers to make her obey—and curb her reckless spirit. The battle is on, both in the bedroom and out. Under Johnny’s knowing hands, she is dismayed to discover she’s enjoying submission more than she cares to admit. And Johnny finds himself relishing her defiance instead of curbing it—and fighting a growing unease with his inability to find her boundaries. Until one night he pushes one step too far—and comes hard up against the one boundary he never expected to find.
Warning: This book contains naked power struggles, sexually charged spankings, kink from chains to canes, an Upstairs sex club, a hot m/f/m ménage, and absolutely everything the title promises.
Enjoy the following excerpt for Bottoms Up: So this is what it feels like to be a sub. The thought hit her like a bucket of ice water. Her brain rebelled. She was no sub. She wouldn’t let this happen. For three years, ever since Damian had left her for that crazy bitch with the snake whip, she had immersed herself in Dominance. She wasn’t going to let Johnny Delcorral destroy all of her hard work in one night, damn it, just because she had, once again, done something rash. Her bustier hit the floor. Johnny pinched her right nipple, hard. She gasped. It felt like he had pinched her clit. The clip gripped her tight flesh with piercing pain. Tears stung her eyes, but she didn’t cry out. “Good girl. Ready for the other one?” She nodded.
Again she felt the hard pinch of his fingers, the pleasure, the pain, then just the pleasure. She felt her body temperature rising. He gave the chain between the clips a slight tug, and she thrust her breasts forward. “Tell me how that feels. Do you like it?” She pressed her lips together. Johnny smiled. “Stubborn, much?” He ran his finger down her stomach. She watched, hypnotized by the chain swaying between her breasts. Johnny attached a second chain, then dropped it through the loop between her legs. His fingers were deft as he fastened the end of the delicate chain to her clit ring. He exerted the tiniest bit of pressure. She stepped forward. He grinned. “I think I like you leashed.” Destiny dropped her eyes, noticing on the way down that his cock was hard again. This passive role felt foreign to her. Yet at the same time, her pussy was so wet, so full, it was impossible to deny that she was enjoying his commands. Her body clamored to meet his demands. Subbing had been a lark, a dare, a new challenge, but now she feared it might become something more. The body was hardwired to the brain, the subconscious, the very essence of her being. And if her being was enjoying this, submitting to Johnny could change her life. Not going to happen. He could do his worst, his best, and she would not give up control of her Dominant self, not completely. She had agreed to follow his commands, and she would. She would do everything he asked. But she was going to try like hell not to enjoy it. If she failed, then fine, he’d make her orgasm. Whatever. She wasn’t going to let him in her head, though. Johnny raised his hand in an imperious yet courtly gesture. “Get on the bed. On your back.” She obeyed, but slowly. The chain tugged her clit and her nipples as she walked, driving her toward the bed even as her conflicted thoughts screamed caution. Before she could reconcile the two, she found herself stretched out on her back with Johnny standing between her legs. He reached up and caught the end of a retractable rope hanging from a track on the ceiling. He pulled it down to her center. She swallowed hard as he lifted the chain from her belly and carefully attached it to the rope. When he was finished, her small breasts hung by their peaks and her clit stood at attention. “Don’t move,” he said, diabolical eyes dancing as he stepped off the bed. As if she could. She was immobilized by the thin chains and ropes attached to her most delicate parts. She had no way to escape, especially when he drew soft, black cords from each corner of the bed and loosely captured her wrists and ankles. The wrist and ankle restraints were purely symbolic, but, boy, did
they do their job well. The Domme part of her appreciated the fact that he left some play in the cords to protect her clit and her nipples, but she was dismayed to discover she liked feeling confined. Destiny closed her eyes to try to block out some of the disturbing sensory stimulation, but being sightless heightened the sensations coursing through her body. Her mouth felt swollen from his cock, and she could still taste his salt on her tongue. Her nipples swelled under the clips in a constant state of steadily increasing arousal. The thin chains connecting her nipples and clitoris conducted sharp, hot pleasure through her body in a continuous loop. She arched her back, gasping as the change in position intensified the effect, then almost screaming as she settled back on the bed and discovered that the retractable rope had just enough tension in it to give her clit and nipples a delicious tug. Her thighs fell wide. Her pelvis thrust toward the ceiling. She felt as if he had driven a wedge into a tiny crack in her façade and split her wide open. The bed slowly dipped. The chains dragged against her. It felt so good. So delicious. Oh, my God, she thought. What have I done?
Through the eyes of desire…
See Me © 2010 Natasha Moore These days, Lydia is feeling increasingly restless, and tired of being invisible. No one at work notices the nose-to-the-grindstone colleague dressed in business drab. Her neighbors don’t even know her name. No one knows she burns off her frustration by dancing to her favorite music, alone in her apartment. No one knows her closet is a wardrobe divided: monochrome and flats by day, silk and stilettos by night. No one knows her secret ritual has slowly evolved into private stripping…then dancing naked on her tiny balcony, daring someone—anyone—to notice. Then, at the apartment across the way, the curtains move. Wes can’t believe what he’s been missing by working the night shift. He is drawn to the amazing woman whose every sensual move makes his body ache. And when she catches him watching, the evening explodes into an erotic fantasy. Afterward, though, she confesses she’s not all she seems. No way is this fiery siren as boring and unlovable as she claims. And no way is he going to let her go without convincing her she is brave, beautiful…and the face he wants to see every morning.
Warning: Contains erotic dancing, stripping for a stranger, hot sex on the balcony, and lots of sexy shoes.
Enjoy the following excerpt for See Me: I can’t remember when I first started stripping to the music, but I remember clearly the night I first pulled open the curtains before I began to take off my clothes. It was only a couple weeks ago, on my birthday, and I had been yearning, somehow, to connect with other people. I’d still been timid fourteen days ago. That night, I’d drawn open the heavy curtain, but left the thin sheers closed. My heart had pounded against my ribs as I stripped down to my fancy black satin underwear to the rhythm of a salsa beat. I’d nervously stayed in the shadows that night, but I could have just as well been under a spotlight. It hadn’t mattered. There’d been no sliver of light to betray the movement of a curtain. Nobody saw me. Day by day, I grew bolder. Tonight, I step up to the curtains and yank them open without a second thought. Darkness has fallen. The lights are still on behind me. If anyone looks out, will they see more than my silhouette behind the sheers? Can they see the red silk that hugs my body? The heels that make me stand tall and thrust my breasts out? I can’t see out into the darkness and at this moment, I really don’t care.
The throaty cry of the saxophone sends shivers up my spine and I slowly unknot the sash at my waist. I slide the narrow strip of silk through my fingers as the dress gradually parts. Although I know no one sees me, I imagine someone’s dark eyes staring at me out of the shadows. He’s looking at my cleavage laid bare by the parting red silk. The dress slides open and my nipples prickle as the fabric glides across their sensitive tips. Can he see them, this imaginary man watching me? Can he see my nipples tighten and poke against the fabric as it catches on their tips? In my mind he can see it all. I spread my arms wide and the dress floats to each side, revealing my pushed-up breasts, my exposed stomach, my barely-there panties, my long bare legs. I’m still moving my hips to the beat of the music. Still feeding off the heavy bass and the soaring brass. When I roll my shoulders, the open dress falls back. It can’t slide too far down my body because the tight sleeves halt the fall of the fabric. The sensual sway of the melody, like the sway of the dress, feeds the need building inside me. The need to move. The need to be seen. I can almost feel his eyes on me, this imaginary voyeur. His hungry gaze lingers on my tight nipples peeking up above the bra, then sweeps down my body, zeroing in on the spot between my legs. Can he tell I’m wet? Are my panties darker between my legs? My hand drifts down and I cup my sex, sliding my palm along the damp silk. I press tightly against my pussy and feel the heat on my hand. The dress is in the way now. I need to be free. I grab the edge of one sleeve and tug, dragging it down my arm until I finally pull it off. My skin is sweaty and the last sleeve sticks, clinging as if it doesn’t want to let go, as if it wants to keep me bound in the red silk forever But soon I’m free and I begin to strut around the room to the beat of the music, the dress hanging from my hand, sweeping the floor behind me. Is he watching? Does he see me? I toss away the dress and tear open the sheers. My reflection stares back at me in the wide expanse of glass, my eyes wide, my bra and panties dark against my pale skin. Is anyone out there? See me! I want to scream. I dare you to see me! I open the sliding glass door as far as it will go, then step into the opening. A slight breeze brushes against my sweat-slicked skin. The sax is crying through the speakers. I grab onto the door jamb and the edge of the door, arch my back and toss my head as the saxophone hits the high note. My body is crying too. For a touch. For a taste. I brush my fingers lightly up my arm, across my shoulder, tickling the skin and sending shivers of awareness raining along the surface. I catch the bra strap with my finger and slide it off my shoulder. Then I do the same with the other side. The straps brush against my upper arms like the tips of teasing fingers. I leave the bra in place for a moment while I cup my breasts in my hands and roughly tease my aching
nipples with my thumbs and forefingers. Flames of arousal lick my skin and I struggle not to tear the bra off my body. Instead, I focus on the music, match my movements with the sensual rhythm of the blues and continue to move. The vocals burn into my brain as the music steers my body. Lyrics of longing and loss, of need and sorrow, of searching and wandering. I sway to the music there in the doorway of my tiny balcony, in full view of anyone else craving more than this solitary existence. Or am I the only one? I reach behind me slowly and unhook the bra as I imagine that nameless, faceless lover watching my performance. His mouth waters. His palms itch. His cock aches with need. He can’t take his eyes off of me. He thinks I’m doing this show just for him. Since he’s invisible too, I don’t have to tell him, as the bra slides off my arms and hits the floor, that I’m doing it for myself. It’s the only thing that makes me feel alive. My pussy twitches in expectation. I’ve had enough teasing. Enough yearning. I step out onto the tiny balcony and lean back against the cool glass. The curtains of all the apartments facing me are still drawn tight. My eyes drift shut and I can feel the fingers stroking my skin. I sway slightly from side to side in time with the music, then sweep my hands up over my stomach and gather my breasts in my palms. They seem to swell beneath the kneading strokes. My nipples are even needier than before and I almost cry out when the fingers pull and pinch them. My pussy throbs, need pulsing through my body in time with the drum beat that anchors the melody in the background. I drop my head back against the glass, hitting the large plastic clasp that holds my hair up. I reluctantly let go of my breasts, reach up and release my hair. My dark curls swirl around my shoulders. I drop the clip to the floor and open my eyes in time to see it bounce and slide through a space in the narrow, black, wrought iron railing. As I glance up from where my hair clip disappeared, I notice the light is on now in the apartment directly across the courtyard from mine. I freeze when I think I see the curtain move slightly. But I realize I don’t really care if someone actually is watching. In fact, my heart races and my body becomes even more alive at the thought that someone might be. The curtains don’t move again, if they ever had to begin with.
