Chains (The Club #8) (5 page)

“Aww come on Jesika you are beautiful, even when you are a hot mess and you know it. Now pull your hair back on top of your head and let’s get the hell outta here. It’s Friday night and I need to go out and release some pent up frustrations of my own.”

Tilting my head back, my eyes shift to hers. She’s still sitting, oh so prim and proper with a smug smile spread across her face. I can see the wheels spinning in her head and can only image what she has in store for herself tonight.

“Well you go have fun with that. I’d much rather forget about this day and head home.”

Moving to stand from the couch I walk toward my desk gathering any documents I’ll need to finish up some work at home. Completely ignoring Ashley’s presence I shove my things into my briefcase and grab my camera bag up off the floor.

“Where do you think you’re going lil miss?” She asks.

With my bags slung over my shoulder, I turn toward her. She stands from my desk, her hand on her hip with a look of determination splayed across her face.

“I told you, I’m going home. I’m exhausted and just want to relax,” I respond.

Taking a few steps toward me she rests her hand on my arm and smiles.

“You definitely need to relax and I have just the way for you do it. Tonight is open invite to a club I go to and I’m not taking no for an answer. It’s time you let your hair down, forget about that asshole that broke your heart and have a little fun.”

“Ashley I really don’t feel up to it, plus you said I look like shit. There’s no way I’m going out looking like this,” I say gesturing my arm up and down my body.

Curiosity peeks my interest, yet there’s no way in hell I’d let her in on it. Ashley has always had another side, almost like a secret that she’s keeping and doesn’t want to let me in on…yet she’s asking me to go with her tonight. I’m apprehensive, my nerves are whaling beneath my skin, but I still want to know where, why and how she plans on releasing her frustrations.

“Don’t worry. Follow me back to my place and I’ll fix you up. In no time you’ll feel like the dashing diva we both know you can be,” she says snapping her fingers before sauntering through my office and out the door.

Scrunching my brows I stand alone in my office.
What in the hell just happened?
I’m not totally comfortable going to a place I’ve never been before and I’m certainty not okay having Ashley make me over like her personal Barbie doll.

Releasing a heavy sigh, loose strands of hair blow off my face while I debate whether or not I should go along with her plans for the night. Just as I’m about to leave, she peeks her head back into my office.

“Jesika let’s move it, I already said I’m not taking no for an answer so let’s go.”

Dropping my head and slouching my shoulders in defeat I lock up my office and follow Ashley back to her place.

My fingertips are so intertwined with one another I’m beginning to lose feeling in my forearms. As I sit here, pretending to enjoy this little make over, I can’t help but feel uncomfortable. The amount of makeup and product that has been applied to my face and hair is insane. I haven’t a clue as to what the hell I’m getting myself into being here or what’s to be expected at this club we’ll be going to.

“So this club, where is it and what will we be doing there?’ I ask, the tone of my voice sounding like a pubescent boy.

With a giggle she gestures for me to turn around and face the mirror. With a heavy sigh, I do as she says but not before closing my eyes. I don’t know why I’m so nervous, its not like I’ve never worn makeup before and gone out on the town.

“Open your eyes Jesika, you look amazing if I don’t say so myself,” she coos.

Counting to ten, I lift my lids and look at my reflection in the mirror. My hand flies up to my mouth as a burst of shock takes over my senses.

“Holy shit Ashley,” I expel.

I can hardly believe the sight staring back at me is…me.

“Absolutely gorgeous girl,” she chants clapping her hands together.

As I continue to stare I drop my hand from my face in awe of the woman looking back at me. Ashley has out done herself. My hazel eyes are popping beneath the subtle yet smoky shadows and my lashes longer than I’ve ever seen. She’s applied a hint of blush to my face that extenuates my high cheek bones and my lips…my God my cherry red lips look so full and….just wow. Turning my head from side to side, I admire the curls running through my long hair that leave smooth waves cascading past my shoulders.

“I’m speechless,” I whisper.

“You are a beauty Jesika. Like I said earlier, its time you let your hair down and have some fun. I’m just glad you allowed me to show you the beautiful woman you are. Now let’s find you something sexy to wear.”

A lump forms in the back of my throat at the thought of me wearing something sexy. I’m so nervous I’m beginning to sweat…I don’t sweat.

“Umm Ash, I don’t do sexy,” I say taking a few short breaths in hopes of calming my now raging nerves.

“Hush now woman. Tonight is all about you and I plan on showing you a life you’ve never experienced and let me just say you’re in for a treat.”

Wishing she’d let me in on more details, I follow her down the hallway into her bedroom and plop myself down onto her bed. My eyes watch her as she enters a walk in closet, flipping on a switch and disappearing from my view.

“Ashley I’m kinda nervous. I don’t do the whole makeup and fancy shit thing when I go out. I need to you clue me in on exactly what it is that we’re doing tonight.”

She pops her head out of the closet giving me a stern look and holding her finger up to her lips before going back in. With frustration building I fall back onto her bed, staring up at the ceiling as my stomach starts to form knots of worry and apprehension. My eyes slowly close as I try to mentally talk myself down off the ledge and relax. A few moments pass and I hear a gasp come from Ashley. My eyes instantly open to see her holding a few hangers on each hand.

“Girl get your ass up off my bed. I didn’t spend an hour curling your hair for you to flatten it before we even leave.”

Quickly sitting up, I feel awful and I hope I didn’t ruin her hard work.

“Good girl, now come over here and let’s see what will look best on you,” she says looking over my body from head to toe. “You have an amazing rack and ass. We totally need to extenuate them in one of these dresses,” she says with a giggle.

Laying a few items on the bed, she reaches for something black and removes it from the hanger. I can’t help but stare at the itty bitty piece of fabric she’s hold up for me to see.

“What the hell is that supposed to be?” I ask.

“It’s a dress silly, now put it on,” she replies pushing it in my direction.

Extending my hand I reach for it, but instantly feel subconscious how it will look on my body. I’m not a fat girl but any means, but I sure as hell have curves in places Ashley never will.

“Umm Ash, I doubt this is going to fit, let alone cover me enough to feel comfortable.”

“Bitch just put on the dress, I’ll be the judge if it fits you in all the right areas,” she retorts heading back into her closet. .

Sensing I have no other choice and not really wanting to argue, I shimmy out of my jeans and tank before pulling the dress carefully over the top of my head. Once its on, I run my hands down the sides of my body, tugging onto the fabric so it lengthens down my thighs.

My gaze snaps to Ashley as she emerges from the closet holding a pair of extremely high heels, a set of leather boots and nylons. She walks toward me holding out the stilettos and nylons before gesturing for me to put them on. Rather than say a word, I follow her request. Sitting back down onto her bed, I remove the nylons and roll them onto my legs. Moving to stand I pull them beneath the fabric of the lil number she’s referring to as a dress and step into the shoes. I instantly feel a foot taller as I step around the room ensuring they fit and I won’t tumble out of them as I walk. I stand before a full length mirror taking in my appearance. The woman I see isn’t the Jesika I know. I haven’t worn a dress or hell, haven’t even put on that much makeup since I last saw
him
. There’s really never been a need to look the part or impress anyone since that night.

My heart starts to ache with the thoughts and memories of the times we shared and how I left him. Time may have passed quickly, but deep down its been the longest and most difficult year of my life.

“Perfect,” Ashley remarks.

Her voice breaking through the silence pulls at my attention and I turn to face her. My eyes go wide as I take in her presence. From head to toe she looks a seductress, she’s a vision and nothing short of sex on a stick.

“Wow,” I exclaim as she struts around the space showing off her chosen outfit.

Taking her all in, I continue to scan her from head to toe. Her long blonde hair is now pulled up onto her head in a tight bun, deep red lipstick showing off her full lips and dark shadows bringing her bright green eyes to life. A lacy black corset, snuggly fits her body and pushes her boobs up so that they are on full display. As she turns, her feminine curves are showcased with a fitted black leather shirt that hits mid thigh where a pair of nylons run to the top of her killer leather boots.

My eyes meet hers as she releases a giggle.

“Come on now Jesika, say something. How do I look?”

I close my gaping mouth and swallow hard. Who in the hell dresses like this to go to a club? No, more like what kind of a club is she really taking me to?

“Ashley you look like you’re about to pop out of a dominatrix porno,” I respond as I begin to pace around the room.

She comes up behind me, resting her hands on my shoulders.

“Jesika do you trust me?” She asks.

I think about it for a short minute. Ashley has been a close colleague and friend for the past year or so and I’ve never doubted her on a professional level, but now…I don’t know what I’m getting myself into here.

“Jes,” she bellows again.

I turn to face her, the expression splayed across my face surely showing that I’m hesitant.

“I’d never do anything I didn’t think was good for you. I’m asking you to go with me tonight and keep an open mind. The Club is an exclusive member’s only club and tonight it just so happens that members are permitted a guest. I rarely ever bring anyone with me, but for some reason I’m inclined to take you. This isn’t your ordinary club, the men and women who are associated live a specific lifestyle. We all have needs, wants and desires and The Club allows us to live out our fantasies without the judgment.”

Her green eyes look deeply into mine. She’s not asking for my approval, she’s nonverbally telling me what I need to do. There are so many questions and thoughts running through my head I don’t know if I should run or stay and go with her.

Moving past her I take a seat on her bed and release a deep breath.

“Ashley, I’m not like you. I don’t have the sexual appeal to pull off whatever the hell it is that you do outside of work. I’m plain, boring and fine that way. I tried to step outside of my comfort zone once and my heart was destroyed.”

She takes a step toward me, placing her fingers beneath my chin and urging me to look up at her.

“Jesika I’m not asking you to do anything you don’t want, but I am asking you to explore, to find excitement in something that otherwise you’d never experience. I promise you if you feel too exposed, uncomfortable and want to leave we will. Just trust me and try and enjoy yourself.”

Running my hands down the front of my lap, I let out a breath and push all apprehensions out of my mind. She’s right I need to try new things. If nothing else this will be an experience I’ll never forget.

“Okay,” I state.

“Okay then, let’s finish up here and get going. Oh before I forget, tonight you will be Max,” she replies with a coy smirk.

“Wait…what? Why would I go by Max and not Jesika?” I ask confused.

“We don’t refer to ourselves by our given first names at The Club; instead we create an alter ego of sorts. As you’ll see when I begin to introduce you, I’ll be referred to as Whit…you know, short for my last name Whitman.”

My face contorts into a frown. As much as I want to remain open minded and calm, this evening hasn’t’ even started and my head is spinning.

“Ashley you just keep laying it on, I swear to God….,” she stops me mid sentence and pulls me through her room and down the hallway into her living room.

Turning to look at me, she runs her fingertips down the length of my hair and smiles.

“Trust me Jesika, I mean Max,” she winks. “Let yourself free tonight, enjoy yourself.”

I allow her words to sink in. No matter what she’s right, it’s time I start to have fun again. Tonight is the night I let down my hair and let myself go.