Tempted by Pleasure (Secret Invitation #1) (6 page)

Chapter 10

Foster

I’ve been waiting for over an hour to catch a glimpse of Erin. If my suspicions are correct, the girl I knew in school and the woman I kissed at lunch the other day are only a tiny part of who she really is. Somewhere beneath the inflexible personality her mother so painstakingly imparted to her is a fearless lioness, a fireball waiting to be unleashed. I feel the pulse of her energy whenever I’m near her. And the idea of possessing her gives me a raging hard-on. I want to be the man who shows her forbidden pleasure, wins her confidence, and proves that second chances are real.

It’s taken me nearly a decade to realize how harshly I underestimated the value of a long-term relationship. I’ve enjoyed my freedom, sometimes too much, but I crave more, with Erin. I chose her months ago, and the more I learn about her life, the greater the need to be a part of it. There’s nothing ordinary about her, and her slow seduction will be perfect. By accepting my invitation, she provided me with the inspiration I needed.

Several small alcoves with two-way mirrors are located along the north wall of the reception room. Members who wish to remain unseen spend hours here. I’ve always been inside looking out, but tonight, masked and hiding in the shadows, I’m discovering another side to my patience and sexuality.

Erin finally enters the room with Kevin, and her gaze immediately sweeps the crowd. I see it stop on Jeffrey Whitmore by the fireplace. If my intention was to have her do a double-take, she does. Dr. Mallory whispers in her ear and she nods. I can only imagine what he told her.

I’m bewitched by the way her lace dress hugs her curves. The plunging neckline and strategically placed satin bow between her large breasts are meant to tease. She’s everything a woman should be—beautiful and unassuming, but completely out of her element. More potent than any female I’ve ever seen, she walks with innate grace, her well-defined legs accentuated by her stilettos. I want her ankles locked behind my neck while I suck and lick her pussy.

I swallow hard, then straighten my tie.
There’s plenty of time.

After Kevin introduces her to some members, she smiles, the perfect socialite. But I can see the cagey glint in her eyes. She’s searching for something, a way out perhaps? Someone to connect with? Jeffrey finally leaves his post and slowly makes his way across the room. I’ve instructed him thoroughly. There’s limits to what he can share with her—verbally
and
physically. His job is to help her relax, nothing more. But she’s attracted to him already. She picked him out from across the room.

Several women intercept Jeffrey before he reaches Erin. One gropes his crotch. Fuck. I glance in her direction. She’s definitely watching. Whether she knows it or not, she’s seeing
me
.

Jeffrey finally arrives, shakes hands with Kevin, then kisses her hand. My jaw tightens, my limits being tested. Normally unaffected by other men admiring women I’m intrigued by, jealousy unfurls inside me like a goddamn war banner. I straighten my mask in the mirror on the wall behind me, then walk to the reception room. I need to get closer to Erin and hear what she says.

Kevin approaches me. “Two glasses of Hennessy took the edge off her nerves,” he whispers.

“Is she resolved to sample anything tonight?”

“No.” He shakes his head. “However, when I mentioned the voyeur room, she seemed intrigued.”

Intel to tuck away for future reference. I gaze past Kevin. Jeffrey’s hand is resting on Erin’s lower back. She doesn’t move and I don’t say a word, because I’m pretty sure if I did, I’d tell Jeffrey to go fuck himself, even though I asked him to be here. I wasn’t prepared for my feelings. I suck in a ragged breath, straining to overhear their exchange.

“Shakespeare’s Quill,” she says. “I’ve been open for several years now.”

“Never had the pleasure of exploring your shelves,” Jeffrey comments, his eyes fixed on her breasts. “Do you have a human sexuality section, perhaps carry copies of the
Kama Sutra
?”

Even her soft laughter excites me.

“I’m afraid we don’t have enough requests to carry that title, but I’d be happy . . .”

Suddenly, two girls sandwich Erin and Jeffrey, rubbing their tight little bodies against them, keeping rhythm with the Jimi Hendrix tune blaring over the sound system. “Introduce us to your new friend,” one begs.

“Where have you been keeping her?” the second asks. “She’s beautiful.”

“Ladies . . .” Jeffrey takes advantage of the situation, snaking his arm around Erin’s waist. “This is our newest member, Erin Covington. Meet Dinah and Jessica, two of my favorite companions.”

Once again, Erin manages to conceal her discomfort. She breaks loose of Jeffrey’s embrace, then offers her hand. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.”

Dinah clutches her hand. “I don’t think I want to let you go, Erin.”

“There’s no reason to squabble over her.” Jeffrey laughs. “We can take her to the
game
room together.”

“Game room?”

“Haven’t you given her a proper tour yet?” Jessica tsks, then smiles at Erin. “Can we escort you?”

“I’m afraid to say no.”

“Then don’t.” Jeffrey snatches her hand from Dinah. “This is a team sport.”

“Tag teams?” Dinah teases.

“Depends on what the lady likes.”

Jeffrey’s too distracted by his dick and the women he’s been banging for three years. Dinah and Jessica do
everything
together, including sex. That’s why we call them Batman and Robin. Erin needs to feel like she’s the center of the universe right now, she’s a virgin, information I purposely withheld for her protection.

“It’s not too late to change your mind.” Kevin joins me.

Erin is headed to the voyeur room. “I wholly disagree. She’s about to get her first taste of Lazarus.”

Erin

My pulse races as we approach a double archway. I’m flanked on three sides, so there’s no retreat. We enter a spacious room carpeted in the center and bordered by black marble tile. Leather sofas and chairs are arranged along the walls and there’s a dozen people reclining on the furniture. The dim lights make it difficult to see clearly across the vast space, but there’s no missing what’s happening center-stage between the sexy trio, two men and a woman, on display.

“Her name is Catalina.” Jeffrey’s fingers spiral up my stomach. I’m too on-edge to get lost in his touch, but it feels nice to be caressed. Public affection is new to me but I’m pretty sure that’s about to change considering what I’m seeing.

Catalina could be a Victoria’s Secret model with those long legs and silky black hair that one of her partners finishes braiding, then secures with a hair tie.

“Raise your arms above your head,” he commands.

She obeys, and the second guy, a dark-haired god, lifts her blouse over her head. I see something sparkle on her breasts. A delicate gold chain is suspended between them, and if I’m not mistaken, her nipples are pierced. Something I’ve always debated doing, but up until this point, who would have enjoyed it with me?

“Sam has dark hair,” Jeffrey points out. “And Robert is the redhead.” With Jeffrey’s play- by-play commentary, I won’t miss anything.

I gasp as Sam tugs on Catalina’s chain and she drops to her knees. Is she in pain, or is this all rehearsed? I feel irrevocably wicked benefitting from someone else’s discomfort, but I can’t look away. Sam turns her, and now I can see clearly she’s wearing rhinestone nipple clamps. When he yanks on the chain again, she arches her back and cries out.

Her ache becomes mine.

Robert positions himself behind her while Sam removes a clamp, replacing it with his mouth. I hear him suckle, and when her breast pops out, her nipple is red and swollen. Then Robert twists her long braid around his hand and forces her head back. He slants his mouth over hers, their lips fusing together. Guilt washes over me. How can I find pleasure in a ménage? It’s taboo, forbidden territory. Women aren’t supposed to even fantasize about it where I come from, but actually living it? I never regarded sex as a spectator sport, but this blows away any of the NBA games I’ve been to.

“Don’t be ashamed,” Jeffrey whispers near my ear. “Catalina is in full control.”

Robert breaks the kiss, then Sam lays her down on a nearby mattress. Once she’s positioned on her back, Sam reaches over her. I hear Velcro tear as he places her wrists in cuffs attached to the padding.

Oh. My. God.

Robert casts his clothes aside and I can’t help admiring his physique, all tan and toned like an Olympian. And his dick . . . I lick my lips, pretending I’m where Catalina is.

Sam strips too, then kneels between her legs. He peels her skirt off, leaving her exposed in crotchless white panties and matching lace stockings. She’s shaven clean and I can see how swollen her sex is.

Sam growls, spreads her legs wide, then buries his face in her pussy. He’s finger banging and licking her at the same time. She cries out and fights against her restraints. Robert rests on his knees above her head, then leans over and bites her nipples.

I’m so turned on. Nothing has ever gotten me so wet and desperate to touch myself before. I shift on my feet and gaze to my left. Dinah’s predatory smile makes me uncomfortable.

“Wish you were out there?” she asks.

I shake my head, grateful the room is dark. I’m sure I’m beet red and panting like a horny dog.

“I’m going to come,” Catalina screams.

“Don’t you dare,” Sam chastises her.

Her hands are freed and she’s flipped over.

“On your knees,” Robert instructs her.

There’s nothing sweet or gentle about the way they talk to or handle her. She’s a prime piece of ass, nothing more, and her lovers seem determined to not let her forget it. But I’m sure Catalina wants this.
Women are treasured,
that’s what the letter said. Should I believe it?

Kneeling obediently, her tiny ass bobs in the air, her wrists strapped down again. Robert tears open a foil package and rolls on a condom. He takes Sam’s place behind her, and smacks her ass.

Crack!

I cringe. He does it again, to both cheeks. She’s moaning and circling her hips.

“Tell me what you want, Catalina.”

“Fuck me,” she croaks.

“I didn’t hear you.”

“Please. Fuck. Me.”

Robert pumps inside her. The sound of flesh smacking together is too much for me. I need a breath of fresh air. I need to spend some time alone and reevaluate my desires. I’m shocked at my own level of sexual perversion and hunger. Something dark and dirty inside me believes I’m not going to be satisfied until I taste a little of what Catalina’s getting.

“Are you all right?” Jeffrey squeezes my fingers.

“Yes.” My voice wavers ever so slightly. “I-I need to step outside.”

“I’ll join you.”

“No.” I hold my hand up. “Just give me a few minutes alone.”

He reluctantly agrees. “Ten minutes.”

Chapter 11

Foster

I catch Jeffrey before he heads outside. “What happened?”

“Nothing.” He’s focused on the French doors that open into the garden where Erin went. “She’s more subdued than other women.”

Kevin warned my plan could backfire. “Don’t get too comfortable.”

“That fifty thousand dollar deposit you made in my account ensures I won’t.”

I think of all the bad choices I’ve made in the past, but the money I spent to safeguard Erin is one of my best investments. Having her here, even if she doesn’t know who I am, is worth it.

“You’re losing your edge, Wagner.”

“Think so?” He’s an arrogant bastard, like most of the men in Lazarus.

“Calling it like I see it.”

“Keep doing what you’re
supposed
to do.”

He lifts his eyebrows. “I can’t convince her without giving her a taste of what to expect.”

I open my mouth as I search for the right response. Every cell in my body wants to explode. “Understood.” I’ve made my feelings clear.

I step aside so he can join Erin.

Maybe the public room wasn’t the best place for Erin to get her first taste of what happens at Lazarus. But it’s like learning to swim the hard way. Someone throws you in the water and you paddle or sink. She needs to make the decision. I’m confident I haven’t misread her so far. There’s something waiting to be unleashed inside her, but I want her to do it without doubt or hesitation.

Kevin approaches. “She made it through the show?”

“Most of it.”

“And she’s still on the premises?”

“In the garden.”

He regards me silently. “Need a drink?”

“I need to be where Jeffery is.” I gaze out the doors. “With a little coaching, I swear she’ll be everything I want.”

“She’s sensitive, but I must admit I’m impressed she didn’t run screaming out the front door. Maybe your plan has some merit. I’m starting to change my mind about Erin. It’s you I’m concerned about. This protectiveness is new.”

I cock my head. He’s overanalyzing things again. “I don’t want to fuck anything up.”

“Remember that.”

Glass smashes somewhere in the reception room and I wheel around. Goddamnit, Sage Garrett is inebriated again. Two bodyguards are on him in seconds, but Kevin and I rush over, concerned he’s out of control.

“What’s the problem?” one of the guards asks.

“Her.” Sage points at Phyllis. “She’s broken a cardinal rule.”

“What’s that?” Kevin intervenes.

“The first rule of Fuck Club,” he stutters.

At the risk of being discovered, I rip my mask off. “Shut up, Sage.”

“Incognito tonight?” He leers at me, his breath toxic.

“You’re one word away from revocation,” I warn.

He takes a swing, and I duck. I grab his jacket lapel and start dragging him toward the foyer. “You’re worried about Phyllis disclosing club secrets, but you’re more of a security risk.” After we get to the front doors, I let go. “Get out.”

“No.”

I open the door. “Out.”

Kevin and the doormen wait for my signal.

“Consider yourself on probation,” I say. “Do you want me to call a cab?”

“Screw you, Wagner.” He shoves me.

I smack his chest, knocking him outside. He slips on the first step and rolls down the stairs. I rub the back of my neck.

“Kevin?”

“I’m here.”

“Get him out of my sight.”

I’m beyond frustrated with the whole series of events tonight. First Erin, now asshole making piss-poor
Fight Club
parodies, which happens to be one of my favorite movies. Just as I’m about to retreat to the library, I remember my mask. I must have dropped it on the floor.
Shit.

Erin

Jeffrey has proven to be a great listener, another perfect score on his report card. So far, I see nothing wrong with this man. He’s hot, funny, übersexy, communicative, and completely wrong f
or me. I couldn’t keep up with him if I tried.

“I’m sorry I ran away. It’s just . . .”

“What?”

He’s sitting on the stone bench behind me, watching me pace. “I’ve never witnessed something so-so—so intense and carnal.”

“So natural?”

I gaze at him. “That’s another way to put it.”

“Listen.” He crosses his legs. “You’ve been invited to join the club for a reason.”

“Are you on the board of directors?”

“Maybe.” He grins, so self-assured. “Where else can I live out my dreams without getting into trouble? Eventually you’ll find your comfort zone, discover what’s acceptable to you. No one has the right to force you to do anything, Erin. But when you’re ready, I’d like you to consider me.”

“We just met.” I’m surprised he’d be interested, especially after seeing him interact with Dinah and Jessica.

“In an environment like this, it only takes one look to figure out what I want. You were staring at me in the reception room.”

I think my heart just stopped. “Yes.” I can’t deny it. “You remind me of someone I know.”

“Who?”

“It doesn’t matter.” God, I have Foster Wagner brain really bad. He needs to get the hell out of my head.

“What turns you on?”

Nothing. Everything. You.
“I don’t know.” I don’t want to share my private thoughts. Nothing screams
run away
like virgin girl.

“Prefer traditional lovemaking?”

“Yes, please.”

He chuckles. “Will you trust me to show you a few things?”

“Here?”

“No. Inside.” He offers his hand and I take it, feeling better.

We bypass the reception area and he takes me to a cozy den with a billiard table. He walks to a floor-to-ceiling entertainment unit and opens the cabinets. It’s a wet bar with a granite countertop, sink, and fully stocked shelves.

“Have a preference?”

“Something strong.”

“And sweet?”

I bite down on my lower lip, knowing he means me. “Pick.”

He takes down vodka, Bailey’s Irish cream, and Kahlua. “The secret to a screaming orgasm is expensive vodka,” he says. “The cheap stuff makes the Bailey’s curdle.”

The secret to any orgasm is what I witnessed earlier.
After he finishes, he delivers a shot glass to me. “I’ve never tasted one before.”

“Drink it fast so you don’t choke.”

Oh God, are we even talking about the same thing? I hold the glass up, examining its contents. “Aren’t you having one, too?”

“I prefer Cognac.”

My father drinks brandy and smokes a cigar every night after dinner, part of the southern gentleman routine. I roll the liquid around in the glass and steal another look at Jeffrey. Too confident, too handsome, too willing. I bet he fucks anything that walks through the front doors. I have to keep reminding myself I’m part of it now.

“Swallow,” he urges.

It burns my throat, but it’s thick and sweet. I hand him the empty glass and close my eyes, letting the effects of the alcohol take over. I’ve never been a partier, so three drinks is a lot for me in one night.

“Be right back, sweetheart.”

Where is he going? I stand up, and nearly fall over. Wow. I bet he gave me double everything. That was a supersized glass. After I’m steady on my feet, I kick off my heels and explore the bookshelves on the other side of the room. Half the leather-bound editions are covered in light dust. Why do rich people insist on stocking shelves with books they never read? I find a 1937 edition
Of Mice and Men
and reverently open it. It’s in perfect condition.

A few minutes later, nearby voices snap me back to reality and I return the book. Dinah and Jessica are with Jeffrey.

“Didn’t mean to keep you waiting, sweetheart.” He looks amused.

“I was enjoying the—”

“Erin!” Dinah throws herself at me.

I retreat a step, feeling a little intimidated by her enthusiasm for me. Then she cups my breast.

“Punish her, spank her,” Jeffrey encourages.

Is he crazy? “No.”

“Then kiss her. Now.”

Dinah’s eyelashes flutter and she throws me her best Botox pout. “Um . . .”

“How cute, she’s shy.” Dinah giggles. “Let me show you.”

She drags Jessica in front of me, cups her face between her hands, and slants her mouth over hers. There’s no tongue involved, but she lingers, tickling Jessica’s bottom. If I said my body didn’t respond, I’d be a liar. Something tingles, somewhere. I’m breathless as she backs away.

“Did you like it?” Jeffrey is next to me now, his eyes probing me for answers.

“Maybe?”

“Do it again, Dinah.”

She slips Jessica her tongue this time, effectively silencing me.

Dinah gets my vote as too hot to handle. Sensual in every way I’m not, someone must have temporarily lost their bloody mind by inviting me to join this collection of privileged sex fiends.

“Erin?” Jeffrey sounds concerned.

“I’m fine, just wasn’t prepared for another show.”

He nods as if he understands. “How about this?” He slides around Dinah, tugs me close, and claims my mouth.

Hot and sweet, I’m on fire as his tongue tickles the roof of my mouth. He groans, deepening the kiss, anchoring me tighter against his hard body.

Breathe, Erin, fucking breathe.

I didn’t expect to get physical this fast. Apparently my body has ulterior motives, because I can’t resist. When he breaks away, my mind spins.

“Better?” He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand, his gaze smoldering. “Did you like it?”

My pussy just did a somersault.
“Yes?”

“Are you asking me?” He looks insulted.

“Incredible.”

He smiles. “I’d like to taste you again.” He traces my bottom lip with his finger. “And here.” His hand drops to my crotch.

I meet his gaze and he lifts my hair off my shoulder. “I bet you have a beautiful little pussy.”

The sound of my breathing fills the air. He’s been disarming me little by little, using Dinah and Jessica to help. My gaze zigzags around the room and wild ideas whirl through my mind.
Say something.
“I’m sure that can be arranged.”

His eyes dim. “When?”

Yes, I’ve fantasized about this. Yes, I’d fuck him. And yes, he reminds me of Foster.
“Halloween.”

“Is that a guarantee?”

“Maybe,” I say, knowing I can’t really commit to anything. “It’s time for me to go home now.” I’ve endured enough stimulation, ventured further than I ever dreamed possible. I need a hot chocolate, my warm bed, and a good book to regain control.

“I’m disappointed, Erin.”

“Don’t be,” I say. “You’ve made a lasting impression.”

He studies me for a long moment. “Before I walk you to the front doors, I’d like to stop a couple places first.”

I agree, and he escorts me out of the den and down another hallway. “Welcome to the gallery,” he says, taking my arm.

My gaze wanders freely, discovering hooks and ropes hanging from the ceiling. Then I notice a naked woman on all fours, gagged and tethered to the floor. A man with a paddle is standing behind her, and I stare unblinking, completely fascinated. It doesn’t faze me when the paddle connects with her ass and her muted cries sound. Her partner strikes her again and again. I edge closer, eyeing the red angry welts on her pale cheeks. She writhes and cries, surging backward, seeming to beg for more.

Excitement rushes through me, nearly as intense as what I felt watching Catalina. But in here, where only a few people are watching, I feel more comfortable. It’s like a scene from one of the novels I’ve read in secret.

There’s more, and Jeffrey catches my hand. “This way,” he whispers.

In the corner, a woman is strapped to a wall by her ankles, thighs, wrists, and neck. A couple stops in front of her. The woman selects a riding crop from a collection hanging on the wall and whips her thighs, hard. The restrained woman screams, her pleasure sweet and painful. Now the man kisses her.

“An established team,” Jeffrey explains. “Elise is their submissive.”

I nod in acknowledgement, completely inspired by their undaunted display of lust and affection. His fingers wander down Elise’s front, pinching her nipples, then continue lower, until he thrusts a finger inside her.

“Do you want to come, Elise?” he asks.

“Yes.” She can barely speak.

“Ask,” the woman commands.

“May I come, mistress?”

The woman grips the riding crop in her right hand and thrusts the handle between Elise’s thighs. Her hips buck and she tosses her head back, her orgasm fast to follow.

“You enjoy watching.”

“Yes,” I admit, facing Jeffrey. I see the arousal in his eyes. “I never knew.”

“How could you, you’ve never been given a chance to tap into your own sensuality. Whatever happens here is mutually agreed upon. Some teams have been together for years.”

“Like you, Jessica, and Dinah?”

“Yes.” He doesn’t hesitate. “But I’m not the only man they sleep with.”

“But there are monogamous relationships here?”

“We prefer exclusive.”

“Exclusive,” I repeat.