The Pleasure Collection, Swingers Series Boxed Set: #1 House of Pleasure, #2 The Pleasure Party and #3 Possession of Pleasure (5 page)

      The driver looked back through the dividing window that was not yet closed for their privacy, catching her gaping at the chilled bottle of Cristal.

      "Can I open that for you, ma'am?" he asked.

      "No, thank you!" She quickly returned it to the ice bucket. The driver nodded and powered the glass window between them closed.

      Greg leaned over and plucked the champagne from the bucket. "Why not?" He hissed, grinning. Before Nicola could protest, he had popped the cork and was pouring them each a glass in the two crystal champagne flutes that just happened to be beside the bottle.

      "Isn't this cool?" Greg said, settling back into the soft leather seats, as the limo slowly maneuvered its way out of their neighborhood. "I wonder how far away Jack and Perry live? It's got to be far from here, if they own the club, and can send this around." He gestured to the whole car. "Hey, man," he called, knocking on the glass window.

      The driver powered it down. "Yes sir?"

      "How long until we arrive at our host's house? We have no idea where we're going."

      "About forty minutes, sir. Please make yourself comfortable and let me know if you require anything."

      The window was raised once again to block the adjoining areas. Greg sipped champagne and eyed his wife up and down. "You look so gorgeous tonight. Truly, hotter than I've ever seen you, which is a feat, because you always look hot. But this!" His eyes were hungry. Nicola took a long sip of champagne, feeling the bubbles tickle her everywhere. Greg looked so fine, it was all she could do to keep from hiking up her gown and straddling him.

      He read her thoughts. "Come here," he whispered.

      "What? You said we should wait, save all this sexual energy..."

      "Honey, I think we have more than enough for now and later." His beautiful brown eyes were dark and focused on her, all of her. She felt desired in a way she hadn't  in a while. But still, she wanted to wait. She was feeling everything she had been craving for so long, now. Mystery. Virtual strangers awaiting their arrival
.
Bringing us to them, for what she didn't quite know, but wanted to desperately. The burning anticipation...How had she lived without it for so long? She moved to sit on Greg's lap and lean back into his body. Greg place his hands on her hips and moved her around against his cock, which was once again growing hard. He sighed and snaked his arms around her to squeeze her in a hug before releasing her and nudging her gently back to her side of the limo.

      "You are very frustrating," he joked, reaching for the champagne bottle. "But I think we both want to get to this shindig not - satisfied, know what I mean?"

      Nicola knew exactly what he meant. If she could hold on to this mounting excitement for a while longer, she could only imagine what it might turn into.

      "Oh honey, look!" Nicola whispered, suddenly feeling the limo make a sharp turn and stop before a massive double gate that appeared to be wrought iron. A guard shack sat to one side of it, and a man in a uniform not unlike the club security guards waved the limo driver in after opening the ornate gates. By this time, Nicola and Greg were shamelessly pressed up to their windows, gaping at the scenery as the limo slowly made it's way along the seemingly endless driveway, lit by floodlights and flanked by extensive, manicured grounds. Strings of lanterns swayed between massive trees, illuminating the vast gardens. It was magical.

      Greg finally spoke, his nose still pressed to the glass. "So, this is how the other half lives?"

      "Oh, Greg," Nicola breathed. "Look at the house." The scene before them was much like a stone castle with modern additions. Three stories of gray stone, tall windows glowing with light from within, and great archways to one side. On the other side of the house was a glassed-in, olympic-sized swimming pool that was lit from within and fully visible as they neared the house. Nicola thought she could see a few people in the pool.

      Several cars were parked on a stretch of lawn to one side. As the limo rolled through one of the stone archways and stopped in front of a five-car garage, Greg leaned over and loudly whispered "I just don't think this place is big enough for two people!"

      Nicola grinned at her husband, warmed by his constant humor, even in the path of whatever they faced. Then the driver opened the car door for them and they both stopped speaking and stepped out onto the courtyard.

      A man in a dark suit opened the double doors and welcomed them inside. Nicola and Greg tried not to gape at their surroundings but it was nearly impossible. They stood in a great room that was larger than the entire ground floor of their townhouse. A curved double staircase on either side of the enormous room swept up to the second floor, and a sparkling chandelier hung from the two-story ceiling. People in formal attire crossed the marble floor, laughing and flirting.  Jazz music danced from hidden speakers.

      Nicola's eyes darted about the room, searching for Jack. At the far end of the great room three wide steps lead to a bar area that was dimly lit, complete with a bartender and stools. "Come on," Greg said, finally pulling himself together. "Let's head to the bar." He took Nicola's arm and they maneuvered their way across the room. Suddenly they heard a high voice calling to them. They turned and saw Perry, coming through a doorway to another room. She waved and smiled wide, flashing pearly white teeth. Nicola stared at her. She hadn't remembered Perry being so beautiful. Her petite but voluptuous body was swathed in a shimmering gray gown that draped perfectly over her curves and showed plenty of her enviable cleavage. Her light blond hair was styled like Marilyn Monroe, and her lips were plump and pink. Nicola glanced at her husband who was intently watching those lips, and all of Perry crossing the room to greet them. She felt a small stir of jealousy but pushed it down and plastered a nervous smile on her face.

      "Nicola," Perry exclaimed, as she reached them. "You look so gorgeous! And wearing black, Jack's favorite." Nicola opened her mouth to stammer a protest but Perry kept talking. "And Greg. You handsome devil, look at you." And look at him she did, up and down. He blushed and she slipped an arm around his waist and smiled up at him coyly.

      "Perry, thanks for inviting us," Greg said, his voice suddenly a bit gruff. He cleared his throat nervously.

      "My pleasure," she cooed, and then moved between them and linked arms with both of them. "Come with me, you both need a drink, I think. And Jack might be over by the bar, I know he wants to say hello."

     
I hope he wants to do more than that
, Nicola thought, allowing herself to be led in that direction.

      The bar was not very crowded, and it was dark and hazy. A few men were smoking cigars in the corner and people milled in and out with their drinks. But one bar stool was occupied, and Nicola's breath caught and her heart beat wildly as she looked at the broad shoulders and strong neck, the thick, nearly black hair. Perry called to him and he slowly swiveled his stool around until he faced them, one elbow still casually resting on the edge of the bar. His blue-green eyes slowly swept over them all and then rested on Nicola and a small smile curved his full lips. Nicola felt as if she couldn't breath at all, and she felt Perry remove her arm from hers to move to her husband's side. Nicola quickly grabbed Greg's arm to steady herself.
Why did Jack have this effect on her
?

      The men shook hands and Perry smiled wider and leaned to lightly kiss Jack's cheek. "Jack, I was thinking of giving our new guests a tour, what do you think? I want them to feel comfortable in our home."

            Jack nodded and signaled the bartender. "Let's get you lubricated first," he said, smiling wider now. "In fact, Perry, why don't you take Greg, and a bourbon - bourbon?" he looked at Greg questioningly. Greg nodded, seemingly unable to speak. Jack picked up the bourbon the bartender had poured and handed it to Greg. "Take this, Perry gives a wonderful tour of our humble home. Enjoy. I'm going to chat with Nicola. If that's okay with everyone?"

      Perry picked up the wine that the bartender had quietly poured for her and slipped her arm through Greg's. "It's fine with everyone," she said, confidently, not waiting for anyone to answer. "You two enjoy, we'll check on you later." And with that, she and Greg turned and walked away.

      Nicola stared after them for a moment, until she felt a hand on her back. Jack was standing behind her, and his other hand slipped around her waist and lightly caressed her stomach, sending shivers through her. She let out a shaky breath and turned to face him. His eyes were burning through her. He leaned down and brushed a light kiss across her lips and then turned to the bar. "What would you like to have?" he asked, settling back onto his stool.

      
You. I would like to have you. Now
. "A dirty martini would be great," she said. Her voice sounded strange to her.

      "Relax, Nicola," he said, his voice low and caressing. "Relax. This evening is going to be an adventure."

      Nicola settled down onto a stool beside him, their knees touching. He reached to run a finger along her thigh. His hand moved to the side and found the long slit in the side of her dress. "Mmm...This is nice," he murmured, softly. His fingers explored the slit, running higher and under it, between her thighs. She automatically let her knees part, allowing his hand better access, and it slid higher until it reached her panties. Her breathing was becoming heavier, and she glanced nervously around them. This was not the club, after all. Jack's eyelids were lowered, his lips slightly parted as he lightly caressed her above her panties. Then suddenly he pulled his hand away and reached for his drink.

      Nicola squirmed in her chair. She was confused and incredibly turned on. She sipped her martini and stared at Jack over the rim of her glass.

      He set his drink down and raised an eyebrow. "I'm sensing you have questions. That's why Perry left us alone, you realize."

      "No, I didn't realize. But...Yes, I guess I have a few questions." She had a million questions. They were flying around in her brain like bats. "I...I'm not sure what to ask first."

      "How about I just start answering." His eyes cooled, slightly. "You're wondering if we are swingers. I don't really like that title. I prefer pleasure seekers. We are very sexual beings and we give each other the freedom and space to enjoy this."

      Nicola felt herself calming, easing into analysis mode. Greg always said she should have been a lawyer. She enjoyed prodding people for answers about themselves, figuring out their motives. "Okay, but doesn't anyone - do you or Perry, that is - get jealous? Possessive? What would she do if she came in and saw you with your hand up my dress?"

      He smirked. "Well, she's already seen me kiss you. Very passionately."

      "Yes, but this is different. We're...with each other, this time, not our spouses."

      "I wouldn't say we're with each other. Not yet, anyway."

      Nicola drew in a deep breath. Her pussy was hot and wet, hearing these words. She longed to take his hand and put it back under her dress. She want to sit on his lap and...

      "Anyway," Jack continued, jarring her out of her reverie. "It's for amusement. It's a game. And like any game, there are rules. And everyone must abide by these rules."

      Nicola's adrenaline was pumping through her. "What are the rules?"

      "The most important ones are as follows. Everyone must be allowed to indulge their every fantasy, without fear of consequences or repercussions in their relationship. The lifestyle simply cannot work any other way."

      "Have you..." She hesitated. "Have you ever seen anyone, you know, break up over this...lifestyle?"

      He nodded, his jaw tightening. "It happens."

      "When does it happen?"

      "Usually when the relationship was in trouble to begin with, and the couple decides to dabble to spice things up. That never works. That just magnifies the resentment that's already simmering. This lifestyle works best for couples who are happy and secure with themselves and their relationship."

      "But don't even the happy couples run into trouble?" Nicola insisted. She was already feeling stung hearing how happy Jack was in his marriage to Perry. That couldn't be right.

      "Sure," Jack said, shrugging. "But the happy ones just pull out, or just indulge once in a while. For the fun and adventure of it. Look," he said, reaching for her hand. "In the case of an affair, one person is indulging in their sexual fantasies and leaving the other one out. Hiding something from them, lying to them. If everything is out in the open, and everyone is participating, well, what's the harm?"

      "I have a feeling there could be harm..."

      Jack gripped her hand tightly. "Jealousy, possessiveness, resentment...They have no place here. Think hard on the rules before you decide to play."

      Nicola didn't need to think. His grip softened and his thumb stroked the side of her palm. His gaze softened and his eyes darkened with desire again. She wanted to play. Desperately.

      "Hey, honey," Greg called, appearing suddenly and jogging up the steps to the bar. He clapped his empty glass down and nodded to the bartender for a refill. "Hey, Jack," he said, grinning. He looked from Jack to Nicola and back again. She realized that Jack was still holding her hand. She pulled it away and picked up her glass.

      "You've been gone a while. Where's Perry?" Jack asked, casually.

      "She went upstairs. Nic, she wants us to come up and 'look around'. You up for that?"

      Nicola slowly stood. "Sure, what's happening upstairs?"

      Jack tipped back his head and laughed. "Oh, I'm sure a great many things are happening upstairs," he said. "Go have a look."

      Greg nodded and took her hand to lead her away, up the stairs.