Текст книги "Mutually Exclusive"
Автор книги: Charlotte Winston
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Текущая страница: 1 (всего у книги 17 страниц)
Table of Contents
Title Page
Dedication
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Epilogue
Copyright
About Charlotte
Coming Soon
To Sarah—
Over twenty years of friendship and our relationship never gets old. The Blair to my Alexandra, thanks for always making sure I don’t take myself too seriously. Love you.
1
Alexandra Kane needed to get laid or cobwebs would take up residence in her vagina. She needed it yesterday. Last week. Last month. Hell, she needed it sometime in the not-so-distant future so she didn’t forget what it was like to have an orgasm not created from a battery-operated device. She’d never gone this long without sex before, but with her overwhelming workload and the walls threatening to close in, it was all she could do to hold on to her sanity, let alone maintain her orgasms.
Alexandra needed the release of a good orgasm, because having a job that runs you into the ground sucks donkey balls. She had almost no social life. Although she’d never been one to have a million girlfriends, she still wanted someone she could call if she wanted to hang out. But it was sex she missed the most.
She couldn’t seem to get a release, and she couldn’t make her need go away. The comfortable weight of a man on top while he sunk into her happy place? Priceless. And worth all the frustration she went through to get it. When the need was too great, she didn’t care who it was. Which wasn’t safe or practical, but there was no one she could call.
Case in point, her current Friday night, where she was desperately trying to finish up in the office so she could leave. She groaned when she saw her best friend’s name on her cell, but if she didn’t answer, Blair Fischer would keep calling until she did. She pressed the green button, putting her on speakerphone.
“Hello,” Alexandra answered.
“You’re late.” Blair’s voice echoed throughout Alexandra’s empty office. Alexandra pulled away from her depressing thoughts, running her hands haphazardly through her hair, the long dark strands falling all over the place as she tried to focus on what Blair was saying. The computer screen in front of her mocked her, another reminder of her burgeoning workload. She had to finish the brief in the next thirty minutes so it could be filed in the courthouse by midday Monday
“I know.” Alexandra sighed. “I just need to finish this brief so Karen can file it before she leaves.” As Alexandra’s assistant, Karen worked behind the scenes to make Alexandra’s job easier, never complaining about the long hours asked of her. The woman deserved a medal but settled for the lifetime supply of wine and chocolate Alexandra kept stocked for her.
“You always need to finish something,” Blair answered. “And it will be there tomorrow for you to deal with. Your sister’s birthday dinner is about to start and if I have to explain to her why her younger sister couldn’t make it to her birthday, I am going to hunt you down in these high heels and drag your skinny ass over here. You are not to miss this. You have missed too many events in the last year, so put that brief down and come on.” That was Blair, as subtle as a banging gong at a mime convention.
Alexandra groaned; she hadn’t forgotten, she’d just been sidetracked when she realized they needed to file the brief on behalf of her newest client. A couple minutes wouldn’t make much of a difference. She glanced at the time; she had about fifteen minutes to make herself presentable and get out before her best friend did in fact come banging down her door to take her to Parker’s dinner.
“I'm on my way,” Alexandra promised, blowing an air kiss into the phone before hanging up and going back to her work. She hurried and twenty minutes later was out the door and on the way to her sister’s birthday celebration. It was an intimate affair, with just a few of girlfriends for dinner, while the bigger party was this weekend. Her and her sister’s birthdays had always been a big deal, something their parents emphasized with big parties and mounds of presents, and a tradition her mother continued after their father’s death over twenty years before.
Alexandra rubbed her chest over her heart, blinking back the moisture in her eyes when she remembered how her father used to help her mother decorate with whatever theme the girls had chosen for their party, all the while complaining he was drowning in pink. It never got easier, no matter how many years passed, but times like these made the loss more acute, like a gaping hole that never quite filled, regardless of what she tried to shove in it.
These are happy times, Alexandra thought, handing her keys to the valet upon her arrival. She gave her name to the hostess, waving to the few people she knew in the restaurant—some clients, some friends—before walking to the table for six in the back where Parker and Blair sat.
“Hey, Parker…” she started to apologize. Her sister jumped up and hugged her, cutting off her air supply.
“You came!” she squealed in Alexandra’s ear, rocking back and forth with her arms wrapped tightly around her. Parker stepped back, her arms sliding down to hold Alexandra’s hands, the grin splitting her face. They looked like twins, the two stacked brunettes who stood around five foot five with eyes the color of aged cognac, and long, brown hair. “And you’re early,” Parker finished, her voice tinged with surprise.
Early. Alexandra glared at Blair, whose narrowed green eyes dared her to disagree.
“Of course.” Alexandra shrugged off Parker’s disbelief, kissing her on the cheek. “It’s not every day my sister turns thirty-four.”
“Ugh.” Parker groaned. “Don’t remind me. I turned thirty and fell the hell apart. I had to see the doctor the other day for my yearly checkup, where she reminded me I was reaching the age I might require medical assistance or have complications bearing children.”
“Thanks for giving me something to look forward to.” Alexandra was staring down thirty in December. She let go of Parker and turned to Blair, giving her a hug and a smacking kiss on the cheek. “Thank you,” she whispered, since Blair’s duplicity put a smile on Parker’s face.
“This ain’t my first rodeo.” She smiled. “I know how to get you lawyers to be where I need you when I need you.” Blair’s husband Derrick had gone to law school with Alexandra; it was how they met, but he’d focused on corporate law. Alexandra’s firm was a hodgepodge, taking on a variety of cases, including criminal.
“So, what’s been going on with you?” Alexandra directed her question at Parker after they sat back down since she hadn’t seen her in two weeks.
“Nothing much.” She shrugged. “I’ve just been getting engaged.” She pulled her hand out from under the table, sporting a huge sparkler.
“Oh, my God! Congratulations! I’m so happy for you!” Alexandra hugged her sister again before grabbing her hand, studying the ring that was as clear as a bell. “This is amazing. Anthony even bought you a five-table ring.” Anthony was Parker’s longtime boyfriend, who loved her to distraction and spoiled her rotten.
“A five-table ring?” Parker held her hand out, her face scrunched in confusion.
“Big enough to be seen—” Alexandra started.
“Five tables away,” Blair finished, before they dissolved in a fit of giggles. Alexandra kissed Parker’s forehead, so happy she couldn’t sit still.
“How did it happen? And why didn’t you call me earlier?” Alexandra asked, then listened to her sister describe the trip they took the previous weekend, where he popped the question on the beach as the sunset.
“I was going to call you, but figured what the hell, I’ll surprise her at dinner.” They gushed over the ring some more, talking about wedding ideas, before Parker’s surprise was met with more excitement when the rest of her friends came. The evening passed quickly while the margaritas flowed freely, with promises to get together again before an intoxicated Alexandra threw herself in the back of the cab with Blair, arranging to come back for her car the next day. They were able to get out Alexandra’s address between the giggling and fumbling, settling in for the long ride to the suburbs Alexandra called home.
“I’m thrilled for my sister. She deserves all the happiness life has to offer, and Anthony’s perfect for her.” Alexandra smiled, leaning against Blair’s shoulder because it was too much work to hold her head up.
“She looks happy. Unlike some people.” Blair drilled her finger in Alexandra’s stomach.
Alexandra swatted it away before Blair bruised something. “I’m happy. How many people do you know make junior partner when they’re thirty?” She held her arms out like an actor gesturing toward their waiting crowd.
Blair rolled her eyes, pushing Alexandra’s arms down. “There’s more to life than work. When was the last time you went on vacation? Had a date? Got laid?” Alexandra’s eyes darted toward the rearview mirror, where the cab driver was paying close attention to Blair’s latest “you need a life” round of questions.
Alexandra turned so she could maintain some semblance of privacy from the nosy cab driver. “I’m going on vacation as soon as I’m done with my upcoming trials. You know how important it is for me to make partner. And as far as dating, I don’t have time for anyone right now. Getting laid? That’s been a while.” Six months, to be exact, but Blair didn’t need to know that piece of information. And wasn’t she just a chatty Cathy after all those drinks? Those close to her knew Alexandra didn’t date but had no idea she went to the bar for a random one-night stand when she had an itch to scratch. Easier all around, but she’d been too busy for even that recently.
Blair tsked at her. “You don’t even remember, do you? The day I forget the last time I had sex is the day I hire a male escort.” Alexandra remembered, but refused to elaborate on the drunken hookup on for her twenty-ninth birthday resulting in missing panties and a walk of shame to rival her college days.
Alexandra slapped her arm. “I am not hiring a prostitute. Could you see the headlines? ‘Popular lawyer indicted for soliciting sex.’ Plus, I can get my own man; I just don’t have time.” And she refused to deal with the next guy looking at her like she was a freak—as though she were damaged somehow—because she loved having sex a lot. She just chose not to have indiscriminant sex with multiple men, she preferred one partner. And there was no partner, just her vibrator, which she’d almost worn out with overuse.
Blair didn’t answer, just stared out the window, deep in thought before addressing her. “Hey, I have an idea…”
By the time she was done outlining her plan, Alexandra wished she’d jumped in the cab with someone else. It sounded ridiculous, thrilling, dangerous, inappropriate, and so arousing she knew she was in for trouble.
***
Alexandra went about her business over the next week, not worrying about Blair’s bleak assessment of her current love life or her ludicrous plan. That was until she read this:
To: Alexandra Kane
From: Blair Fisher
Subject: Gotcha something…
10:49 a.m.
Hey Alexandra,
Remember that conversation we had the other day about your crazy schedule and how you didn’t have time to get any? It’s Wednesday, HUMP day, and I know for a fact you need a good humping, so I am including the email about the club I was talking about. This is top secret information and I am not telling how I got it, but you’re welcome. He’s exclusive, discrete, and caters to people like you. Email him – GET LAID!
Love you,
Blair <3
Alexandra stared at the email, complete with the promised email address for Roman Valentine, the owner of the exclusive sex club she’d heard about. She cursed those damn margaritas, which had made her confess the sorry state of her love life in the back of a dirty cab.
Valentine specialized in any kind of sexual arrangement required, and she needed someone who could give it to her without any of the complications of a regular relationship while exercising discretion. She closed out of the email—the last headache she needed was someone discovering she was looking up potential sex clubs on company time—promising to give the information serious consideration that evening.
Was she the kind of girl who arranged for a regular sexual hookup with virtual strangers as a member of a sex club? The sex she’d had in the recent past had been in crowded clubs when her need to be filled overcame her thought for her safety or reputation, but she knew those encounters were anonymous. This spoke of a different type of arrangement, where anonymity wasn’t possible. And what would her law partners say if they found out she sought Roman’s services?
She was still thinking about the idea that evening, two glasses of liquid courage in the form of moscato later, and figured the worst he could do was say no to her request. She’d heard about him in hushed voices at dinner parties, but never allowed her mind to drift there. He could probably buy most of the people in the city but refused to flaunt either his wealth or the people who supplied it, opting instead for an almost reluctant existence. She searched his name online, hoping for more information, but there was little about the elusive club owner other than a bit of gossip here or there. And nothing about the club. Means he knows how to keep a secret, she thought, opening her personal email before she could talk herself out of it.
To: Roman Valentine
From: AK
Subject: Valentine
9:45 p.m.
Dear Mr. Valentine,
I received your contact information from a friend of mine. I was informed your club is the best at catering to people with particular needs. I will just be frank—I work long hours, and do not have the time or inclination for emotional entanglements. I do, however, need sexual satisfaction with anonymity. Could we meet to discuss?
Sincerely,
Alexandra
Alexandra hit send before she chickened out, ignoring any negative future implications. It was no one’s business what she did on her own time, but she was fooling herself if she believed her partners would agree. Her reputation impacted the firm, and she needed their support to make partner. It was a catch-22—she needed the release of an orgasm to maintain her sanity and keep her job, but she very possibly couldn’t get that release from the one place that catered to her wishes, Club Valentine.
She tossed and turned most of the evening, considering the ramifications of her actions. Realizing sleep was futile, Alexandra decided to work on some of her cases, hoping to make some headway on the two she had in the next week so she could spend the weekend with Parker discussing wedding plans. Parker wanted to look at possible venues and Alexandra agreed to help her scout them out. She made her way to the office a little after eight thirty, spending the first part of her day in a meeting, before she sat a minute to compose herself and check messages. Heart racing, she balked at the incoming email address. Roman had replied to her and she felt a bit sick thinking about his answer.
To: AK
From: Roman Valentine
Subject: Re: Valentine
9:35 a.m.
Dear Alexandra,
If you received my information then you already know I cater to an exclusive client list. We welcome all needs, and have plenty of men who would be able to meet your sexual appetite. Should I schedule a time for you to come in and find someone of your tastes who can work within your schedule?
Sincerely,
Roman
Alexandra exhaled, rereading the email again. This could work. Blair’s asinine idea may help her out. Only problem was she refused to deal with one of his “men”. She wanted the best, and after more digging, Roman Valentine was rumored to be as good as they come. Besides, she wanted to make sure her association with his club didn’t get back to her bosses, meaning she needed to work with him.
To: Roman Valentine
From: AK
Subject: Re: Valentine
10:08 a.m.
Dear Roman,
I only work with the best, and as the owner, I’m sure you know who I think is the best.
Sincerely,
Alexandra
She waited for the answer that never came. The man owned a sex club, so Alexandra was sure he’d been propositioned before. Twelve hours later, she swore she’d run him off, figuring it was for the best. Blair’s idea was crazy anyway. The only thing crazier was that she had considered going through with it. Hopefully he would stay quiet and not disclose her communication. Her answer came over twenty-four hours later and made her dig in her heels, more determined than ever to get him.
To: AK
From: Roman Valentine
Subject: Re: Valentine
10:29 a.m.
Dear Alexandra,
You must have misunderstood your friend, or the purpose of my club, because I don’t sleep with my clients. I cater to your needs, but I don’t personally fulfill them.
Sincerely,
Roman
Alexandra mulled it over, strategizing about what it would take to get him to agree. There was something she could offer, an object she didn’t know he wanted until the other day. It seemed like fate when the email came into the inbox, but there was no way of knowing if he’d even accept her terms. She emailed her reply, hoping he decided to give her a chance because if not, she was out of options.
To: Roman Valentine
From: AK
Subject: Re: Valentine
12:37 p.m.
Dear Roman,
I need the best, and you are at the top. The fact you don’t sleep with your clients as a rule only makes me more certain you’re the right pick. I’m looking for a lover, not a porn star. The least you can do is meet me before you say no. If not, I would be willing to discuss the possibility of meeting with other people at your club. I can make it worth your while.
Sincerely,
Alexandra
2
Alexandra stood in front of the nondescript wooden door with the black placard that read Serious Inquiries Only. She would have thought she was in the wrong place except it seemed to fit the elusive man she’d been conversing with via email over the last couple days.
I got your serious inquiry, Alexandra thought, knocking on the door. She looked over her shoulder, watching the people pass by in a blur of color, trying not to stare too hard at anyone’s face. This wasn’t small-town America, but it wasn’t a thriving metropolis either, and the chances of seeing someone connected to the firm she worked for was too high, especially given the clientele Roman seemed to cater to.
She had changed from her shark suit—the name Karen dubbed the outfits Alexandra wore when she was ready to make someone her prey—into jeans, heeled boots, and a soft pink sweater. Her hair, normally tied up in some immaculate up-do to give off a confident air, yet professional, was falling in waves down her back. She turned back toward the door, leaning her head forward so her long, brown hair covered part of her face, and knocked again. She was about to leave, her anxiety at being recognized ratcheting up every second she stood there on the street, when the door opened to reveal the biggest guy she’d ever seen. His arms were stacked, his legs looked like tree trunks, and his neck was nonexistent.
Hello, sir. The bodybuilding competition called; your cue is in ten. She was unimpressed when he folded his arms over his chest in what he probably considered intimidating. I met with a murderer before lunch. You don’t scare me, Alexandra thought, folding her arms over her chest to mimic his pose. Guys like him tended to be mostly just talk. At least she hoped.
“Name?” he growled.
“No name.” Alexandra shook her head. There was no way she was telling him her real name. She was dealing with Roman, not his security guard. “I’m here to see—”
“No name, no entrance. We can do this all night, lady, but you don’t pay me. And there’s nothing special about a little woman who looks like she could be eaten for breakfast that would make me let you in.” He smirked, unamused at her reluctance to give him her name while continuing with her demands.
“Roman called for me,” she said forcefully, watching the look of recognition set in on his face.
The smirk fell and the eyebrows rose. “I’m sure he did. We’re done here.” He went to shut the door, but she slammed her hand against it, the force creating a resounding crack as loud as a cannon in the quiet night.
“Why don’t you call him and ask him for yourself?” The man rolled his eyes, holding up his finger, and going to the phone hanging on the wall. He turned his back, speaking in low tones, glancing back at her.
Muscle hung up the phone and gestured her inside. “Follow the hallway, and make a right at the end. His office is the second on your right.” She walked inside, breathing a sigh of relief when the door shut and desperately hoped no one had recognized her while she stood outside. The hallway he referred to was long and dark, with an occasional light, and silent except for the click of her heels making it seem creepy as opposed to reassuring, silence. It was like a bad omen, but she’d come too far to turn back. She had sacrificed her life for her career, and this was one way to maintain some semblance of normalcy, despite how fucked-up the relationship could be.
“Come in,” yelled the voice on the other side of the room after she knocked on the door. She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders. Here goes nothing. Not often nervous, she was surprised to see the slight shake in her hand as she turned the knob. Oh fuck. Did he have to be that gorgeous? Beautiful, tanned skin bespoke spent time outdoors. Black hair cut shorter on the sides and longer on top. Pale green eyes beckoned her closer like a beacon. His white dress shirt was fitted, promising muscles she wanted to run her tongue across. Especially the V he was sure to be packing, which led straight to her own personal playground. His eyes roved over her as though undressing her, causing a flash of desire to run through her. If they came to an agreement, she would be his after that night.
“Alexandra.” She held her hand out for him to shake. She was surprised when he didn’t shake it, instead turned it over in his palm, rubbed his thumbs over her knuckles before he kissed the back of her hand. He released her hand, and she could feel the heat burning her face.
The wolfish smile showed a perfect set of pearly whites. “I must admit I was intrigued enough by your offer to meet you, but as I said, I don’t sleep with my clients.”
She smiled. “Not ever? I can assure you I’ll make it worth your while. You credit yourself on discretion, but can you say that about the rest of your clients? I work in a high-stakes job, and I need to ensure my reputation remains intact when it’s over with. The only way I see it happening is by dealing directly with the source. You.”
“Touché,” he acknowledged, gesturing for her to have a seat. “Although, if you believe I have any client in my club who’s going to give away any information, you aren’t giving me enough credit. Besides, there are people in here with a lot more to lose than you.”
“I’m sure. But I’m not interested in other people. Name your price.”
Roman chuckled, shaking his head at her suggestion. “You think you can buy me? I make enough money nightly. Money doesn’t interest me. Give me something else.”
She considered his request, but what she had to bargain with was the one thing she didn’t want to use. A connection she didn’t realize they had until she began searching the other night. “What if I told you I could get you access to the Richardson property?”
The glint in his eye was the only indication he’d heard her. “You don’t even know if I want that bag of bones on the edge of this town. And if I did, which I’m not saying I do, it’s not on the market.”
“The beautiful cabin situated on the lake? How do you know it’s not on the market if you’re not interested?” He stared at her, not answering her question. It was unnerving, as though he had all night, and she wanted to break the silence. Part of her role at work meant staring people down. Frequently. She knew she was good at it, but something about this role reversal—something about Roman—made her uneasy. Not something she was used to. Like he was going to unwrap all her secrets and leave her exposed and wanting. “I know the heir, and am more than willing to sign an agreement that you can purchase the property. After a three-month wait, it could be yours.”
He mulled it over before answering. “I don’t know if I believe you, but everything we do will be in writing. I’m not a stud to be mounted but I’m considering your proposition.”
Studying the man in front of her, a quick thrill ran through her at the prospect of having his hands on her, and she was surprised by her attraction to him. She wasn’t sexually attracted to many men, but something about him drew her in and held her by the throat. Anticipating what he could do for her, she sat, crossed one leg over the other to create some friction and ease the ache she felt between her legs.
“Don’t even think about it,” he commanded. His voice slashed like a knife, causing her to immediately comply. With his intense green eyes, he looked down at her legs, gesturing for her to uncross them. What the hell Alexandra? “If we agree to this, your orgasms are mine.”
She raised her brow, not wanting him to get the upper hand despite her quick response to his command. “And if we don’t? You’re not too eager to begin this relationship.”
He shrugged as though it didn’t matter to him either way, but she’d bet all the money in her bank account he was hard as a rock and knew what he wanted. “Doesn’t matter to me. I’ve considered your proposition, and I believe we could be of use to each other. Either we do or we don’t, but I can guarantee no one, and I do mean no one is going to be able to get you off like I will. You know it or you wouldn’t be here.” He’s got that right. I can’t wait to get his hands on me.
Panties wet, she squirmed in her seat. This man was going to own her if she let him, and she craved it in a way she never had before. Someone who was going to give her what she wanted when she needed it. She pulled her legs together, needing to rub herself but unwilling to fail what seemed like the first test.
“So, what happens now?” she asked, not acknowledging his statement about her motive.
“What happens is up to you. You’re the one who reached out to me for my expertise and discretion.” The last word rolled off his lips, his voice dropping an octave, causing her to lean closer. If she thought Roman Valentine was gorgeous seated, seeing his tall, broad-shouldered physique standing was more than swoon-worthy. Heat flashed within her as she imagined her fingers raking down his back as he filled her. She longed to grab his taut ass, staring as he walked to the table where a decanter with brown liquid rested. He poured a generous amount in two glasses, took both, came back, handing her one. He didn’t return to his seat, rather leaned back against his desk and crossed his legs at his ankles. She drank it, enjoying the burn as the whisky coated her throat. It helped her solidify whatever nerves she may have had coming there, and allowed her to approach the deal as she would if she was in the courtroom.
“As I already said, I contacted you because I am in need of a certain service I’m unable to get somewhere else.”
“They all do,” he interrupted, holding his hand out for her to take. She threw back the rest of her drink, then accepted his hand. Leading her toward the side of his office, hand on the small of her back, they moved toward a plain white screen. He flipped a switch, causing it to move and open up to a wall of televisions. Multiple, rousing sex scenes played out in Technicolor behind the glass in front of her, causing her to want to press her nose to the glass like a person who saw something in the store window they craved. Her already wet panties were drenched, and she needed relief immediately. As if knowing exactly what she needed, Roman wrapped his arm around her stomach, pulling her so she was flush against him with his front to her back, erection poking into her spine.
He leaned his head closer, kissing the side of her neck before he whispered in her ear. “You see these people?”
“Yes,” she replied, rubbing her hands to alleviate some of the moisture. This was insane; she knew next to nothing about this man, but was so starved for male contact she leaned back, pushing closer into his erection.
“You like that?” He bit her ear, causing goose bumps to form on her arm. She exhaled, her breath sounding ragged.
“All these people…” His hand traveled to the front of her pants, patting her thighs so she would spread her legs. He continued his movements, stopping at the clasp, waiting for her permission. She nodded, spurring him into action. He unbuckled her pants, opening them enough to trace his finger along the edge of her panties. She held her breath, hoping he would continue.
“All these people have eclectic tastes, and they all have a secret to hide. You’re no different than any of them, except you want someone who’s not on the menu.” He dipped one finger in her panties, tracing her slit, causing her to shiver. She tried to move her hips forward to increase the pressure, but he seemed to know what she was up to because he pulled his finger back.
“What did I tell you before? If we agree to this, your orgasms are mine.” He sunk his finger into her, making her moan and lean back into him, her hands grasping his arm.
“Watch the screens,” he told her. He pushed in and out while she observed the sex going on around her before adding another finger. There was a woman tied up, being serviced by two men, giving one a blowjob while the other fucked her from behind. Another couple engaged in missionary on top of a platform, and what looked to be an orgy of four front and center. She squeezed her eyes shut, focusing on the feel of his fingers. Thrusting her hips forward, she matched his movements, loving the friction their bodies created. Her walls clenched, ready to go, before Roman pressed his thumb to her clit with enough pressure to make her fall apart. She came with a hiss, his chest the only thing preventing her from collapsing in a heap on the floor. Riding out the orgasm, she allowed her body to settle before she disentangled herself from him. He’d already removed his fingers but she stepped away to give herself space. She straightened out her pants, trying to get over her mortification. He just got her off in his office quicker than she’d ever gotten off before. The man certainly knew what he was doing.
