The Endgame (15 page)

His gaze fixed on her breasts as she unzipped his trousers and pulled them down along with his boxers. He was hard and thick, his erection straining against his stomach, and she was taken aback by how much she wanted this. She wanted to touch him and taste him, she longed to feel the warm fullness of his cock in her mouth. She wanted to please him, but what took her by surprise was the realisation that she wanted this for herself – it would be for her as much as it was for him.

She cupped his balls, stroking them softly while she licked the length of his shaft. His breathing deepened as she curled her hand around his cock and licked around the head, feeling it twitch and throb in her fist as she swirled her tongue around the tip. He groaned deeply as she cupped his balls in one hand and pumped his shaft with the other, while she licked and sucked. He pushed his hands into her hair as she took him into her mouth, slowly at first, sucking him rhythmically as she took him deeper and deeper. He felt warm and heavy in her mouth, and she couldn’t get enough of him. She waited for him to grab her hair and start fucking her mouth like Mark would, pushing himself down her throat until she gagged. But his hands were gentle, his fingers tugging lightly as they clutched her hair, and she felt a surge of excitement as she realised that he wasn’t going to take over. She felt powerful and sexy knowing that she was in control, she was in charge of his pleasure. She felt his body shake as she hollowed her cheeks and increased the suction, and she swelled with pride at his sharp intake of breath as his cock hit the back of her throat, glad that she could do this for him, that she could take him so deep, give him such pleasure.

‘Oh, fuck!’ he groaned, his hands fisting in her hair as she sucked him deep again and again, driven on by his helpless moans of pleasure. She felt him throb and knew he was close.

‘Lisa,’ he said urgently, his voice shaky as he pushed firmly on her forehead. ‘I’m going to come.’ He pulled away, and she looked up at him in confusion.

‘That’s okay,’ she said, opening her mouth and leaning towards him, but he shook his head, and then his whole body jerked and he came over her breasts with a groan.

He stood looking at her dazedly as his breathing returned to normal, his eyes blank and unseeing. He seemed stunned. Then he blinked hard, as if waking himself up.

His eyes widened as they raked over her chest. ‘Sorry,’ he said with an apologetic grimace. ‘I hope I didn’t mess up your dress.’ He hastily pulled his trousers back on. His belt still hanging loose, he held a hand out to her and helped her up.

Lisa blushed as she glanced down at her bare chest covered in his cum. ‘It’s okay,’ she said shakily.

He ran a hand through his hair, throwing her another apologetic look. ‘There’s a bathroom through here,’ he said, grabbing her hand and leading her across the room. ‘You can get cleaned up.’

She didn’t pull her dress back up, holding it at her waist as he led her through to a small bathroom. It was decorated in keeping with the rest of the building, with lots of exposed brickwork and pipes, and industrial style light fittings. A wall of glass panels framed in black metal separated a large concrete shower stall from the rest of the room. Distracted by taking in her surroundings, she hardly noticed as Grayson lifted her onto the countertop and ran a washcloth under the tap.

‘I love your office,’ she said absently.

‘Thank you,’ Grayson said, smiling at her as he turned off the tap. His obvious pleasure at her remark made her smile – he was clearly very proud of the building. ‘I didn’t have much money when I started out here, but I think it worked to my advantage – forced me to be more creative with the design and materials.’

Before she realised what he intended, he started wiping her chest with the warm cloth.

‘Oh!’ she blushed, putting a hand over his to still it. ‘I– I can do that myself.’

‘Of course, sorry.’ He withdrew his hand immediately and she took the cloth from him. ‘There are clean towels,’ he said, nodding to a shelf. ‘I’ll give you some privacy. Come out whenever you’re ready.’

Lisa nodded dumbly and he left the room, closing the door behind him. She was relieved to be alone – she needed a moment to pull herself together. She realised her hands were shaking as she washed herself. She felt disoriented, still reeling from what had happened – and Grayson had seemed almost as flustered as she was. It had taken them both by surprise, she supposed – it had all happened so suddenly, before either of them had had time to adjust to the idea. When she had towelled herself dry, she refastened her bra and buttoned up her dress. Her hands trembled as she smoothed her hair in the mirror, and she looked tense and nervous. She took a few deep breaths, trying to calm herself down before she stepped back into the office.

Grayson was standing with his back to her, looking out the window. He turned as she came into the room.

‘Ready?’ he asked, raising a querying eyebrow. His clothes were once more in order, and he looked smooth and unruffled, every inch the professional, totally in control. It was hard to believe that just moments ago he had groaned helplessly as she sucked him off.

Lisa nodded, still not able to find her voice.

He crossed the room to her. ‘Are you okay?’ he asked, his eyes full of concern, and she saw the anxiety in his face then, the uncertainty, and she knew he wasn’t as calm as he appeared. He wasn’t unaffected by what had happened between them.

‘Yes,’ she said faintly as he took her hand lightly in his. To her surprise, he raised it to his lips and kissed it, and she was taken aback by the sweetness of the gesture.

‘I feel a bit wobbly, to be honest,’ she admitted with a small smile.

‘I know,’ he said. He pressed a soft, lingering kiss to her forehead, his hand ghosting against her waist. ‘Me too.’

She was surprised to find her eyes filling with tears, but she was touched by his open admission of vulnerability. ‘Sorry,’ she said, smiling as she blinked the tears away. ‘I don’t usually do this sort of thing.’

‘I know.’ He smoothed her hair, tucking a stray strand behind her ear. ‘You were amazing, Lisa,’ he murmured. He leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips. ‘I wish I didn’t have this meeting,’ he said as he pulled back.

Lisa glanced at her watch. It was almost two. ‘Oh yes, I’d better go.’

‘I’ll show you out,’ Grayson said, taking her hand and leading her to the door.

He led her back down the corridor, a hand resting lightly on her back. Gaby flashed Lisa a friendly smile as they passed her office, and Lisa held up a hand in a quick wave.

Grayson pressed the button for the lift and stood beside her waiting.

‘I can make my own way out,’ Lisa said, turning to him. ‘You don’t have to wait.’

‘No, I’ll come down with you,’ he said, just as the lift pinged and the doors opened.

They stepped inside and Grayson pressed the button for the lobby. ‘We still have some arrangements to make. Like when I’ll see you again. Can you come to my house tomorrow evening, around seven?’

‘Yes, that’s fine.’

‘You remember the address? I can pick you up if you’d like.’

‘No,’ she shook her head. ‘Thank you, but that’s not necessary. I know where it is. I’ll make my own way there.’

He nodded. ‘Do you–‘ He broke off and frowned, looking uncertain. He swallowed and began again. ‘Do you want me to pay you now?’

‘Oh!’ Lisa felt herself blush furiously. She had completely forgotten about the money! Some whore she’d make, she thought wryly.

‘If you need money today, I can arrange–‘

‘No, there’s no hurry,’ she said quickly, her eyes sliding away. She was mortified to be having this conversation – discussing taking money for sex.

Grayson’s eyes narrowed. ‘Are you sure you’re okay?’ he asked. ‘If you don’t want to go through with this–‘

‘No, I do. I’m fine.’ She smiled to reassure him. ‘I really want to do this.’

‘Good.’ He sighed. ‘I wish I could blow off this thing tomorrow. I can’t wait to see you again.’ He drew her into his arms and kissed her softly, tantalisingly on the mouth, pulling away with a groan as the lift reached the lobby. Grayson hit the stall button.

‘Well, I’ll see you tomorrow night,’ she said as she stepped out of the lift. ‘Seven o’clock.’

‘I’ll look forward to it.’

‘So will I.’

She nodded goodbye and turned to the door. Out on the street, she stumbled towards the Tube as if in a dream, her mind racing with what had just happened – and with what lay ahead for the rest of the week. As she walked, she tried to sort out the jumble of conflicting emotions that battled inside her. She was shaken by how she had felt with Grayson. What happened between them should have been humiliating for her, but she hadn’t experienced any loss of dignity or self-respect. On the contrary, when she was with him she had felt powerful and cared for rather than used and degraded. She had
wanted
to touch him that way. She had been as desperate for him as he had been for her, and she realised she had forgotten what that felt like – mutual desire. They wanted each other. She had said the words automatically, but she realised now she hadn’t been lying when she’d told Grayson she was looking forward to seeing him again. She couldn’t wait.

She tried to ignore the nervous fluttering in her stomach as she put the finishing touches to her make-up. But she was pleased with her appearance as she took a final look in the full-length mirror, and she was glad she had chosen to wear the spiky heels and skimpy dress. They helped her look the part and gave her confidence. She took a deep, calming breath. Then she threw her keys into her bag, slung it on her shoulder and left, wondering what was in store for her tonight.

To her relief, Andrew had taken the opportunity to go on holiday while Mark was away, so she didn’t have to find excuses to dispense with his services for the week. She walked to the main road and flagged down a taxi to take her to Grayson’s.

Her nerves returned as she stood on his doorstep, but she had barely touched the bell when the door swung open.

‘Hi!’ Grayson beamed. He looked really pleased to see her, and she was touched by the warmth of his smile. ‘Come in.’

Her legs felt shaky as she stepped into the hall.

‘I’ve been looking forward to seeing you all day,’ he said as she unbuttoned her coat and he stood behind her to take it from her. She was taken aback by this frank admission, instantly disarmed by his friendliness. She had thought he would be cool and aloof, but there was a tenderness in his eyes that was disconcerting, and a warmth and enthusiasm in his demeanour that took her by surprise. She had been half expecting him to slam her against the wall as soon as she arrived, or to order her to take off her clothes and get on her knees, like Mark often did. Grayson was paying her, after all – he’d be entitled. She was here as his paid whore, and yet he was treating her with more care and respect than her boyfriend. It was nice, but unsettling.

‘You look beautiful,’ he said, his eyes travelling over her body as he took her coat.

‘Thank you,’ she said breathily.

‘Well, come through.’ He placed a hand lightly on her back and guided her across the hall to the library. ‘I thought we’d be more comfortable in here.’ He ushered her in ahead of him. A cheerful fire blazed in the grate, and in front of it a small table set for two was placed between the deep armchairs. Lisa was taken aback – and touched. It was intimate and romantic, like a seduction scene – almost as if he was wooing her – and once again she felt knocked off balance.

‘Have a seat.’ He waved her to one of the chairs, and she sat, perching nervously on the edge.

‘Wine?’ He took a bottle from an ice bucket on the table, holding it aloft.

‘Yes, please.’

‘I made pasta,’ he said as he poured two glasses. ‘I hope that’s okay?’

‘You– you cooked?’

‘Yes,’ he smiled, handing her a glass. ‘I’m not completely useless.’

‘Oh, no, it’s just– I didn’t expect–‘

‘Oh, have you eaten?’ He frowned.

‘No.’ The truth was she had barely eaten all day – she had been too nervous. But she hadn’t expected him to cook for her – this wasn’t a date. ‘Pasta would be lovely. Thank you.’

In fact, it would be wonderful. She couldn’t remember when she had last eaten pasta. Mark didn’t allow it – yet another thing that he claimed made her ‘bloated’. But Mark wasn’t here – and with a bit of luck, he would never see the effects of the pasta on her figure.

‘Good.’ Grayson picked up an envelope from the mantelpiece. ‘Why don’t we get this out of the way first, so we can relax,’ he said, crossing to where she sat and handing it to her.

‘Oh! Thank you.’ She blushed, realising this was her payment, as she took the slim white envelope from him, her fingers brushing against his.

He nodded. ‘I’m just going to finish up,’ he said, going to the door. ‘It’ll be ready in a moment.’

‘Is there anything I can do?’ Lisa asked.

He shook his head. ‘Just relax,’ he said with a gentle smile. ‘It won’t be a moment.’

Lisa slipped the envelope into her bag as soon as he was out of the room, grateful for how discreetly he had handled that. She sipped her wine, trying to relax. But she was aware that she had just crossed a line. She had taken money for sex. Grayson had upheld his end of the bargain – now she had to hold up hers. There was no going back, she thought, wrapping her arms around herself, unconsciously seeking comfort.

Unable to sit still as she waited for Grayson to return, she stood and took the opportunity to get a proper look at the artwork in the room. There were some amazing pieces, and most of the artists she recognised and admired. She was studying a large abstract by one of her favourite painters when Grayson came into the room carrying a tray. He placed two large white bowls of steaming pasta on the table, then came to stand beside her.

‘You like this?’ he asked, nodding at the canvas.

‘Yes, very much.’

‘You have excellent taste.’ He smiled. ‘It’s my favourite.’

‘You’re very lucky to own it.’ She knew the artist’s work fetched very high prices. ‘I love his stuff, but it’s way beyond my means.’

‘I’m sure Mark could afford it.’

‘He’s not such a fan as I am, unfortunately,’ she said with a sigh. ‘And it’s his house, so ...’ She shrugged. Mark wasn’t about to buy art that wasn’t to his taste just to please her. She would have been happy with a print of something she loved, but Mark didn’t approve of prints. ‘Maybe one day ...’ She trailed off wistfully.

‘Well, let’s eat before it gets cold,’ Grayson said. He took her hand and led her back to the table. He pulled out a chair for her, and as she sat, his fingers brushed lightly against her arm.

‘Bon appétit,’ he said, dropping a kiss on her bare shoulder. He was being very tactile, but not in an aggressive, brutish way like she had expected. He was gentle and lover-like, as if he was trying to seduce her – which didn’t make any sense in the circumstances. It was a little unnerving.

‘Are you warm enough?’ he asked as he took his seat opposite.

‘Yes. Thank you.’ She lifted her fork and spoon. ‘This looks wonderful.’

It tasted every bit as good as it looked. The silky linguini was coated in a delicate sauce of lobster and cream, and Lisa ate hungrily. It had been too long since she’d had pasta, she thought, closing her eyes to savour the texture of it in her mouth. It was heaven. When she was on her own again she would eat pasta all the time. She could have it every day – twice a day if she wanted. And pizza! She should start making a list of foods she could indulge in when she was no longer with Mark, she decided, and add it to her mental picture of what her future would look like. She couldn’t have a physical inspiration board, but she kept one in her head, and it helped her to stay motivated and focused on her goals. When she was having a bad day and slipping into despair, visualising her future life buoyed her up.

She suddenly became aware of Grayson watching her, smiling indulgently, and realised she had zoned out. ‘This is really good,’ she said to cover her embarrassment.

‘I’m glad you like it.’

‘You’re a good cook.’

‘I enjoy it. I don’t get to do it often enough.’

‘So, where’s Isabel tonight? Doesn’t she mind you having another woman here?’

‘No.’ He smiled. ‘I told you, Isabel and I aren’t like that. We’re just friends.’

She nodded. ‘Friends with benefits. I remember.’ Once again she felt hopelessly naive. She didn’t understand these casual sexual relationships – and she didn’t think she ever would.

‘You don’t approve,’ he said.

Damn! She must have let some of what she was thinking show in her face.
Fix it, Lisa
! ‘No,’ she said hastily, ‘it’s not that. It’s like Mark said – I’m very parochial.’ She gave a self-deprecating laugh. ‘I’m just not very sophisticated, I’m afraid.’

‘Yet here you are,’ he said softly. The implication was clear – here she was, ready and willing to have sex for money. She could hardly claim to be a wide-eyed innocent.

She shrugged. ‘Well, I’m learning.’

‘What about you and Mark? You seem to have a pretty open relationship.’

‘Not as much as you’d think. Mark is ... quite possessive. If he knew I was here–‘ She stopped abruptly. She had been going to say
If he knew I was here, he’d kill me
. Still, even if she had said it, Grayson wouldn’t take it literally. People said that all the time. It was just an expression.

‘Don’t worry, I won’t say anything.’ He covered her hand with his in a reassuring gesture.

‘Thank you,’ she smiled. As they ate, Lisa felt herself relax. The heat of the fire, Grayson’s easygoing manner and the comfort of the food all combined to soothe her and put her at ease.

‘Dessert?’ Grayson asked as he got up and started clearing their plates.

‘No, thank you,’ Lisa said automatically. She never ate dessert. Mark didn’t allow it. Then she remembered the first night they had met, and blushed. Maybe he didn’t mean dessert literally ...

‘There’s chocolate mousse,’ Grayson said temptingly, a teasing smile playing about his lips. ‘I made it specially.’

‘Oh. Well, in that case ...’ Lisa relented with a smile, feeling very reckless.

Grayson grinned and left the room, and Lisa’s smile faded as it struck her how ridiculous it was that she should feel so daring simply for saying yes to dessert. God, she was pathetic!

She shook off her gloomy thoughts as Grayson returned with two little individual pots of mousse topped with whipped cream.

‘Oh my God, this is amazing!’ Lisa said as she swallowed the first mouthful. It was rich and indulgent, and tasted so good, she almost wanted to cry. Chocolate was another food that was going on her list, she decided.

Grayson smiled at her. ‘Well, it’s nice to have such an appreciative guest.’

A loaded silence fell between them as they finished eating. Grayson pushed back from the table and sipped his wine, and Lisa felt his heavy, hooded gaze on her.

‘Come here,’ he said finally, holding out a hand to her, his dark eyes glittering with intent.

She took his hand and stood. Time to pay the piper, she thought, about to sink to her knees in front of him. She was startled when instead he pulled her onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her.

‘I can’t believe you’re finally here, like this,’ he said, one hand stroking her cheek softly, while he gazed at her. He dropped a kiss to her bare shoulder. ‘I’ve thought about having you here so often,’ he said, nuzzling her neck. ‘What I’d like to do to you.’ He kissed her ear, tugging lightly on the lobe, his hot breath tickling her skin and fizzing along her nerve endings. ‘All the places I want to kiss you,’ he whispered, his hand sliding up her thigh under her dress. He kissed her mouth, parting her lips with his. He cupped her bottom, pulling her closer as his tongue slid into her mouth. She felt the hardness of his erection as he pulled her tighter, thrusting his hips against hers, and she rocked into him, wanting more. His breathing deepened, and his hands became more urgent, stroking her thighs and brushing over her breasts until her nipples were taut and hard. She gasped as he bent and sucked one through the thin material of her dress, cradling his head to her, her fingers digging into his hair. He groaned deep in his throat as he slipped a finger inside her knickers and stroked along her folds. ‘You’re so wet,’ he gasped, lifting his head, his eyes dark with desire as they met hers. He watched her face as he continued to stroke, and Lisa clutched him tighter as her excitement mounted.

He withdrew abruptly, placing both hands firmly on her waist as he pulled back a little.

‘Come upstairs,’ he said.

Lisa nodded, and he stood, gripping her hand tightly in his as he led her from the room and up the stairs almost at a run.

The bedroom he took her to was large and airy, moonlight streaming in from two floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the imposing king-size bed of rich, dark wood that dominated the room, its intricately carved headboard adding a touch of drama. Grayson pulled the curtains and flicked on a lamp that bathed the room in a warm yellow light. Then he pulled her into his arms, holding her tight into his body, so she could feel how much he wanted her, his erection pressing into her stomach as he kissed her, his mouth hot and demanding on hers. His fingers shook as he fumbled with the tie of her dress at her neck. She shivered as he opened it and the material slid against her skin as it fell to her waist. Grayson pulled back slightly, his eyes dark and hungry as they dropped to her naked breasts. Then he undid the zip and pushed the dress off so it landed in a pool at her feet and she was naked except for her thong and high heels.

‘You’re so beautiful,’ he breathed, his eyes following his hand as it stroked across her shoulder and down over her breast, lingering there, caressing, his fingers lightly pinching her nipple as he bent to kiss her.