The Irresistible Bundle (116 page)

"Personally I can't wait" Griffin smugly replies before kissing my cheek.

Carina motions us over insisting on that group hug. "They're not living anywhere near us" I demand for all to hear. The room erupts in laughter.

"We promise" Ignacio assures me. "I've already found them housing. It's convenient to their school but not too far from you girls."

"Thank you Daddy" Carina hugs him tightly bouncing in place. I turn away fighting the bile and nightmarish images threatening to spew forth. I can't stand the word
daddy
anymore. I can't watch a man and his daughter together without thinking about what mine did to me.

Father. Fucking bastard.

"Hopefully you ladies can find plenty to do over the summer" Griffin's mother states. Carina smiles wickedly at me. Oh yeah there's plenty to do.

"I'm sure we'll manage" Carina smirks catching Diego and Griffin's attention.

"Muñeca" Diego groans. "I'm only asking for seven weeks."

"We got this" she pats him on the shoulder before winking at Griffin. The guys don't realize that we plan to hang out between Valentino and Nicholas' places. Club 69 and Hedonism, here we come. Plenty to see and do. Enough man candy to keep us occupied.

Oh yeah, it's gonna be an eventful summer.

NOT ME

~ DESIRAE ~

Club 69 is packed. Sweaty bodies press against each other on the dance floor as the DJ keeps everyone entranced. We've spent so much time at
Scandalous
trying to promote the grand opening that it's easy to forget how kick ass Valentino's club is. The VIP section is at capacity, the line for people to get in is wrapped around the building and the bar looks like a nuthouse.

"And Marco was worried" Valentino sniggers. I look around wondering who he's talking to but it's just me and him at the booth. Andrea and Sati are dancing right beside Marco and Carina giving them a run for their money.

"About what" I decide to engage him. He looks lonely here away from his two lovers.

"Marco thought
Scandalous
might affect our business" he replies. His eyes roam the entire club watching his staff, patrons, and every detail in between.

I snort at the ridiculous notion. Aside from the fact that Nicholas has designated nights for members only, the nightclub can be a little too much for uninformed club goers. Not everyone wants to see nearly naked servers, provocative numbers onstage, and some naughtiness in between.

"Good thing he was wrong, huh?" I smirk. It's rare for Marco to admit he's wrong if there's a fraction of a possibility that he might be right.

"Here you are boss" one of the servers drops off drinks for the entire table. Valentino grabs his beer as I grab the rum and coke I requested. My lips are numb and my stomach's warm, letting me know this is drink number three or four.

"Thank you" Valentino nods his head quietly dismissing the obedient server. Every female in this place, staff and patrons alike, quickly learned that Carina, and Marco, was it for him. His time of one-night stands and casual fucks: officially over.

"Why not me" My loose lips blurt out the words bouncing around in my head. The question has plagued me for months now but I never dreamed of voicing it. Damn liquor. Alcohol doesn't free my inhibitions like other people, it just eliminates the few filters I barely have. I'm already uninhibited. Anything less and I'd walk around naked all the time.

"Why not you what" He scrunches his nose in confusion. It's a rare gesture for him since he considers himself always onstage being the club owner and all. I've never seen him hang out in the VIP section getting drunk. Nope, he just mingles with everyone ensuring things are running smoothly and that they're happy and safe.

"Nothing" I go for nonchalance hoping he doesn't turn his intense stare on me. My stupid mouth has gotten me into trouble one too many times. I don't want to taint our relationship. Valentino and I have come a long way since I first laid eyes on him. We're in a good place and I don't want any awkwardness between us.

"I'm not going to ask you again" he lowers his pitch an octave letting me know he's not bullshitting. It's rare for Valentino to use his dominant tone on me, especially since he knows it doesn't intimidate me in the least.

"I'm drunk" I wave him off. "Ignore me."

"Those three rounds of drinks is child's play compared to what you're capable of" he challenges. "You drink like a fucking fish."

Valentino turns his back to the dance floor effectively letting me know that there's no one else in the club that has his undivided attention. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I can't feign ignorance any longer. "I don't know why I said that" I admit, and that's the truth. Fucking lack of filter.

"Talk to me Firecracker" he cajoles. I stare into his rich brown eyes seeing and feeling the warmth emanating from it. The black hole in my chest calls for attention reminding me why I actually voiced the words. What was it about Carina on Halloween night that made Valentino notice her above everyone else? Sati got a chance with him but only in the bedroom, never in his heart. He plays around with me and we get physical but nothing more.

We sit in silence although the music is almost deafening. I know I should tear my eyes away from his knowing stare but the Dom in me refuses to back down. I've sucked his dick several times but he rarely penetrates anyone aside from Carina or Marco. Andrea and I know the pleasures of his hands and mouth more than anything else.

"I'm just wondering what made Carina stand out over everyone else" I shrug. I've never been one to be the center of attention. I know how to stand out in the crowd while diverting attention elsewhere. It's saved me on more than one occasion.

"You mean why didn't I notice you" He leans back in his chair crossing his thick arms over his chiseled chest. Have I mentioned the man is delicious? "That's what you actually asked. Why not you" he reminds me of the traitorous words that escaped my lips.

I try to look anywhere but at him. I'm embarrassed. Valentino's an amazing man. He's warm, serious, loving, and loyal. I can see why Marco pined away for him for so many years. Valentino's the type of man you could accidentally fall in love with and forgive him for not loving you back.

"Where's all this coming from?" He tries to change direction. I don't know why the hell I even went there. It's not like I want to take him away from Carina and Marco. On the contrary, I just don't want to lose him. Seeing Carina and Jaxon performing together at
Scandalous
has shifted things. Valentino doesn't need to say it but I see the way he watches their interactions. He won't allow Jaxon to weasel his way back into Carina's heart without a fight.

"What if I said I don't want to lose you" He can barely hear me over the music. It's asinine to even contemplate the what-if's but I can't help it. I always have a backup plan, contingency plan, and an oh-shit plan in place for everything I do. That's right; the contingency plan on top of the backup plan with the Hail Mary. I learned a long time ago that you can never be too prepared.

Valentino opens his mouth but doesn't say anything. Instead he pulls me into his broad chest waiting until I finally relax melting into him. I can't stand for most men to confine me in any way: with their arms, body, or an implement but the same doesn't apply to him. I feel a sense of security and warmth from him that I haven't felt with anyone else. Yes, he's blown his load in my mouth. Yes, we outrageously flirt with each other but he's a part of my foundation in this new life I've built. He calls me on my bullshit and gives me that nudge when I need it.

He's something vital to me but he's not everything. That right belongs to Carina and Marco. But Valentino's important enough in my life that if he and Carina were to ever break up his absence would leave a gaping hole in my chest and life. My chest and soul already looks like Swiss cheese. I don't need cracks in my newly formed foundation.

"No matter what you'll never lose me" he whispers into my ear, "Even if I have to stalk you in hell."

I curl into his chest chuckling at his audacity. Why is the assumption that I'll inevitably end up in hell? Don't they know the Devil's already kicked me out?

"I don't have another Valentino in my life" I admit. I didn't have one while living with the people posing as my parents and I don't think I'll ever find one after I leave college. "You're a once-in-a-lifetime kind of person. I need you."

"And I've never had a Firecracker like you" he kisses my temple causing a lump to form in my throat. "Your presence lights up a room. You leave a memorable impression wherever you go. I may have been locked onto Carina but it doesn't mean I never noticed you. Get used to me because I'm not going anywhere."

"Thank you" I lean into him grateful that his words pacified something unsettled within me. I haven't made many friends this year, much less true male friends. Valentino is special. I don't love or lust him in a way that causes a rift between us. If he decided to close ranks and remain physical with only Carina and Marco tomorrow I wouldn't feel left out or robbed. On the contrary, I'd feel honored to have the little time we shared together. It's that realization as he holds me close that helps close that errant thought-process. I never wanted or needed Valentino to choose me. Not in that way. I only want to ensure that he always stays a vital part of my life. There are many kinds of love in this world; few that I've ever personally experienced. Slowly but surely Valentino is ensuring that that lesson is being imprinted into my very essence. It's one that I need and want to learn.

"Did I mention Nicholas has a surprise for you?" He asks bringing me out of my reverie.

"Yeah" I say as I pull away from his chest. Carina, Marco, Andrea and Sati are heading our way. My one-on-one time with Valentino is officially over. "And what's that?"

Valentino chuckles shaking his head, "You'll see when we head over later to the estate."

THE DUNGEONS

~ DESIRAE ~

"I want to show you the lower level" Nicholas states as he gently grabs my elbow and leads me to the lowest level of the estate. Erotic art lines the walls of the stairwell. Sensual images capture my attention competing with the desire to see what Nicholas wants to show me within the walls of
Hedonism
. I thought I'd been everywhere there was to be within this palatial estate.

Heat courses through my veins as my eyes lock onto an image of a tongue licking the mushroom head of an engorged dick. "Wow" the word slips out before I can contain it. Nicholas smiles warmly eyeing the piece that enraptures me.

"C'mon" He motions toward the bottom of the stairs, "I'll show you the estate's collection later."

Wherever he's heading I hope it involves something active; these photographs are beyond erotic. I could spend the afternoon gazing at the images wishing it was me being photographed. Who were the lucky fuckers that got to do these sets? The images only highlight what the photographer wants you to focus on while fading the rest of the image into shadows. The artwork is absolutely brilliant. Amazing the stairwell doesn't smell more like musky sex; I'd gladly face the wall and allow someone to fuck me while enjoying the visual display.

"Welcome to the dungeons" Nicholas proudly boasts. My heart races with excitement at the sound of his words. My skin tingles with anticipation at what goes on beneath the main floor of the estate. Not just anyone enters the lower levels. It takes every ounce of self-control not to fling myself into the rooms and take over. For the first time in months I feel like I'm home. Fuck the place where my parents live; this is my sanctuary, this is my castle.

"You have several" I observe, leaving the statement open so that he can elaborate. Holy fucking shit he has several large dungeons throughout this lower-level. The first dungeon we approach appears to be for beginners. Bondage furniture litters the open floor space. Several benches meant for spanking decorate the room. The different colors, materials, and heights are an easy way for a beginner to decide where they want to start out. A chair stands out amongst the benches featuring a six-inch steel phallus. That looks like it would be fun to sit on for a few hours. Overhead restraints and a king-sized bed also fit into this room.

It's a room for schmucks.

"Next" I smirk at Nicholas who isn't the least bit surprised to see my indifference to this room. This is the room for pussies. The few flexible paddles and floggers on the wall scream of softies, no hardcore would step foot in there.

Nicholas walks across the hall to a room almost double in size. This room features two beds; one that immediately captures my attention. I absentmindedly walk over to it stroking the attached cuffs and bars. This is the kind of bed I'm more accustomed to: a true bondage bed. The bed is high off the ground allowing for a small cage beneath the mattress. The footboard contains several sized holes allowing access for hands, feet, and other body parts. A St. Andrew's cross, a narrow, tall cage, and a spanking horse are within our reach letting me know this is a step-up from the last room we'd been to.

"I figured you'd appreciate them" Nicholas chuckles as I stroke the whips and braided floggers. Unlike the other room, this one has drawers full of small treasures: spreader bars, nipple clamps, gags, blindfolds, butt plugs, cock rings, and dildos. I don't bother looking further because all I can focus on is the last room. My womb clenches with desire as Nicholas leads me there.

"Where is everyone?"

"We just had this level cleaned and sanitized. It'll be open tonight. If you're available I'd love for you to come in and observe. I'd like to see how you truly handle these tools of the trade."

"I'm an expert" I bark. I don't need to brag about it. There's a reason Nicholas was introducing me to the dungeon and not the other girls. They don't have the stomach, balls, or knowledge to roam this floor. This is my kingdom and I plan to rule it with an iron fist and phallus attached to my hips.

"So I've heard" Nicholas drawls. I raise my brows in expectation of an explanation but he doesn't offer one up. What I'd done at the Halloween party with the flogger was child's play. Flicking it across the girls' asses and the bodyguard's chest was just for kicks.

I'm not prepared for the last section of the lower floor. The last room takes my breath away. It's the place of nightmares and wet dreams. This is the room that gets my blood pumping and my juices flowing. My fingers itch to play. While some consider this a true dungeon I consider it my playroom. This room takes up half of the lower level. It contains three beds all with rubber sheets, various accessories, and attachments. There are no satin sheets and feather touches in here. Blood is meant to be spilled within these walls.

My eyes zero in on several dark boxes with peepholes through them: voyeur boxes. Wrist manacles and heavy duty handcuffs rest in black boxes throughout the room. A stretching wrack catches my attention while a wicked looking wheel with numerous straps scream for me to pay it a visit.

Interrogation chairs with head cages ominously sit in the corner. I shudder with the memory of being locked into one of those headpieces with an open mouth feature. I hated that fucking contraption. It left me vulnerable to whatever Mr. McNamara decided to shove into my mouth and down my throat. Never again would I be on the receiving end of something like that.

Body slings, bondage chairs, and suspension harnesses help to distract me from the horrid memories. Chests full of goodies rest throughout. The room contains a selection of suspension ropes, cables, hooks, restraints, collars, masks, and an array of sex toys. My eyes bounce around the room never stopping long enough to notice the small details of things. It's been years since I've seen that kind of fucking machine but the moment I lock eyes with it my body automatically knows what it was.

"So you've been on one of these" Nicholas chuckles watching my flushed reaction. I can't help the pussy spasms. I loved and hated that kind of machine. It's the perfect pleasure receptor and torture device. The remote control dictates the thrust power and depth while allowing for changes in speed and angle. This technological piece of erotic brilliance deserves to be in this room.

"Does that mean you have electric pinwheels and powered cock bands?" My mouth salivates with the lascivious thoughts of showing Nicholas what I can do with a dipstick or ball splitter.

Nicholas' eyes darken with desire. "I'll have to see you use everything in this room before you're permitted full access with members in the dungeons" he growls. His gravelly voice shoots straight to my clit reminding me that I need to get laid.

"Take off your clothes and we can get started" I instruct. Damn I'd give anything to get Nicholas on his hands and knees following my every command. Every muscle in my body tenses with sweet anticipation.

"I'm not a sub Des" his gruff voice hardens my nipples. His words sink in causing a wave of disappointment to wash through me. The moment my expression hardens Nicholas' entire demeanor changes. We're two Doms posturing to outdo each other.

"And I'm not either" I hiss. No fucking way am I going to allow any cocksucker to try and tie me up and break me down.

"I wasn't offering" Nicholas smugly states. "You're not exactly my type within these walls" he smirks as he motions to the dungeon walls.

"But I am on the upper levels" I snicker knowing he damn well would openly welcome my expert mouth and pussy.

"Touché" he laughs. "Can you audition tomorrow morning?"

I bite my lip fighting off the sarcastic retort. Although this isn't a performance at the nightclub it is necessary to see my skill set. If he wants to call it an audition then so be it. "What time" I state knowing full well that he'll be beyond impressed with my level of expertise regarding everything within this room. Give me any implement, I'm a fucking master. Give me a guy under my thumb and I'll make him my bitch. Someone wants their cherry popped I'm your dominatrix.

"Let's do 10" Nicholas beams. "Oh Firecracker, I can't wait to see what you got."

I bring Nicholas to my level, touching nose-to-nose. "You can't handle me... But you'll love watching every moment."

Nicholas' eyes glaze over as I push him away and stalk off. Oh yeah Nicholas is in for a special treat.