Indulgence (Taking Chances #1) (7 page)

“No.  You said this was about freedom, about taking chances, but there are some things I don’t take chances with.  I refuse to allow…”

Out of nowhere, a man appeared behind the desk.  His light, blue-eyed gaze washed over me, causing every follicle on my skin to stand on end.  My body tingled with excitement.  All I could do was stare at him.  He was the epitome of a god.  

Skin, lightly kissed by the sun.  Hair, the color of pale gold.  He was tall but the air around him made him appear taller.  The tip of his tongue darted out over his lips, and I had the sudden urge to reach out and capture it between my teeth.  My eyes drifted down, catching the sight of a hard, lean body.  His hands tucked away in his pockets, pulling his suit jacket away from his hips.  When I realized I was staring at his crotch, I quickly shifted my eyes to meet his.  Bad move.  Once locked in his sights, I was done for.

“Sebastian Hawk,” I rasped.  

The room went silent.  No one made a sound.  I could feel every pair of eyes on me and our magnificent host.  I wanted to squeal, or breathe, or do anything other than stand there staring at him like I’d just seen Heaven.  The urge to faint was overwhelming.  Every inch of my body quivered.  Here he was, mere inches away from me.  God, how many times I masturbated to the image of this man in my head.  Peppy certainly would know.

“Is there a problem here?”  The smooth cadence of his voice was cool and collected, much like the atmosphere around him.  He was poised yet mysterious, and as for me, well, I was a puddle, dripping at his feet.

“I, uh, well, um, you see…” I stuttered.

“No.  No, problem,” Amber stepped in, answering for me.

I wanted to look at her but couldn’t tear my gaze from him.  From the corner of my eye, I could see her giving me the best
shut the hell up
look imaginable, which was not a problem, since I’d apparently lost my ability to speak in coherent sentences.

“I see,” he paused, his eyes never breaking away from me.  “Your name, Miss?”

I opened my mouth but couldn’t speak.  This man had me under some sort of spell.  His every movement was smooth yet stoic.  Nothing about him was out of place.  His hair styled perfectly, his tie straight, and even his jacket contoured to his body as if it were afraid to move without his permission.  He carried himself as I imagined royalty would.

“Miss?” he repeated, his voice decadently smooth with a hint of amusement.

I blinked a few times, trying to clear the fog.  “I’m sorry.”

“Your name is
I’m sorry
?”  

“No.  I…”  

God, what the fuck is wrong with me?

His lips twitched, but never produced a true grin.  

“George.  Addison George,” I blurted out.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.  Are you sure there’s no problem?  From what I just witnessed, you seemed discontent with some of our rules.”  He tapped scary lady’s shoulder, who immediately removed my card from the box and handed it up to him.  His eyes scanned my information before returning his gaze to me.

I swallowed, shaking my head.  David was right.  Being in the presence of Sebastian Hawk was much different than seeing him on the cover of a magazine or on television.  So many people knew his face and his fortune, but few knew the man himself.  Media salivated over anything they could find on him, but most times the stories contradicted something that had previously been reported.  One thing was for sure though, well two actually.  One, he had a damn good press secretary, and two, he was a magnificent specimen of man.

Taking a deep breath, I found it in me to answer, “No, Sir.  No problem at all.”

Sebastian raised his shoulders and dropped them in an almost sigh.  It was the only chink in his armor I’d seen, but was gone as quickly as it came.  The way his tuxedo hugged his body made me weak in the knees.  Never had I been more jealous of fabric as I was at this very moment.  He handed my information back to scary lady and tucked his hands into his pockets.  “Very well.  If you require any assistance tonight, do let me know.”

“Personally?” fell from my lips before I could stop it.

“Addison!” Amber hissed.

The corner of his mouth twitched into the most delicious crooked grin.  “Have a lovely evening, Ms. George.”  He cocked his head to the side, eyeing me with immense curiosity.  He straightened his back, narrowing his shoulders.  With one last lingering glance, he clicked his heels, turned around, and disappeared from whence he came.

“Holy shit.  That was…that was…” I blathered.

The scary lady smiled.  Had I not been still mystified by Sebastian, I might have been frightened.  Damn, those were some sharp-looking teeth.  “Amazing, yes,” she mocked.

“C’mon,” Amber snarled, grabbing me by the arm.

“Oh, Miss George,” the scary blonde lady stopped us.

“Yes?”

She dangled the offending sex partner card from her fingertips.  “You’ll need this.”

With a huff of frustration, I grabbed the card and wrapped it around my arm as Amber pulled me past the desks, toward the doors leading into the great room.   

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“Just shut-up and walk!” she demanded, having obviously forgotten all about David because he was still standing at the signing desk watching us disappear.  

“What did I do wrong?”

Just past the doors, she slammed on the brakes and turned to face me.  Her hazel eyes now burned bright red with rage.  “I can’t believe you just did that.”

“Did what?”

Amber tossed her hands in the air, throwing what I would’ve called a childish temper tantrum.  “Damn it, Addison, pay attention.  That was Sebastian Hawk.  The Grand Master.  David told you that people treat him with reverence here.  If that means nothing to you, then consider the fact that you’re in his home.  Show some respect.”

I sighed and nodded.  “I’m sorry, but I still feel this is ridiculous.”  I waved the card dangling from my arm in her face.

“It doesn’t matter what you think.  You could’ve easily gotten us banned for that stunt back there.”

That’s when the ramifications of my actions struck me.  I clasped my hand to my mouth.  “Oh, God.  I’m so sorry.  I wasn’t thinking.”

“No, you weren’t.”  Amber rubbed the back of her neck and took a look around.  “But I guess no harm was done.  Everyone definitely knows you now.”  The tension eased from her shoulders and a small laugh rumbled from her chest.  “That could benefit us.  Now, let’s get a drink.”

I wrapped my around her shoulders and pulled her into the crook of my side.  “That sounds like a grand idea to me.”  A little liquid courage never hurt anyone, and I needed all the courage I could get if I intended on making it through this night.

Two shots later, both aptly named for the night’s events, Amber and I were back to our normal selves.  The flow of newcomers started to dwindle.  The room was full of life, and a buzz of anticipation filled the air.  The sounds of laughter and conversation crescendoed as if a fine-tuned orchestra was preparing to begin an epic symphony.  I looked on in awe and amazement at the diversity of everyone in the room.  Had I not known we were all gathered for a wild fuck fest, I would’ve sworn I was in the middle of an average New Year’s Eve party.

Amber nudged my arm.  “Would you like another?”

I glanced over my shoulder to the bar behind me, humming with indecision.  “Actually,” I paused, “I think I’d rather have a Grey Goose and Sprite.”

Amber turned around, raising her hand to gain the bartender’s attention.  A young man dressed in black slacks, a white button-down shirt with black garters on each arm and a black bowtie, made his way down to us.  Like everyone else in the room, his face was covered by a mask.  It disguised his eyes and nose but allowed the world to see his adorable smile.

“What can I get for you, ladies?” he asked.

“A Grey Goose and Sprite, and a martini as dirty as you can make it,” Amber requested with a wink.

The bartender ran his fingers through his dark, curly hair.  He gave a quick nod and a smile.  “You got it.”

Leaning back, I rested my elbows against the bar.  My eyes scanned the room, watching the last minute stragglers enter.  Conversation buzzed around me, and for a moment I was lulled into a false sense of comfort.

Before I saw him, I felt him.  From the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of Sebastian.  I inclined my head to obtain a better look at this perfect specimen of a man.  At the top of the staircase, he stood.  Never had I seen anyone stand so straight or so confident.  His hands tucked into his pockets, he surveyed the crowd, taking pride in his dominion.  From the way he scanned the room, I got the distinct feeling he was looking for someone in particular.  Not a single soul was around him.  Everyone seemed to keep clear of him, almost as if he were a ghost or a shadow in this place.

I was seduced by his mere presence.  Every inch of my body tingled with excitement.  I tried to shrug it off as just my fan girl whims, and maybe that was true, but then again, maybe it was the fact that I knew tonight was all about sex and eroticism.  Or maybe it was because I knew I couldn’t have him.  Whatever the case, there was something about Sebastian that captivated me.  I wanted him in a way I’d never wanted anyone before.  It was too bad I wouldn’t get a chance to taste the forbidden fruit.

“God, I can see why you have the hots for him.  He’s fucking gorgeous,” Amber purred, her sex kitten claws out.

“That he is,” I agreed with a wanton sigh.  

Almost as if he heard me speak, Sebastian’s gaze met mine.  His calculated, fierce blue eyes sparkled under the flickering light of the candles in the room.  The corner of his mouth twitched and his jaw tightened.  His stance was confident and still, almost as if he were a perfect statue.  Even had I wanted to look away, I couldn’t.

Heat coursed through my veins.  A heat so intense it was unlike anything I’d felt before.  The warmth of my desire coated my panties.  My nipples hardened, straining toward the one person I yearned to have touch me.  Sebastian’s tongue darted out over his lips, and I damn near came unglued.

“Wow.  He really is looking,” Amber noted.

I blinked, wiping away the fog that was Sebastian Hawk from my mind.  “Who’s looking?”

“The Grand Master.  You must’ve really gotten to him.  Lucky bitch.  I bet he watches you tonight.”

“Whatever,” I scoffed, nudging Amber with my elbow.  She poked me back, laughing.

Two drinks appeared on the bar behind us.  “Here ya go, ladies.”

In the amount of time it took me to turn around, thank the bartender and to have a sip of my drink, Sebastian disappeared.  I was a disappointed when I looked back up at the staircase to find him gone, but I still felt him.  He was somewhere in the room.  I glanced around, hoping to see him again.

“Oh, things are about to start,” Amber squealed from behind the lip of her glass.  She pointed toward a makeshift stage in the center of the room.  There stood Sebastian.  He looked out over the crowd and cleared his throat.  The buzz in the room died down to church mouse silent.  While Sebastian appeared to look at everyone around him, I had a distinct feeling as if he viewed them all as visual noise.  

“Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen, and Happy New Year.”

The room echoed back in unison a New Year’s greeting.

A true smile formed on his lips, and he nodded in response.

“It’s wonderful to have each and every one of you here tonight.  I’m honored that you would share your final hours of this year with me in celebration of the magnificent world of
Indulgence
.  As I’m sure you all know, I’m Sebastian Hawk and I will be your host for the evening.”

The room exploded in a thunder of clapping.

Sebastian waved at the crowd, instantly silencing everyone.  I was in awe of how he commanded the room.

“A few quick provisos before we get started.”  He scanned the crowd, smiling at each person.  Every time his eyes fell on me, I got tingly.  Part of me hoped Amber was right and he did find interest in me.  The other was scared out of my wit that she was right and I had an imminent stalker for the night.

“You will find that each room is listed with an indulgence for your tasting.  If a room is not marked, it’s not available for entry.  Lounges have been placed throughout the house for resting.  You’re more than welcome to take advantage of them whenever you need a break, however, sexual activity is prohibited in the lounging areas.”  He stressed
prohibited
.  I guess not everywhere was a fuckable zone.  

“Protection, such as condoms for men and women, as well as an array of lubricants are available in each room.  You are required to use protection during each encounter.  My medical staff will be available around the clock in case of any emergencies.  Also, the kitchen and bar are open all evening.”  He stretched out his hand, indicating to the bar behind me.  “Please, take care of your bodies.  I cannot stress this enough.  Tonight is about enjoyment, and there is no enjoyment when one does not care for themselves and their partners.

“And last, but certainly not least, the guidelines everyone signed upon entering this evening,” the corner of his mouth raised in a mischievous crooked grin and his gaze cut straight to me, “have been posted throughout the house to serve as a constant reminder of the contract you signed upon accepting your partner card.”

I slapped my hand over my face.  Amber laughed, jabbing her elbow into my side.  

“Hush,” I hissed through gritted teeth.

“I didn’t say a thing,” she whispered back.

“Anyone caught breaking these rules,” Sebastian continued, “will be removed from the premises immediately.”  He smiled out at the reverent crowd.  “At this time, please remove your clothing.  My staff will be around to collect your belongings.  A claim number will be stamped onto your partner card.”  Sebastian shifted his feet and took a deep breath.  “I wish you all a night to remember and a Happy New Year.”

The lights dimmed and the room burst back to life.  All at once, people began to strip.  My mouth dropped at how easily the crowd discarded their clothes, as if it were nothing.

“Told you to give it time,” Amber chortled, “we’d be naked soon enough.”  She reached behind her back and unzipped her dress, allowing it to slink down her now naked body.  

I looked away, feeling flushed.  It wasn’t as if I hadn’t seen her naked before, but this was different.  “Holy shit!  You didn’t wear panties?”  

Amber laughed at my sudden shyness, and tugged on the thin strap that held up my dress.  “They’re pointless.  Now, c’mon.  Get undressed and let’s go have some fun.”

I grabbed my dress before it fell to the floor, moving my eyes out over the room.  The tingly feeling I had was gone, and so was Sebastian.  Disappointed, I allowed my dress to pool at my feet and shimmied out of my panties.

A young woman, dressed much like the rest of Sebastian’s staff, appeared out of nowhere and collected our clothing, marking our cards with our claim numbers.  Her eyes remained upward, careful not to look down at our nakedness.  Not that I blamed her.  If I were in her position, I’d probably be walking around with blinders on.

Naked as the day I was born, I fought the urge to cover myself.  You never realize how awkward placing your hands can be until you’re exposed, butt-naked, to the world.  To make matters worse, I was kicking myself in the ass for allowing Amber to talk me into a full Brazilian wax a few days earlier.  If I’d know what she intended for me, I probably wouldn’t have done it.  Any covering at this point, even curly pubes, would’ve been nice.

All of my senses felt heightened through my anxiety.  Bare human flesh in all various shapes, sizes and colors invaded my vision.  The smell of sex already overpowered the scent of cinnamon.  My mouth watered with lust at the sight before me.  The hair on my skin rose.  My nipples were harder than they’d ever been in my life.  A thin sheen of moisture glazed my thighs.  To say I was aroused by the stimulation in front of me would’ve been an understatement.  

People began to migrate from the main room.  Some by themselves.  Some coupled.  Others grouped up.  But the pattern was all the same.  Men, women—all touching, fondling, laughing, and wanton.  Did I really want to be a part of that?  The thought was fun, but the execution, well, that was a different story.

“Where do you want to go first?” Amber asked, rubbing her hands together like a kid in a candy store.  “Usually I’d go straight to the BDSM room, but I think that’s a little too advanced for you to start off with.  You know, it’s been awhile since I’ve done vanilla.  This could be fun.”  She tapped her finger to her chin, contemplating our options.  “Hmm.  Let’s see.  We could check out voyeurism?  Or maybe straight couples? Masturbation could be fun, too.”

My head swirled with all of the options.  I’d never thought of sex in the terms of vanilla or not.  Sex was sex, was it not?

“Um, wherever,” I swallowed down my nervous energy, reaching behind me for the liquid courage I’d left sitting on the bar as I disrobed, “you think.”  My fingers wrapped around the glass.  Condensation coated my fingers, making them nearly as wet as my thighs.  I pulled the straw to my lips and drained the glass dry.  There wasn’t enough alcohol in the building to give me the courage I needed to make it through the night.

Amber bounced up and down, almost giggling in glee.  “The possibilities are endless.  God, this is going to be so much fucking fun,” she snickered.  “Literally.”

Damn, I was in trouble.  Lord only knew what she was about to put me in the middle of.

Just as I was about to tell her to lead the way, that tingling feeling burst a new round of goose flesh over my already over stimulated body.  I searched the crowd for Sebastian, certain he was nearby.

“Another drink, Miss,” came the sultry voice from behind the bar.  I turned around, positive Sebastian was behind me, only to be disappointed to find another employee of his.  

Piercing blue eyes peered at me from behind a basic black mask.  Unlike the other bartender, a velvet boiler hat covered his hair, and he wore a black vest over his crisp white shirt.  Shapely lips twisted into a lopsided grin.  There was something all too familiar about his features.  His chiseled jawline, the shape of his mouth, even his posture seemed familiar to me.    “Do I know you?” I blurted out.

He chuckled.  “I don’t think so.  I’m sure I’d remember a beautiful woman such as yourself.”

“Smooth,” Amber jibbed.

The bartender laughed.  “Not intentionally, I assure you.  Is there anything I can get for you, ladies?”

I placed my empty glass back on the bar.  My body was a livewire, making me still believe that Sebastian was in close proximity, but this bartender suddenly had my attention.  He was charismatic, and from what I could tell behind the mask and the tailored clothing, he was quite a tasty morsel of a man.  Choosing to ignore my instincts about Sebastian, I scooted my glass toward him and smiled.  “Another Sprite and vodka, please.”

“I’m here to serve,” he remarked, taking my empty cup, making it disappear behind the bar at the same time he made a fresh glass appear.  An apparent master of mixology, he went straight to work pouring my drink.  He finished it off with a squeeze of lime and placed it in front of me.  “Here ya go, Red.  Enjoy.”

My eyes widened and mouth went dry.  Even Amber stood unmoving, staring at the poor guy.

“What?  Did I grow a third head in the last ten seconds or something?” he asked, his tone quite defensive.

I shook my head and guzzled down the drink he’d presented to me, savoring the carbonated bubbles invading my mouth.  My mind whirled with a million thoughts.  Could his familiarity be because he was Jacoby?  Could that be why I recognized him?  But it couldn’t be.  He didn’t sound like my ex, and he most definitely wasn’t built like him.  It was a coincidence that he happened to call me Red.  A strange, freak accident.  

With my liquid courage gone, I had no choice but to tell him why there was now an awkwardness between us.