Unexpected Hero: An age gap forbidden romance, page 9
But something about James makes me think that perhaps it’s time to try new things.
With him.
So I let the fantasy unfold a little further in my mind’s eye. My hands begin moving over my body of their own volition. I start with my fingertips running across my chin, then trail them lower over my neck before they travel along the valley between my breasts. My other hand joins in, cupping my C-cups over the fabric of my sundress.
A slight moan escapes me as I imagine my hands are his. Those long fingers would be so nimble and skilled. I bet he could work me up in no time.
My fantasy pulls me back to the coffee shop, but this time, no one is there except the two of us. He looks at me with that intense stare, opens his mouth enough for his tongue to swipe at his lower lip, leaving it glistening.
“Get up against the wall, Lettie.”
And I do. I obey him without hesitation.
He prowls over, a hunter stalking his prey. “Hands against the wall.”
The fantasy plays out, but my hands aren’t against a wall like they are in my mind. In reality, they’re sinking down into my panties. My pussy is soaked and needy. I find my clit and swirl my fingertips around it, slowly at first.
“I’m up against the wall. Now what?”
“I’m going to search you.”
“For what?”
My hips buck into my hand as I tease myself, not wanting to come too fast.
“After I search your body from head to toe, I’ll let you know what I find.”
His warm hands wrap over my shoulders, and he scoops my hair to one side. I feel the heat coming off his body as he skims the exposed flesh of my upper arms. He works his way back up, then slips one strap of my dress down. The other follows a second later, and my dress begins to slip down my body.
His breath caresses the sensitive skin of my nape, and I break out in goose flesh. As his hands work lower, he tugs my dress the rest of the way down until it’s in a pile on the floor.
“Spread your legs.”
I do, and not just in my fantasy. My flattened hand runs over my core, stroking up and down. I press my palm against my needy clit and buck up, chasing my climax.
In my mind, James sinks to his knees behind me and drags his hands over my thighs. Without warning, he spreads me wide open and cups my pussy roughly.
“Are you hiding something in here?”
“No,” I whimper.
“I better check.”
He rips my panties clean off my body. They disintegrate with his touch. And then he’s there, exploring my soaking wet flesh and diving his long fingers in and out of my pussy.
I long to simulate what it’d feel like, but I’m too shame-filled to thrust my fingers in and out like I imagine he would.
My body heats at the thought of him working me closer to climax. I feel the coil of pleasure deep in my belly. I can’t stop my moans. I hope they can’t hear me in the room next door. Not that they show me the same courtesy.
Fuck it.
I moan louder, pretending James has ordered me to do it.
“Let me hear you. Don’t hold back.”
I don’t dare disobey him.
Before I know it, that spiral of pleasure has spread throughout my whole body. I slam my thighs closed and rock into my hand as I come unraveled.
“Oh, shit, shit. Yes,” I yell, unashamed of touching myself.
For once.
I let the pleasure rock through me as I ride out my climax, moaning and keening into the quiet stillness of my room. My breasts heave with my deep breaths as I start to come down from the high.
“And that was just a fantasy. Imagine if it was the real thing,” I mutter to myself.
After my heart rate returns to normal, I remove my hand from my panties and feel the familiar bout of shame. It wraps its arms around me like a scratchy wool blanket.
Dammit.
So much for freeing myself.
Better luck next orgasm.
Chapter 9
Bask
TOMER
Well, fuck me. The sound of Lettie coming is forever branded into my mind.
Didn’t expect to see her touching herself when I accessed her phone’s camera and microphone, but I can’t say I regret it. It was so tempting to keep watching.
So fucking tempting.
However, I wasn’t going to whack my dick while spying on her like a fucking creepy pervert. And if I kept watching, jacking off was going to be a necessity. No matter what my father called me, I’m not that big of a creep.
My dick is standing at attention and will likely stay that way until I release the tension.
Fucking hell.
I turned off the camera immediately and lowered the volume until I could barely hear her soft moans, whimpers, and gasps.
Although I have watched her through her phone camera before without her knowledge, observing her masturbating isn’t something I’ll do. Not without her consent.
I’ve never watched anyone do something intimate without their consent, and I won’t start now.
No matter how badly I wanted to.
With the volume low in the background — just in case something happened in that shitty hotel — I attempted to focus on other tasks. And each time my mouse hovered over the video button, I forced it away.
Not without her permission.
After coffee with Lettie, I rushed home and cleared out my email while monitoring her text messages with her friend. I was curious to hear what she thought about me, hoping she didn’t really want to see me again. I was waiting for that old, familiar moment when the girl I’ve got a crush on turns out to be disgusted by me.
At the same time, the thought raked my insides.
I missed the beginning of her video call while distracted with work shit, but I listened to the last few minutes. Just long enough to know she’s interested in me.
A growing part of me wishes she wasn’t. My infatuation would be easier to ignore if she saw me as nothing but a friend. Hell, I’d take her seeing me as merely a checkbook to get her through rough times over knowing she wasn’t turned off by me like most people are.
Knowing she’s happier having met me, I’m not sure I can walk away as easily as I’d like to.
Like I should do.
I’ll have to work three times as hard to convince myself to leave her alone now that I’ve heard her delicate moans of pleasure.
Who am I kidding? I can’t leave her alone.
For one, she needs protection. Even Stella thinks Lettie’s too trusting to be left to her own devices. And she’s known her far longer than I have.
I also can’t walk away from Lettie until I uncover what she knows about Big Al.
But it’s not only that.
Lettie needs help I can provide. More than protection or a job. She needs a friend. One who lives here. If a simple coffee date made her that happy, imagine how good I can make her feel in all the other ways I want to.
Dammit. My dick stiffens even harder.
I need to get to the club tonight. Although, the thought of a random sub doesn’t feel right.
Shaking it off, I scan my laptop for any other important tasks. Before tomorrow, I need to run diagnostics on the Redleg payroll system. I got an email from Boss’s secretary, Peggy, complaining about error messages she gets when running reports. I’ll work on that later.
Using my tablet, I check on Lettie. I can’t see her because her phone is positioned beside her bed, but I hear fabric rustling.
The corner of the screen picks up movement. She’s sitting on the edge of her bed, slipping on her sneakers. Time for a jog already?
I check my watch. She’s early tonight.
Wasting no time, I change my clothes so I can jog behind her at a reasonable distance. I haven’t done cardio in a few days. Normally, I follow her in my car, driving a few blocks at a time. Since she knows what my car looks like now, that’s too risky.
I’ll throw on sunglasses and a hat. If I stay far enough away, she won’t recognize me. Easier to dive in and out of the trees along the edge of the path she takes when I’m on my feet.
Five minutes later, I’m out the door, driving quickly across town. She didn’t take her car, so I have to track her via her phone.
I need to figure out how to tag her sneakers without her knowing. She’s not safe out there. What if she goes for a run without her phone when I’m stuck at work? Or worse, what if whoever harms her disables her phone? If something happened, I’d never be able to find her. I can’t risk that. She’s defenseless.
Vulnerable.
And what the fuck would I tell Big Al then?
When I approach the area near her hotel, my head moves on a swivel as I try to locate her. Wish I had a drone with me. Next time.
With a few taps of my screen while stopped at a traffic light, I gain access to her phone’s GPS location. I drive a few blocks farther until I see her in the distance. Her long blond hair is tied in a ponytail, swinging from side to side as she runs down the sidewalk.
Terrible area for running.
I should take her to some other areas around town. There are better places to get fresh air and exercise. That could be a nice date. I think.
Not as if I’d know. I’ve never dated anyone in the traditional sense.
After parking in an out-of-the-way spot behind a dollar store, I double-time it to catch up with her, slowing my pace when I regain visual.
While I jog behind her, I call the club owner to put my plan in motion. “Hey, Dante. I’m coming in tonight. I need to talk to you about something. While I’m there, I can work the floor for a while if needed.”
“Sure, James. I’d appreciate that. I’ve got a ton of paperwork to deal with. We’ve got several new applicants for the platinum-level membership. Can you help me screen them again?”
“Absolutely. I’ll get the files from you tonight. See you around nine or ten.”
“Sounds good.”
A few hours after ensuring Lettie made it back safely to her hotel room, I’m all cleaned up and walking into a kink club called Bask.
A familiar face greets me at the door. “Evening, James. It’s been a while.”
“Hey, Tim.” I nod at the bouncer but don’t comment on his musing. It wasn’t a question.
At the front desk, Freya takes her lollipop out of her mouth and beams at me. “Hi, James. We’ve missed you. Are you taking over floor duty tonight?”
“Yes. After I talk to Dante. Is he in his office?”
“He’s already on the floor. The evening monitor called in sick.”
“Okay. I’ll find him.”
She presses her arms together, accentuating her cleavage. “If you have time later, I’d love to do a scene with you.”
“Not sure if I’ll be partaking tonight. But I’ll find you if I have time.”
I won’t.
Freya doesn’t appeal to me tonight. After hearing Lettie make herself come, I don’t expect I’ll be able to do a scene with anyone for quite a while.
But that’s fine. That’s not why I come here.
I come here to feel normal. Like I belong.
When I’m at Bask, no one expects me to be anything but who I am. Here, it’s okay to be quiet. It’s okay to watch people. It’s okay to be a little awkward, intense, or serious.
I can control the situation without judgment. If I want to engage with someone, I know how to go about it. If I want to keep to myself, I’m allowed to do it without anyone teasing or poking fun at me for being the Nofunfuck.
Here, it’s okay to be me.
Whether I take part in a scene, do a shibari demonstration, or simply walk the floor to ensure everyone is following the rules and being safe, I feel at home. I know what’s expected of me and others. There’s order here. Very few surprises.
It’s the welcome distraction I need from my humdrum and stressful life. It gives me balance.
As I open the door to the main room, the lights are dimmed. Soft music fills the air over the din of nondescript conversations. It’s too early to be busy. The peak time is 2200 to 0100. Another hour until the place is vibrating.
The main room is expansive, with couches and seating areas spread around the space. There’s a small stage at one end that we use for demonstrations or classes like the mandatory orientation for new members. A few times a week, we also use that area to cover various topics to allow people to explore their kinks while keeping safety at the forefront.
I’ve taught a few classes over the years but don’t particularly care for it. I’m not a fan of public speaking.
I spot Dante in the corner, talking to his current sub, Sherry. She’s wearing a black, sheer, thigh-length robe over her bra and panties and keeping her eyes downcast, as I’d expect. He’s dressed in his usual attire — crisp black jeans and a freshly-pressed dress shirt. Somehow, he manages to pull off classy and casual simultaneously.
There’s no dress code here. Anything goes. Whether that be business clothes, jeans, or lingerie and leathers.
Before approaching Dante, I turn down the first hallway on the left and drop off my things in my locker.
Returning to the main floor, I pass a couple going at it on a large couch along the wall. I glance at them, giving them just enough attention to ensure it’s consensual, then move along.
Weaving between the couches, coffee tables, and sitting areas, I nod in silent greeting to a few members.
When I approach Dante, we shake hands in greeting. After exchanging meaningless pleasantries with him, I address his sub politely.
Dante smacks her on the ass. “Sherry, go walk the room.”
She nods demurely and leaves without hesitating. Sherry’s a good sub. I’ve topped her on occasion, but not since Dante took interest in her. I expect he’ll collar her soon. All the Doms know she’s officially off-limits. I have no qualms about it, and neither do the others. Everyone looks out for the subs — male and female alike. That’s part of why I want Lettie here. I know my peers will have my back.
“What’s up, James? I can see the wheels spinning in that big head of yours.”
Cutting to the chase, I explain, “There’s a young woman who needs a job. I was hoping you could find work for her at the reception.”
“Is she pretty?”
I scoff. “Does that matter?”
“In general, for club employment, no. But at the reception? I’d prefer it. This is an upscale club, and we need to make a good impression. The first person the members see should have a certain... look to them.”
Not sure how I feel about that, but I guess it makes sense.
“Yes, she’s beautiful.”
Like a goddess come to life.
“How old?”
“Twenty-four.”
He whistles and shakes his head. “Pretty young.”
“She’s legal.”
“True. Is she responsible? Trustworthy? Did you do a check on her already?”
“Background is clear. She’s smart, friendly, and I think she’d do a great job.”
He crosses his arms and eyes me carefully. “How long has she been part of the lifestyle?”
“That’s the thing. She hasn’t. It’d be new to her.”
“James, come on. Does she even know what we do here?”
“I haven’t told her about this place yet. I wanted to talk to you first.”
He makes a tsking sound and sweeps his gaze across the room. “What aren’t you telling me, buddy?”
“What do you mean?”
He doesn’t answer right away. I let my gaze follow his, landing on a woman getting quite vocal as two men fuck her to an almost violent orgasm — one underneath her and another behind her, taking her ass. A third man hovers his dick near her mouth, but she’s too close to exploding to care.
That type of scene happens here occasionally, but this area is more often for socializing. People talk about their kinks and limits, setting up scenes. Once it gets heated, most people take it to a back room where absolutely anything goes. The vibe is often a bit more relaxed up here.
As soon as Dante’s attention is back on me, I ask, “So do you have room for her in reception or not?”
“Are you vouching for her?”
He raises his brows at me and waits for a response. I know what he’s implying.
“I wouldn’t be asking if I wasn’t.”
He nods thoughtfully. “Bring her in so I can meet her first. And you’re responsible for her. It’ll be up to you to teach her the ropes, ensuring she’s up on the lifestyle. I can’t have her freaking out when I send her to the back room, and she sees someone getting caned. This is a judgment-free establishment, and I won’t stand for members being made to feel shame or guilt for their proclivities because a newbie can’t act the part.”
“It won’t be a problem. I’ll make sure she’s on board before I bring her here.”
“Fine. Let me know when she’s coming in.”
Relief hits me dead in the chest, and my shoulders and neck release waves of tension, one after the other. “Great. Thanks.”
“Are you good to take the room?”
I nod.
“Good. There’s a pressing matter I need to attend to.” His grin flashes to something almost sinister as he locks his sights on Sherry.
“I thought you had paperwork to do. Business owner shit.”
He shrugs, grinning like the devil. “It can wait. But my dick, on the other hand, cannot.”
I pat him on the back as I walk away. “Have fun.”
When I’m a few feet away, he finally answers, “I always do.”
As I circle the room for the next hour, the excitement I feel at finding safe employment for Lettie is slowly replaced by looming dread. What if she’s as pure as I feared and flips out?
I’ve never been one to back away from a challenge, though. Best to meet it head-on.
No way to find out if she can handle it other than to talk to her about it.
What could go wrong?
Chapter 10
An indecent proposal
