[A/N: I just wanted to say thank you again to everyone who's reading & enjoying - your comments and messages always make my day! (& to everyone crushing on Sam: you're definitely not alone!...enjoy chapter 13 lovers! EG x]
I hit the save button and stretch out at the breakfast bar.
It's 11am. My laptop and I have been best friends since seven this morning after I woke up remarkably bright eyed and bushy tailed.
Admittedly, I've lost count of how many cups of coffee I've had since then, but I've made good progress and I'm actually starting to believe I'll pull off having my finished manuscript ready for Ms DeVere by this time next week. As I set up a mug for caffeine hit number whatever it is, my phone chimes with a text.
'Morning Beautiful. Tonight: You. Me. Drinks. X'
I quickly compose a reply.
'Mr Byron, please note that you only get to boss me around when I'm working!'
Almost immediately I get another reply back:
'I was hoping to take my friend Jessica out, but fine, I'll make a booking.'
I start to compose a reply then roll my eyes and press call instead.
'Save your cash moneybags, I'll come.' I say as he picks up.
'Well good morning to you too,' he pauses -- 'Jessica.' I can picture the smile at the other end of the phone.
'Good morning, Sam.' I reply, remembering my manners.
'So, what time shall I pick you up?' he continues
'That's not necessary; I'll get a cab and meet you.' I tell him,
'You don't know where I'm taking you.' He counters,
'So then tell me!' I reply, exasperated,
'And ruin the surprise?' he teases. Oh, good grief this man is infuriating! I decide it's probably easier to just play along.
'Fine.' I reply. 'When would you like me to be ready... Sir?'
'I'll pick you up at 9. Don't keep me waiting.' He answers, victoriously.
'I wouldn't dream of it, Mr Byron.' I reply, over sincerely.
'See you tonight beautiful.' I can tell his grin is back in place.
As I hang up, it dawns on me that since I've no idea where we're going, I've also got no idea what to wear. I start composing a text about dress code requirements when there's a knock at the door.
I open it and greet a courier holding a large red box which I recognise instantly as being from a boutique in town that I love. I guess that's the dress code sorted then. I smile sweetly and sign for the package. I'm irritated at his presumptuousness, but I have to admit, I'm also excited to see what he's chosen.
I take the red box into my bedroom and lay it on the bed. Removing the lid, I unfold the matching red tissue to reveal a black silk flamenco style frock with shoe string straps, a fitted bodice and a flared fishtail hem. It's an excellent choice.
I shrug off my flimsy robe and try it on. It fits like a glove and the light fabric feels divine against my skin. I do a little twirl in front of the mirror and the hem fans out around me. I love it. As I take it off and hang it up on my wardrobe door, I notice a small grey box against the red tissue.
Not more jewellery as well? As I pick it up, it makes a small clinking noise. Curiously, I open it. There's a card in Sam's handwriting that simply says: 'wear me'. I search inside the tissue paper and find two silver metal balls, held together by a short length of silky grey cord.
That cheeky bastard.
I don't know what I'm more annoyed about - the fact he was so sure I'd agree to go out with him, or that he's now assuming I'll also comply with his kinky sex games on my own time.
Actually, the thing I'm most annoyed about is how aroused I just got as a result of him dominating me from afar.
My stubborn streak kicks in and for a second, I toy with texting him to cancel altogether, but then I remember Anna's words. If he makes you happy, let him. Don't overthink It. Of course, she'd be horrified if she knew I was using her advice to talk myself into letting myself go out with a sexual deviant who has no interest in dating, but still. He does make me happy.
Ultimately though, it's the aching wetness between my legs that's shouting the loudest, telling me to just live in the moment and let this man who seems to know my deepest desires better than I do myself take the lead. We'll see. I mean, it'd be a shame to waste such a great dress.
* * * * *
When I check the clock it's ten to nine. I take a last approving look at my reflection.
My hair is piled high in an elaborate up do, set off with a red jewelled flower clip that Anna got me for my birthday last year and I've gone with dark, smoky eye makeup and nude glossy lips. Obviously, I've decided to wear the 'Jessica' necklace, and some tiny diamond stud earrings that match it beautifully.
I've picked out my red strappy heels to match the flower in my hair (and the silk panties I'm wearing underneath), and of course the dress looks fantastic.
Sam Byron might be an infuriating control freak, but he does have good taste.
I pick up the grey box with the silver balls inside and walk into the lounge; still warring with my own common sense and my unyielding will to submit to the man who gave them to me.
I hear a car pull up outside and peek through a gap in the curtains to see said man getting out of a black Mercedes. He looks mouth wateringly good in a black suit, and black open collar shirt. He's teased his unruly curls into a vaguely coiffed side parting and I feel my nipples stiffen against the silky fabric of my new dress.
I'm drumming my fingertips against the grey box.
There's a knock at the door. I open the box and hold the smooth, cold metal balls in the palm of my hand.
He knocks again. I smile and giving in to my own lust, hitch up my dress, push my panties to one side, and slip the hard balls inside myself, gasping slightly at the cold, but not unwelcome intrusion.
The third knock is accompanied by a tentative 'Jessica?' from the other side of the door. I open it and smile,
'Good evening, Mr Byron.'
'Wow.' He replies, looking me up and down. 'That dress looks a thousand times better with you in it.' He adds.
'Why thank you.' I reply,
'Nice necklace too.' He adds, beaming brightly -- it obviously means a lot to him that I love it.
'Isn't it? It was a gift from a very good friend.' I say, emphasising the word friend. 'Shall we?' I finish, nodding toward Harvey waiting dutifully by the car. He smiles and takes me by the hand.
In the back seat of the Mercedes, I struggle to keep my composure. The weighted balls inside me are making their presence felt every time we turn a corner and my silk panties are already very wet as a result.
'You know you almost had me worried back there', Sam says, casually resting his hand on my thigh. I give him a look like I have no idea what he's talking about. He's not the only one who can play head games. 'I thought you might be standing me up.' He admits.
'Why ever would I do that?' I reply, batting my lashes innocently. 'It's not as though you're a controlling deviant with no sense of what is and is not appropriate.' I continue, a small smile breaking through my pout. He takes my chin gently between his finger and thumb and kisses the corner of my mouth.
'Any more of your impertinence Miss Blake and I'll take you straight back to my playroom and show you just how deviant I can be.' His voice is low and even in my ear. He nips my earlobe gently with his teeth before sitting back in his seat, leaving me speechless. He looks down at my thighs, stroking his thumb across his bottom lip and I see a flash of carnal yearning in his eyes.
'So, are you wearing everything I sent?' he asks, not looking up.
'That would be telling Mr Byron.' I reply in a breathless whisper, willing him to put me across his knee right here and find out for himself, but his eyes simply twinkle, full of pure lust and unshakeable confidence.
As the car stops, I peer out the tinted window, trying to work out where we are. I see the word 'Fiesta' written in neon lights.
'It's my cousin's newest venture', Sam explains as he helps me out of the car, 'Salsa dancing club' he grins as he puts his arm around my waist, pinning me to his side and leads me to the entrance.
Inside, a thumping salsa beat drums steadily throughout the building. As I take in the interior, I have to admit I'm impressed. It's a rich mixture of fiery reds and decadent gold, there's a polished wooden dance floor and colourful lanterns strung from every inch of ceiling. The bar is a striking curved design spanning the length of the back wall, well stocked with more different Tequila bottles than I even knew existed, plus plenty more spirits and beers on top.
Sam takes my hand and leads me in its direction. An attractive dark-haired guy who looks vaguely Spanish but is probably from East London comes to take our order. Sure enough, he sounds more like Damon Albarn than Enrique Iglesias when he speaks.
'What can I get you Bella Seniorita?'
'We'll have two Palomas, on Christian's tab.', Sam cuts in bluntly.
As the barman goes off to mix our drinks, I narrow my eyes at Byron