She steps into the bar, her nervous disposition heightened almost painfully. She is definitely not dressed to impress, at least not in this place. It's set up like a lounge, the lights dim, almost like candlelight. The music, smooth and soft, ripples through the air and the seating is reminiscent of a cigar bar; thick leather armchairs that speak of late night business meetings with a glass of scotch are placed in the center of the room while booths line the length of the wall. The servers are all stunning, both the men and women, dressed top to bottom in black form fitting uniforms. Her gaze absentmindedly follows them as they glide through the tables, handing out drinks and taking orders like it's just another Thursday evening. Tonight might end up being an unknown fantasy come true, and the thought sends a tremor through her. She's wearing a simple peach colored dress that radiates innocence, flowing and belted at the waist.
The black stilettos adorning her feet are the sexiest part of the outfit and, looking around, she suddenly feels under dressed in a multitude of ways. Her deep auburn hair is wound tightly into a knot at the back of her head, speaking more to her inner tension than she realizes. She's been daydreaming about tonight since the moment his intense blue eyes rested on her, but now that it's here she's holding back the desire to bolt and run back to the safety of her bed. However the yearning to run dissolves immediately when she spots him in the crowd. He's staring, a small but powerful smile twitching at the corners of his mouth, a drink in his hand and eyes filled with secret desires she is desperate to give in to. Her breath catches, inexplicable sensations running through her at high speeds, a desire to be bruised and bleed that she has never felt before. What is it about this man? The first time she laid eyes on him, her imagination went wild.
The darkest recesses of her brain suddenly lit up like a Christmas tree, desires she had never known permeating her entire being. She didn't know what to say when this captivating man decided she was worth his attention, her tongue tied into a knot matching the one in her stomach and she could not make a sound. He had taken the lead, requesting her phone number and offering to buy her a drink later that week, an invitation to which she quickly nodded her acceptance. She is usually so cautious, never talking to strangers even though she had left her youth behind long ago, but there was something in her gut telling her yes. They had texted over the course of the next few days and the next thing she knew, she was walking down the dark side streets on her way to meet this stranger who had awoken some unknown need within her. Somewhere in her brain she knew this wasn't the smartest idea, but she couldn't ignore how completely alive he made her feel.
She crosses the room towards him, a shy smile creeping its way across her lips. He stands, as gentlemen do, placing a hand on her hip and planting a soft kiss on her cheek.
"You look exquisite." He whispers against her skin, his eyes flashing as he straightens and offers her a seat in his booth. Tucked into the dimmest corner of this classy bar, she slips into the offered spot and he waves over a server.
"Ladies first." His voice is comforting. "What would you like to drink?"
She stutters, giving away just how nervous she is. "Honestly, I don't know. Surprise me?"
The devilish grin that crosses his face sends a quiver down her spine. Why does she feel the need to impress this man, as if she needs to have his approval? It has been years since she felt such a childish, instinctive desire to please, but that approving and hungry look he sends her way is something she needs more of and she's willing to do whatever it takes to get it.
Her drink arrives and she takes a long sip, trying to gain enough faux confidence to actually have a conversation. The liquid cascades down her throat and a sound of surprised pleasure escapes her lips, prompting a smile.
"I'm glad you like it. Now..." He punctuates this with a swig of the golden liquid resting in front of him. "I want to ask you something." He glances at her as she leans forward, intrigued.
"Okay." She urges him on, resting her chin on her palm and timidly meeting his gaze. "Ask me anything."
He adjusts himself, shifting closer to place his arm on the back of the booth behind her.
"How do I make you feel?"
She can't hide her surprise. She was definitely not expecting...that. Nor does she know how to respond without sounding insane. Her throat goes dry and she swallows, trying to find a way to get out the words. Trying to even figure out the words to get out in the first place. She grabs her drink with a shaking hand and tosses it back, the alcohol sharp between her lips.
"Ah, well, we don't exactly know each other well, and..." She stutters, trying to escape his prying eyes. It's true, they barely knew each other. Which means, even if she could put it into words, he would think her insane and likely run for the hills if she was honest. Yet there is something in his eyes that makes her feel safe in the most exposed way. He doesn't say a word, instead enjoying the way she squirms under his watch.
"Well, I suppose you make me feel..." She trails off, grasping for the right words. "Powerless, I suppose? Small, nervous..." A reserved giggle escapes her lips and she looks down at her lap where her fingers are tightly intertwined.
"Inexperienced." Her cheeks flush the color of red wine and she swallows hard.
"I feel as if I...belong to you, I guess?" She blushes again. "I'm sorry, I know that's completely ridiculous. I'm-" He interjects before she can finish.
"No, don't apologize." He brushes her cheek with his thumb before tilting her face upwards. The softness in his voice is unexpected, matching the look in his eyes.
"You are mine. You have been since the moment we met." Something clouds his eyes, she can't pinpoint the emotion nor does she have much time to read into it. Suddenly his soft grasp on her chin turns firm and she realizes it's pure, unadulterated longing reflected in his icy blue eyes.
"Tell." He leans closer.
"Me." Even closer now, she can almost feel his breath against her lips.
"More..." He trails off, so close she can smell the musky scent of whiskey on his tongue and all she can do is think about how it must taste.
"I want to please you." The words are almost a question, a whisper pouring out of her like quicksand.
"I, ah, I want to do what you tell me to do. I want to...damn, I sound ridiculous!" She exclaims.
The corners of his eyes crinkle and it sends a flutter deep inside of her abdomen. "You want to...what?" He tilts his head against her ear, teasing her as his free hand finds her bare knee, causing goosebumps to sparkle across her skin.
"I want to belong to you, and I don't understand it." The words tumble out of her mouth. There is no going back now.
"I have never felt this before. I have never felt so desperate for approval, for affirmation, for another person. I have never wanted to be hurt, but I want you to hurt me. I want you to make me cry, I want you to make me wild. It terrifies me. YOU terrify me."
"Oh?" He mumbles, sending white-light kisses down her neck.
"Because I..." She startles with the realization. "Because I have never been so out of control as I am when I'm with you, so desperate to be claimed by someone."
He growls in her ear. "Good girl." He brushes his cheek against hers, his face centimeters from her own and her lips part involuntarily, her gaze settling on his mouth. She is frozen in place, her shallow breathing giving away her secret.
"Do I turn you on, kitten?" He murmurs against her lips before his tongue breaches the barrier, softly pressing against her own. A small gasp ripples through her before she responds, back arching with need. He breaks the kiss as quickly as it started and she suddenly feels as if she's been dropped in the middle of a frozen lake, floating in the piercing, flat white of winter. Her lips part again, this time in astonishment.
