Cinda wasn't sure what brought her back ... after her last experience, she was still reeling from the magnitude of what she had done. While she had felt free & wanton in the moment, by the light of the next day, she wondered if she had compromised her values for an article that was barely going to pay the bills. Yet, when she received Luke's note, she knew that she didn't have the power to decline.
Up for a private viewing? Meet me in front of K. Keys at 9 pm. Luke
K. Keys was an upscale lingerie boutique along the waterfront that catered to every sort of fantastical whim. Cinda must have walked past their erotic window displays hundreds of times, but had not imagined herself ever venturing inside. In fact, it seemed like she was engaging in all sorts of activities lately that she would have never imagined for herself. What kind of 'private viewing' would she be doing at K. Keys? Was Luke going to buy her naughty nighties? Last time, he'd instructed her to arrive panty-free. Perhaps this time he wanted her to be more covered?
It was hard to believe that her first tryst with Luke was only two days ago. Her nights alone had felt quite empty now that she knew how fulfilled she could be. She was aware that Luke wasn't someone she should be falling for. However, despite her best efforts, she thought of him constantly. Cinda found herself fighting the urge to contact him - appearing needy wasn't going to impress the evasive Mr. Lawson. So, when a courier delivered his note to her office that afternoon, nervous excitement took over.
Cinda was glad that she hadn't told Derek, her boss, that she had intimately discovered one of the undercover clubs of Tampa. He knew that she was researching elite clubs in the city for an upcoming Lifestyles article, but had no idea that she had managed to dive deeper with Luke Lawson. Becoming involved with the sought after bachelor hadn't been on Cinda's agenda, and she couldn't let the crossed lines affect her work. Derek knew that Luke was rumored to be behind many of these top secret destinations and had encouraged her to take extra time to delve into these hidden aspects of their society. Cinda's research had alluded to underground services catering to the sexual needs of the upper class ... but she never expected to witness all that she had. She didn't even know the name of the house of debauchery she had visited - they had walked there after having a few drinks by the harbor & entered through a hidden, unmarked door off the street. While Derek might appreciate creativity and thoroughness, he may not approve of her personal infiltration ... nor the fact that here she was, planning to do it again!
A few hours later, having primped to the best of her abilities, Cinda gave herself one last critical look in the mirror before nervously grabbing up her clutch & keys on the way out the door. Though she hadn't been told, she chose to forego the panties again tonight. With how steamy things had gotten so quickly last time, she knew that even the sheerest of lace would be cumbersome. Who knew what was happening at the lingerie store, so she was going to be ready for anything. Tonight she wore a black mini, a red sequined silk tank and heels that forced her to stand tall, even as her insides were quaking. Hooker heels, she would have judged on anyone else. The outfit was purchased new this afternoon and was very much outside her comfort zone. But then, wasn't this entire experience? If she was going to carry through with this 'research', then she should at least dress for the role, confidence increasing as her skirt length decreased. Plus, she had to admit, the satiny tank felt good on her skin, the light friction causing her bare nipples to pluck against the smooth fabric in nervous anticipation.
Parking in the lot a few doors down, Cinda used the walk to attempt to calm her nerves. Approaching the boutique, all of her efforts were wasted as she spotted Luke casually leaning against a lamp post, watching her intently.
Sleeves rolled up to his forearms, his grey pinstriped button down was tucked into a pair of dark grey slacks, looking like he had just left his office. Top buttons undone on his shirt, confidence and sexuality oozed out of him as he straightened and strolled forward to offer his arm to Cinda. She found herself focusing on his toned forearms and remembering the things those large, strong hands had done to her last time. Blushing at his chivalry and her memories, she wrapped her arm in his, her hand resting on his firm bicep. Her heels brought her up to his shoulder level and she glanced up to find him smirking at her.
"Good Evening, Miss Beckett. Have I embarrassed you?"
Cinda let out a nervous laugh, "Of course not! How are you?" Oh my God. The things she did with this man last time - in front of an audience! - and she was going to get giggly and embarrassed in front of a lingerie store?
A soft chuckle responded, "Spectacular."
Cinda followed as Luke strode into K. Keys, passing scarcely dressed mannequins and racks of leather & lace on his way to the counter in the back of the store. The sleek granite countertop was mounted with various types of padlocks dangling between sets of shiny silver handcuffs. The top had a glass overlay displaying a surface made up of antique skeleton keys.
"How may I help you?" The beautiful young Latina woman with a name tag of "Starla" looked up from the spreadsheet that she was studying on the counter. Wearing a practiced smile, she gave a cursory nod to Cinda until noticing Luke and settling her eyes on him. She examined Luke's broad shoulders before her eyes drifted down to admire the view. Luke reached inside to his pant pocket and withdrew an item, discreetly showing it to his admirer behind the counter. His large, rough palm held an intricate antique copper skeleton key with a silky emerald green tassle attached. Cinda recognized the key as being a part of the signet she had admired on his chest the last time and suddenly made a connection. She'd heard rumors of a Copper Key Sex Club, but ...
"I believe that we are expected," he murmured as Starla ran the tip of her tongue along her bottom lip before catching herself back into composure.
"Of course, Mr. Lawson. Please follow me." She walked out from around the counter and headed towards the boudoir fitting rooms in the back. Cinda scowled at the shopgirl's obvious sensuality, her hips swaying seductively as she glanced behind to make sure her man candy was following and noticing.
Luke reached down and firmly grasped Cinda's slight hand before he winked and led her further into the increasingly salacious world of lace, leather, and satin. Mentally chastising herself for her sudden jealousy of the seductress they trailed behind, she squeezed Luke's hand, squared her shoulders and inhaled deeply. She had no idea who would be expecting them at the back of a kinky lingerie store ... was she going to do a fashion show for Luke in the dressing rooms? Glancing around, Cinda couldn't imagine what half of the items on display were for, let alone how to put them on.
Starla led them to the fitting area, shaped like a horseshoe with large rooms around a central square of ornate settees. Walking to the center door, Starla unlocked it and ushered them inside a stunningly feminine fitting room with a small sitting area, vanity, and chandelier. Cinda felt like she had stepped into a French boudoir draped in gossamer lace, fresh flowers, and a dress form mannequin in the corner displaying an elaborate black lace & boning corset. That the whole space was almost as large as the bedroom in her apartment struck her with awe as she took it all in.
Starla walked straight to the back wall, pulled aside a gathered lace draping and revealed an ornate white wooden door. Luke approached, inserted his copper key, and the door swung open. Holding his hand out to usher Cinda through the door, he nodded at Starla before turning to join Cinda over the threshold.
"Have a lovely evening, Mr. Lawson. Please don't hesitate to let me know if I can offer any further assistance," she purred as the door closed behind them. Had Cinda not been busy taking in the new environment, she would have rolled her eyes at the woman's boldness.
They had entered into a dark lounge; private banquette booths along the walls, intimate tables scattered in the center, and a large mahogany bar along the back. The walls were exposed brick, the banquettes and all chairs upholstered with rich brown leather. It was a decidedly masculine space in direct contrast with the lushness they had just left.
Luke led her forward to the bar, nodding greetings to several well-dressed couples along the way. Helping her up onto the plush bar stool, Cinda struggled to maintain her modesty with the short skirt. She caught Luke's eye as he watched her awkwardly adjust herself, seeing a glint of amusement that caused her to blush again. She felt out of place and wondered if she was in some sort of gentleman's club. Walking in, everyone appeared to be fully clothed and appropriate, but would that all change as the evening progressed?
The bartender immediately set a tumbler of amber liquid in front of Luke, and turned his attention to Cinda, "What can I get for you, my lady?"
His Irish accent surprised her, but she managed to mutter, "White Zinfandel, please." Once again, she thought she caught amusement in Luke's glance and for some reason was getting the feeling that he was laughing at her.
"Do you own K. Keys?" Cinda decided to break the awkward silence, and automatically slipped into defensive reporter mode.
"Yes," Luke answered, taking a swallow from his tumbler, assessing her change of mood.
"Does the 'K' stand for Copper, as in Copper Key Sex Club?" Cinda reached over and downed a rather unsophisticated gulp of her wine as soon as it was placed in front of her.
"No. It stands for Karolene," his features softened a bit when he said the name, but soon his professional mask was back in place. Before Cinda could respond with a follow up question, "How is your article coming, Miss Beckett? Were you able to gather enough material from our last meeting?"
Another smirk from Luke, more flushed cheeks from Cinda. As she took another drink, nearly finishing the glass, he leaned forward, whispering, "You didn't meet me tonight to discuss work, did you, Miss Beckett?"
