"We'll just make an appearance, then leave as soon as we can," I said to my wife. My boss had invited us to his annual New Year's Eve party, and neither of us were enthusiastic about going. "Vince is just so arrogant around women, he makes my skin crawl," said Kathy. "Do we have to go at all?"
"I don't think he ever bought our excuse from last year," I replied. "Remember? We said we had to go to your mother's instead? He's been making comments at the office like maybe I'm not happy with the company, or something. If we don't go this year, I'm afraid my career will be on thin ice."
"Well, all right, then. But it consider it under protest. How long do you think we'll have to stay?" she asked.
"An hour, max. Less, if we can get away with it."
"Well, just make sure you don't leave my side. It gives me the creeps to be around Vince, especially if you're not around."
We finished getting ready, and I couldn't help admire Kathy's appearance. It was almost like she was asking for trouble with that gauzy top showing quite a lot of cleavage. And the tight short skirt that clung to her ass in a way that would be hard for any man to resist.
"You're not going to make things any easier by dressing like that," I said.
She arched her eyebrows at me. "Just trying to make that prick jealous about what he'll never have," she said, tossing her mane of auburn curls.
"Love you, baby," I said, chuckling.
"You know I love you, too."
The drive over to the boss's place took about forty minutes, as we hit some traffic, before arriving at his huge, secluded mansion. He had made a fortune, I knew, in the dot com boom, before he started up the commodities trading business where I had worked for two years. He was the consummate salesman, together with being a top flight financial guy. Usually, he had little trouble getting what he wanted by brains and force of personality. There were rumors, too, about his legendary appeal to women. That never seemed to affect Kathy much, though. She clearly didn't like the guy.
I had heard some loose talk here and there at the office that there was nothing Vince liked better than seducing the younger wives of his employees, often right in front of the husband.
"Yeah, I'd like to see him try that with her," I thought, smiling to myself. I was sure, as sure as you can be about these things, that Kathy hadn't been intimate with any other men since we got engaged in our third year of college. And things had been great in bed for us for all of our five years of marriage.
Vince greeted us at the door, a large drink in hand. As we entered a large foyer, someone came up to help us with our coats. Vince said, "Welcome Paul. And Kathy, you look good enough to eat," he laughed. "Glad you could get away from those family obligations this year," he said, his eyes narrowing just a bit.
"Hello Vince," Kathy said, with some reserve. "I hope you don't mind, but we can't stay too long. We have to get over to my sister's party later."
Vince gazed at my beautiful wife. "Well, maybe you'll just find it so enjoyable tonight you'll have a hard time leaving."
I looked at Vince, trying to figure out if he meant anything by that remark. He didn't really seem like anything special from a physical standpoint. About 5'10", a bit overweight, with his black hair starting to thin. I had to admit there was something compelling about his unbounded self-confidence, his steady unwavering gaze, and his low, smooth, insistent voice.
"Let me get you some drinks," he said, as we entered. "I had a very rare liqueur shipped in just yesterday from Guadeloupe. It's rumored to have some real special effects." He leaned toward Kathy and gave her a quick peck on the cheek, before turning and heading further into the house.
Kathy and I followed him through the large living room to the bar on the far side. Behind an assortment of spirits, there was a very large bartender, whose black shaved head glowed underneath the soft track lighting. "DeJuan, a bourbon for the gentleman and myself, and fix up a Dulce Erotique for the lady," said Vince.
Kathy began to object, but I nudged her. "Take it easy, it'll be fine. I'm right here. Besides, those stories about exotic aphrodisiacs are just male fantasies."
After DeJuan had presented Kathy with her tall, golden colored concoction, and Vince and I with ours, Vince raised his glass. "To love," he said. Vince and I sipped from ours, but Kathy quickly finished hers, and, to my surprise, asked for another. And, after ten minutes or so of more small talk, another, and then one more.
"Careful, Babe," I whispered.
"Don't worry," she said. "I'm fine." Although there was something about her gaze now that looked a little distant, and her eyelids had lowered just a fraction.
Vince conducted a quick tour of the first floor for us. We'd never been there before. We passed dozens of other guests, some of whom I knew, but most were unfamiliar. Along the way, we all had a few more drinks. I had to admit, the place was furnished with great taste, including original paintings and sculptures scattered about.
"What's down that hallway?" Kathy asked, as we peered down a dark corridor, lit only by dim red overhead recessed lighting.
"I was hoping you'd ask," said Vince. "This is my favorite part of the house."
A faint rhythmic beat, more felt than heard, became noticeable as we proceeded down the hall. At the end was a large octagonal room, furnished only with cushions, arrayed in front of a huge television screen. Burning hookahs were strategically placed throughout, and the sweet smell of marijuana filled the air.
"Mmmm," Kathy said, surprising me a little. We had both smoked a bit in younger days, but never since we'd been married.
"Would you like?" said Vince. "It's a special blend from Morocco."
