A Tease - A Castle O Quickie (2 page)

She moved forward slightly, too nervous to say anything as she studied the shrouded shape of her sculpture - remembering all the hours, sweat, tears and blood that went into its creation. She knew she had created the best, most opulent, sculpture she possibly could. She had put everything into it. She just had to believe it was enough.

Easier said than done.

She felt their arrival before they spoke. The little hairs on her arms raising as her skin goose-pimpled from excitement. Turning, she saw an extremely tall man coming towards them, his hair cropped close, body lean and muscular with the build of a former military man. He moved in a slow and languid way, bouncing on soft knees with each step, but his eyes betrayed his determination, confidence and strength. This was Kent.

Beside him walked a curvaceous woman with a mane of raven hair. Her body was a perfect hourglass, with bouncing breasts and a well-rounded ass, framing a tiny waist. Nothing was left to the imagination in a shimmery dress that skimmed over her curves, swinging as she walked to reveal an indecent amount of leg and hip. As they stepped closer, Alyssa could smell the woman’s intoxicating perfume, and see the welcoming twinkle in her eyes. A twinkle that made you feel like the most important person in the room. This was Kali.

Together they ran Castle O. Alyssa had asked many times who owned Castle O, who could possibly have the money to invest in a place like the Castle, but each time her questions were met with a wink, a smile and silence.

Alyssa smiled up at Kent as he stretched his hand out to her. With a quick wipe of her palm on her dress she took his hand.

“Alyssa! Our guest of honor. Welcome, welcome. And of course, Walker. Always great to see you.” Kent shook both their hands, then stepped back, letting Kali step forward to welcome the guests.

Kent and Kali were the perfect hosts and curators of Castle O. They cherished their guests as much as they cherished the historic building and artwork that was Castle O. Kent kept everything running with military precision according to a strict set of rules known as the
Castle O Cardinal Rules
. Every guest had to sign a legally binding agreement to follow the Rules that ensured the safety and privacy of all guests. Before becoming a member everyone also had to pass medicals, security clearances and a rigorous interview process. Being a member of Castle O was not easy, and Kent made sure guest safety was a top priority at all times.

Kali, a dancer, used Castle O to embrace and promote the arts. Almost all the staff were struggling and new artists. Every piece of art was unique and original. Even her clothes were custom designed by local designers who made sure all her best assets were highlighted.

For some reason, of all the artists they knew, they had chosen her, Alyssa Roy, a relatively new and unknown artist, to create a piece that would have a place of honor in the center of the grand foyer. It would be the first thing guests would see as they stepped through the massive double doors at the end of the red carpeted entrance. This sculpture would set the tone for all visits to Castle O. Her sculpture.

It had been a labor of love, and at times a source of extreme frustration, but it was finally finished and ready for its big unveiling.

Alyssa just hoped it was good enough as Kali pulled her into a welcoming hug. Bumping her chin into Kali’s shoulder Alyssa awkwardly returned the hug. She had never been a good hugger. Her arms never seemed to go to the right place, ending up all tangled and her forehead and chin always got in the way. Alyssa blushed, wishing she had Kali’s grace and composure.

As Kali pulled back she interlaced her hand with Alyssa’s and squeezed.

“Relax, you did such an amazing job. This evening is our way of celebrating and thanking you. Please, enjoy it,” Kali said as she started walking into the crowd, pulling Alyssa along. Alyssa glanced over her shoulder, giving Walker a quick wave and shrug of her shoulder. He smiled, tipping his head slightly as he leaned towards Kent, saying something Alyssa could not hear.

Without breaking stride, Kali plucked a glass of champagne from a white-gloved waiter’s tray. Unlike her Adonis, this waiter was slightly older with a worldly vibe. His shoulders were extremely broad, tampering to the narrow waist. The build of a fighter. When he smiled the corners of his eyes crinkled.

“Welcome Ms. Roy. Wonderful to meet you,” he said as he placed a glass of champagne in her hand.

Taking the glass, she started to ask his name, but Kali led her away. Alyssa threw an apologetic smile at the waiter who had already turned to serve another guest.

Alyssa watched in awe as Kali strode smoothly on towering heels, sipping champagne without spilling a drop. It was taking every taut muscle in her body to not wobble with each step and slop over the edge of her glass.

They stepped up to a small stage with a glass and chrome podium that had been set up beside the sculpture especially for this event. Alyssa’s stomach clutched with dread at the sight of the narrow, hollow backed stairs, but before they could take the first step, two tall, tuxedo-clad, chisel-chinned men stepped up.

Alyssa smiled as she recognized her Adonis from outside. He grinned back at her, white teeth shining. Placing his hand on her elbow he took her champagne glass. “Please, allow me to help you up the stairs,” he said. Alyssa tried to place his faint accent. She suspected it was British, but was too shy to ask as he guided her with a strong, steady hand.

Part way up the stairs her ankles started wobbling and shaking so hard her shoes started to topple over. The strong hand of the Adonis held her tightly as she took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, before taking the last couple of steps.

At the top she turned into the sea of faces. Suddenly the world started to spin, her ankles knocking together painfully as her legs wobbled and shook. Her whole body teetering on her stilettos. Only the strength of her Adonis kept her anchored, preventing her from swan-diving from the stage.

Her champagne glass appeared in front of her. Alyssa paused for a moment. She had never tried champagne, in fact she rarely drank. Out the corner of her eye she saw that Walker and Kent had followed them. They stood at the edge of the stage, smiling, at ease. Walker waved his own glass of champagne, taking a sip. He seemed to be having a great time, all composed and confident. Like this was just another evening.

Damn Walker, always making it look so easy!
Alyssa grumbled to herself. Flipping her hair back she smiled.
Mind over matter, this was just another day.

Tipping her head back she gulped down half of the amber liquid. The bubbles played on her tongue and slipped playfully down her throat. Under different circumstances she would have giggled but right now she was aiming for a little liquid courage. A little bit of whatever it was that Kali, Kent and Walker all seemed to have in buckets. That self-assured presence, that confidence that she envied so much. Taking a breath, she gulped down some more champagne then licked the glistening line from her upper lip. Her eyes skipping quickly across the crowded room.

CHAPTER 3

Kali appeared in front of Alyssa, providing a much needed focal point for Alyssa to center and calm herself. She took a breath, her lips pulled back into a tight smile her teeth clenched together.

“Ready?” Kali asked, her face an oasis of calm.

Alyssa drained the last drops of champagne from her glass; the bubbles were becoming deliciously addictive. Smoothing her dress one-handed, she straightened her back, then turned to Kali. She opened her mouth to speak and promptly hiccuped. Loudly.

Her hand flew to her mouth, as heat flushed her face. Kali’s mouth dropped open for a breath then she bent over laughing. “Oh Alyssa, you are so awesome. Come on. Let’s get this show on the road.”

Kali spun effortlessly on her heels, tapping her red talon nails on her crystal champagne flute as she stepped up to the glass podium.

The Adonis flashed his perfect teeth as he led Alyssa to the place of honor beside Kali, taking her now empty champagne glass. It occurred to Alyssa she should ask his name, but as she turned to thank him he had stepped to the back of the stage and the hall had gone silent. She turned back to the audience, twisting her fingers together nervously, wishing she had kept the glass, just to give her fingers some sort of purpose. Her arms suddenly felt like useless, heavy, ape like appendages.

Below her the sea of people waited. Their attention focused on the illustrious Kali with her natural ease and magnetism, Alyssa noted with envy. Only the whisper of clothing and of lovers sharing hushed secrets drifted through the room, like a breeze rustling leaves in the forest. From the elevation of the stage, her sculpture looked even more impressive, rising up from the crowd still sheathed in red silk, that shimmered and reflected the warm light from the enormous crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling above it.

A shiver went through Alyssa’s body.

Kali set her champagne glass on the podium, then spoke, her voice clear, crisp and loud. “Good evening! Welcome to this very special celebration. As you all know, one of our passions at Castle O is great art. The first time I stepped through the front doors of Castle O, I knew I had to have a very special piece to welcome our guests. A piece that would provide a spectacular first impression, and tease them with what awaits inside our walls. Castle O is about fantasies, this piece needed to be the stuff of fantasies.”

Kali paused, taking a sip of her champagne. “It took me a long time to find the right artist for the job. Someone talented enough and able to work on such an immense scale. At Castle O we like things big. On this criteria alone many didn’t qualify.”

The crowded laughed, a few whistling, at her joke.

Once they settled down Kali continued, “I also needed someone who could embrace my vision and distill it into a piece that would prove timeless and tantalizing. Someone with a fresh and open mind, who could see the beauty in passion and desire, just as we do every day, here at Castle O. I found all of that and so much more in the incomparable Alyssa Roy.”

Kali turned, smiling as she raised an elegant arm towards Alyssa as the crowd clapped.

Alyssa smiled, not sure what to do with her hands as she raised one in a fumbling wave. The champagne was making her feel a little giddy and brazen. She stepped forward, taking a shaky breath as she followed Kali’s cue to take the podium, gripping the edges to steady herself. She did not recognize her own voice, an octave higher than normal as she said her well-rehearsed words, “I would like to thank Kali and Kent, and the people of Castle O, for trusting me to create this piece. It has been an absolute pleasure working for you. I truly hope you enjoy what I have created. Thank you. Thanks.”

She stepped back with a quick nod as Kali reached out, putting her hand on Alyssa’s back, keeping her front and center.

“Alyssa worked tirelessly, with some very enthusiastic models,” people snickered, “to ensure that her piece was the perfect embodiment of Castle O.”

Kali took another sip from her champagne, keeping her hand on Alyssa. “And, if I do say so myself, she nailed it. This piece is fucking hot, just like Castle O.” More cheers. “So, without further ado, I present to you Alyssa Roy’s masterpiece, aptly called,
A Tease
!”

Kali snaked her arm around Alyssa’s waist, pulling her close. She smiled down at Alyssa, her face alight with excitement.

Alyssa smiled back tightly, her heart racing and pounding painfully in her chest as the entire hall erupted into cheers.

“Count with me everyone. One, two, three!” On three Kali swooped her arm up into the air, and, as if connected, the red silk whipped up off the statue on invisible strings.

Everyone gasped, followed by a breath of silence. Alyssa’s stomach clenched in fear and panic. The bubbles of the champagne she had drunk threatened to make a spectacular appearance on the stage. The quick, quiet moment echoed on in her mind. Her body stiffened, suddenly sure everyone hated it.

But then the crowd went crazy with a deafening level of sound. Whistling, laughing, clapping. Music added to the noise level, providing a beat for the celebration. People began dancing around the sculpture, her sculpture. Their movements were a worshiping, undulating giving of thanks like some ancient, divine blessing ceremony.

Alyssa threw up her arms, grabbing Kali’s still upheld arm. Turning they faced each other, Alyssa felt like she could fly, her smile stretching so wide her face started to hurt. Kali pulled her into a hug. A giggly, happy hug, “I told you! They love it!”

Still holding Kali’s hand, Alyssa turned so she could lean against Kali’s side, arms entwined around each other’s waists, as they both studied the sculpture.

The sculpture stood over twelve feet tall and almost eight feet across. Walker had had to give her his largest studio for over six months so she had the space she needed to work. The technical term for the work was figurative abstract. The swooping forms of human bodies, breasts thrust out, backs arched, cocks hard, figures interlocked, melding into one another. The effect was stunning, with each angle telling a different story of passion, desire, hedonism, and lust.

Alyssa thought back to the long sessions with half a dozen willing Castle O patrons who volunteered as models. They spent their time caressing, touching, writhing together. Alyssa had captured their passionate cries in the central figure of a woman rising out of the other forms, nipples hard, thrust up to the sky, her head thrown back in a silent, passionate cry as hands reached up her body.

She had never done anything like the models had so thoroughly enjoyed during the modeling session. In fact, she had only ever been with Walker. He had been the first person to ever make her feel beautiful, cherished.

Secretly she wished she had the confidence to do what the people of Castle O did, she knew she just had to ask. Before she and Walker became a couple, Walker had attended some Castle O events with a previous girlfriend, but out of respect for Alyssa he had left it up to her whether she wanted to attend an event. They had discussed it, a lot. The statue had been her first step, but tonight she was feeling ready to experience more of Castle O. She just hoped it wasn’t the bubbly going to her brain.