The Braille Club (The Braille Club #1) (20 page)

Her mother and father looked haunted before her mother took Siena in her arms.

“We will
not
let him harm you,” she said fiercely.

“I don’t think it’s that simple, Mum, but I’ve got a plan…if you and Dad will help me.”

“Tell us,” they pleaded…and so she did.

Chapter 35

THE BRAILLE CLUB

Braille Club, London, Present Day: Caligo often has intimate sessions with famous singers and bands. Tickets sell out within minutes, released to its private members only. The musicians are centred in the room where their fans can almost touch them; fans who are often prominent movers and shakers themselves but who stand star-struck as their idols perform. They always finish before midnight, the glass doors sliding out and locking securely before the glass turns opaque. Benedict had taken talent as payment instead of money for certain Elysian Memberships.

Gabriella

Gabriella and Max left the room, moving through the door to stand in a small cube. It turned slowly before the door on the other side opened and again they found themselves in the plush corridor. There was an urgency about them; Gabriella had no idea what Max was thinking as she was still reliving the thrill of the kiss. She sensed a breakthrough; she felt dazed as they headed for the reception and their jackets, requesting a cab that arrived in minutes. They sat close together on their journey home. Max remained silent, while Gabriella, her head against his shoulder, closed her eyes and dreamed. As soon as they entered the house, Max drew Gabriella in his arms and held her. She melted and then he whispered in her ear.

“Let’s do that again.”

Her heart fluttering, Gabriella looked at Max’s intense eyes.

“A-again?” she asked stuttered stupidly.

“Well, it is my birthday,” he murmured into her neck.

“Come and help me,” said Gabriella, a little flustered.

“At your service, madam,” he replied.

She steered Max into the kitchen, telling him to put the champagne and glasses onto a tray while she got her handbag and located her Braille card. The black ribbon in the centre remained untouched. She added some nibbles to the tray and Max carried it up to their vast bedroom. Decorated in soothing creams and duck egg blues, it oozed style and luxury; from the sparkling chandelier to the centrepiece four poster bed. A full wall of elegant wardrobes concealed a large flat screen TV as well as their clothes. Max placed the tray on the large table under the window, which held a beautiful flower arrangement of cream roses and white gypsophila. Gabriella set the iPod to the Braille playlist, and the music played softly in the background.

Happiness bubbled inside her as she slipped off her shoes before reaching up to unzip her dress. She felt Max behind her, his fingers pulling the zip as his arm encircled her, and she moaned. Her dress fell to the floor in a silken pool as she felt her husband’s hands on her skin. She also felt something else she had not experienced for such a long time—hope. They stood in an embrace, then Max asked her to put her shoes back on. Shoes were Gabriella’s passion, as food was his. She obliged, and colour rose to her cheeks as her husband let out a long appreciative whistle.

“How did I get so lucky? Mrs. Ballantyne, you look amazing,” he complimented.

Gabriella was holding in her tummy and giggled as it popped out.

“Now look what you made me do.” She laughed before pulling in her tummy again and walking around the room in her best model pose. She had chosen her underwear with care; the soft silk balcony bra presented her breasts as a gift, the cleverly cut knickers showcased her pert bottom to perfection, and lastly the silk stockings which she knew Max used to like and, she hoped, still did. Gabriella had been honing her body for this exact moment. She had always hoped it would come, and wanted to look her best when it did. Her daily regime of diet and exercise was all about wooing Max, tempting him back into her arms. She had tried everything from provocative clothing to wearing nothing at all in front of him, but it made no difference.

Just thinking about her actions made her cringe with Max’s exasperated words, “For God’s sake, Gabriella, will you put on some clothes.” It cut her to the quick.

She went to the card on the bed, unwinding the ribbon before pulling it apart, her body tingling when she heard the bell ringing. Max brought them both a glass of champagne and handed one to Gabriella, and they toasted happy birthday. Max smiled and took the ribbon from her hands.

“What’s this?” he asked.

Gabriella explained that one ribbon was the blindfold and the other the cuffs.

***

Max

“Clever.” Max smiled before taking Gabriella by surprise and sliding the blindfold over her eyes.

She started to object, but Max reminded her she couldn’t speak. They would play the game according to his rules; after all, it was his birthday. He gently positioned her comfortably on the bed, slowly pulled his wife’s arms up behind her head, and slipped the cuffs on her wrists. Gabriella shivered at his touch, her body expectant. Max lifted his glass and tipped a little champagne over her lips, making her gasp, before he gently began to kiss her. She responded, her desire for him immediately palpable while her body, starved of contact, went into overdrive. Their kisses deepened as they both lost themselves in the moment before Max pulled away. Gabriella groaned. She was breathing hard and looked like she desperately didn’t want him to stop.

Max turned up the music, the sexy beats matching his racing heart. He made his presence known as he blew gently on Gabriella’s lips and neck, mimicking what she had done to him earlier. A thousand goose bumps popped up over her skin. He continued down her body and she responded accordingly. Her nipples tightened and strained against her bra; her tummy quivered and contracted, her legs shook. Max lifted the champagne once again and tipped it over her right breast and then her left. The liquid was cold and made her gasp as it soaked into the expensive silk. Max’s mouth hovered over her skin, the waiting almost unbearable. All his senses alive and tingling; his longing threatening to overwhelm him.

Gabriella moaned as his lips touched her, his kisses light at first before becoming more urgent. She tried not to move but failed as his mouth found her breasts, sucking hard at her nipples through the silken fabric and making her cry out. He carried on, tipping more champagne over her stomach, licking and sucking his way down her body. He took the champagne and let it soak through her silk knickers, the cold welcome as the flames of their desire engulfed them. Max’s lips began to suck at the material, making Gabriella whimper and shake.

Her body twisted and bucked on the bed, and neither of them paid any attention to the bell. Max lifted his glass and took a long sip before leaning down and putting his lips onto his wife’s. The liquid spilled out, and he licked it away as it ran down her chin and neck. He took another sip and pulled the wet fabric of her bra down to reveal a taut, hardened nipple. The liquid dribbled as he took the nipple into his mouth, working Gabriella into frenzy. He did the same to her other breast as she wriggled and moved beneath him, then slid his fingers down her body and tugged at the ribbons of her knickers.

“Please,” Gabriella whispered. “Please…”

Pushing his wife’s legs apart, he thrust his tongue hard into her core again and again till she screamed out his name as her orgasm ripped through her.

Gabriella lay shaking and emotional, the joy of release bringing tears to her eyes.

“Max,” she whispered.

“Sssshhhhhh,” he replied.

He rolled Gabriella onto her tummy, thoroughly enjoying himself. He lifted up her hair as he pressed his lips to her neck and felt her shudder. Smiling as he heard her cries of pleasure, he increased the pressure of his kisses up and down her neck, her groans turning to gasps as his mouth sucked harder, marking her skin as he felt the first stirring of an erection. His hands travelled over the smooth skin of her back and eventually came to rest on her buttocks, Gabriella, panting now, screamed into the bedclothes as she felt her husband’s tongue travel over her skin, her centre pulsing as the sensations once again started to build. He parted her legs and slipped his fingers deep inside her, bringing her quickly to her second orgasm.

Gabriella cried softly, utterly undone, and jumped a little as he moved her hands, pulling the cuffs off. Next he slipped the blindfold from her eyes before pulling her into his arms and kissing her, lying naked beside her, his tongue in her mouth as they clung together. She kissed him back passionately. He rejoiced in the feel of her skin, moulding his body around her, lost as they rediscovered one another. Max didn’t want it to stop; desperate not to break the spell. When he finally entered Gabriella, she gasped in surprise, and they were like one, their climax quick but beautiful. They lay together for a long time afterwards, their arms tight around each other, not wanting to let go, feeling complete at last. Max gently put his hands on either side of her face and softly whispered, “Thank you,” with tears in his eyes.

They lay together until the chill made Max move; he felt like he was floating out of the bed towards the shower, on that very special high that only glorious sex can deliver. Max found himself grinning stupidly; he had just made love with his wife. The thought bounced around his brain as he stumbled towards the shower. His body was sticky, and he knew there was no way Gabriella would let him between the sheets until he was clean. He had a pang of conscience and wondered if the bedlinens were ruined and then he laughed. So what if it was ruined? He’d buy her another.

He’d been waiting over a year, and he wanted to savour every moment of it. Had it been The Braille Club? Had he just recovered his sex drive? The coverlet popped into his head again, making him smile before he dismissed it. He started the shower, turning as he heard Gabriella’s footsteps beside him. She had a mischievous look in her eye as she joined him. He pulled her close as the warm water streamed over their naked bodies. Reaching for the Caligo shower gel, he gently started to wash her body.

“My God, Gabriella…I’ve missed you,” he murmured into her hair.

Turning to face him, she pulled him towards her and kissed him fiercely.

Chapter 36

THE BRAILLE CLUB

Braille Club, London, Present Day: Some Elysian members remain in the E-Suites whilst others mingle in Caligo. When you opt for CHANCE, you never know when your key will vibrate, and this puts the members on edge, this unknown quantity making their blood race. Which zone will they be in? Who will be with them and what role will they play? Enthralled and appalled, they wait for their keys to vibrate.

London, 2012

Benedict

Benedict
arrived at the Savoy Hotel early and after checking-in, he went to his room, intent on working. When he saw the door, he froze. It was the same door Siena had sent him in her email. He felt in his pocket for the key nestled there. His heartbeat increased as he opened the door and dumped his bag and laptop on the bed, before heading back down the corridor to the lifts.

He found room fifteen and nervously pulled the key from his pocket. He tried the card with the ribbon in the slot and was rewarded with the light changing to green, and he pushed the door open. The room was empty save for a mobile phone on the pillow and lifting it up he saw it had one message.

Siena: Meet me tonight, and I will give you my decision
.

Benedict felt his heart flutter and quickly texted.

Benedict: I have a plan; be ready to meet me in room 15 when I text you.

The phone buzzed.

Siena: Okay, but I can’t stay long…

Benedict put the phone in his jacket and left, his heart beating faster at what this new twist would mean, and he tried to work on his laptop until it was time to get changed, nervous about tonight; it felt like too many things could go wrong.

He had asked Ava to text him when she was en-route; she had already done this and was to text again when she arrived. Pre-dinner drinks were from six-thirty to seven p.m.; already six-forty, he was relieved when his mobile buzzed with another text confirming Ava had arrived. He replied saying he would meet her at the function. Leaving his room, he found the reception bar of the event quickly, positioning himself so that he would see her arrival. He was momentarily dumbfounded as she made her entrance.

Ava looked breathtakingly beautiful and very, very sexy. The red dress clung seductively to her lithe body as she crossed the floor towards him. Every eye in the room followed her movements as a slightly flustered waiter offered her a glass of champagne. She would be the perfect distraction, thought Benedict as he turned to greet her, but just at that moment he caught a glimpse of Siena, and his heart did a somersault.

When he turned back to Ava the flush of pleasure he’d seen in her face earlier was gone. He thought she appeared troubled but put it down to being nervous about the dinner. She was not the only one. Benedict had everything riding on the events of this night. He welcomed Ava and then fell silent, completely preoccupied. The room was noisy as they awkwardly stood together. He was not conscious that he had barely spoken to her. Distracted, he had been giving one word replies to her questions and struggling attempts at small talk.

“Do you know anyone else at our table?” she asked as Benedict studied the seating plan.

“Just a client,” he replied cryptically as the doors of the function suite opened and people started to move inside.

They were not at the same table as Siena and her husband, which was a relief. Benedict purposely stood with his back to the room since his first glimpse of Siena. He dreaded seeing her husband, Nick. He knew what he looked like, and he was sure Nick would know him. They walked to the beautifully decorated round tables and sat down. He glanced at Ava. She looked happier as she spoke to the wine waiter. She gave Benedict a dazzling smile as she lifted the ice cold Sauvignon Blanc to her lips. She took a big gulp of her wine, then seemed to relax. Benedict barely touched his, as the ever attentive waiter topped up Ava’s glass.

He frowned. She was already tipsy as the starters arrived and he hoped the food would help soak up the alcohol. The last thing he needed was Ava to get drunk and ruin everything. Benedict had barely spoken a word to her, as the woman to his left engaged him in one topic after another, while Ava had been in deep conversation with a gentleman on her right who was flirting outrageously with her, as well as topping up her glass. Benedict excused himself from the table just as the desserts arrived, and walked into the foyer, texting Alex he was on his way. He knew that people would shortly be free to move around and that Nick would seek him out. He arrived at the room five minutes later and tapped at the door. Alex opened it, and he quickly went inside.

“Remember what I said. Stick to the topics you know, do not discuss business, and look after Ava. She’s quite drunk already I think, but she’s very sharp.”

Alexander looked uneasy. “Ben, is all this necessary?”

“Yes, it is. From what Siena’s told me, her husband is very suspicious as it is. I just want to talk to her, Alex, nothing more; put my case across, and if she says no then I’ll walk away, no harm done.”

He knew he wouldn’t walk away—well, not without a fight. He knew Siena had his heart, but did he have hers?

“Okay, let’s do this,” said Alex, smiling. Benedict picked up his mobile and waited.

***

Alexander

Alexander went to the function, taking a second to locate the table from the seating plan in his pocket, his gaze falling on Ava as he sat down. God, she was stunning. Ben had described her but his words hadn’t done her justice. He had also studied a picture of Siena and Nick Waters and had, in fact, seen Nick staring at him as he returned to his seat.

The stare was unsettling and distinctly hostile. Why had Alex agreed to this stupid plan of Benedict’s? Impersonating his brother would be easy; say nothing and remain aloof. If it was the other way round…he felt sure people would suspect. But since Benedict knew no one at the table apart from Ava, well, they just might get away with it. The band started up, and some people from the table left their seats for the dance floor. Ava was still speaking to the man on her right when Alexander returned.

“Where the hell have you been?”

She looked furious; probably bored to death by the old creep sitting beside her, he thought. Alex turned to her, his face apologetic.

Ava stared at him, confused. “God, I must be drunker than I thought because you look different.” Puzzlement and anger combined to make her tone accusing. She stared at Alex. “I can’t put my finger on it…”

“More wine?’ asked Alex, smiling.

“It’s your eyes…” Ava blurted, she seemed to struggle with her thoughts. “They’ve got…warmth. Well, that’s the word that springs to mind. Oh my God, I’m losing it,” she said, lifting her wine. Alexander felt a presence and glanced up to see a man’s unsmiling face. He felt himself shiver as he turned to Ava, indicating his presence. Alexander looked up and locked eyes with Nick Waters.

“Mr. Harrison, we meet at last…Nick Waters.”

Alex stood and took his outstretched hand in his, and he went into professional mode.

“Likewise.” He smiled. “This is my colleague, Ava.”

As Nick Waters turned to meet Ava, Alex sent a quick text to Benedict.

Nick Waters became momentarily distracted and charmed by Ava before returning his attentions back to Alexander.

“So, my wife tells me you are no longer handling the villa yourself.”

“Mr. Waters, no shop talk tonight, after all we’re here to enjoy ourselves, and I need to ask my beautiful date to dance.”

Alex gave a little smile before pulling a surprised Ava onto the dance floor. Nick Waters stared after them, a deep frown on his face.

***

Siena

Siena felt her phone vibrate in her bag and knew she didn’t have long. Informing her mum she had a headache and needed to get some painkillers, she stood and left the table. As she hurried out of the room, she wanted to run to the lifts. She waited impatiently as it delivered her to the first floor and turned to room fifteen, pushing the card into the lock. The door opened. She walked inside to see those glacial blue eyes…and then she was in his arms and he was kissing her, their desire raw and powerful.

Siena cursed her traitorous body as her nipples hardened, and her core turned to liquid under Benedict’s lips. His kiss had left her breathless and, of course, it had left her wanting more. It had taken all of his restraint to pull away.

“Well,” he said, his breathing ragged.

“Yes,” was all she said as his lips found hers. He manoeuvred her until she was against the bed before pushing her down, his fingers pulling her dress up and her panties down as he slid into her. She was so ready for him, her hips pushing up to meet his thrusts as his tongue continued to explore and claim her mouth. It was fast and intense; their orgasms reached within minutes, Benedict pulling out carefully as Siena rose, holding her dress as she padded to the bathroom. She returned to locate her panties and slipped them on.

“How did you get here before me?”

“I have a twin,” said Benedict distractedly.

He came up behind her and slipped his hand inside her dress, caressing her breasts. She groaned, feeling her legs go weak.

“I want you, Siena, but not like this,” he said hoarsely.

She could hardly think as her body and mind acted independently.

“I want to take off this dress and slowly kiss you all over,” he murmured in her ear, as he kissed her neck.

“I’m leaving Nick,” Siena said in a rush. “He can never know about us, Benedict.”

Siena lost her train of thought as Benedict’s hand travelled further down her body. They both jumped as the text went off in his pocket. Benedict told his phone out.

“He’s just left the room,” said Benedict.

Siena was out the door and heading to the stairs seconds later, her heart hammering in her chest. Her body felt drugged with her desire for Benedict, but she must put on a performance for a little longer. It would be the performance of her life.