Reign on Me Page 2

  The timid-looking woman hovering outside the upscale nightclub considered the complexity of such a plight. For a woman like her, seeking pleasure is skewed as a shameful hassle that leaves a bloody stain of sin.

  Twenty-eight year old spinster, Hayven Grace pushed the black-rimmed glasses up the bridge of her nose before shooting a nervous gaze around. She didn’t like crowds. While that was so, she was standing here dead center of the huge throng of people which placed her in direct public scrutiny. Even though the darkness cloaked the late hours of the night, 11:43 pm to be exact, she still felt exposed.

  Pray tell, what’d convinced her to take such a daring risk and come here to begin with? During her entire existence, hadn’t it always been a proven fact that she was different and unlike the rest of the females that inhabited the planet?

  She was the text book case of an introvert.

  No doubt the usual identifiable characteristics fit her. In passing or during conversation, she never made eye-contact. When it came time to voice an opinion or thought, she was generally mute throughout. As for her appearance, well, it was pretty much shot since she had no fashion sense at all. But, the worse part about her was the high degree of self-loathing and lack of self-love. Those very facts were the most damaging of all.

  Right now, that self-loathing was burning a hole in her fragile conscience, she thought as her gaze flitted upward. Now, she was surely about to become a sinful creature in the worst possible way tonight.

  Seeking out male whores had to be the trump card when it came to sinning.

  The neon marquee sign flashed its greeting with bright colors---an embedded mixture of red, green, and blue.

  Club Illusions…

  A private haven of forbidden pleasure…

  Outside the upscale club, the line stretched around the street corner and along the block, and it seemed to go on endlessly. The music thumped hard on past the concrete walls into the darkness, and the five story building seemed to exude its own brand of tension. Inside, within its walls, didn’t that very tension threaten to breach past the boughs of inhibitions?

  A blaring car horn jolted her from the wayward thoughts. As she surged forward with the burgeoning crowd, she peered past the trio of scantily dressed women before her, and again questioned her motives for being here on the surprisingly hot spring night on the north side of Atlanta.

  For what seemed like the millionth time, since leaving the taxi cab and taking the walkway to the club, she wrung the purse’s leather straps with a sweaty palm.

  Again, why was she here?

  She shot a panicky look around the city and fought against the suffocating rise in her throat. Thank goodness, she didn’t recognize anyone. The fact that she was hundreds of miles from home did help with the matter. But, still, incognito or not…she had to face herself in the mirror.

  What’d come over her?

  What she was doing was completely insane!

  If someone were to discover her whereabouts, especially her principal, Mrs. Sanders, she’d be out of a job or worse! Her mug shot of shame would be plastered all over the school webpage---not to mention the fact that she’d be the laughing stock of the school faculty---not that she already wasn’t.

  But, this…

  Her presence here…

  It had far-reaching repercussions…

  In a thousand lifetimes, she’d never live it down!

  After all, to the rest of the world, she was a proverbial good girl through and through. She was placed high on the pedestal of morality. In her limited sphere of life, there was no such thing as doing wrong. She never said a foul word unless it was in secret of course, and even then, it was a travesty. She almost always, well always, considered everyone else’s needs but her own. Too, dear heavens, if her bible thumping father had the faintest inkling of her thoughts, let alone her actions tonight, he’d go into cardiac arrest!

  “No, no one can ever know,” she whispered with a horrified expression and stood rooted to the spot. “Not ever.”

  “You going in or not?”

  Startled, she jumped at the bouncer’s abrupt tone, and finally, she risked a fast glance. Instantly, she wished that she hadn’t. An irritated frown played on his sweaty face, and it indicated his lack of patience. Italian, bald, thick, packing over 250 pounds, the beefy bouncer was dressed in all black gentlemanly attire. She held no doubt that he could muscle anyone out at the faintest sign of chaotic trouble, she gulped, staying mute.

  This was it---

  Her last chance to flee—

  “Look, listen sweetheart, I don’t have all night,” the man expelled in a fast breath, and impatience gleamed in his green eyes. “This line is stretching all around the block, and I don’t have the time for your waffling. The choice is simple: pay up or get out of line.”

  The heat flamed her face. “Sorry,” she mumbled uncomfortably, keeping her head downcast, and then started digging through the handbag. Finally, she located the shiny gold VIP pass from the back compartment. She shoved it towards him with a shaky hand. “Here it is.”

  At the sight of the VIP pass, the man’s entire demeanor changed, and suddenly, a more cordial smile played across his rugged features. “Damn girl, why didn’t you say you were VIP? I would’ve bumped you up the line sooner.” He waved a hand towards the door. “Go on in. But, since you’re VIP, wait in the open foyer. One of the assistants will arrive and escort you upstairs.”

  “Ok, t-thanks,” she stammered and hurried forward. As she moved away, she heard the snickers of amusement behind her. Without a doubt, like her, they knew that she didn’t really belong in this secret forbidden world of nightlife.

  The instance she stepped through the club doors, she was transported into another world. Even from the vantage point of the open foyer, she could see the entire makeup of the upscale club.

  Her fascination rendered her silence as she looked around. At once, she did a mental snapshot of this new, exciting foreign world that she’d ventured into.

  A huge bar stole the center space, and there wasn’t an empty stool in sight. The bartender worked the crowd like a pro---mixing drinks and lending an ear to the exuberant conversations that abounded. All kinds of alcohol filled the bar compartments. Whiskey, wine, daiquiris, and draft beer---you name it, and it was there.

  Her gaze skipped towards the dance area.

  The strobe lights pulsated and flashed all around.

  Good heavens, she breathed, it was massive enough to hold hundreds of people, and actually it did. It held three tiers, and they were packed to capacity. It was fortunate that movement was even a possibility.

  A DJ was stationed at the upper level, and as expected, he worked to pump up the crowd. His earthy voice boomed over the entire club. “This one goes out to all of you beauties in the house tonight,” the DJ murmured into the mike, and immediately, he changed the soundtrack to a sexy deep bass. Then, dropping his voice down low, he accentuated his words even further. “I want you to chillax, unwind, and forget the outside world. This night belongs to you and only you. Claim your forbidden pleasure and ride it to the next sunset.”

  The music pulsated in perfect synchronization with the dancing strobe lights that alternated between different shades of red. The lights slanted across the dance floor at various angles and highlighted the hot writhing bodies. Bare hot need…lust…the entities breathed with their every sensual movement.

  With shameful fascination, she watched.

  Their sensual movements spoke volumes and illuminated their freedom. Wild and abandoned, the dancing duos blatantly issued invitations as they rocked against each other, and the naked lust was etched across their features, she mulled, holding her breath. And tonight, would she finally lose her resolve enough to really experience---

  “Sweetness?”

  She started in surprise at the use of her chosen alias.

  A barely restrained gasp left her as she looked up.

  A modern day Adonis faced her now.


  The sweat beaded on her forehead.

  He was drop dead hot.

  Along the edges, his blond hair was perfectly cropped, and an easy smile curled his lips. His tanned skin was flawless, and its rich hue complemented the black tank top that he wore.

  The warm blush crept along her features.

  He was well-built…stacked…

  “Let’s try that again,” Mr. Adonis spoke loudly, speaking over the booming music, and amusement sparkled in his blue eyes. “Sweetness, right? You certainly match the description from the website.”

  “Y-yes.” Against her breathless stammer, her face was flaming hot. “It’s me.”

  “Corey.” Passing a dimpled smile, he stuck a hand out before clasping hers. Then, after pumping it fast, he released it. “I’m Reign’s personal assistant. While you’re here this week, I’ll be taking care of you and your needs. If you have any questions or need anything just ask, alright?”

  Nodding fast, she looked at everything but him. “Alright.”

  “Well, let’s not prolong things any further then.” As he cupped her elbow, his smile came easily again. “We certainly want your stay at Club Illusions to be a valuable and memorable one. Come with me. I’ll take you to Reign’s quarters.”

  She followed along with him meekly as they moved from the foyer. Once more, she was swamped with uncertainly as they edged towards the noisy crowd. Like a consummate host, he worked the female crowd as they crossed the room, and certainly, they were bowled over by his blatant sexiness. When the women’s eyes fell on her, they didn’t bother to disguise their merriment, and as they passed by them, they more than laughed. One of them didn’t even mask her scathing reply of ‘what is that thing doing here’. Of course, that brought about a bout of boisterous laughter from her companions.

  She swallowed past the lump in her throat.

  Why did she constantly have to pick her self-esteem off the floor? Even amongst these strangers, she was being mocked. But, she did look shoddy, she had to admit. The unfashionable ponytail was held in place with three elastic rubber bands, and her face was devoid of makeup except for the shiny lip gloss. The shapeless brown dress met her ankles, and plain flats covered her feet. Certainly, she wasn’t model thin either, and she had more than a few curves to contend with.

  Her embarrassment flamed higher.

  She was a walking fashion disaster.

  As she stiffened alongside him, Corey easily noticed her discomfort. “Don’t worry about them. Unfortunately, assholes come in many forms,” he said with a disapproving shake of his head and led her towards the elevators. “They’re just fucking jealous that they’re not in your place tonight. Don’t let them get to you.” When they reached the silver-tinted elevator doors, he smiled at her again. As the elevator doors opened, he stepped aside and allowed her to enter first. “You’re certainly a mile above them anyway.”

  Although they engaged in small talk, her discomfort didn’t lessen.

  As the elevator made its ascent, she tracked every floor. When it opened on the fifth level, she was near suffocation levels because of holding her breath so tightly.

  “Hey, sweet lady, relax,” Corey soothed while guiding her from the elevator. Then, after veering a slight right, they moved along the narrow corridor. “You’ll be in good hands with Reign. He’ll take your mind off your worries. Trust me.”

  For the next few minutes, they ventured along the corridor in silence. At intermittent points, they’d pass a door or so. But, so far they’d only passed three doors and they were widely spaced apart, she digressed, looking around the space with a vivid curiosity. The large-framed, expensive abstract paintings adorned the white walls, and she found an odd fascination with the obscurity that they offered.

  They passed an open lounge room. It held two occupants: an escort and his female companion. From the woman’s expression, it was obvious that she was totally enamored by his attention.

  Just as they passed the lounge room, the corridor suddenly curved before stretching to a straightway again. She was startled to see the set of elevator doors at the end of it.

  “Reign is an extremely private man,” Corey acknowledged, quickly noticing her bewildered expression. “And he realizes that his clients deserve that same respect.”

  Thank goodness for that, she mulled, barely suppressing a sigh of relief.

  Considering the circumstances, privacy was the very thing needed.

  The elevator took them up one floor.

  This time, however, as the elevator doors shut behind them, her apprehension wasn’t as great. Now, as she looked around the space, curiosity laced her thoughts instead.

  They stood inside a room.

  Its color was a pure startling white.

  Sitting dead center of it, a bronzed sculpture of a woman assumed a submissive pose. Just above it, a single chandelier hung from the ceiling and was dimmed low. Naturally, it lent a desirable intimacy within the open space. Against the left wall, a white leather bound sofa was positioned; on the right wall, a glass activity mirror covered its entirety.

  As they passed by it, she averted her gaze.

  Witnessing her fall from grace outright would be too shameful!

  They crossed the room.

  Suddenly, it seemed maze-like as they reached another hall.

  Again, another attempt at discreetness…

  A single black door waited at the very end.

  Now, a formidable air filled the open space.

  She inhaled a fractured breath.

  Beyond the door, a violent power of sensual persuasion awaited her.

  Already, she felt it, she realized, breathing fast.

  “Can I get you anything before I go?” Corey asked politely once they reached the door. Turning slightly, he regarded her with a smile. “A drink or something else, perhaps, that will help stimulate the senses?”

  She shook her head fast. “N-no, thanks. I’m fine.”

  “Well, without further ado, then,” Corey said, facing the door again, and then pressed the small oval button near the door. “It’s time for you and Reign to make an acquaintance. Again, we want your stay with us this week to be a valuable and memorable one. Your time here will be respected and you will not be interrupted for any reason.”

  The door gave a soft click.

  “Well, my time is up.” Corey stepped aside slightly and faced her. “Again, do you want or need anything?”

  “N-no. I-I’m fine.” Swallowing hard, she stared at the floor. “I don’t need anything.”

  He gave a curt nod. “Goodnight then.”

  “Goodnight.”

  Seconds later, even after Corey had scurried away, she still made no moves to go in. Instead, she took her eyeglasses off before shoving them into the handbag. On a night like this, she should have worn her contacts instead! It certainly would’ve been one less thing for her to handle clumsily.

  Her anxious gaze stayed riveted on the door.

  She sucked in an unsteady breath.

  Well, this was it.

  She was about to shred any and all decency that she held.

  Shamefully, that was the very exact thing that she wanted.

  Grasping the doorknob, she twisted it.

  Chapter 2

  The lights were dimmed very low, so low in fact that she strained to see.

  She was in a foyer, she surmised, trying to adjust her eyesight to the near darkness. From her stance, she couldn’t really see throughout the entire room. But, no doubt, she was the point of attention. At the very center of the room, situated in the large wingback chair, her forbidden lover watched her and waited.

  Immediately, she was captivated by his magnetic presence.

  It literally breathed in the room.

  “Take your fucking clothes off.”

  She fought to breathe at the softly given command.

  His voice was a fine texture of both roughness and softness, having a suaveness that caressed her senses. To the very core, she was sh
aken, and her feminine senses shivered in response.

  “W-what?” she whispered.

  “I asked you to take your fucking clothes off,” Reign whispered in turn. In the murky darkness, he straightened in the chair before sitting upright. “Do it right now.”

  His sexy words held the right effect, and she trembled under his close perusal. Across the room, his heated stare was nearly paralyzing.

  Somehow, she stayed her open shock.

  They hadn’t even come face to face, and she was already beholden to his strength. What would happen when they finally did?

  His voice was low and raspy. “Damn you. Do it now.”

  She was damned.

  The very moment that she’d sought him out, she had been, in fact.

  She dropped the purse to the floor.

  With shaky hands, she grasped the hem of the shapeless dress. The soft fabric whispered against her skin as she pulled it over her head. It fell to the carpeted floor in a silent heap, leaving her bare except for her undergarments. The white brassiere barely contained her plump breasts, and the matching panties swathed her curvy hips. Through and through, she was a shapely woman.

  A flush warmed her skin.

  Stripping down probably wasn’t the best move.

  Especially since men actually preferred the model thin type….

  She was hardly that!

  A soft gasp escaped her as he spoke again.

  “Sweet mother of fuck,” he rasped unsteadily, rising from the chair. Still, though, he made no moves to come towards her. Instead, he stayed within the shadows and watched her. “Let me behold the sight of you, beautiful woman.”

  She gasped at his last two words.

  Beautiful woman?

  Oh, no, he was all wrong---

  “Take your hair down.”

  A shiver chased through her.

  Heaven help her, she breathed unsteadily.

  That voice…it was knocking her completely off guard.

  Still, though, she followed his command.

  Raising both hands, she reached for the elastic bands at the back of her nape. They snapped easily at her quick sharp tug. In a soft tumble, her thick black tresses fell to her shoulders. Nervously and quickly, she combed her fingers through it and prayed that it wasn’t totally disarrayed. Then, dropping her arms along her sides, she looked across the room with uncertainty.