Authors Note: I won't even. Happy reading...
Play List: If I lose Myself - One Republic
Bella -
The ride over to Barca was short and sweet, traffic was light but I was still managed to be fashionably five minutes late. I guess I should have taken a cab and saved myself the aggravation. At the time, driving myself seemed like a better idea, for one I wasn't in the mood to deal with Eric tonight and I wanted to easily make a getaway tonight if I had to.
When I pulled up, a valet opened my door and helped me out of the car.
"Are you here for the party Miss?" The young man asked, tossing his long blond hair out of his blue eyes.
"I am." I kept my composer as I handed off my keys, he was cute, but I wasn't here for him.
"Excellent." A little grin lit up his face. "This is your ticket, when you're ready to leave just bring it over and we'll take care of you."
"Thanks." I smiled lightly, wondering if he was thinking I'd somehow be leaving here with him later tonight.
Well, I guess we could all be dreamers, couldn't we?
As I approached the entrance, two bouncers sat out side the club's main entrance checking invites. They were big, burly, and sort of frightening. One of them had arms as big as my waist and the other was just as menacing covered in vibrant tattoos and piecing. Not being able to help it, I approached them cautiously and flashed my elegant invitation, which seemed to do the trick.
The dark haired tattooed one smiled and slightly wagged his brow, his teeth sparkling in the vivid glow of lights coming from the array of business that cover the busy street. I ignored the pesky unease I'd felt as best as I could before scurrying inside the narrow door frame and past the two huge men that seemed to be drinking me in. Once past them without incident, I let a little shaky breath and told myself to get it together. When I opened my eyes they went wide with awe and excitement.
The inside of Barca was stunning, when I walked in I immediately felt like I'd entered an elegant brothel.
The color scheme was warm, inviting, and yet intimidating all that the same time. The walls were a deep red and there were hints and traces of gold and wrought iron everywhere. Small pillar candles were scattered through out the room, some dripping cream wax on the surfaces below or down the walls as they bathed everything in soft sultry candle light.
The long expansive bar was incredible, made of some sort of park wood that curved and rounded along the wall like the notes on sheet music. My eyes were pulled to the back splash behind it that seem to expand the room and add even more mystery. A large mirror as big as the wall itself hung there and a heavy deep red stage curtain with gold tassels framed it.
Everything was rich and gorgeous, and I literally felt like I stepped into the real life Moulin Rouge.
A baby grand piano sat in the corner of the room and a man with coppery bronzed hair, tousled in sexy disarray, sat with his back to the crowd playing a beautiful melody. It was mesmerizing and hauntingly beautiful, without thought I found myself wandering toward him but I stopped short when someone bumped me from behind and brought me out of the fog that seemed to swirl around in my head and cloud my judgement.
I'd barely noticed that the room was starting to fill up. Several people had already adorned their masks and were sipping glasses of wine in the main room where the piano play sat, totally oblivious to the effect he was having on the me. Shaking my head to clear it, I walked myself over to the cramped coat check and handed over my wrap. The diminutive orange haired man inside smiled at me and handed me a small red ticket, I slipped it safely inside my clutch with my valet ticket and pulled my mask out.
I was about to slide it into place when I heard Tanya calling my name.
"Bella!" She pushed her way over to me with little effort on her part, the crowd around us practically parted like the red sea.
"Tanya, hello. " I smiled my greeting as I settled the mask over my cheeks.
Tanya was breathtaking of course, all long legs and strawberry blond ringlets cascading around her. She was wearing a simple black cocktail dress that was anything but simple on her. She was busty and gorgeous and I honestly couldn't help but ogle her myself. If I wasn't so self confident she's have had me running out of here.
"I'm so glad you could make it." Leaning toward me she brushed a kiss across my right cheek and smiled. "There are a few people here that I'd like you to meet." She said happily as she clasped our hands together and started leading me into the main room.
Settling my nerves, I gave myself a little pep talk and squared my shoulders.
I let her take my hand and lead me around the room, but much to my disappointment, the piano man was gone. Searching the room and coming up empty, I started to wonder if I'd imagined him. Shaking off my disappointment, I followed Tanya around as she introduced me to several different people in the room. All the while my eyes always continued their search, every now and again landing back on the empty bench of the piano.
If Tanya sensed anything in my mood, she didn't bring it up. It wasn't long before I fell easily into the rhythm of the atmosphere and let myself enjoy the easy conversations.
I chatted up and smiled with several of people, including a couple who had been involved with each other for a long time. Liam and Siobhan were married fifteen years, had three year old, and were still living the BDSM life style regularly. I was pleasantly shocked when they invited me to joint them for an evening.
Liam heartily chuckled at me when I hesitated at first. "No pressure, Bella. It's all in good fun, you know?"
"We would love to have you, Bella." Siobhan smiled warmly down at me from her five inch black paten leather Christian Louboutin's. "It would be such fun to have another beautiful woman around every now and again."
To that Liam heartily agreed.
Being a "Free Agent" was something that Tanya had whispered conspicuously about to me earlier. Apparently as long as I wasn't collared in their club or attending any other parties outside of the circle, that I could enjoy myself as much as I'd liked.
It was really strange, yet refreshing to be welcomed so openly.
At one point Tanya had excused herself to check on something, but promised to be right back. I let her know with a wink that she didn't need to hurry. I didn't want her to feel as though she had to babysit me tonight. I was a grown woman and capable of taking care of myself after all, right? Besides, for the first time in a really long time I found it as easy as breathing to enjoy myself tonight, there was something about these people that really made me feel like I'd finally found a place where I could be myself.
As I wondered the room that night I found that most of the men I spoke to were a little too old for my taste. Don't get me wrong, I didn't mind an older man but I had my limits and in the back of my mind I'd always wondered how I'd justify the relationship to Charlie if the situation ever arose where they'd have to meet.
Not that I needed to justify anything, I was twenty-four years old and perfectly capable of making my own choices. Renee always said there was a lot to be said for an older man…or even a younger one if you went by her current standards. I guess the point was, is that when you met the right one, age didn't matter.
The thought made me smile, my silly mothers standards were always enough to give me a good chuckle. I knew that wouldn't stop a few raised eye brows on my fathers' behalf. I wouldn't want to upset the Police Chief by parade a man around him that was closer to his age than my own. Call me crazy, but for some reason I knew it wouldn't fly too well with him.
Cocktail hour was moving swiftly along and so far I wasn't having much luck. It wasn't long before I found myself at the bar refilling my wine glass for the second time in the hour. I made a mental note to slow down a bit before I ended up incoherent and making a fool of myself.
"What's a beautiful girl like you doing in a place like this without a collar?" A deep nasally voice asked.
Really, a pick up line?
Luckily my back was to this overly and unnecessarily confident man, so he didn't see my eye roll. I turned slightly to face him while I waited for the bartender to fill my drink.
The smile I'd plastered on my face faltered slightly as I took in his appearance. Dark brown greasy brown hair that was unkempt and unruly, a bad complexion marred with what looked like acne scars littered his round face. The attire was by far the worst, leather pants, red silk shirt left undone to reveal a mound of chest hair...
I fought the urge to visibly shudder all the while I hoped he hadn't noticed my falter. I didn't like being rude, even if it was compulsively.
"I'm Eric." He held his hand out for mine with an enthusiastic smile.
Apparently not.
I was dazed in a stupor, it was times like these I wish I had a wing man….I needed an escape and fast.
"There you are." A soft feminine voice called. "I've been looking all over for you, Edward's been looking for you." To my right a beautiful blond woman appeared as she took my arm in hers and led me away from the bar.
Thank God for small favors. Even not knowing who the hell this girl was or the Edward she mentioned that was apparently looking for me, I couldn't have cared less nor could I be more thankful for her well timed assisted escape.
"Sorry, I hope you really weren't interested in him." She smiled. "Trust me; you don't want to get to know that one." Her nose scrunched in distaste. "He's a bit new at this." She motioned with her hands to the crowd of people.
"Thanks, I guess wishes do come true. I was looking for a way outta' that one." I laughed. "I'm Bella."
"I know. I'm Katrina, Tanya's sister. You can call Kate."
Just then dinner was announced.
Shit. I cursed inwardly. I forgot to check the seating arrangements.
Kate must have sensed my silent dilemma.
"You're with us, over here." She smiled and tugged at my hand.
Kate led me over to a black and red linen table adorned with a high fancy centerpiece of roses and other exotic looking flowers. There were several jagged looking branches jutting out from the center and those were dripping with long chandelier like strands of crystals. More tea lights were scattered around the table, and the murky darkness of the room set the mood of seduction.
Realization donning on me, I figured out who I was standing with. Kate was no doubt Tanya's sister and business partner. She was beautiful and blond just like Tanya; only her hair was longer and lighter in color. Kate was slender and curvy all in one, a total knockout. I hadn't met Irina yet, but there was no doubt in my mind that these sisters were a triple threat.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" she asked as we approached the table and took our seats.
"I am, it's quite a party. Someone certainly knows what they're doing." I smiled.
"Don't give Tanya a big head." She snorted. "It's bad enough she's already all high and mighty."
"She planned all this?" I asked with true admiration, everything had turned out beautifully.
"I did." Tanya smirked coming to join us at the table.
Our table filled up quickly, seven of us in total. All but one empty seat next to mine.
"Bella," Kate said. "This is my husband Garrett," she gestured to a tall handsome man with sandy colored hair that was slicked back and gathered into a ponytail at the nape of his neck. He wore a flawless tux with a deep maroon tie that complimented his hazel eyes.
"Garrett, this is Isabella Swan."
"It's always a pleasure to meet such a beautiful woman." Garrett took my hand firmly in his and kissed the back of it. I flushed pink and smiled back.
"It's wonderful to meet you, Sir."
Kate also introduced me to the rest of the table, which included a beautiful olive skinned woman named Carmen, whom I quickly learned was married to Eleazer.
Carmen had originally been a submissive for Eleazer; it hadn't taken the two of them to fall in love. They were currently expecting their first child, Carmen was approximately twelve weeks and she positively glowed. As it turned out the two of them had only come tonight to support Tanya and the Denali Corp, rather than 'network' as Tanya liked to refer to it.
A waiter placed a small portion of chicken piard in front of me and I slowly dug in, cutting my chicken and steamed veggies in tiny delectable little pieces. The meal was good, but I was slightly zealous, knowing I could have done a much better job.
Dessert and coffee were served and the room relaxed into easy conversations. Only a few times I'd noticed Tanya glancing at the seat next to mine before looking around the room like she was searching for someone. I brushed it off, hoping whoever was supposed to sit here had found another spot. For some reason, the empty seat next to me brought more comfort. I think I was slowly having my fill of the evening. Despite not having met anyone, I wasn't sad or angry about it. So far this evening was turning out wonderfully. I was really happy to have made as many friends as I had already. I felt great about my choice to take Tanya up on her offer to come out tonight. It was exactly what I need to get out of this funk I was feeling.
Most of the people here seemed to know each other and I busied myself by staying close to Kate's side, chatting with her and sharing stories. I knew it was cowardice, but there was no way in hell I even wanted to give some of these men the time of day, let alone my submission. Still, it was good being out again.
Thank God for Kate, she was my knight in shining armor the majority of the knight. She must have saved me four separate times from the strangest men I'd ever met. As the night wore on, so did my mood though and it wasn't long before I find myself annoyed by two in particular. Tyler Crowley annoyingly young playboy that didn't understand that I wasn't interested, and Eric Yorkie inexperienced greasy bar guy who seemed to be making an Olympic sport out of vying for my attention. The two of them were bordering stalker.
Just what I needed, right?
I felt so disappointed and angry with myself by the time the night started to wind down. I vowed tonight would be a new beginning for me. Sure, I had my doubts about being ready but I'd wanted to push that aside and move on. I wanted to find someone to connect with.
It was fitting, here I stood closing myself off to the people around me again.
Angry and exhausted, I decided to call it a night.
I could tell Kate and Tanya were disappointed when I told them I was leaving. I know Tanya was confident I would have hit it off with someone tonight. I hoped she could have been right.
"Its still early Bella, the DJ just started playing." Tanya practically whined. "Can you stay just a little while longer?"
"I know I'm sorry. I just don't think there's anything here for me tonight." I motioned to the small crowd of masqueraders. "I've had a wonderful time though." I smiled. "Thank you for inviting me here, it's been great getting to know you both."
"You've hardly met everyone!" Tanya moaned. "Please Bella, just a little while longer."
Besides, it hadn't escaped my noticed as I walked around earlier that many of the women here weren't collared, if that were the case my chances of meeting someone tonight were slim anyhow.
"Most of the girls here aren't collared. I bet whatever was good, I missed out on." I shrugged.
Most of the women here were incredibly gorgeous, dressed to the nines in short sexy gowns and diamond necklaces. One woman had a string of emeralds and diamonds around her neck that looked like it would rival the crowned jewels. The piece looked like it cost a small fortune.
"Bella." Kate huffed, pointing at a group of stunning women. "They're wearing collars."
"Huh?" I looked at her in confusion. "Who is?"
Kate pointed out a tall red head wearing a ruby encrusted choker. "Most of the women here are, only a handful of you aren't collared. Believe me, the odds are in your favor tonight. Just give it a little more time."
"What-" My eyes widened as I took in the group. Most of them still wearing elaborate masks adorned with jewels and feathers. I felt like I hadn't really looked at anyone for the length of time I'd spent with them all. I was finally beginning to understand Tanya's lengthy application process.
When she mentioned the exclusivity of her network, I hadn't realized she meant lifestyles of the rich and famous exclusive.
"Breath Bella," Tanya said suddenly bringing me out of my reverie. "I told you that I would make sure you are well taken care of." She smiled. "Why do you think I accepted your application and invited you here tonight? You more than qualified."
"She looks kind of pale…" I heard Kate say softly, wrapping an arm around me to keep me steady.
"I think I need to get some air." I blurted out.
"I'll go with you." Kate offered, ushering me toward the balcony. "There's less people up stairs and places to sit."
We made our way through the crowd and over to a wrought iron set of stairs that led up to an over look and a terrace.
"You go on up Bella; I'll be right behind you I just need to see Irina for a moment. Would you like something from the bar when I come back?"
"White wine." I nodded, calling back over the blaring beat of music pumping through the room as I started up the steps.
I didn't pay attention to Kate as she disappeared back down the stairs. When I finally made it to the top without falling backward I celebrated a small victory. As soon as I could feel the cool breeze coming from the open terrace doors I didn't waste any time stepping out into the cool Seattle air. Once out, I drew in a deep breath and let it back out, like my physical therapist had taught me. I instantly felt more calm and collected. There was a heavy floral scent in the air and I realized there were several large bowls of floating candles, gardenias, and water lilies. The scent was heavenly and relaxing. I was so thankful, Tanya really had out done her self to set a mood.
I settled myself against the railing and watched the remainder of the sun disappear over the horizon.
"You've been quite the topic of discussion this evening." A velvet voice suddenly spoke from behind me, sort of startling me at first before I became a little annoyed. I just wanted a minute to myself, was that so much to ask?
"Have I?" I asked, tired of being ogled and sought after by greasy haired boys caught up in how to spend their trust funds.
"You've certainly caught my attention." His voice was suddenly caressing me with a breathless whisper against back of my neck. I felt a shiver of pleasure trickle down my spine and shoot straight to my core.
Holy crow.
I slowly turned to face this seductive mystery man that was breathing down my neck. It wasn't until we were almost completely face to face, that I allowed myself to take him in. The moment I did, I almost gasped aloud in surprise.
The man that stood before me was beyond gorgeous and anything but adolescent. He wore a classic black tux that left his shoulders looking broad and strong. Even through the layers of his suit, I could tell he had a perfectly sculpted body. His coppery bronze hair was in sexy disarray, like he'd just crawled out of bed after a long day of hot, mind blowing sex.
I barely felt the soft sigh escape my lips as I drank him in.
Now that's a visual I can sear into my brain and save for later.
Though his face was covered by a classic Phantom of the Opera mask, I could still make out his chiseled jaw line and angular face. When our eyes finally met, I was stunned into a dazed mess. They were the deepest most expressive, mesmerizing shade of dark green I had ever seen on a person. On the corners of my mind something nagged of familiarity, but I was too stupefied to wonder what. Something inside me screamed to be claimed by him.
I don't think I'd ever been rendered speechless in my life, at this point the only thing holding me upright was the support I was getting from the railing I was leaning my back against, it was intense.
Ever so slightly, I felt my knees shake and back slide a hair. While I didn't think I would pass out from this encounter, I wasn't sure my body could keep the promise to my overloaded mind right now. It seemed like everything was pleasantly shutting down.
As if in response to my anticipated needs, I felt the slightly pressure as pressed his body closer to me, touching, but just barely to support me against the railing. If his hips angled any closer to mine I think I might explode from sensory overload. If this man could do this to me while my clothes were still on...
It wasn't until I felt his arms resting on either side of me on the banister that I exhaled some sort of relief. However, when he leaned in, I sucked in a sharp breath of anticipation. I don't think I imagined craning my neck ever so slightly to give him better access. I just hoped he didn't think I was this easy all the time. Something about his was hypnotic but wow, he was so close I could practically taste the delicious scent coming off his skin. I wasn't sure if this was reality anymore. Nothing could possibly feel this good and be real. It was making my head whirl with delight.
Strange though, I wasn't startled by the fact that I welcomed the close proximity of him. In all honesty, I craved it, hungered for it almost. In a way I felt safe. Even though I'd also felt like prey being stalked as I stood trapped between his strong arms. Still, I wanted him closer, needed him to close the distance between us.
I'd never felt a connection to someone so powerful in my entire life. The hum of electricity between us was plausible, so much so I could almost feel the buzzing of a current surging between.
I wondered if he could feel it too?
I felt his dark sultry chuckle before I heard it and it did strange and delicious things to my suddenly overheated body.
"If you don't have any prior engagements Isabella, I'd like to take you somewhere we can speak…privately." His voice was a low sexy murmur against my ear and the way he said my name had me swooning. All I could do was nod my head as his heated breath tickled the fine hairs on my neck.
Right now, there was nothing I wanted more than to go with him…to have him take me...I wanted him in more way I cared to admit even to myself. Without hesitation I felt him slowly back away and wrap his arm around me.
Just as simply as that, I knew I would follow this man anywhere.
Author's note: Hmmm... Edward? Someone else? I guess you'll find out in Chapter 5...
