Hello everyone,
I hope you're as excited about this chapter as I was about posting it. Bella, our saucy little Devil is determined to tease Edward right out of his skin. Please enjoy that.
Also, over the last few days, I have posted another few little stories. One is a Drabble called Stalked, and a one-shot called Fking Hired. Please head over and check those out.
Thanks so much for reading, reviewing, favoriting, and following.
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Bella-
Releasing a deep breath to calm my nerves, I pushed into the playroom at Campfire for the second time. This time I knew what to expect. Even while I knew what lay behind those doors, nerves clenched my belly, the butterflies threatening to bounce right out of my skin.
Bracing myself for the onslaught to come, I pushed inside, not entirely sure what the hell I was doing there, or what I hoped to find.
Images of the handsome stranger plagued me all week, and yet by his admission, he no longer participated in these events. I'd been tempted to come just to see him, if and when he came back but considering the distress claiming his features that night, I highly doubted he would return anytime soon.
So when I managed to gain the courage to enter the dungeon, I skidded to a halt, looking at the writhing bodies littering the room. I still wasn't a hundred percent sure this is where I wanted to be, but my curiosity led me here.
Glancing around the playroom, I looked from couple to couple until I landed on the couches lining the back wall. The corners of my lips tipped when I spotted him. Staying away must've been harder than he'd anticipated, and even from this distance I could feel the weight of his eyes drilling into me.
A thrill raced up my spine. He might not want to play, but he sure was looking. Unable to resist the urge to goad him a bit, I added an extra swing to my hips as I made my way over to where he sat, feeling a fire trailing every inch of me as I drew closer.
Several heads turned in my direction, but I barely spared them a glance, my focus all on him. He didn't look as haggard as he had the last time I saw him as if his control was firmly in place. I should feel bad about wanting to tease him, but the fire in his eyes—popping and snapping—emanating a danger crackling just below his rough exterior had me moving in his direction.
Moisture dotted his brow, the spots glistening from the light of fire crackling several feet away. Tracing his elegantly boned features, I stopped inches away, shivering under that steely glare. Knowing the answer, I stared him in the eye as I asked, "Did the lion come to play?"
His jaw worked as if it were the hardest question he'd ever heard. Those hungry blue eyes skated down the length of me causing my nipples to pucker before returning to mine. Electricity radiated from his gaze, a magnetic pull holding me firmly in place. "I don't play anymore. I told you that last week."
"Oh, really? Then why are you here?" I couldn't dismiss the husky note in his tone. He looked as if he were about to jump out of his skin, the chords of his throat drawn tight, visibly working as if he were struggling. His hands were fisted at his sides, and chancing a look at his crotch—noting his state of arousal—my gaze flew back to his. "Are you sure about that? You don't look so confident."
He simply stared back, his lips in a grim line before he leaned forward and inhaled deeply. His nose was still several inches from my pussy but I had a feeling he was smelling me. Upon that realization, my muscles clenched, an ache starting in the pit of my stomach.
Finally, he withdrew and rested against the back cushion, a smirk curving his lips, making me shiver, he continued, "I see no one has taken you in hand yet. Still as sassy as ever."
"That will be the day when someone manages to tame my tongue." Flashing a grin when his teeth clenched, I turned on my heel. "Jasper told me to find him when I got here for an extensive tour. Have fun watching."
I wanted to turn around to see if he was watching so badly. By just a fraction of control, I managed to keep my face forward, very aware of the trail of heat sliding down my spine. It settled around my hips, and with a feeling of pure victory, I added an extra swing as I walked away.
I was only five feet away from the man on the couch when I spotted Kai. After the detailed recount of his type of excitement, I made a beeline in the opposite direction. As handsome as he was, I had no desire to be fucked raw, and unable to walk.
Luckily it didn't prove hard to find Jasper. He was leaning against the wall watching the show in progress. Fleetingly, I looked in that direction to see a woman bound from breasts to calves by rope. The twine was so tight in places it looked to be cutting off her circulation. Two men circled her, taking turns smacking her delicate skin.
She was definitely in pain, I decided, tearing my eyes away from the stage. While I wasn't sure exactly what I was looking for, I knew it wasn't that. A masculine grunt of pleasure reached my ears, yet I kept my attention on my friend's boyfriend.
Studying closely as I drew closer, it was easy to see what Alice found appealing. He was trim in build, yet lined in all the right places, curly hair lining his pecs and trekking down his abdomen. Toned muscles bunched and rolled with every breath, and curiosity getting the better of me, I let my wandering eyes slide lower.
His hips were trim, his legs long and lean. Finally, I dragged my gaze back to his face. His lips were pulled up in the corners—amusement evident in the barely-there smile. When I finally reached his eyes, his brow lifted as his grin grew. "See something you like?"
"I see something that belongs to my friend." Just because he was taken, didn't mean I couldn't enjoy the view. Right? Right.
He chuckled as he nodded. "If my friend caught that exploration, you might get a blistered ass."
Taking up residence at Jasper's side, I let my attention slide in the direction of the couch. The man in question was looking in this direction. While I couldn't see what held his attention, the tingle working up my legs indicated I was his focus. "He says he doesn't play anymore."
"I have a feeling that will change soon." Jasper pushed away from the wall, offering his arm. "Let me give you the grand tour. Introduce you to a few people."
"Introduce away," I encouraged, wrapping my fingers around his bicep. With the strength of Hercules, I kept my eyes forward, even though I was dying to look in his direction. "You could start by telling me his name."
"Edward. I would've thought he'd have introduced himself by now." Jasper shrugged, looking down at me. "Let's make him wonder a bit, shall we?"
There was something in Jasper's expression that gave me pause. Was Jasper doing this for his friend? Or for me? I didn't get a chance to decipher either way before he led us in the opposite direction, out of sight of Edward.
As much as I wanted to look over my shoulder one last time, I faced forward as Jasper turned us toward a couple standing along the wall. He looked down at me long and hard before looking back at the couple. "This is Nova. Nova, meet Wildflower and Master Emmett."
When Nova left his lips it took a minute to realize he was referring to me. Once I did, I was still at a complete loss. Did I offer my hand to shake? What would I say? How should I act? I was so far out of my element, I was thankful to have Jasper at my side.
My hold on his arm tightened as I studied the couple before me. The woman had long chestnut hair covering her exposed nipples, and her hand lay possessively on Master Emmett's forearm and her eyes shot daggers straight at me. Still, I pasted the most welcoming smile I could muster under these unusual circumstances and nodded toward her. "Hello."
The bear of a man's brow shot up as he spied Wildflower's reaction to me. He bumped her purposely with his elbow, a warning snapping from his sharp gaze, and a flare of his nostrils.
Master Emmett must've noticed the way she glowered at me because his broad shoulder nudged her and dropped a meaningful glance toward her. "Play nice, wildflower. Wouldn't want the newbie to feel unwelcome, now would we?"
"No, Sir," she pouted, up at him before turning her attention back in my direction. With an indignant sniff, she finally plastered a smile on her lips. "Hello, Nova. Welcome to Campfire."
"Very good," Master Emmett encouraged, dropping a quick kiss to the top of her head. He waggled his eyebrows at me. "Are you a free agent?"
"Huh?" Confused by the question I glanced up at Jasper for clarification.
A full grin splayed across Jasper's perfectly bowed lips. "He is asking if you are spoken for, or if you can play?"
"Oh, ah, yeah. Um …" When the beast's eyes lit with unmistakable interest, the words clogged my throat. Clearing my throat, I tried again. "I'm still assessing my options."
"When you are finished assessing, come see me." Master Emmett boldly raked his gaze down my form, and a jolt of sensation slid through my body. Of course, those dimples hidden by the scruff lining his jaw made an appearance, making my knees a tad weak. "I promise to be gentle. At first."
His meaning was very clear, I chanced a look toward the woman at his side. While she looked agitated, she said nothing, purposely keeping her eyes downcast. Thankfully, Jasper tugged me away, affording me a reprieve from Master Emmett's heated gaze. Once we were out of earshot, I bumped Jasper to get his attention. "I thought he and Wildflower were a couple. He was practically …"
"There are several different dynamics when you are involved in this type of relationship or play. Some are owned and committed to one another. Others play here in the club for mere pleasure." Jasper led me toward a hallway. Throwing a gesture down the dimly lit opening, he continued, "These are private suites. Some club members have their own, and you can rent one. We encourage and enjoy open play, but if for some reason …"
"Jasper, wait? How do you know what type of relationship you are in? Who decides that? When is it decided?" This was all happening so fast and I wanted to make sure I understood what the hell was going on before I found myself in a situation I couldn't control. "Will there be a discussion or …"
Jasper turned toward me and cupped my shoulders. "Nova, you have a say in everything that happens here. Don't let anyone—anyone make you feel otherwise. If you are looking for a specific dynamic then you need to openly state that. Okay? Questions. Ask lots of questions and make sure the situation is agreeable to you."
"Okay," I nodded, tossing a wavy curl over my shoulder, I took a deep breath. "I think I need a bottle of water or something to drink."
"Good. It will give me a chance to show you the snack bar. Come on," he chuckled, pushing me around a corner. "We don't allow alcohol here. Unfortunately, it lowers people's inhibitions and also their right to consent. We prefer everyone to come into this with a clear mind."
"That makes total sense but I could use a couple of shots of tequila right about now." Waving a hand toward my flaming cheeks, I looked toward the comfort of the couches. They were clear across the dungeon at this point, but a clear view of Edward's cushion came into view. His vacant cushion.
Where the hell had he gone?
Had he left?
A sliver of disappointment shot to my toes. Damn. Chewing the inside of my cheek, I followed Jasper to a small counter, where different juices, waters, and even tea were available to members.
"What do you prefer? We have cranberry juice, cran-grape, apple, and orange. Water? Or would you like sweet tea?"
I was about to reach for a bottle of cranberry juice when deja vu struck.
"Water! You want to stay hydrated."
His commanding voice seemed to bleed over the booming music. Whipping around to look at him, I raised my brow. "I listened to you the last time. I don't see any reason not to indulge once in a while."
His lashes dropped a fraction as I grabbed the cranberry juice and popped the cap. In defiance, I lifted it to my lips and took a sip. Smacking my lips at him as the tart juice popped on my tastes buds. I enjoyed the way his eyes narrowed, and the tick in his temple started. Just to goad him further, I said, "I don't remember giving you permission to order me around."
Jasper seemed very amused by my act of defiance, his eyes brightening as they bounced between Edward and me. When Edward pinned him with a meaningful look, he looked down at me. "I have to go check on a few things. Will you be okay on your own for a few minutes?"
With more confidence than I felt, I lifted my chin and met Edward's glare. "I'm great. Just don't forget about me. I am eager to mingle."
"I'm just going to see if Alice has shown up yet. If so, I will be right back."
"Wonderful." When Jasper wandered off, I looked away from Edward, focusing on the room beyond.
Apparently, Mr. Arrogant didn't like being ignored. The longer I kept my attention averted, the closer he came until he was standing beside me. I could feel his heat soaking into my shoulder with his closeness. A tingle danced across my skin, yet despite my body's reaction, I refused to look at him.
"Do you like being a defiant, little girl?"
His breath fanned across my cheek, as his spicy scent wafted in the musky air. My eyes threatened to roll into the back of my head, and the urge to bury my nose into his chest was so damn strong. Swallowing the need building in my chest, I met his steely gaze.
Stubble lined his jaw, and I wondered what it would feel like on my skin. Suppressing a shiver, I licked my lips, noticing his eyes drop to watch. "I do. And Jasper named me Nova."
The muscle in his temples ticked and his nostrils flared with undisguised temper. "I don't give a shit what Jasper named you." He moved an inch closer, top of his nose skimming my hair. "Do you do it on purpose?"
I couldn't hide the tremble in my voice. "What?"
"Defy me?"
The rumble filling my ear spoke to a spot deep within me. Loving the aggressive growl, I nodded, "I do. What are you going to do about it?"
I waited forever for his answer— his gaze burning through mine, and I didn't think he would answer when he finally scoffed. "Nothing."
Without missing a beat, I rolled my eyes, saying, " Damn. I think you are a bigger tease than me."
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