"You look happy."
"Do I?" Lauren asked, small smile firmly in place.
"Well, happier than usual. What's changed?"
"Nothing's changed permanently, but he's been out of the country for the last couple of weeks. He's not due back until the end of the month. It's just a nice break. And it's comforting to know he won't just pop up unannounced. That's always worse."
"He's been away for long spells before, but you've never seemed this relaxed."
Lauren's smile widened. "Remember the guy I told you about the last time I was here?"
"Yes."
"We've been…sort of…seeing each other."
"Is that wise?"
"Probably not, but—"
"Does he know about your…your situation?"
Lauren nodded.
"He knows there is someone else?"
Lauren nodded again.
"And he's okay with that?"
Shaking her head, Lauren sighed. "No. He's not okay with it, which is why we've just been seeing each other as friends."
"Friends?"
Lauren nodded with a shy smile. "He hasn't even tried to kiss me. We go for coffee. We went to a movie last weekend. We just spend time together."
"Is he straight?"
At this, Lauren laughed. "Most definitely. That's what's so stimulating about the whole thing. There's this undercurrent of sexual tension. We flirt mercilessly. I get butterflies in my stomach when I know I'm going to see him. It's crazy."
"But it has to end, right?"
Lauren's smiled faded. Biting her lip, she nodded. "Yeah, it has to end. If he ever found out, I don't know what he'd do. So, I'll end it before he returns from his trip."
They shouldn't have gone dancing.
It started as they walked out of a restaurant downtown. Danny was about to hail her a cab to take her home, when they heard the music coming from across the street.
"Listen to that," Danny said, motioning across the street.
"What is it?" Lauren asked.
"Salsa club, maybe? That's definitely a Cuban beat, though."
"You dance?" Lauren asked with an amused giggle.
Danny looked at her in mock astonishment. "Do I dance? Where I come from, you learn to dance before you learn to walk."
Rolling her eyes, Lauren continued to smile. "Well, where I come from, we have two left feet. So there will be no dancing tonight," she said she held her hand up to hail herself cab.
Taking her hand, Danny turned her toward him. "Doesn't matter how many left feet you have when you dance with me. Come on," he said with a nod of his head as he started to guide her across the street.
When they entered the loud, smoky club, Lauren stood on her tip toes to speak into Danny's ear. "This is a bad idea….on so many levels," she said in an almost distressed tone. Besides just not knowing how to dance, Lauren felt a sense of distress wash over her. For some reason, she knew this was a bad idea.
"Relax," Danny said as he leaned to look in her eyes. "It will be fun," he said with a sly smile.
After paying the cover charge, he started to lead her towards the dance floor, but she stopped in her tracks. "Maybe we should get a drink first," she practically yelled over the music as she motioned toward the bar.
Danny just shook his head as he continued toward the dance floor.
When they reached the crowded floor, Danny abruptly pulled Lauren into his arms. She felt him put his hand on the small of her back and then he pulled her body flush against his as he took her hand in his free hand.
Leaning down, he whispered in her ear. "Just stay focused on my eyes and do everything I do. You'll be fine."
Lauren knew it was futile to resist him, so she just did as he told her. She stay focused on his eyes as he started to lead her to the music. She had no idea what dance they were doing or how she was keeping pace with him, but she was. It became obvious very quickly that Danny was just as accustomed to this type of dancing as he said he was. As they continued to dance, their bodies seemed to meld together more and more. Danny's hand that had been placed firmly on the small of her back would gradually drift down slightly. It seemed like each time his hand would travel downward, she'd feel his hips thrust slightly against hers. Each time he did this, Lauren's breath would catch.
Several times during their dances, Lauren was sure he was about to kiss her. Their lips would be so close to touching, it was driving her crazy. But each time, he'd just tilt his head back and smile as though he loved teasing her.
They never even made it to the bar, but Lauren didn't need to drink. She'd never felt so intoxicated in her life.
They danced for two solid hours, and finally Lauren held up her hands in surrender. "You've proved your point, Taylor."
Danny just smiled as he took her hand and lead her towards the exit. Once outside, they both breathed in the fresh air. The feeling of the cool air on their sweaty skin was delicious. They enjoyed the feeling so much that they decided to walk a few blocks before finding a cab.
"I'll never doubt you again," Lauren said as they walked.
"That's a wise decision," he responded in playful tone.
Continuing to walk, they didn't speak anymore. There was an electricity in the air between them that wouldn't seem to go away no matter how much fresh air they took in. Before they knew it, they were at Danny's apartment building. They'd walked fourteen blocks without even realizing it.
"Wow," Danny said as he came to stop.
"Yeah," Lauren responded as she turned to him.
For a few moments, they stared at each other. This wasn't unusual…these long, lingering glances. What was unusual was the almost magnetic attraction between them.
Trying to break the tension, Lauren said, "I probably won't be able to get a cab until the next block, this time of night."
Danny didn't respond. Instead he just nodded.
Lauren started to move, but suddenly, Danny took her hand.
"Danny…," her next words were supposed to be 'I can't', but she couldn't get them out.
He stared at her for another minute. It was like he was staring into her soul.
Lauren started to speak again, but before she could get the words out, she felt Danny tug her arm, bringing her body against his. As soon as their bodies made contact, his lips were on hers. And then, as if they were dancing again, he led her back to the alley wall on the side his building. She winced as her back made contact with the hard, stucco wall.
"Sorry," Danny mumbled in her mouth, but kept kissing her.
Lauren opened her mouth to tell him it was okay, but he just took the opportunity to slide his tongue against hers. And then she felt his hands, one on the back of her neck and the other sliding up the inside of her skirt. She wanted to reciprocate by moving her hands under his shirt, but before she could do anything she felt his hand run up the inside of her thigh. The contact made her moan in his mouth and gasp for breath as his lips traveled to her neck. Biting her lip, she felt him slide one finger and then two inside the lining of panties. She lifted one of her legs, hooking it around his thigh to give him better access. She'd been wet down there since they had started dancing, but now she could feel her body contracting with excitement as his fingers slid back and forth in a slow, deliberate manner.
She let out another high-pitched gasp and he stopped kissing her neck so he could look at her face. She knew what he was doing. He wanted to watch her come. Pressing his forehead to hers, their eyes locked as he continued touching, now a little faster. Her breathe quickened as he kissed her a couple of times. She moaned as she felt herself come with one final thrust against his fingers. She leaned up and kissed him. He removed his hand and pulled her closer to kiss her even harder.
Breaking away finally, Lauren looked in his eyes. "This doesn't change—"
Cutting her off, Danny put his damp fingers against her lips. "Do you want to go home?"
On complete instinct, Lauren shook her head.
Two hours later, and they still hadn't made it to his bed. They'd worked up another sweat as soon as they got in his front door and ended up having sex right there. And now they were in his shower, washing away remnants of the dancing and the sex. Of course, they were doing more kissing and touching than washing.
Lauren felt surprisingly relaxed the whole time. At first, she was worried that she wouldn't be able to go through with actually letting Danny inside of her, but he was incredibly gentle considering how passionate the encounter had become. He'd even asked her if she was sure she was ready before taking her and then asked her if she was okay after.
All of this made Lauren want him again. She didn't want him to stop. So in the shower, she trailed her hand down his chest and stomach, until finally her finger traced down the small trail of hair under his navel. She took him in her hand and suddenly, he groaned as he slouched forward against her. Sliding her hand back and forth, he hardened instantly.
Grunting this time, Danny moved away slightly to look into her eyes. "Fuck…fuck, baby," he said in an almost distressed tone.
"What is it?"
"Only had one condom," he said in a panting tone as she continued to stroke him.
Lauren smiled as she leaned into his chest. "That is a problem."
"Sorry. Didn't…expect…"
The both just started to laugh after that.
Minutes later, they got out of the shower, dried off, and collapsed into his bed.
"Keep your distance," Danny said in a joking tone. "Or I'm going to have to break into the drug store down the street."
"Got it," Lauren said with a smile as she turned on her side to look away from him.
"Not that far away," he said softly. Slowly moving towards her, he wrapped his arm around her stomach to pull her back against his chest. "This'll work."
When she felt his arm cradle her protectively and his breath against her neck, Lauren felt like weeping. No one had ever held her like that before.
Within minutes, they were both fast asleep.
For the next week, they spent almost every night together. They didn't talk much because both were afraid of dealing with what was happening between them. But on Friday, Lauren knew she had no other choice but to deal with it.
It was noon, and Lauren watched the ducks glide across the reservoir in Central Park. She'd asked Danny to meet her there because she knew it would be fairly secluded.
"Hey," he called out as he approached her in the old gazebo.
"Hey yourself," she responded quietly, not taking her eyes off the ducks.
Lauren took a deep breath as she felt Danny's lips on her neck and arms envelope her. "What's with the covert meeting location?"
Lauren smiled. "I just…" she started, but didn't want to say it.
"What is it?" he asked as he tightened his arms around her waist.
Taking another breath, Lauren mustered all the willpower she had to shrug out of his grasp. Turning around, she saw confusion form on his face.
"We have to stop, Danny."
"Stop what?" he asked, frown etched firmly in his brow.
Sniffing slightly, she formed her lips into a tight line. She knew he wouldn't make this easy. "We can't…we can't see each other anymore."
"Why?" he asked in a short tone.
"You know why. I told you that I couldn't…that we couldn't--"
He interrupted. "Leave him."
Closing her eyes, Lauren shook her head. "I can't."
"Tell me who he is," Danny commanded.
Lauren shook her head again. "No. I can't."
"Are you afraid of him? Is that it? Is it because he pays your bills? Or your brother's? I'll help you. If you let me, I'll help you."
"It's none of those things. It's nothing you could possibly understand, but it's my reality."
Chewing the inside of his cheek, Danny ran a hand through his hair. "This guy…the…the politician…he's not around all the time, is he?" he asked, his voice weak and almost desperate.
Frowning, Lauren responded, "No."
"Then…I'll…we'll just see each other when he's not around."
"No, Danny. I couldn't do that to you. I feel terrible that I got involved with you at all. I'm not worth it, Danny. You deserve someone who can be with you all the time. You deserve someone who treats you well."
"So do you," he responded in a flat tone.
Lauren's heart sank when she first heard the door open. He'd left a message earlier telling her to be waiting at six. He'd even told her to make sure she was wearing the black teddy and stiletto heels that's he'd sent while he was on his trip.
Forcing herself to focus, Lauren poured the scotch over the ice-filled glass as she listen to him walk into the living room and sit down. Pasting a small smile on her face, she walked out of the kitchen.
"How was your trip?" she asked as she set the drink down on the table next to him, and then stood directly in front of him.
"Long," he replied as he took a moment to look at her. "Take down your hair," he ordered suddenly.
Lauren obeyed as usual and took down her hair. "Is everything else okay?" she asked, voice hesitant.
He just nodded as he picked up his drink and took a sip. He didn't say anything else for several minutes. He just watched her.
Lauren hated when he did this. It made her feel exposed and vulnerable. Of course, everything he did to her made her feel that way.
Finally, he spoke, "Someone's coming over in about fifteen minutes."
Lauren nodded. "Someone from the escort agency?"
The man shook his head. "I decided to go a different route this time. You don't have to explain the rules of the game to this one. He already knows what we are expecting."
Frowning, Lauren knew he was testing her. She wanted to question him, but knew if she did that he'd make her pay. "Whatever you want," she said quietly.
"Exactly," the man replied.
The man went into the special room with the two-way mirror when there was a knock at the door. Hesitantly, Lauren walked to the door and opened it. Standing on the other side was a man in his late-thirties or early forties. He had on a coat and tie. He didn't look like a prostitute; he looked like he'd just finished a day of work on Wall Street.
"Hello," the man at the door said when Lauren did nothing to greet him.
Finally focusing, Lauren shook her head. "I'm sorry. Hello. Please come in."
The man looked her up and down as he came through the door. "Wow. You, um, you are definitely the crème of the crop."
Frowning, Lauren wasn't sure how to take that. "Thanks," was all the she could say in response. "Let's go," she said as she motioned toward the bedroom.
"Wait a second," the man said as he took a hold of her arm. "How about you fix me a drink first?"
"Um, I'm not sure—"
"I'm in charge, right?" the man cut her off.
Lauren just nodded.
"Then fix me a fucking scotch. Neat."
Something was wrong. Lauren knew it. Usually, the game didn't start until they entered the bedroom. No one had asked for a drink before. They all had known why they were there.
"I'll get it right now," she said with a slight smile. "Um, would you like to go to the bedroom and I'll bring it to you?"
The man just nodded as he started toward the bedroom.
Nervously, Lauren hurried into the kitchen. Her whole body felt shaky. Before getting his scotch, she opened the freezer, took out the vodka, and drank three longs gulps straight from the bottle. She couldn't pinpoint it, but something about this man terrified her.
Quickly, she poured his drink. Taking a deep breath, she went into the bedroom.
Two Days Later
"What happened to you?"
Self-consciously, Lauren hid the cut on her lip. The large, dark sunglasses were hiding her bruised eye.
"He changed the game," Lauren responded.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, he…he changed the fucking game. Before, even though I wasn't supposed to be in control, I was still in control. You know? I knew what was going to happen. Hell, I would tell them what to do me. But this time, this time, he changed it," Lauren said as her eyes filled with tears.
When Lauren walked into the bedroom, the man was still wearing his shirt and tie. He was sitting back on the bed with his legs crossed in front him. Lauren smiled as she put the drink down on the nightstand.
"You're fucking gorgeous."
Lauren just smiled as she stood in front of him, waiting to be told what to do.
"I'm serious. I've fucked some hot whores before, but no one like you."
When he first said the word, Lauren's first instinct was to look into the two-way mirror, but she stopped herself. This man thought she was the prostitute. He was paying for her, instead of the other way around.
"What do you do?" the man asked her, drawing her out of her shocked state.
"Excuse me?"
"Tell me what you do."
This time, Lauren glanced quickly into the mirror before responding. "Whatever you want."
An hour later, she was huddled at the foot of the bed, with her knees pulled up to her chin. The man was putting his dress shirt and tie back on in the bathroom. She could hear him whistling lightly to himself.
When he came out of the bathroom, he leaned down in front of her. At first, she thought he was going to touch her face, but instead, he grabbed her hair. "Your cunt is worth every penny," he said. Then he stood up and tossed a few bills at her.
When she heard the front door close, she had to stop herself from breaking down. The night wasn't over yet. A minute later, the two-way mirror opened. He walked out a stood in front of her.
"I'll call Charlie. He'll take you to your doctor tonight."
Lauren resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Her mouth was bleeding, her eye was throbbing, and her shoulder felt dislocated. And those were just the wounds that were visible.
The man turned to walk out, but Lauren spoke before he could reach the door. "Why do you hate me so much? How could let that man do what he just did to me?"
At first, she thought he was going to respond, but then he just walked out.
"You are being physically and sexually assaulted. This time, sending you to the hospital. You have to call the police. Whatever hold this man has on you, it's not worth it. The authorities need to know."
"That won't help," Lauren responded, still crying.
"Why not?"
"Because he is the authorities, maybe even more powerful than the police," Lauren responded, her emotion replaced by futility. "I don't have any way out of this."