“Alright, guys quiet down. I’m sending a hand out around the room, everyone take one and pass it on. Bevy will come in and discuss the Gala, which takes place in two weeks.” Michael handed the stack of papers to Anthony to pass around. “Save any questions you have for Bevy. The only thing I need to tell you is that you will need to wear a Tuxedo. The Gala is a black-tie affair. Anyone here last year should already have a tux. Anyone new, please see me after. We have a guy that hooks us up.”

Bevy invited the entire staff to the Gala; even the secondary staff members, so that meant even the guys who cleaned the floors were expected to be there. Bevy held the Gala every year in September to mark the anniversary of RAW’s opening. It was a big deal, and Bevy invited anyone who mattered to her plus anyone who begged for an invite.

It was the only party not exclusive to the members. Bevy maintained the member's privacy during the event. No one was allowed to speak about who was a member and who wasn’t. Bevy had such a diverse guest list of over three hundred people that one could only assume who was a member and no one ever assumed correctly.

Bevy entered the restaurant, and all conversation stopped.

“Good afternoon, gentleman.” She stood in front of the main bar holding papers in her hand. “I hope by now you all received the list of rules for our upcoming Gala. The next three weeks will go by quickly, and there will be a lot of people walking in and out of the mansion during the days. I ask that you help them all and if you see anything that needs attention, please bring it to my attention. I want you to read these rules carefully and commit them to memory. I want no mishaps. All sex rooms are closed off for the evening, except at two in the morning the communal room opens for the members only. The non-member guests will be escorted out by two-thirty. I expect you all to be on your best behavior. It’s always a beautiful night, and everyone enjoys themselves. Does anyone have any questions?”

“How should we act around the members in front of non-members?” Eric yelled out.

“You do not show anyone preferential treatment during the Gala. The members keep things low key. You will find the women that are non-members are going to act like kids in a candy store when they see all of you beautiful men. Let them! We always get a few more memberships out the evening.” Bevy looked around. “Any other questions?”

There was silence. “Okay then, I expect everyone to pitch in if needed and I appreciate you all. Oh and I almost forgot, you need to wear a tuxedo.”

“I already told them to see me if they don’t have one,” Michael added.

“Wonderful, and if any of the secondary staff can’t afford to buy a tux see me in my office later. I know many of you have families to support, but I want you all to be there, so I will pay for your tux. As for all the Essential employees, you have no excuse; you can afford it.”

~~~~~

Jeremy and Mason sat at the bar happy to be away from the mansion for the day. Bevy was up everyone’s ass for the past two and a half weeks, and finally, the end was near. The Gala was Saturday night, and the staff finished most of the work.

“You played a good game today,” Jeremy said to Mason. “What did you finish at?”

“Eighty-seven but you still beat me,” Mason grumbled as he took a sip of his vodka martini.

“Yeah, but you’re new to the game, I’ve been playing for years. I should be better considering how long I’ve been playing.” Jeremy moved his drink out of the way when the bartender came over with their meals.

“I’m starving. I’m glad we decided to eat here rather than go back to the mansion.”

“Tell me about it; Bevy’s been a tyrant these couple of weeks.” Jeremy picked up his chicken sandwich and bit into it.

“Yeah, but wait until you see the finished product. The Gala is a big deal and people look forward to it all year.”

“I can’t wait to see Madison dressed up.” Jeremy hadn’t spoken to Madison since that night in the storage closet. She had his head spinning, but for some reason, he didn’t mind it. He was a patient man, and he’d wait for her to come around.

“I never see…” A guy approaching the bar interrupted Mason.

“Jeremy Turner, I haven’t seen you in years.”

Jeremy turned around and stood up from the bar. “Alan, it’s good to see you.” They shook hands and one-arm hugged each other. “What are you doing in this part of town?”

“I’m meeting someone for lunch.” Alan glanced around the restaurant.

“How are Kathy and your baby?” Jeremy remembers getting a card in the mail announcing the birth of their first daughter.

“Kathy’s doing well, and Jillian is growing up way too fast. She’s only two, but I think she has her first date next week.”

Jeremy laughed, “That’s awesome man, I’m happy for you.” Jeremy turned to Mason. “Hey, this is my good friend Mason. We just finished eighteen holes.”

“Nice to meet you.” Alan and Mason shook hands then Alan turned to Jeremy. “Listen, I want to warn you before my date arrives.”

“Your date?”

“Yeah, you know ever since Kathy had the baby, she’s not into me, anymore, so I started dating, you know nothing serious, just sex. The girl I’m meeting today is hot. I met her at a business dinner I attended with a friend but today’s our first date.”

“I’m assuming Kathy has no clue.” Jeremy’s opinion of Alan dropped.

“No way, she’d divorce me and take all my money if she suspected even the slightest thing going on.”

Before Jeremy could respond Madison walked into the restaurant, and a sick feeling surfaced in his gut. “I think your date just walked in,” Jeremy said to Alan as he nodded towards the front of the restaurant.

Alan whipped around, “Yeah, how did you know?”

“Just a wild guess,” Jeremy replied as Madison’s expression screamed shock.

“It was good seeing you. Call me. We should get together for a game of golf.” Alan patted Jeremy on the shoulder.

Jeremy didn’t respond. Mason shook Alan’s hand, and Alan left them to greet his date, Madison.

“You want to take this to go?” Mason suggested as he tried to pull Jeremy’s attention away from the scene playing out in front of them.

“Do you think she knows he’s married?” Jeremy asked.

“Probably not.”

Madison and Alan followed the hostess to a table for two along the wall to the right of where Jeremy sat. He had a perfect view of Madison over Mason’s head. “No, we’re staying, and if he gets up, I’m going over there to talk to her.” Jeremy sat back down on the barstool.

“You’ll be breaking the rules.” Mason pointed out.

“What’s one more? I’ve broken so many rules, and Bevy has yet to fire me.” Jeremy picked up his chicken sandwich.

Mason chuckled. “That’s because the ladies love you.”

“Whatever the reason, I’m still there, and I need to warn Madison before she sleeps with that scumbag.”

“I hate to play devil’s advocate but don’t you sound hypocritical? You sleep with married women all the time.”

“Yes, but it’s all out in the open, and no one is misleading anyone.”

“And their husbands?” Mason added.

“What they don’t know won’t hurt them.” Jeremy paused, “I wouldn’t tell Alan’s wife, but Madison has a right to know, in case, she thinks their date is something more.”

“And because you’re jealous and you don’t want any other man to have her.”

Jeremy picked up his drink, “Yeah, that too.”

“You’re the fucking best, man. You don’t even try to deny it.” Mason laughed and almost choked on his food.

Madison’s heart raced as the hostess seated them. She could feel Jeremy’s eyes on her, and for some odd reason, she felt like she got caught cheating on him. She hated herself, she was becoming weak to this man, and now, Madison felt guilty that Jeremy watched as she had lunch with another man.

“You know that guy at the bar?” She asked Alan just as they sat down.

“Yeah, we grew up in the same town, went to the same high school. Jeremy's a great guy. In school everyone loved Jeremy, especially the girls.” Alan opened the menu the hostess handed him. “When he saw you walk in he knew you were my date. I guess me must look like a good match.”

Madison huffed but decided not to comment. Madison and Alan met a few months ago. Madison’s client brought Alan along on their business dinner. At the time she said yes to the date she was in a vulnerable place because it was right after Jeremy nursed her back to health. She and Alan were only getting together now because Alan kept canceling. He traveled for work, and his schedule kept changing, or at least that’s what he told Madison.

At this point, Madison didn’t want to go on this date, but in an attempt to get Jeremy off her mind she didn’t cancel but then the universe had to go and screw that up and now she had a date with a man she had no interest in while the man she wanted, watched.

Madison and Alan ordered their food. At this point, she wanted to get this date over with as quickly as possible. Thankfully, Alan dominated the conversation talking about himself so Madison could sit and nod without saying much of anything.

Jeremy and Mason finished their meals and sat at the bar with drinks in front of them while they stared up at the televisions hanging over the bar. They conversed little with each other, and ever so often Jeremy glanced over Mason’s head to look at Madison.

Madison finished her lunch and excused herself. From his peripheral vision, Jeremy caught her standing. Madison walked past the bar on her way to the ladies room. Jeremy and Mason remained sitting facing forward, but Jeremy caught her reflection walking behind him in the mirrored wall behind the bar. “Mason, I’ll be right back.”

“You know this will get you kicked out for sure.” Mason reminded him.

“Maybe, I’ll take my chances.” Jeremy had looked at the back of Alan’s head before he stood up. He made his way downstairs and waited outside the bathroom door.

When she finished, Madison opened the door and jumped as Jeremy pushed her back into the bathroom.

“Jeremy, what the hell do you think you’re doing?”

“Madison, Alan’s married. His wife’s name is Kathy, and he has a two-year-old daughter named Jillian.”

Madison never suspected Alan to be married and honestly, she didn’t care. She knew this was their first and last date, but she wasn’t going to share this information with Jeremy.

“You didn’t know?” Jeremy asked though he could see it all over her face.

“No, I didn’t” Madison took in a deep breath. “Jeremy. Let me go. You are not allowed to approach me outside of the mansion.”

“I know I’m breaking a rule and it’s not the only one I’ll be breaking today.”

“What do you mean?” Madison’s heart raced.

Jeremy unbuttoned Madison’s blouse and lifted her breast from the lacy cup and covered it with his mouth.

“Jeremy.” She whispered his name as Jeremy sucked on her nipple. She raked her fingers through his hair and dropped her head back while pleasure surged through her body.

“Madison, I need you. And I don’t give a fuck about the rules.”

Madison inhaled a shuddering breath. “What are you going to do?”

“Madison, are you on birth control?” Jeremy kissed her neck as he kneaded her breast.

Madison tilted her head back offering more of her skin. “Yes.” She answered then exhaled.

Jeremy lifted her skirt over her hips, moved her panties aside and slid his fingers inside her. “Madison, I want you all to myself.”

“I’m all yours.” Madison purred while lost in the sensations coursing through her body.

Jeremy slipped his fingers out and hastily unbuttoned his pants. He positioned his cock at her opening and growled as he pushed inside her. Jeremy lifted her behind on top of the counter, grabbed her legs and guided them around him. He pounded into Madison as she cried out his name.

He held the back of her head as he whispered in her ear while he continued his assault. “I hate seeing you with another man. It makes me sick. I want to be the only one allowed to touch you.”

Madison dragged her fingers through his hair pulling on his strands while pulling him in closer to her. She wanted to tell him that no other man mattered to her. They never made her feel the way Jeremy did. She only wanted Jeremy, but she couldn’t say those words out loud. So she said the only thing she wanted him to know for now, “You’re the first and only man who made me orgasm.” She whispered.

Jeremy didn’t expect Madison to say anything so when she admitted that it made him want her more. “Come for me, baby.” He pounded inside of her moving his hips slightly to help her orgasm. “Tell me when you’re there.”

“Almost.” She whispered. “I’m almost there.”

Jeremy continued pounding into her as his cock rubbed her sweet spot. Madison’s body gyrated, and Jeremy felt her milking his erection. He quickened the pace as he watched Madison lost in her orgasm. He grabbed her tit and massaged it as he thrust deep inside of her. “Madison, I’m going to empty myself inside of you.”

“I want you to.” Madison held on to Jeremy as his body stiffened and he growled out her name. He dropped his head back and pushed his groin into her hips as his cock pumped out every last drop.

Jeremy walked out first and when he got back to the bar, Mason shot him a look. “Don’t tell me anything. I don’t want to know how many rules you just broke.”

Jeremy threw his head back and laughed, “Let’s go. This is on me.” Jeremy waved down the bartender.

As they walked out, Madison came up from downstairs. They both looked at her but said nothing as she passed.

Madison returned to the table and apologized for taking so long, “There was a small line at the ladies room. I can’t believe they only have one toilet for the women.”

“No worries, I had a call come in.”

“From your wife.”

“What?”

“You’re married.”

“Who told you?” Alan looked back to see if Jeremy was still around.

“I’m a divorce attorney; you’d be surprised what I can find out.” Madison stood from the table, “Go home to your wife, Alan.”

 

~~~~~

Jeremy took his run outside. The mansion had magnificent grounds with access to woods and trails beyond the property. It was a beautiful fall day, and he wanted to burn off steam. He couldn’t stop thinking of Madison on her date with Alan yesterday, and he only hoped Madison didn’t sleep with him.

He thought he knew Madison, but most of what Jeremy knew were assumptions based on the time he spent with her. Madison didn’t seem like the type of girl that would have an affair with a married man. Jeremy couldn’t see her doing that to another woman.

He finished his run and walked up the paver driveway. He got closer to the parking lot and noticed Madison’s car parked a few spaces away from the entrance. Madison stepped out and startled when she saw Jeremy.

She didn’t expect to see him here in the driveway. He had his running sneakers on and a pair of basketball shorts. His t-shirt was off, and he had flung it over his shoulder, and as he walked closer, Madison could see the sweat running down his stomach.

“Good Morning, Madison.”

“Hello, Jeremy. I see you took your run outside this morning.”

Jeremy approached her, leaned in and kissed her before Madison could intercept his advances. “Jeremy, you shouldn’t do that out here where someone might see you.”

“Are we going to act like nothing is going on between us?” Jeremy asked calmly.

“Nothing is going on, so whatever you’re thinking, you need to forget about it.”

Jeremy cocked his head, and his eyebrow shot up. “Nothing is going on here?” Jeremy pointed at the space between them.

“Nothing and I liked your friend, Alan. I now can say two men have made me orgasm.”

Jeremy clenched his jaw and swallowed the bile that came up. “You slept with him?”

“I’m pretty sure that’s what I meant.” Madison tucked her clutch under her arm and walked away.

“It’s funny I was just thinking that everything I knew about you was all an assumption based on the time we spent together and now I know the saying is right.” He called out to her.

“What saying?” Madison stopped and turned to face him.

“When you assume you make an ass out of you and me. Well, I assumed you had integrity so now you’re an ass for sleeping with a married man and I’m an ass for thinking that behavior was beneath you.”

Jeremy pivoted and walked towards the back of the mansion while Madison stood in the driveway feeling like Jeremy jabbed her heart with a knife and wondering why the hell she lied to Jeremy about sleeping with his married friend.

Madison knew she was messed up, but this behavior was beneath her. Why couldn’t she open up and tell Jeremy the truth? Explain to him why she keeps pushing him away, instead, of hurting his feelings. He was a nice guy, a gentleman, and she liked him, and he deserved better than the way she treated him.

 

~~~~~

The Party of the year was in full swing when Madison slipped in through the French doors off to the back of the massive space. This was a part of the mansion used for the larger parties held throughout the year. The space looked beautiful lit with soft white, pink, and lavender lights. Bevy hired the best party planner, and she always went over the top for the Gala.

Madison chose a flowing, sleeveless slate blue dress. It showcased the thin lines of her shoulders, her ample cleavage and it was cut low in the back exposing her soft skin. She stalked around the outside of the room observing all the wealthy men and women laughing and talking while waiters walked around with champagne and caviar on blinis. A waiter with a tray walked passed her and offered her a cocktail. Madison lifted the glass and continued scanning the room.

She found an empty corner where she could look out at the crowds while going unnoticed. Madison hated these parties. It brought out her social anxiety in the most severe way. Bevy never understood how she could present herself before a judge but then experience such social anxiety in every other aspect of her life.

Madison kept her life private because of the anxiety she felt when she had to be herself. She couldn’t help that her career threw her into the public eye but during those times she felt like she was playing a role. She was Madison the lawyer fighting for her client. It wasn’t her life in the spotlight. She represented someone else’s life, and that was easy for her.

Exposing her life around her peers brought on anxiety that at times made it hard for her to breathe. Her heart raced, and she often felt like she could vomit. When it was severe, she’d black out.

Every year played out the same for Madison. She made sure to arrive late to the party and leave early, and most times she got away with talking to very few people while she showed face. Bill, Bevy’s boyfriend, was always a great buffer so she’d often latch onto him and Bill understood, so he patiently stayed with her.

Jeremy felt Madison’s presence the moment she entered the space. He towered over the women that swarmed around him and zoned in on her. He watched as she snuck in and slinked along the back wall then he pinned his gaze on her when she holed herself up in the corner.

“Oh shit, look who’s here,” said Carol, a fifty something-year-old divorcee interested in joining RAW. “I can’t believe that bitch had the nerve to show up here.”

Carol hung all over Jeremy the second she laid her greedy little eyes on him. Bevy pulled Jeremy aside and begged him to give Carol extra attention because Carol showed a keen interest in joining, and because she had much influence and many friends she’d be a great addition to RAW.

Jeremy looked down as he followed Carol’s daggers. They pointed straight at Madison. Jeremy played dumb. “Whom are you referring to?” He asked.

“Madison Avery, the bitch that fucks up men’s heads so badly she makes them turn on their wives.”

“Excuse me.” Jeremy felt his jaw tick.

“Madison Avery, the divorce attorney. All her clients are men. She convinces them that their ex-wives deserve nothing and goes to court and battles for them. She’s a bitch! I’d love to fuck with her.”

Jeremy glanced over at Bevy who studied their interaction. “Can you excuse me for one moment, Carol, my boss flagged me down.” Jeremy lied, but he had to tell Bevy what Carol said about Madison. He couldn’t imagine Bevy wanting a member who sought revenge on Madison and one who had a mouth grimier than a sewer.

Jeremy shook his head as he approached Bevy.

“What’s wrong? Is she having a good time?”

“She’s disgusting, and furthermore, she despises Madison. She wants revenge. Something about Madison and her ex-husband and the divorce proceedings.”

“Oh, there’s always one sour grape. Okay, don’t waste your time on Carol but maybe when Madison shows up, you should warn her.”

“Madison is here.” He turned and pointed to the back corner.

“Oh dear, look at her. She’s a stunning beauty who’d love to blend into the wall.” Bevy clicked her tongue. “Jeremy, go help her.”

“What do you mean help her?” Jeremy asked confused by the inference Bevy made.

Bevy glanced over at Bill, “Usually Bill hangs out with her but he’s busy talking to the mayor.” Bevy waved Jeremy off. “Go over and keep her company.”

“Bevy, answer my question. Why is Madison standing alone in the corner looking like she is trying to hide?”

“Jeremy, Madison suffers from social anxiety in certain situations, actually most situations. Like tonight’s affair is probably an eight for her on a scale where ten is the worst of course.”

Jeremy swung around to look at Madison. Her eyes met his, and he immediately strode towards her. As he got closer, a nervous smile stretched across her face, and when he got right up in front of her, he saw tears pooling in her eyes.

“Sweetheart, are you okay?” Jeremy rubbed both her arms as he slightly bent at the knees, so he was eye level with her.

“I’m hanging in there.” Her voice quivered.

“You’re a terrible liar. You’re having an internal panic attack aren’t you?”

“Sort of.” Madison tried to take in a deep breath. “Bevy told you.”

“Yes, but only because she asked me to keep you company.” Jeremy stood next to Madison, put his arm around her and tucked her into his body. “Better?”

“Getting there but unfortunately I won’t feel better until I’m back in my room for a couple of hours,” Madison said, sighing.

“You don’t have to stay. I’ll walk you back to your room.”

“As much as I’d love to run out of here, I need to stay a little longer.”

“Why?” Jeremy didn’t understand all of Madison’s rules for herself.

“Leaving will bring more attention to me tomorrow and days following the event.”

“Ah, I see, and more attention means more explaining and more explaining means having to be out in front of people representing yourself, and that means panic attack.

“Sounds about right,” Madison shuddered.

“So what now?” Jeremy squeezed her in closer to him.

“Now, I wait for Bill to finish talking to the mayor so he can take over babysitting me and you can go back to your admirers.” Madison looked up at Jeremy.

“What if I don’t want to leave you?”

“Jeremy, this is your job, and even though it’s a party, you are still working tonight. I know the members are going to want you to join them later.”

“Does that bother you?” Jeremy looked out into the crowd and noticed Carol watching him with Madison.

“No, you’re doing your job.”

“Are you just part of my job?”

Madison had hesitated before she answered him, “Yes, I’m just like every other member and don’t forget it.” Madison wiggled out of his hold on her. “What do think is going to happen? Do you think all this will end and I’ll marry you and have children with you? My life is not going to change. I’m not going to change. I don’t want a man in my life. Damn you, Jeremy Turner, you thought I’d fall in love with you.” Madison felt it hard to take a breath.

“Didn’t you fall in love with me?”

Madison’s jaw dropped open, “Don’t you get it. Nothing about my life is normal. I’m not normal. I don’t know how to be normal. You and I will never happen, so put it out of your mind.”

“I don’t need normal. Who says what’s normal?” He asked.

“Jeremy, you don’t need this. You’re gregarious, everyone loves you, and I’m fucked up. I’m never going to want to be with you, so please stop this.”

“Consider it done.” Jeremy shoved his hands in his pockets and walked away.

Madison backed herself into the corner. She gazed out into the crowds of people as a tear fell from her eye followed by more until she couldn’t stop them. She couldn’t stay here. She couldn’t breath and she thought she would pass out. It was time to leave.

Jeremy joined a group of guys surrounded by ladies, yet he continued to watch Madison. His chest tightened as he watched Madison sweep tears from her face and then leave the Gala. He thought about her sitting alone in her room, and his heart ached. He would never put her out of his mind.