Chapter 29

“So the rules are simple,” the man at the front of the room purred, his voice thick as honey. He was very attractive, Emma observed, as were most of the people there. Luke stood beside her, looking mighty handsome. His face was clean-shaven, a rare look for him. She approved.

He had generously filled her in on what to expect from the night’s festivities on the car ride over, giving her a pass to back out if she was so inclined. She thought about it, but the truth was, she was way too intrigued to turn back, and with Luke by her side, she felt like could do anything. She knew that they would be partnering up with someone, and fate would decide who it would be.

“First, we’ll flip a coin to see who will wear the blindfolds, the men or the women, then names will go into a bowl...” the man continued, his arm loosely draped around his stunning partner. “Call it, Sweetheart,” he urged, tossing the coin in the air.

“Heads of course, for the men,” she called out, her words flirtatiously naughty, “and tails for the ladies.”

Everyone around Emma laughed, and she glanced shyly at Luke. He was looking down at her and smiling, as though trying to gauge her mood.

“Blindfold?” she smirked, elbowing him gently.

“Yup, remember when I told you that this would get you out of your own head? With a blindfold every sensation is heightened, and you don’t have to think about anything else but your pleasure,” he whispered, his breathy words teasing the sensitive flesh around her ear. It sent a shiver down her spine and she looked at him curiously.

She was obviously horny, she mused, if even Luke had such an instant effect on her. He smiled down at her, his eyes trying to read hers, and she quickly averted them before they revealed her secret.

“It’s tails! Ladies, you get the blindfolds. Men, bed them well,” the man encouraged, handing his own partner a blindfold. “Gentlemen, please come forward, write your name on a slip of paper and place it in the fishbowl. Oh, and grab a blindfold and take it to the lady you brought. Thank you...”

Luke gave her elbow a little squeeze, then left her alone while he approached the front of the room. Emma took the opportunity to scope the room, see who might be her potential lover that night. As far as looks went, there really wasn’t anyone in the room that she would have avoided, so that was a good start.

Suddenly her eyes fell on a familiar face walking through the door. It was Arran, and he brought someone with him. They didn’t appear overly affectionate. Perhaps the woman was just a friend, Emma surmised curiously. The hostess greeted them warmly, handing a blindfold to Arran’s ‘date’, then gestured for him to make his way to the front of the room with the other gentlemen. Emma could see his eyes searching the room until they landed on her. He shared a knowing grin, nodding his head mischievously at her. She gave him a short wave, not wanting to draw attention to herself.

Arran sauntered over, taking her hand as soon as he was within reach. He looked dashing, as always, and smelled even better, his Obsession suddenly teasing her senses. She found it amusing that in spite of their friendly rivalry, Luke and Arran actually had a lot in common, including their preferred cologne.

“Hello darling,” he greeted, kissing her softly on the cheek. I hope you don’t mind me being here. It sounded like fun.”

“Of course not,” she offered politely, her eyes landing on the woman shimming up beside him. She was older than Emma, for sure, probably closer to Arran’s age, and striking in her own right. Emma smiled at her warmly.

“This is my friend Diana. We go to parties together on occasion. Can’t attend events like this without a significant other,” Arran explained, looking around the room. “Where’s your wingman?”

“He was just here,” she said searching the room for him, “there, over by the window.” She looked back at Arran and shrugged.

“I’ll be right back. Can I leave you ladies to get acquainted?”

Emma nodded, offering Diana a warm smile. She wasn’t exactly sure what to say so she waited for her to speak. Diana shifted from one foot to the other, apparently having the same thoughts as Emma. They stood side by side awkwardly, Emma hoping that either Luke would hurry back or Arran would return and collect his date. Finally, Diana spoke, her British accent surprising Emma.

“Are you the new flavor of the month?” Diana teased, her tone landing somewhere between amused and bitchy. Emma wasn’t sure how to take her. She grinned at Diana curiously, wondering if the question was driven by some sort of jealousy. She had heard that tone before, throughout her life. Females were often passive-aggressively unkind, and Emma avoided it whenever possible.

“I’m not sure what you mean,” Emma responded, refusing to be intimidated. Diana laughed off her answer, shrugging her shoulders as though Emma was being overly sensitive. Emma inhaled deeply, frustrated by the games women played.

“Oh, no, I’m just teasing,” Diana corrected herself, “I was just curious about you. Arran doesn’t share much with me about his personal life, but he does seem rather taken with you.”

Emma nodded nonchalantly, unwilling to commit one way or the other. She had a feeling that Diana had been around long enough to see many different women come and go in Arran’s life, but the truth was, Emma didn’t want to think about that, let alone discuss it with a woman she hardly knew.

“Between you and me, he insisted we come tonight, had me back out on another engagement to be here. I think that had everything to do with you,” she went on, as though unfazed by Emma’s chilliness.

“Hmm,” Emma replied, not sure how to change the subject without offending Diana.

“I think he’s hoping to hook up with you tonight. Lucky girl!”

Emma looked her over carefully, certain her initial thought was true. She was jealous.

Perhaps Diana shared a past with Arran, and maybe she wanted a future too.

“There you are,” Luke returned, his interruption rescuing Emma from the very awkward conversation. “Here’s your blindfold. In a few minutes they’ll ask you to cover your eyes and then they’ll bring the bowl around so each lady can draw a name. You won’t know who it is because your blindfold stays on the whole time. They’re very strict with that rule. Still feeling good about this?”

He looked at her thoughtfully before shifting his eyes to Diana, nodding casually, as though completely unconcerned by her presence.

“Yes, I am. I’m ready,” Emma admitted, taking the blindfold from him. “By the way, this is Diana...”

“Yes, we met once or twice before I think,” Luke grinned. “You work for Arran, right?”

“That’s right, but we have been friends for many years. We went to school together in Canterbury...Kent,” Diana explained, boasting her position.

“Ah,” Luke replied, not really absorbing her words. She smiled indifferently at both him and Emma and then turned and walked away. Emma watched her make her way toward Arran.

“Ok ladies, the last slip has been placed in the bowl. Please tie your blindfolds tightly, and we will come around for you to draw a name. Gentlemen, please remember no speaking and be respectful. Ladies, you can tap out anytime by raising your hand. Gentlemen, if your partner does raise an arm, activity will stop immediately otherwise play will end for everyone at 11:00 pm,” the man in charge directed, his voice commanding but reassuring.

“Ladies, when play is done, you will be lovingly escorted into the holding room where you’ll be able to remove your blindfolds to wait. You can enjoy the refreshments provided. So play nice folks, be safe and have fun. Remember, discretion must be respected at all times. No exceptions.”

Emma looked at Luke one last time then raised the cloth to her eyes. She fumbled for a moment or two until she heard Luke whisper in her ear.

“Here, let me help you,” he purred, readjusting the blindfold and tying it tightly. She couldn’t see anything and suddenly felt very vulnerable. As if sensing her trepidation, Luke placed his arm around her and pulled her into an embrace. “I won’t be far away. If you need anything, just holler. I’ll hear you.”

She nodded softly, keeping her head down, listening intently for any clues or signals of what might be coming. It was mostly quiet in the room, aside from soft whispers and nervous giggles. A few minutes later, she felt a soft touch on her arm.

“The bowl is in front of you. Please draw out a name,” the calming voice offered. Emma was certain it was the hostess. She clumsily reached out for the bowl in front of her, drawing the last remaining slip. She held it in front of her until it was taken from her fingertips.

“Thanks, Sweetheart. He’ll be with you in a few minutes. Have fun...”

She was sure she heard a smirk in the woman’s tone and wondered if she knew something Emma didn’t.

True to the hostess’s word, only a short time passed before Emma found herself being led through the room by strong, manly hands. When they reached their destination, her mystery man guided her to kneel. It was such an odd feeling, not knowing where she was or who she was with, but she was strangely turned on, her damp panties offering clear proof of her arousal. She eased her way to the floor and was pleasantly surprised that there was a comfortable mattress beneath her. She wanted to ask his name but she knew he wouldn’t answer. It was against the rules. She couldn’t explain why, but in some way, not knowing was extremely hot and liberating.

His hands gently touched her face, raising her chin for a kiss. It was tentative at first, but also captivating. His lips were soft, warm, and curious, pressing into her own. She could tell he was nervous, so she placed her hands against his chest, wordlessly encouraging him to relax. His sweet and spicy scent was familiar, a cologne she knew intimately. She chuckled quietly to herself, wondering just how many men wore the same damn fragrance.

Suddenly, his kisses became more passionate, as though something had triggered him. She could sense the need on his lips in the way they pressed against hers, parting her mouth ever so thoughtfully. He patiently offered her his tongue, slowly teasing her lips apart, waiting for her consent. She raised her hands to his face, his stubble barely noticeable as though he had taken great care to ensure his face was perfectly smooth for any lady he was lucky enough to pleasure. She appreciated that. She pulled him in tighter and parted her mouth for him, kissing him back with equal intensity, appreciating the minty freshness of his breath.

He eased her back onto her elbows, his mouth leaving a moist trail as he gently kissed her from her neck down to her exposed cleavage. She sighed her approval, enjoying the attention. He slowly opened her blouse, carefully unfastening one button at a time as though unwrapping a precious gift. The coolness of the air offered a refreshing contrast to her already flushed skin as he gently peeled the silky material away from her, exposing her lacy pink bra. She heard him stifle a moan and smiled to herself, pleased that he approved.

Her anonymous lover then laced his eager fingers in her hair, mindful of the blindfold, and pulled her head back so that he could easily kiss her again. The gesture was assertive and sexy, and Emma felt herself swoon under his touch. She reached out to stroke his arms and was pleasantly surprised by his chiseled, muscular biceps. She gripped him tightly and pulled him closer, anxious to feel him against her. He allowed himself to be guided, easily reading her mind. He eased her back into the cushions, all the while kissing her, until she was comfortably lying down, then pressed his full body against her. She tentatively parted her legs so that he could rest himself between them, their bodies fitting perfectly together, like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, connecting in all the right places. He leaned into her, his hard cock proving his desire as it teased her clit beneath her jeans. The friction was glorious as he tenderly rubbed himself against her, drawing out a breathy moan from her.

She rocked against him, and because she was unable to focus on anything but a hard cock between her legs, her arousal quickly grew. As though sensing her mounting need, he slipped his hand down between her legs and began massaging her through her jeans, offering her the perfect amount of tension and tempo. She felt a familiar surge pressing in her groin, a tingling sensation that signalled her rising pleasure. Her initial instinct was to hold back, something she had trained herself to do over the years, but whether it was her adventurous mood, the blindfold, or her attentive lover, she was ready to release her inhibitions and just do what felt good.

“Fuck, I’m cumming,” she purred, raising her hips to meet him. He growled under his breath, a wordless encouragement that pushed her over the edge. She grabbed him tightly while a powerful orgasm swelled through her, literally curling her toes. She let out a deep and primeval moan, a sudden fiery release prompted by years of stifled passion and shame. She felt, uninhibited, desired, deliciously naughty, but most importantly, empowered.

He kissed her again, slowly and passionately, patiently lingering while her body recovered. She wondered who he was and how he seemed to know so much about women’s bodies, at least enough to make her cum so quickly. She appreciated that he wasn’t rushing the moment, instead giving her time to catch her breath. She kissed him back, matching his passion.

After a few minutes passed, Emma shifted her body, signaling him to roll off her, which was quickly respected. She sat up and used her hands to feel her way, caressing his body, allowing her hands to trail down his chest to the top of his jeans. She unlatched the top button and he jumped under her touch, as though slightly timid. His reaction surprised her and made her even more curious about him. She giggled softly, slowly unfastening his zipper to free his erection. She slipped her hand into his pants, discreetly measuring his size. He was impressive.

“Hmm, very nice,” she growled, massaging his stiff cock over his boxers. “Wish I could actually see it.”

He chuckled quietly under his breath, mindful not to reveal his identity, then lifted his hips and slipped his jeans down. Emma, sensing what his intentions were, helped him remove them entirely. She tossed them nearby, then turned her attention back to her lover, signaling him to lay back down by gently pressing a hand against his chest. It was odd not being able to read his face, but in another way it allowed her to do whatever the fuck she pleased, without overthinking every damn expression. That was exciting, and intriguing. She slowly ran her hand down his chest and easily slipped her fingers under his boxers, wrapping her hand tightly around his pulsating cock. His girth was equally impressive she thought, as she stroked the length of him several times. He quietly moaned his approval, encouraging her to continue. Using her thumb, she spread the warm beads of pre-cum around the head, lubricating him, then continued to rub him off, increasing pressure and listening for cues that he was enjoying it. He rewarded her with a deep growl, rocking his hips with every seductive stroke.

Oh, she was enjoying this game, she thought, her cheeks hot with desire. She lowered her head and kissed the tip of his cock lightly, teasing another moan out of him. Her hand slipped down, cupping his balls tenderly so she could have full access to his erection. She started slowly, first pulling the head into her mouth, savoring his briny flavor, licking all around the edge, mapping him with her tongue. The head of his cock practically filled her mouth, making her curious about how much more she could possibly swallow. She accepted the challenge and slid more of his member down her throat, taking as much as she could. He gently rocked his hips, considerate of her dilemma, but obviously well worked up.

With one hand gently massaging his groomed sack, she placed her free hand at the base of his cock, knowing full well she couldn’t take him all in, and began milking him with her mouth, enjoying the salty silkiness. He placed a strong hand behind her head, not so much guiding her as just holding her in place, wordlessly begging her not to stop. She found the gesture both sexy and amusing at the same time. He pulled his breath in sharply, as the giggle in her throat vibrated against his cock, a sure sign of his mounting arousal.

She skillfully sucked him off, fully prepared to bring him to climax, focusing intently on his pleasure, exactly the way her ex had tutored her. She knew he was enjoying it by his guttural noises, along with his body language, but after only a few minutes he placed his hand over his cock, motioning her to stop. She suddenly wondered if she was doing something wrong and felt a twinge of uncertainty. Was she not pleasing him? Sadly, she was well acquainted with doubt, they went way back. She could sense him sitting up and she leaned back on her knees, waiting in the dark for proof of her failure.

Instead, he kissed her. His mouth was warm and welcoming, inviting her to dismiss her doubts. He placed his hands tenderly on her shoulders and lovingly guided her back into the cushions, ensuring her comfort. She appreciated the gentleness and smiled at him, unsure whether he was looking at her or not. A feather touch on her cheek answered her question and suddenly made her feel completely at ease with her mystery man.

He slipped aside the lacy material of her bra and pulled a nipple into his mouth, twirling his tongue around the bud. She felt a warm gush of pleasure between her legs, as though her nipples had a direct line to her libido. He offered the same attention to the other bud, grazing his teeth over her sensitive flesh. She quite liked it, but wouldn’t have minded a little more bite. He must have read her mind, because seconds later he clamped his teeth down on each nipple with the perfect amount of force, then bit into the fleshy mound of her breasts, tenderly brutal. The sensation was sublime. She sighed deeply, rewarding his confidence and his skill with a throaty groan.

Encouraged, he unsnapped the top button of her jeans and quickly slipped them off, panties and all. She chuckled nervously, feeling vulnerable and very sexy at the same time. He placed a reassuring hand on her thigh, as though asking her to relax. She nodded and offered a tentative grin, which he instantly read as consent. He placed a hand on her other thigh and gently pried her legs apart, hesitating as though he needed a moment to take her all in. She didn’t need to see him, she could feel his stare burning between her legs. Heat rose up her chest, spreading to her face, girlishly blushing her cheeks.

“Oh,” was all she could manage as he buried his face into her pussy. His enthusiasm was palpable, as though he had been anxious to taste her all along. Emma mewed quietly as he began sucking gently on her clit, releasing an eruption of warm pleasure through her womb. His hunger was evident in the way he greedily lapped at her pussy, mapping out every line and fold. He sucked and nibbled on her, and although he didn’t know her body well, she sensed he knew enough to quickly make her cum. Unable to control her passion she unleashed the guttural moan she had been stifling, grinding herself into his face as she peaked, spilling her sexy zest in his mouth.

It was like nothing she had ever experienced before and she couldn’t hold back her giggles. She heard him chuckle between her legs, kissing her clit playfully.

Who the fuck was he? Emma reached out to stroke his hair, hoping to memorize him by touch so that perhaps she could recognize him once she was free of the blindfold. His hair was soft, full, and not too short. She was easily able to lace her fingers through it, and she did, signaling him to rise and shimmy up her body. He rested himself on top of her and gave her a sticky kiss, her juice still warm on his lips. She didn’t mind so much and returned his kiss with passion. He moaned into her mouth, enjoying her enthusiasm. She could feel his cock twitching between her legs, tapping anxiously against her clit. He wanted to fuck her.

“Do it,” she urged, opening her legs wider for him.

He kissed her again, hot and demanding. He peeled himself away, and moments later she heard the unmistakeable crinkling sound of a condom package being torn apart. Seconds later, he was above her again, his hands raising her hips, presenting her pussy to him. She wanted to feel him inside her, test his size, scratch the deep itch of the denial she had suffered for many years.

He lifted her ass and slipped his shaft into her, filling her to the hilt. His size was noticeable, surprising even but not uncomfortable, and she groaned her approval. This encouraged him to drive even deeper into her, testing her grit.

She loved the way he filled her so completely and let him know exactly how much she wanted him.

“You’re so fucking hot,” she growled, not giving a damn that her words were unladylike, “fuck me harder, please, don’t fucking stop!”

He chuckled quietly, sliding his hot cock in and out of her wetness. She matched his motions with equal enthusiasm, opening herself up so he would deeply penetrate her. He fucked her assertively, eagerly, but also controlled, proving that his cock wasn’t all show. She grabbed his ass, squeezing his cheeks not so tenderly. He groaned wildly and kissed her neck, sinking his teeth into her soft flesh. The sensation was incredible, instantly heating her core, making her cum all over again.

She wrapped her legs tightly around his hips, and that was enough to push him over the edge. It was as though he couldn’t hold back any longer. In one swift motion, he rocked back on his knees, and hoisted her on his lap, his erection never leaving her body. She felt the pressure of him against her clit and her passion quickly surged. She rocked herself on his cock until she came again, her face buried into his neck, branding him with a hickey. He growled desperately, deliciously surrendering to her sharp bite, her aggression sending him over the edge. He pulled her ass tight against his body just as his pleasure crested, sending powerful surges through his core. His breath was sharp and shallow, as though his jaw was tightly clenched.

Emma held herself against him, her arms wrapped around his neck, his heart beating rapidly against her chest, soothed by the rhythm of his breath. In that split second, she felt pure ecstasy. Raw, sexy, vulnerable and unapologetic. She never wanted to forget it. It was the moment she stopped belonging to Andrew and reclaimed herself.

They stayed that way, wordlessly entwined in a lovers’ embrace, until he softened inside of her. Finally, he kissed the top of her head, encouraging her to raise her face to him. He kissed her sweetly on her mouth then gently peeled her off his lap. She rolled off him, and landed on the cushions with a soft thud, patting at the ground to locate her clothes. She managed to find her blouse fairly quickly but was unsuccessful locating her jeans and panties. She felt his hand on her back as he placed her jeans in her lap. She made quick work of slipping them back on.

“I’m going now,” she offered to the dark space in front of her, uncertain he was even still nearby. She sensed him crouching down in front of her and then he kissed her one last time. She wished she could just rip off her blindfold and unveil the mystery of who the man was that fucked her so well. She almost did it too, until she sensed someone new standing over her.

“Here, hold my hand,” a woman offered, taking Emma’s hand in her own. Emma stood up and allowed herself to be guided through the room, into the holding area she presumed.

“Ok, it won’t be long. You can take off your blindfold, honey,” the hostess explained kindly.

Emma nodded and lifted the material away, squinting as her eyes adjusted to the light. She wasn’t alone. There were several other women in the room with her, sitting on comfortable sofas and chatting enthusiastically with one another. They waived at Emma to join them, which she greatly appreciated. She nodded at them and held up a finger, signaling that she would join them soon. She located the powder room and freshened up, then poured herself a glass of wine at the bar before joining them. A few others had joined the group, then one by one, the room filled up with the remainder of the female guests. Not sure what to expect, she had thought things might feel awkward but the mood was pleasant, playful and lively, which suited Emma just fine.

Sensing eyes on her, she looked up to see Diana across the room, her expression flat, not impolite but also not welcoming. Emma nodded at her, hoping to ease the tension. Diana nodded back curtly but offered little else.

“Okay, ladies, we hope you enjoyed yourselves and had a sexy good time. The men are waiting for you in the other room, grab another drink and feel free to join them whenever you like,” the man in charge explained, holding the door open for them.

Emma stood up and offered a friendly farewell to her new acquaintances, then skirted back to the party, hoping to spot Luke. She wanted to ask him if he knew who her mystery man was, certain he would spill the beans in spite of the silly rules. She had to know.

As she was searching the room she saw Arran leaning on the bar. He made eye contact with her and waved her over. She nodded and wandered over to him, searching for Luke along the way. She couldn’t find him. Odd, she thought, it wasn’t like him to wander off. She took one more look around the room before she finally landed in front of Arran.

“Well hello,” he chirped, pulling her into his embrace. She looked up at him and smiled.

“Are you ok?” he asked, caressing her shoulders. Perhaps it was the worried expression on her face that made him question her.

“I am. Sorry, you haven’t seen Luke have you?”

Arran’s expression of concern faded, replaced with curiosity and something else she couldn’t quite interpret.

“He left after you were escorted into the holding room. I thought you knew?” he offered, regarding her carefully.

“How would I know?” she asked, mindful not to roll her eyes. She’d been blindfolded the entire time.

“I thought he might have texted you,” he smirked, casually shrugging his shoulders.

“My phone’s in the closet, in the jacket pocket.”

“Ah,” he responded half-heartedly. He turned his head, casually glancing around the room.

Emma pulled her breath in sharply, shocked to see a fresh hickey on his neck, masked under the collar of his shirt. Was that her handy work? Arran was her mystery lover? Maybe! His hair was the right length, his face clean shaven...and the frigging Obsession! She shuddered, goosebumps rising on the back of her neck.

Was he the one?

He had been much more assertive than their first date together, yet all the pieces fit together. Maybe it was the sexy atmosphere that made him more confident, or her blindfold. He was, admittedly, a kinky guy. She reached up and pulled his collar back, grinning at him. How much proof did she need?

“Looks like you had an enthusiastic partner tonight,” she alluded, offering him a cheeky wink. He chuckled back softly and shrugged his shoulders, ambiguously playful.

“You could say that,” he agreed, absently raising a hand to his neck, grinning back at her.

Should she ask him outright? Would it be appropriate? Would he admit it? Christ, where the hell did Luke go, she wondered crossly. He would be able to solve the mystery!

“That was an interesting experience,” Emma pressed, hoping Arran would bite the hook.

He chuckled at her again and winked, the closest he could come to an admission, she assumed.

“Ah, yes, but I would have chosen a different way to describe it,” he insisted, reaching out for her hand. She let him take it, recalling the incredible intimacy they’d shared only moments earlier. She couldn’t deny their chemistry any longer.

“What would have been the word?” she purred demurely.

“Eye-opening,” he winked obscurely.

Emma regarded him curiously and grinned, “I agree.”

Maybe it had surprised him as much as her. She’d held back on their date too. Perhaps this was what they needed to break the ice and step forward together. She certainly couldn’t deny the explosive chemistry they’d just experienced together. She laced her fingers through his and smiled warmly. He slowly returned it, gently shaking his head, his expression a combination of surprise and surrender, as though he had suddenly made a realization about her too.

“Do you want to get out of here?” he asked hopefully, raising her hand to his lips. She was ready to leave, but her thoughts turned to the woman Arran came with.

“Do you need to find Diana? Take her home?”

“We came in separate vehicles but I should say my goodbyes...will you give me a few minutes?”

Emma nodded and released his hand, “yes, I’ll just grab my jacket. Meet you at the front door?”

Emma found her coat among many others and slipped it on, but Luke’s coat was missing. She fumbled in her pocket for her phone, certain he would have left her a message. He’d never walked out on her before and she was feeling uneasy. She felt a little better when she saw his text:

I had to leave. I suddenly felt sick. Can you catch a taxi home? Sorry, this is embarrassing, but I left you in good hands. Call you later.

Emma was about to text him back when she felt Arran’s arm slip around her waist. She placed her phone back in her pocket, turning to him.

“Everything ok?” she asked, observing Diana far behind him. The woman appeared unsettled and Emma hoped she wasn’t the cause.

“Yes, yes, everything is fine. Diana told me to bid you farewell,” he chirped, his accent thickly agitated. She smiled apologetically at Diana, hoping she wouldn’t think her insensitive, but the woman just turned away, as though accustomed to the routine.

“Let’s go,” he insisted, opening the door.