Table of Contents

The Shadow Box Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine About The Author Red Sage Publishing

An eRedSage Publishing Publication

This book is a work of complete fiction. Any names, places, incidents, characters are products of the authors imagination and creativity or used fictitiously . Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is fully coincidental. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or any portion thereof in any form whatsoever in any country whatsoever is forbidden. Information: Red Sage Publishing, Inc. P.O. Box 4844 Seminole, FL 33775 727-391-3847 eRedSage.com

The Shadow Box

An eRed Sage Publication All Rights Reserved Copy right

 2011 eRedSage is a registered trademark of Red Sage Publishing, Inc. Visit us on the World Wide Web: http://www.eRedSage.com ISBN: 9781603107037; 1603107037 The Shadow Box Adobe PDF ISBN: 9781603107068; 1603107061 The Shadow Box MobiPocket ISBN: 9781603107051; 1603107053 The Shadow Box HTML ISBN: 9781603107044; 1603107045 The Shadow Box ePub Published by arrangement with the authors and copy right holders of the individual works as follows: The Shadow Box 2011 by Alexis Ke Cover 2011 by Ly nn Tay lor Printed in the U.S.A. ebook lay out and conversion by jimandzetta.com

The Shadow Box

*** By Alexis Ke

TO MY READERS:
One day when I got to work one of my coworkers walked in with an abrasion on her forehead. I immediately started joking her about using a pillow under her face the next time. She immediately blushed a bright red, which she always did when anything sexy or sensual came into the subject. She immediately told me that she fell out of bed the night before, actually giving herself a concussion from hitting her head on the dresser. After I made sure she was okay, I broke out in giddy laughter. I didnt care what she told me, the story that popped in my head was the Shadow Box. Ive had some really vivid dreams, myself, as any red blooded woman has. So this brought on the birth of my

story. What a wonderful mix, a sexually healthy female whos had the hots for her best friend for years. Something has to give.

READER ALERT:
Afryca didnt know entering the Shadow Box would send her secret desires into a whirlwind of sexual pleasure. The one man shes dreamt about has spiraled her into a glorious, tantalizing awareness she didnt think possible. Beware. When reading this story make sure you have two things available. 1. A tall ice cold glass of water and two a change of under ware because you will definitely overheat in the best way.

Chapter One
Ah, damn, baby. Why do you have on so many clothes? His voice slid across her, heating her to the core. Or was it from the core to the outside? Afryca Leigh wasnt sure. The only thing she was sure of at that precise moment was that if he didnt get inside her quickly she was going to die. She opened her mouth to answer Simon when the sound of her Tee shirt ripping snapped her mouth shut. She moved her head from right to left, trying to make sense of it. The pleasure this man gave her was like nothing shed ever felt before and probably never would feel again. Nonetheless, she wanted, needed more. Simon pressed his mouth, his glorious mouth with those full, soft lips, between her cleavage. She attempted to suck in a steadying breath but it was no use. Her heart slammed against her ribs. Her lungs burned. He was killing her. I cant wait to taste you. He glanced up

toward her face, winked and then lowered his head to her already hardened nipple. He twirled his tongue around her nipple, sucked it into his mouth and nipped it. Her body jack-knifed off the sofa, a moan poured from her throat. I gotta take this to the bed, he said as he lifted her in one swift move and cradled her to his body. Sweat beaded his forehead and dripped down the chiseled muscles of his chest. This wasnt happening. Shed dreamt of this day for over a year. Shed been invisible to Simon for as long as shed known him. Sure they were friends, best friends, but you didnt screw your best friends. . . or did you? Do you want me to stop? God no! Afryca shook her head. Then open your eyes and look at me. I ca-cant. Than Ill make you. She felt her body pressed against the mattress, felt his body slide in beside her. Immediately his mouth was on her. Tasting.

Teasing. Pleasing. He kissed his way to her nipples, giving each one his undivided attention until her moans fractured the sounds of his breathing. He caught her nipple between teeth and tongue and tugged. The throbbing of her clit rippled to the magnitude of a megaton bomb, yet still it wasnt enough. He licked his way to her stomach, a slow torture. Please Simon. Dont tease. This isnt a tease, Afryca. This is a promise. His hands pressed her knees apart until they were almost touching the mattress. He pressed his mouth to the lower pit of her stomach. Please. If he does what Im thinking. You still have on too many clothes. His fingers slid beneath the lace fabric of her panty, while the other hand held her hips. His mouth kissed each inner thigh and then her heat. The panty was no obstacle. Lift your hips for me baby. Her panties slid away. Please, Simon. I cant stand it. His tongue flicked across her already throbbing bud and her mind fractured. Prisms

of pleasure shot through her body, escalating her heartbeat to a fever pitch. You like that baby, he asked as his tongue slid slowly from one end of her heat to the other. It pressed against the opening and her pussy and paused. He lifted his head and inhaled. Damn, you smell sweet. Taste even better. His tongue slid across her again. Oh, God. Simon please. She was reduced to begging for release. She reached out, tried to grasp his head, still his motions. Um, uh. You dont get to demand. He crawled up the bed, kissing every inch of skin along the way and captured her mouth before she could moan her pleasure. His hands were tantalizing her, torturing her. He massaged her breast, tweaked her nipples. One palm pressed against her mound and rubbed. The sensations were mind boggling. Her release was seconds away. If only hed slide his cock into her wet heat. And she was wet. She felt her own juices soaking the insides of her thighs. He had to see her arousal. Hear it. Smell it. Taste it.

He slid a finger into her as if he read her mind. Afryca, baby, damn youre so wet. He then slid in two fingers and slowly pumped his hand. Ooh God, Simon. Im gonna come! Not until Im in you. He withdrew his fingers. Damn him. Simon tugged his shirt over his head, pushed his pants below his hips and kicked them off. He quickly pressed his body between her legs. His cock was as hard as steel and as thick as a rod pressed against her opening. He was huge. She wasnt sure if he would fit. It had been so long since a man had been between her legs. She had never felt such pleasure as the burning in her core as his cock stretched delicate tissue that hadnt felt a mans caress in years. The toys she owned didnt even compare in the slightest. I need you inside! She grabbed his hips. She wanted to pull him to her as she shoved her body up. There would be no wasting of precious moments this time. She wanted him in one

grand slam. I need And I need you on top. Yes! Glorious yes! No way would she object to that. Shed have all of him and he her. She nodded, a rapid motion of the head, and closed her eyes. She knew as soon as he flipped their positions she would be impaled on him. Her peak was only seconds away. It had been building from her toes and touching the tip of her head. One slow glide of his shaft in her core move that would be it. Simon grabbed her waist, and started to roll. The air left her lungs in one swift whoosh. It was as if she was air born. Afrycas moans were replaced by a scream. Her body slammed against a hard surface, pain shot through her head and the remainder of air in her lungs was punched out. Bam! What the hell? She opened her eyes and scanned her surroundings. Memory floated back at a snails pace.

Damn. Double, triple damn. The sun flitted past the partially opened curtains and brightened the room. The spread and sheets from the bed were half on the bed and half tangled in her legs, her feet. She brought her hand up to her face, stared at the cream coating her fingers. She sniffed her hand and blushed with embarrassment. Afryca shook her head and rubbed the other hand against the knot on the back of her head. Shed hit it when she fell out of the bed. Damn. Ah, hell. She pushed the covers away, glanced at the clock sitting haphazard on the bedside table. Shit, shit, shit. She jumped up, wavered and grabbed the bed to steady herself. Even in her dreams, Simon Ellery made her scream, cream and come all in one night. If only she could get him in her bed and between her legs for real. And hed gonna be knocking on your door in forty-five minutes. She chastised herself. She grabbed the covers to toss them on the bed and her BOB (battery operated boyfriend)

clunked to the floor. More embarrassment heated her cheeks. She didnt even remember getting it from her suitcase. She took it everywhere and used it often. After all, it was a far cry from the real thing, especially when the real thing was in the form of Simon Ellery. Simon Ellery, her partner in crime, her compadre, her co-worker, her friend. And where the hell where her clothes? Allowing her mind to run back to that most vivid dream she smiled to herself. Last night would be her secret. She made her way to the bathroom and turned the shower on full blast. She was going to need everything at her disposal to get thoughts of Simon out of her head. If only she could tell him how she felt. If only he felt the same way. But she refused to have her emotions, her desire put out there for the entire world to see and for what, for him to reject her? No. That would never happen again. She stepped into the shower, let the hot water cascade across and down her back. She turned in the water, the hot pellets stinging her

everywhere they touched. The stream touched her nipples and sent a wave of electric heat straight to her clit. It throbbed and sensation exploded in her core. Her juices flowed from her and creamed her thighs, yet again. She grabbed the shower wall to steady herself when she felt her knees weaken. What was she going to do? No way was she going to be able to spend the next two days with him in meetings and in cars, on the plane. Damn, was he going to want her to eat with him too? She prayed not. God, he was in the hotel room next to hers. She covered her mouth when thoughts of him hearing her moan in her sleep entered her mind. Hotel walls can be as thin as paper. How could she face him, carry on a civil conversation, work with him each and every day? She giggled and slid her hand down to her mound. Might as well get another one in and finish the job. She mumbled to herself. After all, if all else failed, she could get another job. IT people with her experience and expertise were hard to find. However, deep down she knew

that would solve only one thing. It wouldnt cool the blaze she had for the man she couldnt have. Thirty minutes later, Afryca stood in front of the mirror and finished her makeup, her mind wandering back to Simon. She wondered if he would be wearing one of his tailored suits or jeans. The suits fit him perfectly but covered up the cut muscles and toned, tight ass. The jeans were another wet dream waiting to happen. He wore relaxed fitting jeans but they left nothing to the imagination. On more than one occasion they warranted her a good look at his package. Sure, hed been staring at another woman but the lust in his eyes and the swelling in his pants made her cream her panties. If only he looked at her like that. She knew him, every single inch of him. She knew his walk, the sound of his voice when he was angry, sad, happy, and sleepy. She knew everything about him, down to the jagged four inch scar that looked like a Y above his right hip to the way he licked his lips when something tasted good. She knew everything,

except his touch and that was a stab to her gut, her heart. She swore just one touch was all shed need to stave the feelings she had for him, but that was a bigger lie than the one she told herself constantly that she didnt feel the way she did. After all, why should she? He certainly didnt see her the same way. Even when the women at work called him a dork, a nerd, she saw more. She loved his geekie Clark Kent look right down to the thick black framed glasses. She shivered at the thoughts slamming through her mind and relished the thought of Simons pink lips suckling her clit, his cream colored cock pushing pass her wet swollen folds, stretching her, filling her. Yeah, like that was ever going to happen. She wasnt his type and the day she accepted that her life would probably be better. No, not better, just plain old plain. The loud pounding at her hotel door made her jump. She dragged in a haggard breath and blew it out between clenched teeth. Okay. She fanned her face. I can do this.

After today well be headed back home to the safety of her own apartment and office. She pulled the bathroom door shut, and walked toward the living room of her suite. The lips of her pussy were swollen and tender and with each step her clit throbbed. She really didnt need this distraction. She peered through the security hole and shook her head. Damn, it was going to be a very long day. Hed decided to wear the jeans. ***** His nostrils flared as soon as Afryca opened the door. Damn, she smelled good. So good he wanted to grab her, throw her over his shoulder and run back to her bedroom. Lately, every time he was near her his heartbeat escalated to the point of pain. At one time he actually thought, just maybe, he was having a heart attack. At least that would explain the way he felt each and every time he saw her. Who was he kidding? Sure, it would explain the chest pain but definitely not the swelling of his

cock. He was tired of having her in his dreams and not actually in his bed. There were only so many cold showers a man could take and he was pretty sure hed met his quota for this life and the next. Yet there she was, standing in front of him with her hair tussled and her face impeccably made with just the hint of makeup. Thats what he loved about her. She didnt bathe her body in imitation coloring and artificial hair. Dont get him wrong. He didnt have a problem with any woman who thought she needed those things to enhance herself but he liked Afryca just the way she was tall, dark skin and short hair. His gaze raked across her body from her face to her hips. He wanted to pause at her voluptuous breasts but refused to go there. His throat was already dry from the quick glance at the way the blouse pulled across her bosom. With just the right flick of his finger and the button would pop free and her glory would spill forth. He didnt have time for another cold shower and he knew she didnt see him the same way

so why embarrass himself? But, by God, she was gorgeous. He loved the way her espresso skin contrasted against his sun kissed ivory, her brown eyes to his gray. He wondered if her nipples and areola were as dark as her skin. His mouth watered at the thought that they might even be darker. If only she knew what was going on in his head on the few occasions she caught him staring at her. He wanted to lick her from tip to toe until she screamed his name. Hell, until she screamed period, but hed not stop there. Drawing her heated, throbbing clit into his mouth gave a whole new meaning to the word heaven. He knew it would be great, probably the best hed ever have in his life but it wasnt going to happen. Not today, not tomorrow. Not ever. He blinked and stared back into her face. Was she saying something? Her mouth was moving but the pounding of his heart clogged his ears and drowned out all sound. She punched him and brought him back to reality. Are you okay? He swallowed, hard, past the lump in his

throat. Um, sure. Yeah. He shook his head and looked beyond her to the far wall. You ready? Damn, his throat hurt. He needed water, a beer, anything to help him to sound more like man and not a high school kid who was spoken to by the lead cheerleader. And why did she have to wear a skirt? Didnt the woman own a nice pair of baggy pants, something that covered those long legs and curves? Now, every time she moved his gaze would target her ass to catch the sway under the thigh high loose fabric. Oh how easy it would be to push it above her thighs and slide into her moist heat without any deterrents. How easy would it be for her to sit at her desk and he crawl under her skirt and have his way with her clit. His cock swelled with just the thought. He was glad he wore jeans. He was going to need a lot of room. Damn, what is wrong with me? Get a grip. Ill get my bag. Afryca strolled over to the small table and grabbed the satchel hanging on the arm.

Side by side they walked to the area in front of the hotel. The company they were wooing was sending a car. Thank God, a third party.

Chapter Two
Whats wrong with your head? Hed probably seen her rub her temple and the back of her head on more than one occasion that day. Simon reached over to touch Afrycas face and she withdrew, pushing herself to the far side of the chair. What? Nothing. Youve been rubbing your head all day. Did you hit it or something? She coughed when the memory of how she got the lump resurfaced in her brain. No, just a headache, thats all. She lied. No way would she ever tell him what had really happened. She laughed at herself and it pissed her off. The last thing she needed was her secret feelings for Simon to be thrown back into her face. She stared at him for the briefest of moments before cutting her gaze toward the window and at the passing cars. I think Im going to grab a rental and head straight home. This way you wont have to go

out of your way and drop me off. Youll do no such thing. Simon steered the car onto the ramp leading toward the freeway and her home. She didnt want him to be near her home. Wouldnt that put him awfully close to her bed? What if he wanted to come in? Have something to drink. . . to eat. She shivered at the thought of him getting any closer to her than he had the past two days. The days had been grueling to say the least. Every day it was something new, something bolder. If he wore a suit during the day it was jeans in the evening. At one point she thought he was doing it to torment her, but that would mean he knew. He didnt know she existed except as a friend and he certainly didnt know how she felt about him and he never would. There were no plans in her future to tell him either. Even if he somehow found out about her feelings, he wouldnt, couldnt do anything about it. She would be mortified. Shed admitted to herself a long time ago that her insatiable passion for sex a little on the wild side was not the norm. She loved her body.

She loved how it felt when aroused. To have a mans tongue on her, stroking her, lapping and laving, drove her crazy. Just thinking about his cock impaling her drove her to explosion. The thought of Simon doing her the way she wished was unheard of. He was too tame, too quiet, and too safe. Hed probably run for the hills and never speak to her again if she told him her innermost secret fantasies of him in her bed, between her legs, behind her, on top of her and under her. Or his face buried between her thighs, or his tongue torturing her clit. Shed even fantasized about him imbedding his thick cock in her ass while she rode his fingers as they stroked her dripping pussy. She shivered inward and prayed when she got out of the car her butt didnt have a wet spot on it because she was definitely wet. She squirmed in the seat. Really, you dont have to drop me off. Stop being a pain. Somethings been up your ass since yesterday. Not you, for sure. Youre not upset because we didnt get the

account, are you? He gave her a quick sideglance before refocusing his attention on the highway stretching out in front of the car. Did someone do something to you? He gritted out the words, his temper rising. He gripped the steering until his knuckles turned white. Did one of those ego tripping pricks say something? his foot pressed hard on the gas pedal. She hated it when he was upset. It was dangerous. No, on all counts. Im just tired, thats all. I promise. He shot her another heated look, quickly searching her face for the truth. I swear to God, Afryca, if I find out one of those people were out of place. No one was. She wished it were that easy. This is something new. What? He almost laughed. You getting protective of me. ***** It was new. He wasnt even sure where his

outburst had come from. But somehow it had clawed its way to the surface and popped out. Every time he stole a glance at her his feelings ran deeper and deeper still. He couldnt explain it. He didnt even understand it himself. The anger that bubbled up in his gut and tightened a band around his chest surprised him. He was ready to turn the car around, fly back to that hick town and kick some righteous hick ass if anyone had disrespected Afryca. Damn, he had it bad for her. Hed never been protective like this before, even with women hed slept with. Maybe because hed not had this bond. She had a fold on his heart like no other. If only she knew, understood. They drove for several long minutes in silence. He kept his eyes on the road and Afryca kept her gaze on the cars zooming by. Something was up and he was going to put it at the top of his priority list to find out what. This was out of character for her and he didnt like it. Something had happened, something bad. Minutes later he was braking the car to a halt in front of her apartment.

***** You dont have to get out. Simon ignored her, hit the trunk button and pushed his door open. Jumping out he strolled to the back of the car, tugged her bag out and started walking toward the front door. Damn him. She realized as she watched him he didnt walk, he strolled, he stalked, but he didnt walk. She moved behind him, shoved the key in the lock and kicked the door open. She held out her hand for the suitcase, hoping hed hand it over. He didnt. Simon pushed pass her, dropped the suitcase next to the sofa and flopped down in the soft cushions. Was he planning on staying? Spending the night? God, she hoped not. It wouldnt be the first time and how would she tell him he couldnt sleep over? Hed spent many nights on her sofa or in her guest bedroom. Shed never objected then, so why now? He would certainly have questions. She sucked in a breath, blew it out and

sucked it up. Do you want something to drink? I can put on coffee. Simon glanced at the watch on his right wrist. Naw, its kind of late. Itll keep me up. There is something Id like better. Her heart slammed in her chest, causing the air to rush out of her lungs. Something hed like better. Lord have mercy. She swallowed past the lump clogging her throat. She opened her mouth, closed it. She swallowed again. Wh. . . what do you want? Me! A glass of ice water. Ice water? Damn. He pushed up from the sofa, walked toward the kitchen and pulled the refrigerator door open. That okay? His head ducked behind the door. Oh, Ill take some of this cranberry juice instead, okay? Get whatever you want. She grabbed her suitcase, dragged it to the bedroom and slammed the door behind her. She grimaced when the sound vibrated off the walls. She not intended to slam it that hard.

She unzipped the case, dumped her clothes on the bed and started sorting them. Walking over to the dresser she pulled out the nightgown she planned to wear and then slammed the drawer shut. Any harder and she could have broken it. Maybe if she stayed in here long enough hed be gone when she went back out. She knew there was no chance in hell of that. She didnt know what to do. Her clit throbbed so hard with need she hurt. A soft rapping on the door drew her attention away from her misery. She walked over to the door, grabbed the knob and snatched it open. Simon stood there, his eyes quietly searching her face. I know somethings wrong so dont start by denying it. She felt tears burn the back of her eyes. She blinked in an attempt to keep them at bay. Its nothing, really. Really my ass, Afryca. You dont act like this, not ever. Is it something I did? He reached up, and placed his hands on her shoulders, squeezed. "Tell me if it is and I will

personally kick my own ass. She smiled, a little. Now she really felt stupid. She was mad at him and she didnt know why. It wasnt his fault he was who he was. It wasnt his fault he didnt see her the same way. You cant dislike a man for having different desires. Or could you? Before she could shift her position he pulled her to his chest, his hands stroked up and down her back. Is it something at work? She shook her head. Someone then? She was nodding against his chest before she could stop herself. Did you get a call while we were out? She nodded again, lying. He put her at arms length, stared into her eyes. Do you want me to kick his ass? I will, you know. She nodded, pulled away from him and walked back to the kitchen. She needed something to drink, anything that would quench her suddenly dry throat. Its stupid. Stupid. She sniffed, glanced up into his dark brooding eyes. I think Im coming down with a stupid cold. You said stupid three times.

Thats stupid, huh? Naw, just odd for you. He glanced over his shoulder toward the living room, then back at her and watched her gulp down the glass of water. I think Ill stay the night if thats okay. She nodded, placed the glass in the sink and headed toward her bedroom. Shed have to lock her door tonight. Not to keep him out but to keep herself in. The last thing she needed was to sleep walk and find herself in the bed with him. ***** Damn it all to hell. He shouldnt have touched her. He shouldnt have stared into her eyes. He sure as hell shouldnt have brought her to his chest and hugged her. All it took was one small whiff of her scent and he was lost. She smelled of flowers and cinnamon and he almost thought he caught a hint of arousal but he knew that was his mind playing tricks on him. Hed imagined on more than one occasion how her womanly scent would wrap around his mind,

grip his heart and settle his soul. Hed imagined on more than a thousand times how hed die a happy man and never ask for anything ever again if shed allow him just once, the pleasure of burying his face between her breast, her thighs. Damn, he shouldnt have touched her. He sure as hell shouldnt have brought her head to his chest. Her breast pressed tight against his body, he thought he felt the hardened pebbles of her nipples though her blouse. His dick had been hard all day and now it was painfully so. He glanced toward the closed door to the bedroom, wondering what she was doing? Hed heard the shower moments earlier and his mind plunged into an abyss where her body was covered with water and bubbles. His cock twitched. She was acting awfully strange. Who called her and upset her? Anger sliced his gut. Hed have to do some investigating of his own. No way was any man going to upset Afryca and get away with it. Hed kick him to high heaven, whoever it was. He turned onto his stomach,

groaned when his cock pressed between his body and the mattress. That was not going to work. Pain was one thing. Misery was another. Starting tomorrow, hed focus his attention on whomever it was that upset her. That way his every waking moment wont be concentrated on his imaginary cock buried deep in imaginary pussy. But it wasnt imaginary. His hard cock was very real. It tormented him every day. Her wet pussy was very real. Too bad they werent real together.

Chapter Three
So, how was the trip? Afryca looked up from the computer keyboard shed been pecking on for the last hour as she worked out the kinks. She shook her head and glanced back down at the computer. What? Did you jump his bones and found out you could have had a V-8? Will you leave me alone, Tess? I really dont want to talk about it. She swiveled in the chair, grabbed her cup of coffee from the desk and took a gulp. And she really didnt want to talk about it. Tess was the only person shed ever confided in her feelings she had for Simon. Shed sworn her to secrecy but she always wondered when Tess would blab. If anyone ever found out then Simon would find out and shed be mortified. Shed have to find another job in another city and change her name. She wouldnt be able to face him.

It was bad enough sitting at her breakfast table that morning staring at him. Hed surprised her and made breakfast. Her favorite, waffles with warm syrup and crispy bacon. Hed even fresh squeezed the orange juice, and it was waiting for her when she surfaced from her bedroom fully dressed and ready to walk out the door. No such luck. To start your day off bright, hed said. Bright my ass. It only made it worse. Shed tossed and turned the entire night, her mind wavering from how he made her feel to what he was doing the next room over. When her clock illuminated three a.m. shed tip-toed across the hall, tilted her head to his closed door and listened, wondering if he was asleep. She wondered what hed do if she slid the door open and crawled in the bed with him. Would he actually toss her out or maybe, just maybe, if he was in a deep sleep think he was dreaming and have his way with her. She could always feign sleep walking if it didnt work. She went back to her bed angrier with herself than shed been when she got up. Now

Tess was prying and teasing. Im kind of busy here, she caught herself before she snapped the words out. Well, yeah. Tess walked over to the door and paused after she pulled it open. When you want to talk call me, I may have something that will make you feel better. Tess closed the door behind quietly. She folded her arms across the desk, closed her eyes and laid her head in the crook of her elbow. Maybe she was coming down with a cold. She felt horrible. Minutes passed before she opened her eyes and stared at the closed door. Work had been grueling to say the least. Shed only seen Simon once since he left her apartment that morning but thats all it took. Her emotions were in such a jumbled mess. Maybe Tess was right. Maybe she should have told Simon how she felt, knocked him down and sat on him until he understood. She chuckled quietly to herself. Yes, she could have sat on him literally. She closed her eyes and leaned her head against the back of

the chair and counted to ten. She opened her eyes, blinked and shook her head. No. Shed much rather keep Simon as a friend if she couldnt have him as she did in her dreams. Yes. She nodded, blew out a breath. That was best. K.I.S.S. Keep it simple sweetheart. That way no hearts would be crushed and no lifelong friendships severed. She stood, stretched and returned her attention to the computer on the desk. This is useless, she told herself as she scribed a note on a sticky pad and then stuck it to the computer screen and another on the hard drive. She turned to leave, her heart still in her chest. Are you finished yet? Simons deep voice washed over her like warm air. Immediately her heartbeat pounded against her rib cage and her throat became dry. She swallowed, bringing her gaze up to his face. Pretty much. I cant fix it here. Its gonna have to go back to I.T. Want to grab some lunch? Simon asked as he glanced at his watch.

Naw, I think I'm going to work through lunch and leave early. Simon wiggled his eyebrows, Got plans. She shook her head, Just busy. He arched his shoulders, stepped into the open door and paused. Take something for that cold. I don't like it when you are sick. Me either. She sniffled, pretending her nose was stuffy. She'd almost forgotten she'd told him she was coming down with a cold. She was such a bad liar. ***** Simon pulled the door shut behind him and headed toward his office. His appetite had suddenly disappeared. Hed watched Afryca for a few seconds before she noticed he was there. The look on her face was like a kick to his gut. He wasnt sure if it was fear, remorse, anger or repulsion. The one thing he was sure of. . . he didnt like it. If only he could find out what it was about him that she didnt like. He knew as friends

they were great together. But he didnt need any more friends. He wanted a lover, a soul mate. Not. . . A. . . Friend. He rubbed the back of his neck and hunched his shoulder. Maybe it just wasnt meant to be. ***** Tess. When you get a chance come see me. Afryca said into the phone propped on her shoulder. She listened for a second before continuing. No. Just come see me. She hung up the phone, smiled. Maybe it was looking up. Maybe she could get Tess to go out with her and help her get her mind off of her troubles. Maybe Tess knew someone who was looking for a good woman who was a little kinky, a little wild and with a lot of heart. Just maybe. A minute later Tess was in her office, staring at her with amusement on her face. Sorry dear. Cant. Gotta babysit for my sister and no, Tess smiled at her, I cant call in sick. I wasnt going t she stifled a laugh. Yeah

I was. Did you talk to Simon? Urgh! Afryca ran her hands through her hair and tugged. Its no use. Sure it is. Tess strolled over to her, pulled her hands from her hair and patted her cheek. Just ask him out. Dinner? Drinks? No. Why not? What can it hurt? Tess stared at her for a long silent minute. Ask him out to a damn movie, but hell you need to take a step or Im going to kill you myself. Afryca grunted a laugh and allowed the corners of her mouth to tilt into a soft smile. Maybe Tess was right. Regardless of what her gut told her, she needed to do something. Youre in love with a man and afraid to admit it. Tess interrupted her thoughts. Not true. I admit it. Admitting it to me doesnt count. Tess laughed loud, robust and lively. Afryca joined her. Hearing it come from Tess made it sound as ridiculous as it was. It was time to let the man know. Tess was the only

one whom she'd confided, the only one she trusted with her emotions and secrets. Theyd even talked the sex talk. It was refreshing to know she wasnt the only female with the desires to have her sex drive fed. If he didnt feel the same then so be it. Im gonna do it, she mumbled, mainly to herself. I cant hear you. Did I hear you say something? Was that a yes? Yes. She cupped her face with her hands, embarrassment flitting through her body. She glanced back toward Tess. Yes! Now leave me alone. Ive got a plan to devise. Now thats what Im talking about. Tess closed the door behind her, leaving her to her endeavors. Afryca glanced at her watch and realized it was almost four p.m. She grabbed her tote from the desk drawer, relocked it and pushed away from the desk. Walking toward Simons office, she formulated the plan in her mind. Step one, find Simon. Step two. Ask him to dinner, tonight. No. Not tonight. Not enough time.

Tomorrow. Saturday would work best. She thought maybe shed cook dinner, but immediately dispelled that thought remembering she hated cooking and anything that put her in the kitchen. Well, anything other than sex on the table or counter. Dinner out would be good. But where? Several restaurants entered her mind and were just as quickly kicked out. She didnt want it to be too romantic, but a pub and caf meant friend and she was tired of being his friend. She paused outside his office door, took a deep breath and blew it out. Three knocks and no answer. Three more. More silence. Hes not here. She turned toward the voice talking to her. Hes not here. The new IT associate, whose name escaped her, repeated. Oh. He said he had some errands to run. He left after lunch, said for anyone to either page or cell phone him. He wont be back until Monday. Monday, huh? Well, um. . . Okay. Ill call

him. Thanks. She felt her shoulders slump with defeat. Now shed have to build her courage up all over again. Maybe the phone call would be better, easier. That way she wouldnt see his initial expression when she asked the question. Dinner? Dessert? Me? She pulled out her cell phone and began dialing his number as she closed her car door. He answered on the second ring. I um. She swallowed past the lump in her throat. I. . . Where are you? Had to do some things. Oh. Is that all you got? Just spit it out. She chastised herself. You wanna go out to dinner? Maybe grab a movie, dessert? Silence filled the air. You still there? Her mind ran rampant wondering what he was thinking, what expression he had on his face. Was he smiling, frowning or laughing at her stupid attempt? Sorry. Ah man. I cant. More silence. O h. God, what was it with the ohs.

Couldnt she even come up with a more tangible word? Okay. Like thats better. Maybe next time. Im really sorry. I told a friend Id cover for him tonight and theres no way I can get out of it. Ill call you later. You do that. She hung up the before he could hear the hurt in her voice. She was such a fool. She should have known he was going to say no. It was her pipe dream, not his. He was probably laughing his head off that very second. WhatAFool. ***** Simon pulled the car onto Interstate 95 N toward Northern Virginia. Heds already slammed his fist three times onto the dash board. Of all the times for him to have to work at the club. Damn. The Gods must really hate him. It would have been the perfect time to get Afryca and maybe go somewhere during the dinner or dessert trek hed have enough nerve to tell her exactly how he felt about her. If that

didnt work, then hed planned to take her hand, bring it to his crotch and let her feel what she did to him each and every time they were together. Friends didnt give friends hard-ons. Simon flipped his cell phone open, glanced back and forth from the phone to the highway stretching ahead, attempting to figure out who he could call to cover for him. It was no use. No one would be available at such short notice and no way could he call and say he couldnt make it. That just wasnt his style. He gritted his teeth and hoped he could make it up to her. Shed hesitated when he told her he couldnt do it. What was going through her mind? What did she have planned? He hated himself for not seeing this coming. He should have felt it, seen it, and heard it in her voice when he talked to her earlier in the day. Had something happened at work? Damn. He dialed her number back and waited for her to answer. Hed make up some story. Something shed believe. She didnt know about this part of his life, but, he wished she did. It would certainly make things easier. Damn, if

she knew about his insatiable taste for passion hed take her with him to the club. Introduce her to his other half. Shoot, hed invite her into the Shadow Box and finally get his fill of her. Or at least satisfy a tiny piece of his hunger for her. ***** Okay, you need to calm down and talk a little slower. Tess voice boomed over the phone receiver. And stop sniffling. You had better not be crying. What did he say, for Gods sake? She didnt want to be, but she couldnt claim the moisture leaking from her eyes was anything but tears. And she hated herself for it. She didnt even know why it upset her so that Simon couldnt go out with her. After all, if wasnt his fault. She didnt really give him any notice now did she? Im not crying. She blew her noise on the wadded up tissue she found in her pocket. I think its my allergies, thats all. Sure youre right. Well, this is what I want

you to do. Tess paused as if she was thinking what to say next. My sister didnt need me to babysit after all and I was just getting ready to hit the road. Silence filled the air yet again. Go out with me. Where are you going? Ive got an exclusive pass to a very exclusive club in Northern Virginia and tonight is your lucky night. I couldnt. You couldnt, but you will. No, seriously. I dont want to impose on your night out. Blow your nose, get dressed and just in case, toss some extra panties in a bag. Ill be there in twenty. Tess wait a She was greeted by the dial tone. Afryca stared at the dead phone in her hand. Maybe Tess was right. Maybe she needed to get away, go to a club, met some new people. Maybe for once get her groove on. She swung around in a circle, her head swimming. What was she thinking? There was no way she could

do this. Her heart wasnt in it. The one person she wanted she couldnt have. A night out on the town wasnt going to change that. She re-dialed Tess number, got a busy signal. Closing her eyes she tried to figure out what to do. The options stabbed at her. One, get dressed and got out with Tess. Two, stay home. Three, get a life. Urgh! Confusion swamped her. Her mind was made up. There was no way she was going to go out with Tess, especially to some club shes never been to and after all, it was hours away. No. She wasnt going to do it. The ringing of her door bell caught her attention. Had twenty minutes gone by already? She glanced at her watch, frowned and strolled toward the door. Swinging it open she greeted Tess. Im sorry. I cant go. The hell you cant. Tess moved into the apartment, walked over to the table where shed tossed her purse and grabbed it. Unless you want to possibly wear the same panties tomorrow I suggest you grab a clean pair and

come on. She held up her hand and silenced Afrycas opened mouth. Not gonna take no for an answer. Trust me, just this once. You are going to love this club. If it doesnt get your mind off of your. . . troubles, I will never harass you again. She raised her eyebrows. Its different than the others. A broad secretive smile lightened Tess face. Trust me. She drew in a breath, blew it out and snatched her bag from Tess. We are not spending the night.

Chapter Four
Almost three hours later, after two arguments about stuff they could only laugh about and debates that encompassed everything from wicked sex to the eco system, Tess was pulling into the parking lot of the club. Her mouth curved into a devilish smile as she turned and faced Afryca. What is this place? Concern and confusion laced Afrycas voice and she knew it. She scanned the front and side of the building. It didnt look like any club shed ever been to. Its an exclusive adult club. Tess glanced back toward the front of the building. I told you about it. I dont think so. Yes I did. Remember, I told you about a wonderful place where we could go to fulfill our secret desires and not worry about it the next day. She pulled her mouth into a tight frown, her brain working overtime trying to remember

the conversation. It slammed into her like a sledge hammer. She opened her mouth to say something, closed it. II thought you were telling me about a dream, some place you made up. Damn, I wish Id made this place up. I could retire. Tess reached behind the car seat and grabbed her purse. Come on. You are in for a wonderful treat. Um, I dont know. Afryca diverted her gaze to the floor of the car, stared at her feet as if shed never seen them before. I dont know. Too late to turn back now. Tess jumped out of the car, ran around to Afrycas side and jerked the car door open. Come on. Trust me, just this once. She reached in, grabbed her hand and tugged her out of the car. If you find you are not loving it, find me and we will leave. She settled her gaze on Tess face, stared into her non-blinking eyes. Swear? On your mommas grave. Afryca chuckled, nodded and grabbed her bag. This had better be as good as you say or you will need to find a new best friend come

Monday. Howd you find this place anyway? Its not exactly around the corner from us. Same way you did, through a friend. They walked toward the entrance of the club. Nervous butterflies fluttered around in Afrycas stomach. She wasnt sure if it was from not knowing what she was getting herself into or from the anticipation of not knowing. She knew Tess wouldnt put her in any kind of danger but she didnt like the not knowing. Shed thought they were going to a dance club. She could meet a really nice. . . no, not nice. She was tired of nice. What she wanted was a really good, toe curling, dont-think-about-it-just-doit, one night stand with the tallest, best looking, muscle bound man she could hook up with. She blew out a breath and stopped walking, not paying attention to what Tess was saying. Who was she fooling? Shes never been into one nighters, but there was always that hope that maybe, just maybe, if she got her groove on with someone else it would wash the remnants of Simon from her mind. She sucked in a breath, fanned her hand in front of her face

and blew it out. The air around her head, suddenly hot, sent waves of more butterflies to the pit of her stomach. You okay? Tess was standing in front of her, staring at her with the strangest expression on her face, like she was staring at an alien. Yeah, Im cool. She fanned her hand again. Just got a little hot, thats all. Well, you are about to get hotter. Tess pulled the door open, held it for Afryca and then pulled it tightly closed behind them. The one thing you need to remember, no matter what you see or do, you are not allowed to talk about it after you leave. They are going to make you sign a waiver and gag statement. Its that secret? Oh, yeah, it gives me shivers just thinking about it. They stepped into the foyer and Afryca gasped. The outside of the club didnt do it justice. The colors and warmth of the interior took her breath away. The knots in her stomach loosened. She took in every inch of the

room, the walls, the furniture, the lighting. Oh yeah, it was very nice. Candles flickered off the walls and a fireplace burned brightly on the other side of the room. Large plush chairs were scattered throughout with colors that blended with the soft gold of the curtains covering the wall space and nothing else. She hadnt seen any windows when they entered so she knew they were just for effect. It worked. She pulled her attention back to Tess. How often do you come here? Not as much as I wish. But dont worry. After your first visit, Im pretty sure youll come again and again and again. Tess whispered a laugh that was way too secretive and the nervous butterflies skidded back into place. Maybe this wasnt a good idea. Maybe she should let Tess go do her thing. She could take the car, ride around, and find something to do. She was quite sure there was a real dance club or even a book store somewhere in the vicinity. She took a step back, toward the front door. Oh no you dont. Tess grabbed her hand,

tugged her forward. Trust me. Why when you say that, it doesnt do a thing for me. I swear, Tess, if I will not only be your best friend on Monday, I will be your best friend the rest of your life. Tess smiled a broad expanse of white teeth. Now come on. We are wasting time. Forty-five minutes later, papers signed and instructions given, Tess and Afryca entered the forbidden area of the club shed now learned had no name and couldnt be found in any phone book or directory. Anticipation had her tighter than a drum. After browsing through the booklets of what the club offered, she had to admit to herself, it was intriguing. Who would have thought of an exclusive adult club like this? Secluded rooms where you could chose someone to get your groove on with, a place where others had the same unsated desires she had, a place where no one would laugh at her. Wow! And the neat thing was, you could even watch if you didnt want to physically participate. She giggled to herself at the thought of sitting in a chair

watching Tess do whatever it was Tess did. Was this place like the Bunny Ranch in Nevada? What would happen if the police busted it? Suddenly dread started prickling its way up her spine. The last thing she needed was to be tossed into jail for visiting a. . . house. What did you call this anyway? She wondered who worked at the club? What type of person took such a job? Did they work there full time? Did they have secret families? Double lives? Afryca stopped, settling her gaze on the room in front of her. Bondage. Now that was something shed never done. She wasnt sure if she would like being tied up. She loved using her hands, touching, caressing. She loved the sounds the man made when she touched him just the right way. Shaking her head, she moved along the hall. Another room had the word, Anal etched on the door. Immediately her mind shot to Simon. Back in the recesses of her mind, she thought of the late nights when she dreamed of him and his thick cock slick with lube and sliding in and out of her ass while his fingers fucked her pussy.

Just the thought flooded her panties with moisture. Shaking her head, she closed her eyes and tried, unsuccessfully to get the image out of her head. She was on this crazy road trip to forget about him. It was going to be hard to do, but she knew she had to wash that man out of her mind. She chuckled and took one last glance through the window. The couple was oblivious to voyeurs. She tightened her butt cheeks and moved on. She peered into the next room and her breath stilled in her chest. Tess was secured to a wall, a masked man was standing to the side of her attaching clamps to her nipples. Sans nipple clamps, Tess was utterly naked. You go girl. She smiled and moved on, complimenting Tess to herself for getting right down to business. She wondered if she would find a room that grabbed her interest. God, she hoped so. It was all great. The rooms were exciting, but nothing piqued her interest. A room named,

The Shadow Box was next. This room was set up slightly differently. You had to go through a door to get to the inner viewing room. She cracked the door and peered in. The room was muted in colors and light. A cream colored French settee faced a darkened window. Curious, she walked in. A small side table held a crystal pitcher of what she thought was water, and a delicate towel was draped across the side. Interesting. She took a tentative step into the room and closed the door. The lock clicked into place and a soft light behind the window flickered on. She opened her mouth, closed it. What she saw was absolutely beautiful. A huge brass iron bed sat in the middle of the floor. Off to the side was a padded chair big enough for two people to sit in comfortably. Satiny curtains floated from the ceiling to the floor giving the room even more shadows. A gentle breeze fluttered the curtains, fracturing what illumination there was. The light was so soft it gave the illusion of a dream. The room was a fantasy in itself. The almostdarkness of it made her wonder if she could be

seeing what she thought she was. It was absolutely breathtaking. She found herself sitting on the settee, pulling her legs up and kicking off her shoes. Okay, this was odd. For some reason it felt okay to do this. Had she found the room for her? What was next? No one was on the bed. As soon as the thought hit her brain a door she hadnt seen on the opposite side of the room opened. A man entered carrying a woman in his arms. All air left her lungs and her heart stopped beating. He was tall, maybe six-two, six three. His cream colored skin was sun kissed as if hed spent time at the beach or a tropical island. He wore black tuxedo pants with a silver cummerbund that matched the masquerade mask covering his eyes. He wanted anonymity. She smiled, understanding. His feet were bare of shoes and he wore no shirt. She swallowed hard past the dry lump clogging her throat when her gaze settled on the mans chest, arms and abs. He carried the woman as if she were a feather. Oh God! Could he lift her as easily? She

knew he could. Her heart slammed against her rib cage. He stepped over the bed, stopped. He mumbled something and the woman nodded. He walked over to the chair and gently lowered her body to the cushions. Her face was covered with a mask as well. Were masks mandatory for this room or an option? She wondered. He said something else and the woman's head shook rapidly. He smiled and it shot heat straight to Africas core. He moved with such confidence and strength, and the way the one dimple softened his smile reminded her of Simon. She glanced around the room, looking for speakers, something to allow her to hear what he was saying. The need to hear his voice was like a need for oxygen. She jumped up, moved around the room, searching the walls, the doors, the window. Nothing. Disappointment settled at the pit of her stomach and she moved back to the settee, only to see a button on the side table. Whodve thought? She pressed the button and sat back down. Relaxing, she watched and wondered. Mister

Mysterious kneeled in front of the woman and lifted her right leg. Immediately, he began caressing her foot and placing kisses along the sole. His mouth moved up her leg from foot to thigh, pausing and moving back down. The woman squirmed, moaned. Afryca squirmed and moaned. Embarrassment warmed her cheeks. She glanced around the room thankful she was alone. This was wonderful. No wonder this place is so exclusive, so secretive. Knowing she wouldnt have to answer any questions or hide her desire she lay back on the settee and continue to watch. With each press of his lips to the womans skin her stomach tightened. He licked and laved his way around her body to the point Afryca thought the woman was going to fall off of the chair. God, she wished it was her. She wished it was her body he kissed and even better if it was Simon doing the kissing. Her clit throbbed with anticipation of what Mr. Mysterious was going to do next. Afrycas hand slid beneath the waist band of her slacks and cupped her

mound. She didnt know who moaned first, her or the woman on the other side of the window. The orgasm hit her so hard she flung herself off of the settee and found herself sitting on the floor. Damn. What is wrong with me? She pushed up, sat back down and straightened her clothing. She glanced at the window and the woman was gone. When did that happen? Had she knocked herself out? The man turned his back to the window and took off the cummerbund. A familiar feeling swept over her. She stood, stepped closer to the window and stared at the back of the man. No, it couldnt be. No way. Her fingers pressed against her lips, stopping the scream. Only one person could have a scar like that. The Y shaped scar above his right hip couldnt belong to anyone but Simon. She remembered when he got it, how he got it, why he got it. Oh, my God. Is this why he couldnt go out with her? Is this why she was invisible to him? Why would he need her if he had all this? She wasnt sure if she was angry, mad, happy or

hysterical. Well, two can play this game. If Simon wanted to spend his time at this club instead of with her, then so would she. If she couldnt have him in real life, than shed have him in an illusion. Damn, shed book this room every day that he was here if it meant her having Simons hot tongue on her even hotter body. She straightened her clothes again, took one last glance around the room and set out to find someone of authority, someone who could help her, someone who would tell her how much and who she needed to write the check too. Get Me Some Simon was now in play.

Chapter Five
Oh my God, Shadow. You really worked it tonight, didnt you? The receptionist said as she passed him in the hall leading toward the lounge. Not sure what the receptionist was talking about he turned, stared at her for a long humming minute. He always did his best when he worked at the club. It gave him much pleasure to pleasure a woman. But tonight hearing moans and groans was something that just wasnt working for him. Lia, a good friend, was always game to put on a show with him. Hed hope no one would visit his chamber that night, but as soon as he heard the delicate chime of the bell his hopes were doused. Thankfully Lia wasnt busy and like many times before, she allowed him to utilize her for the show he so magnificently put on. She got a kick out of how he put on the illusion of making a woman squirm and scream and never touching her. He blinked, refocused

and said, Huh? The receptionist giggled, smiled. A visiting guest was adamant that she had to visit The Shadow Box, today, not tomorrow, or next week, but today. Really, is that so? Was all he could say, although the smile that broke his mouth was broad. Oh yeah. She seemed really upset that you were booked the rest of the evening. Is she coming back? His interest peaked. He was always a sucker for any female who requested him personally. However, on the rare occasion he had to make sure it wasnt a stalker situation. One could never be too careful in this type of work. I dont think shes even left yet. I think shes waiting for someone. I did give her a voucher for the next time you're here. She made an appointment. She looked up toward the ceiling as if trying to remember something. She smiled and said, Tomorrow. Shes your first appointment. She giggled again and strolled away.

He tilted his head up in an acknowledging nod and headed toward the main reception area. If any luck hed get a closer look at his voyeur. His gut told him this really wasnt a good idea, what with the whole mask thing and all, but something itched along his spine and for the first time in his life he wanted. . . needed to see whod been watching him. He glanced through the one way mirror. Nothing. No one sat in the lobby. No one was moving about. Had he missed her? Swinging the door open and moving over to the main entrance he slowly opened the front door and peered out. The only thing he saw was a feminine profile turning the corner. Her hips swayed gently from left to right in such a way it tightened the muscles in the pit of her stomach. Then she spoke to someone in the hall, and her voice almost took him to his knees. The high pitched lilt of it so reminded him of Afryca that he wanted to chase the woman down, swing her around and make sure it wasnt her. Deep down he knew that wasnt necessary. The club was the last place hed find Afryca. He

could only dream. He glanced at his wrist watch, groaned at the fact that his next appointment would be within thirty minutes and pulled the door closed behind him. He shouldnt have looked. Now his mind was on Afryca. The last thing he needed. Oh well, it wouldnt be the first time hed imagined her body next to him and her legs spread for his mouth while he pleasured another woman. ***** She had to force herself not to run, skip or jump her way to the car. She avoided Tess side long glances until they pulled onto the highway heading south and then she giggled like a teenage girl whod just seen her first male nude. So, are you gonna tell me whats so funny? I take it you enjoyed yourself. So what did you think? The questions Tess fired at her gave her little time to think, much less answer. Well. . . She turned in the seat, crossed her arms loosely under her breast and stared at Tess. After forming and re-forming her next

statement in her head she said, I dont know if I should be mad at you or elated. Im hoping elated. Why haven't you told me about this place before? Tess didnt answer her question. You like? She couldnt hold it in any longer. She squirmed in her seat. Just thinking about The Shadow Room and Simon made her throb with need. Oh. My. God! She rapidly fanned her hand in front of her face. It was wonderful, she said as she bounced up and down in the car. Tess burst out in loud rapturous laughter. Excellent. Then my job is done. Oh, no, far from it. Oh, oh. Looks to me like someones got the voyeur bug. Voyeur, my ass. I want to participate. Well, hot damn. Thats what Im talking about. Silence slid between them. Tess expression took on a look of a woman musing on memories. Afryca could only wonder what was going through her mind. After a few more seconds of

quiet, she asked, So how long did it take you to get comfortable. . . you know. . . there. Longer than you. Tess gaze bounced from Afrycas face to the road. But, I didnt have a wonderful and understanding friend such as myself to guide me along. They both giggled. Did you find a room that you particularly liked? Me, personally, I love them all. Oh, I saw how much you liked a room. I never saw you as the nipple clamping person, though. My sweet friend, theres a million things Ive yet to tell you about myself. She smiled, her expression filling Afrycas mind with a gazillion questions. Hey, no secrets. Lots of secrets. Thats why I love this place. You dont have to worry about your secrets getting out. So, which room did you partake in? None, yet. Secrets. Yes. Just how much did Tess know and understand? Did she know Simon worked there? Was that why she insisted on her coming

there? So Afryca could get a glimpse of Mr. Nice Guy up front and personal? Certainly not. No way would Tess have kept that away from her, knowing how much she wanted, needed him. Shed spent too many nights moaning and groaning about not having him in her bed for Tess not to tell her. No. Tess couldnt know and Afryca wasnt going to tell either. Some things a girl needs to keep to herself. Some things were best left in the dark, and sacred. Even if it meant keeping secrets from the one and only true-to-life-understanding friend she had. Pulling her mind back to the present she realized Tess had been staring at her for at least the last minute. What I mean is, the room I wanted was booked for the rest of the night. I could come back tomorrow or next Saturday. . . . Well? I booked a session for tomorrow. She couldnt help the broad smile that curved her mouth. Tomorrow. Tomorrow? O-M-G! Tess glanced up, hit the turn signal and swerved the

car onto the upcoming exit ramp. You bitch. You were gonna come back tomorrow without me and Im the one who brought you here. Afryca grabbed the dash board for support. Tess! What the hell are you doing? Im pulling over at this damn hotel and we are spending the night. What the hell do you think Im doing? She screeched the car to a halt in the parking lot of a little hotel. Afryca blinked, stared at Tess, then out the front window, and then at Tess again. Have you lost your ever loving mind? No I havent, but I think you have. Tess cut the engine and turned in the seat. I cant believe you werent going to tell me. You pig. She tried to pout but knew it didnt reach her eyes. I was going to tell you. I didnt want you to feel obligated to. Tess tossed her hand up, palm out in a stop talking gesture. She clamped her mouth shut and tried unsuccessfully to halt the laugh that bubbled out of her throat. When Tess cut her gaze at her she said, I dont have any clean undies.

Good thing thats all you were going to say. Tess shifted the car into gear, backed out of the parking slot and headed back toward the road. Where are we going now? I think I saw a sign for a Wal-Mart a mile back. Oh. Giddy butterflies fluttered in her gut. Tess had no idea how elated she was. She didnt want to go all the way home and then drive back the next day. There was too much time to spend at home thinking about what she was going to do. There would have been too much time to change her mind. Now she couldnt. Tess wouldnt let her. She let out a sigh of relief and closed her eyes. However, nothing could loosen the knots twisting her gut with the thoughts of how it would feel to finally have Simons lips and tongue scorching her already hot skin. An hour and a half later they were walking toward their room. She wasnt overly sure if she liked the idea of her and Tess sharing the hotel room, knowing now, she would not be able to do what she did almost every night, dreamt

of Simon and his hands on her. Only it would be her hand between her thighs and it would be her fingers sliding in and out of her hot heat, dripping with her honey, bringing her to peak and ripping the moans and scream from her throat. Tonight would consist of her not telling Tess the major secret she now held next to her heart. The secret she would take to the grave. Simon and The Shadow Box.

Chapter Six
Simon stepped out of the shower and strolled to his connecting dressing room as he swiped the towel across his dripping skin. His mind was in jumbles. He hadnt gotten more than three hours of sleep the night before because of the images of Afryca dancing through his brain and his groin. The anticipation was killing him. God, he prayed the woman hed seen walking away from him was the woman of his nightly dreams. If hed allowed his cock to rule him, he would have called her up on her cell and asked her. Then hed tell her the truth and beg her to come back. Hed do anything to get her into The Shadow Box. Hed dreamt about it on more than one occasion. Luckily, he didnt let his dick control his head. . . the other head. No, hed wait for her to come to him and pray he was right. He sat on the edge of the chair and thought about the upcoming events. Hed take it slow and her even slower. He was going to relish

every single second he had her in his room. When hed designed The Shadow Box, hed had her in mind. She was mysterious, enticing and alluring. He shivered at the thought of actually tasting her, sliding his tongue along the length of her leg, across and through her folds. He knew theyd be wet. Probably so wet hed come in his pants at the first swipe and if there was the slightest possibility that that didnt make him come he knew the second he got a taste, smell of her he would. All of the bricks hed built around him where she was concerned would come tumbling down like Jack tumbled down the hill. But tonight he didnt care. He knew tonight Afryca was going to be a temptation, a temptation no man should have to endure, but he didnt care. At least once hed have held her in his arms, in his mouth, even if she didnt know it was him. Tonight was going to be his and only his. He glanced at the clock, blew out a breath in an attempt to lower his respiration and shorten his cock. If he didnt get it together it was going to be a very long night, with a very hard dick. He stood and walked

over to the closet to retrieve his pants, a broad smile straining the muscles in his face. ***** Afryca was as nervous as a virgin locked in a male prison. Shed glanced at the clock over a hundred times. Tess had already threatened to knock her on the butt if she didnt stop pacing. But what was a girl to do? This was her dream come true. It should bother her that Simon didnt know what she knew. It should bother her that she would exploit him to the fullest if it meant that at least once she would actually have his mouth on her body. She knew it should bother her that this opportunity might never come again. But. . . she shrugged her shoulders. It didnt. Before the night was over she would have Simons mouth on her hot skin. He would make her moan and squirm and come, hopefully more than once. A thought hit her like a bullet in her chest. Could there possibly be

another man with the exact same scar in the exact same location? No. There was no way the Gods would play such a trick on her. She shivered at the thought. Absolutely not, there was no way that could possibly happen. Could it? Certainly not! She allowed a soft smile to curve her mouth. Tonight she would enjoy. Even if it never happened again she would have her memories of the Shadow Box and Simons hot tongue imbued into her soul forever. Once again she stared at the clock. Damn, could the time move more slowly. What time can we leave? She asked Tess. Tess rolled her eyes toward the ceiling. You have another hour before your appointment. Or did you want us to go sit in the parking lot like some stalkers? She glanced at Afryca, laughed and said, Absolutely not. Both burst out into boisterous laughter. Im sorry. Its just its just Geez,

she didnt know what to say to Tess without giving away her secret. Its been a long time since Ive had so much fun. I know thats right. Tess glanced at her wrist watch. We could go grab a bite to eat. By then itll be time to head to the club. Afryca had her handbag on her shoulder and her hand on the door knob before Tess could finish the sentence. ***** Simon took one last glance around the room, making sure everything was in place. The soft music hed downloaded into the hidden CD gave the room more of a romantic feel than erotic. He knew Afryca was going to love it. Although hed never heard her mention as a favorite the specific musician blowing into the sax, he knew she loved slow jazz as much as he did. He allowed the soft smile to curve his lips. Hed waited forever for this one night. He didnt want to blow it. Finally, hed have Afryca in his arms, her hot skin under his lips and her moist

heat under his tongue. Life couldnt get any better. Realization hit him. He sucked in a breath, blew it out. Life could get better. If only Afryca would come to him without the shields of the mask, without the shadows and with full knowledge of who he was and what drove him. He grew hard, painfully so, with the thought of her sitting outside his room, watching, waiting, wanting. But what if the woman he craved was not the one turning the corner? What if his desire for her had clouded his mind so much that his wishful thinking and burning need drove him to make up the illusion that Afryca was at the club? Dread washed over him tightening a band around his chest. He couldnt breathe, couldnt think straight. He shook his head. He wouldnt think of such a dreadful thing. It was her. It had to be her. Hed die a thousand deaths if it wasnt her. But what if it wasnt? The soft buzzing of the alarm snapped him back to the present and announced the arrival of his first and hopefully his only appointment.

After an encounter with Afryca all other woman would pale. His heartbeat escalated and slammed against his ribs. He really needed to get it together. If he didnt he was going to shoot a load right there in his pants. That had not happened to him since he was a raving, craving teenager. He blew out a breath, thought about the taste, and the smell, and the feel of Afryca Then he moved toward the door leading to the Shadow Box. He peered thought the one way window. There she was, sitting on the chair, her back stiff, and her lips in a slight smile. His dream. Even though she wore a black masquerade mask that covered the top half of her face he knew from the shape of her mouth, the small dent in her chin and the set of her ears that it couldnt be anyone but her. He glanced toward the ceiling and shot up a prayer of endurance. He didnt want her to know it was him. He didnt want to scare her or make her selfconscious. If he had known about this side of her, the secret part of her shed kept from him hed have given more of himself. And hed have

taken more. He grabbed his mask, slid it over his eyes and slid the door open. He paused in the doorway, leaning his tall frame against the doorjamb. He swallowed past the dry lump clogging his throat. Love, are you ready? Afryca didnt answer. He moved his gaze from her eyes to her mouth, and then to her throat. He watched her swallow several times before he spoke again. What is your pleasure? She was nervous. Good. That meant this wasnt something she did often. He knew hed never seen her there before, but that didnt mean she had not visited some other club. The thought of another man touching her stabbed at his gut, flipped his stomach and sent a wave of anger up his spine. But he could not think about that now. Now hed only think about her and the things he was going to do to her and for her. Is this your first time here? He drew the words out slow, seductive, and his heart soared when her breath hitched and she slowly nodded

her head. Excellent. Then I will give you my special attention. The smile that curved her lips almost made him pull his mask off, and reveal himself. He wanted nothing more than to have her in every way known to man. He wanted to make her his because he knew he already belonged to her. He strolled over to her, stopped just short of her and inhaled, trying to capture her scent. Saliva pooled in his mouth. Her cologne, a soft tropical blend wafted up his nostrils to his brain. Hed never smelled it on her before, but he loved it. It reminded him of sunshine and the ocean, fresh and beaconing. This was going to be hard. Probably one of the hardest things he had ever done in his entire life, but he was going to love every single second. I want you to relax, enjoy and believe I wont do anything you dont want me to do. In one swift move he lifted her into his arms and cradled her warm soft body against his chest. Damn she felt so good. Can you trust me? She rapidly nodded. Good. Im going to make you feel so good. I

dont want you to hold anything back. Do you understand? Ye-yes, her voice cracked. If at any time you want me to stop you just say so. Afryca closed her eyes behind the mask, rested her head on his shoulder and sighed. On normal occasions hed ask the woman if she wanted to sit in the chair or lie in the bed. Not this time. He wanted her sprawled out on the bed. He wanted her to have room to writhe and squirm under his touch. He wanted to see if her body bucked when she came. He laid her down in the middle of the bed and sat beside her. ***** She couldnt think, she couldnt breathe and she knew her heart had stopped beating the moment her almost-mystery man stepped so quietly into the room. God he was gorgeous. His sun bronzed skin. His muscled chest that begged her to lick it. His lips. Damn he had wonderful lips. All she wanted was to feel them

against her skin. Immediately she wondered how much she should participate. She wished shed asked. She closed her eyes and slowly inhaled the scent of him. Oh yes, it was Simon. Shed embedded his scent into her brain a long, long time ago. Sure, it just might be possible that two men had an almost identical scar but no way could they smell the same, too. A sigh escaped her throat before she could stop it. She should have been embarrassed. She wasnt. And then he spoke. He whispered something but she didnt understand him. For some reason she couldnt wrap her head around it. Was he talking in a foreign language? Was that French? When did Simon learn French? Nonetheless, no other man had his deep bass voice, the voice that would charm the panties off any woman. It was him. All doubt fled her mind. Les choses que je veux faire toi" He smiled, leaned down and placed is mouth to the side of his neck. She almost came right then and there. The things I want to do to you He barely touched her and that tiniest touch sent a

wave of sensations through her body, so strong that the room swarmed around in her head. She closed her eyes tightly together. No, love. Keep your eyes open. I want you to see what I am doing to you. The things I will do to you. Les choses que je ferai toi. He touched the lapel of her robe and she stiffened. Oh, love. Dont be afraid. Shall I stop? She opened her mouth to say no and only air floated out so she shook her head. Good. I have so much more to do to you. He slid the plush fabric from her shoulders and she thought she heard him sigh, or was it her? She wasnt sure because her heart thrummed so loud in her ears she thought he might hear. He settled his shaded eyes on her face for the briefest of seconds and then tilted his head and pressed his mouth between her breasts. Ever so slowly he delivered butterfly kisses in a trail from her breast to her belly button. He paused, slid his tongue around the rim of her navel and then continued south. Oh, God! What was he doing to her? Everywhere he touched it awakened a million sleeping nerve endings

nerve endings she thought would never feel the touch of his body. He blew a hot breath across the thin patch of hair at the top of her pubis and she thought she was going to go mad. If he had this effect on her when he hadnt even really touched her yet, what was going to happen when he finally did? Ohhh, that. Her body jackknifed off the bed only to have his strong hands hold her in place. His tongue flicked across her throbbing nub, shooting balls of fire up to the pit of her stomach. Her breath rushed out of her lungs, becoming ragged. The room was spinning on its axis. She couldnt stand it. His tongue separated her moist folds and slid between them. When he moaned it shot her into outer space. Her honey gushed from her and he lapped it up as thirstily as a traveler across the desert might lap up a glass of water. Was he faking his thirst or was he enjoying this as much as she was? She didnt know and she told herself she didnt care, but deep in her heart she hoped he was. To have Simon enjoy her body gave new

meaning to her life. Oh sure, loving someone for her mind was all right, and she wanted that, but she needed more. He spoke more words in French and now the spasms didnt creep up her body from her toes to her head, they ran full force, knocking her into another realm of time and space. Immediately she knew nothing would be the same between her and Simon. She wouldnt be able to look him in the eyes with a straight face. Shed have to change jobs or go bankrupt spending all of her money driving to Northern Virginia to visit the club. If this was the only way she could have him then so be it. Again her body tensed. It was ever so slightly, but she knew he felt it. He paused in his assault and kissed the inner sides of her thighs. No, dont think. Just enjoy. I know. I am. Je sais que je suis. Without pause her body relaxed to his soothing words. Simon had always had that effect on her. Thats right, his voice purred against her

skin. He bowed his head and again his mouth started working on her body. His fingers separated her folds as his tongue jetted in and out of her heat. The ripples of pleasure built slowly, rising gradually again until she knew her body was going to explode. Then he stopped. He paused over her and blew on her clit as if that would put out the fire raging between her thighs, in her belly and throughout every nerve ending in her body. As the sensations abated he flicked his tongue across her clit. He twirled his tongue and flicked it, twirl and flick, and twirl and flick. Oh God! Schadenfreude! He stopped, blinked up at her, then captured her nub between his lips and sucked. And then without warning he pressed a finger into her core, teasing it against the side of her inner walls and sending her over the ledge to spiral out of control. Her breathing ceased. Her heartbeat escalated. Her mind snapped. Shed gone blind and prisms of light danced across her line of vision. She couldnt move, couldnt think.

Seconds passed, maybe minutes, before she could open her eyes. And he was gone. ***** I t was Afryca. Hed had to get out of there. She was killing him. Simon pulled the mask from his face, tossed it onto the table and flopped down in the chair. He ran his hands across his face and through his hair. Every time she moaned, each squirm she made, he thought he was going to go mad. At first he wasnt one hundred percent sure it was her. Sure, the way her eyes stared at him though the mask, the way her breath rushed out of her lungs reminded him of her, but the mind is a powerful thing. It played games and made you think things were one way when in actuality they were another. Ecstatic hopes alternated with nagging thoughts that maybe it wasnt Afryca after all, then she blurted that stupid schaden word and his world fell apart. Schaden-fucken-freude is

how he teased her with it. Some word shed read about or heard from her father after his stint in Germany always made him laugh. Schadenfreude. She only said it when she was excited or mad. Taking joy in the suffering of others. And now he was the one who was suffering. The way his cock strained his pants, surely he was he was in much more pain than she was. He wanted to snatch his mask off and show her he was the one with his face between her legs, but he couldnt. What if it frightened her? What if she didnt want him to know she visited the club? What if she never wanted to see him again? No way could he disrupt her illusion that she was there in total anonymity. He stepped over to the sink, splashing cold water on his face and not caring that it ran down his over-heated chest. A soft smile curved the corners of his mouth. Oh yeah, he took a lot of joy in making her suffer. Hell, hed suffered for years just being around her.

Chapter Seven
Afryca crept into her office Monday morning and locked the door behind her, her head still swimming with the events of the weekend. She wasnt ready to see anyone, especially not Simon. She hadnt talked much on the way home that night. She knew Tess was a little worried but she lied between her teeth and swore she was okay. She was not okay. She would never be okay for the rest of her life. Did you enjoy yourself? Tess had asked. Um hum. She could barely get even those non-words out. She didnt know that to think or what to do. When hed touched her the way he did, the way shed dreamed about for so many years her body had erupted. Shed never in her life had such a strong orgasm, didnt know it was possible. Her body still felt the effects of his tongue twirling a hot line across her clit and his finger, oh God, his finger was the destruction of all thought and breath. She squirmed in her seat,

stretched her legs out and squeezed her thigh muscles. Soft ripples, echoes of the best orgasmic pleasure shes ever felt, fluttered across her clit, making it throb with need and dampening her panties. Shed wanted to pull her mask off, show him it was her he was pleasuring but she couldnt. She wouldnt. He was there anonymously. Undercover. He didnt want anyone to know he was there. He definitely didnt want her to know. If he did, he would have told her. Wouldnt he? Why had he left so abruptly? Was it that bad for him? Hed seemed to enjoy it when she watched him with that other woman. Was she that unappealing? She thought shed heard him moan, and it had sounded so erotic, but maybe her ears had played a dirty trick on her. What was she going to do? She couldnt leave her job, although the thought did enter her mind. But that was ridiculous. It was almost as crazy as thinking she could have something with Simon. Dreams were dreams and she had to face the facts. The only relationship she would ever

have with him would be at the club. A soft rap on the door snatched her back to reality. She glanced at the clock, wondering how long shed been locked in her office. Time always escaped her when Simon was involved. Damn, what was she going to do? She stepped over to the door, paused with her hand on the knob, sucked in a deep breath, held it for a few seconds and blew it out. She blinked, rotated her head to loosen the tight muscles in her neck, and hoped her poker face was in place. Swinging the door open, she waved Tess into the office, relieved it wasnt Simon. Tess locked the door, grabbed her hand and tugged her to the chairs facing her desk. Pushing her down in one, she took the other. Now youre going to tell me what the hells going on. She held up her hand to stop Afryca when she opened her mouth to object. Dont even try to lie to me, and dont tell me nothing. Tess patted her hand, soothing some of the tension. Look. I know you and I know when somethings wrong so spill it.

How much could she tell Tess? They werent supposed to discuss the club outside of the club; however, Tess was Tess, her best friend and a frequent visitor to the club. She should be able to confide in her. Afryca closed her eyes and thought for a minute. Look. I had a great time, really I did. She stared at the far wall of the office, avoiding Tess hard gaze. Its just, its just it was too good and I her voice trailed off. He was very familiar. Tess straightened in the chair. You think you know him. Wow. Afryca, look at me. She shook her head. She knew if she looked at Tess shed know everything, every detail of what happened. Did he hurt you? Anger laced Tess voice. No, on the contrary. Maybe her heart. I was wonderful. I dont know what to do. About? Do I go back or just leave it the way it is, a great memory? What do you want to do? Who do you think it is? Do you think you can go back knowing he

might be an acquaintance? She shrugged. I dont know. I think so. Well girl, you gotta do more than think so. Who the hell do you think it is? Is it someone I know? Afryca diverted her gaze to the floor and started worrying the fabric at the hem of her blouse. She couldnt tell Tess. Her mouth wouldnt form the words. She had promised herself not to betray Simons ruse. OMG. Tess shot up out of the chair, walked over to the door and tested the knob, making sure it was locked. Its Simon isnt it? Please dont tell. She buried her face in her hands and rocked back and forth. What am I going to do? So he doesnt know you know. Are you sure? I thought you wore a mask in the Shadow Box. I could tell. Some things a girl knows, even if weve never been that intimate. How sure are you? Tess flopped back on the chair and stretched her legs out. At least ninety-eight to ninety-nine

percent. Afryca laughed at how ridiculously analytical her words sounded. Tess joined her. Sounds to me like youve got yourself a problem. What are you going to do? Tell him? Oh God no. I dont even know if I can look him in the face today. Although shed love to go back. She wanted to visit the club everyday if it meant feeling Simons mouth on her body, his fingers in her core. She shivered inward from the thought. Are you sure he doesnt know its you? No, I guess he couldnt. He would have said, done something. This makes everything so complicated. It was complicated before you even got in the car to go there. Tess stood, walked over to the door. She paused before pulling the door open. What the hell is he doing there anyway? Even better, what the hell are you doing there? Tess pulled the door open, stepped out into the hall and turned her head back toward Afryca. Who do you think told me about it, gave me my first invite? She closed the door

before Afryca could respond, leaving her with her mouth gaping wide open like a damn fool. ***** If he hadnt had so much on his calendar he would have stayed home. No way was he ready to face Afryca after the way she made him feel Saturday night. One more night jerking off in the shower shouldnt have made a difference but it did. Now he had her scent in his brain and her taste on his tongue. He would never be able to satisfy himself again. Damn, whyd she have to come to the club? It was bad enough knowing she was a floor away from him, but now, now knowing intimate details of her was murder. Throughout the night he heard her moans and short erratic pants of breath. He smelled her cinnamon cream and tasted it on his lips every time he slid his tongue across them. Even now his cock throbbed from the memory. He wanted nothing more than to slid his engorged shaft between those heavenly folds, knowing she would welcome him and

meet him thrust for glorious thrust, pump for glorious pump. No man should have to go through such hell when it came to a woman. He glanced down at his pants and the slight tenting of the fabric. Damn, no way was he going to be able to leave his office like that. He shook his head, closed his eyes and willed it to behave. It didnt. Damn you, Afryca. He glanced at his wrist watch. He had a meeting in twenty minutes and then a consult and fix an hour after that. He hit the button on his computer to show his calendar. If hes lucky hell be too busy to worry about her. He blew out a breath. Great. The day was going to be filled with work, not Afryca. He paced around his office, working off the excess energy shed caused. Again he checked the time. He had to get moving. Time was not going to stop because a woman had his mind wrapped around her body and his cock wrapped in something else.

Chapter Eight
Simon stepped into the conference room and all thoughts of distraction were defeated. Afryca sat at the end of the table, her face expressionless. Damn. Hed had many impossible days, but this was going to be the worse one yet. How was he going to sit across from her, carry on a business conversation and not lay her on the table and have her? God he wanted her and he would only be fooling himself if he said otherwise. He had been successful in dodging her all week. Sure he considered it very cowardly but what was he to do? If he told her the truth he took the chance of losing her, their friendship, everything. What if she wanted to keep her secret side, just that, secret. To confide in her that he was Shadow could crush her and that was the last thing he wanted to do. He would rather die than douse the spark he had seen in her eyes and heard in her voice when hed trailed his mouth along her

hot skin. No, he wasnt willing to do that. She meant too much to him, even if it meant his misery for the rest of his life. He quickly glanced her way and then diverted his attention to the others in the room. His heart cracked a little more each time he caught her looking at him. He sucked in a breath, held it and blew it out between his pursed lips, but quietly, so she didnt notice it. Afryca, gentlemen. He smiled and tilted his head in a gentle nod. She smiled back and immediately his groin tightened even more and this time to the point of pain. It was going to be a very, very long meeting. I havent seen you much this week. She pushed up from her chair, walked over to him and placed a cup of coffee on the table in front of him. Youve been busy I take it. Like the fool he was he could only muster up enough energy to nod. A single, geeky, forced nod. If he didnt get it together she was going to start suspecting something was wrong, and then how was he going to answer to that? Oh,

no Afryca. Everything is fine. Its so fine I want to push you right down on this table and slam my cockyeah the one thats been like a pole since I saw you at the club into you and screw you until we both scream. Hed already lost his mind, so what else was left? He needed to get it together. Never had a woman had this effect on him. The jumble of emotions slamming in his heart and head were foreign to him. How was he supposed to respond to them? He glanced up into her gaze, took the cup and lifted it to his mouth. After a sip he said, Sorry. Its been an extremely crazy week. You want to grab a movie tonight and a bite to eat? He hesitated a second too long. She stared at him and raised her eyebrows. Whats the matter, you got a date or something? If you cant make it tonight how about this weekend? There was something in her voice that wasnt usually there. It sounded as if she was toying with him. He knew he was imagining things because if that was true then it must

mean she knew he was the Shadow. But that was impossible. Only one other person knew his true identity and he would bet his last dime there was no way Tess would break that confidence. Tess enjoyed the club too much and she knew it would mean immediate and permanent barring. They had an understanding. While they were friends, they would not let that interfere in the business side of their lives. A promise was a promise. He caught himself as she reached out to touch him. He leaned back, out of her reach. Tonight would be good, he blurted out before thinking. She chuckled and said, Thats great, cause Im hoping to go out of town this weekend. There goes that smile again. It was just enough to make a man wonder what a woman was thinking about. It was just enough to make him wish she was thinking about him. He lifted an eyebrow, knowing she wasnt about to divulge where she was going or what she had planned. After all, he helped the club write the policies that each employee and client

must adhere to. Okay, tonight it is. You pick the movie and Ill pick the food. Without another word she nodded and took her seat at the opposite end of the table. Two hours later all ts were crossed and is doted and he was locked in his office yet again, feeling a coward for not facing his dilemma head on. The ringing of his phone startled him back to life. He grabbed the receiver and brought it to his ear. Ellery, he answered with a bit too much urgency. A frantic voice clamored in his ear. Oh, my God! It just crashed! Ive lost everything. Im going to need you to slow down, take a deep breath and tell me exactly what happened. What did the computer do? It hiccupped and then shut down. I cant get it to reboot or anything. Oh my God! My report! He wasnt sure but he was thought he heard a sniffle from the other end. Certainly the man wasnt about to cry. However, it was possible. He remembered when he first started out and

hed had a few too many computer crashes. Tears used to come to his eyes too. After several attempts to guide the poor man through a series of tasks in an effort to remotely fix the problem, he knew he was going to have to go out. Which location are you in, sir? He cringed at the address and glanced at his watch. It was all the way on the other side of town. No way was he going to be able to get there, diagnose and fix a computer problem and then get back in time to take Afryca to the movies. He shook his head. Ill be there in about an hour. He sat for a few more seconds and listened to the expletives spewing from the mans mouth, knowing it was frustration and nothing more. Thats the best I can do. Im not on site. He hung up and began gathering his belongings. Minutes later he was standing outside Afrycas office dreading knocking. Just how upset was she going to be that he had to cancel? Very. She was always upset when he changed their plans. He wasnt sure if he was upset or relieved. From the moment hed made the date

to go to the movies he hadnt been at all sure how he was going to sit next to her and carry on a simple conversation. Hed had visions of blabbering like a fool at her simplest questions. A how was your day? would probably have him in tears. So maybe this was a good thing, not being able to make such a fool of himself in front of her. After all, she always ended up with her head on his shoulder or something cozy like that. What would he do with that? Certainly not what he wanted. So, yeah, it probably was a good thing that they werent going out. He was an idiot to even ask, to even imagine thinking he could act as if everything was okay. It wasnt. He rapped on her door and pushed it open. She was not there. Damn. He hated leaving her a note to explain but what else was he to do? He glanced at his watch again and shook his head. The hour was fast ticking away and if he didnt arrive within the next forty minutes the fee would be cut. So he did the last thing he wanted. He left her a note, promising to call her

from his car. Whatever, Simon! Im sorry, Afryca, really I am. And you couldnt get someone else to go? You know it doesnt work like that. One of the things their company boasted about was the person who answered the phone would be the service person to fix the problems. They swore it cut down on the issue of having to talk to a million people before you got satisfaction. Until that moment, Simon had believed in it. Ill make it up to you, promise. ***** Damn straight you will. Afryca stared at the phone for another moment before hanging it up it. It was bad enough that shed almost called him Shadow at the meeting earlier that day but now she wasnt sure if she was upset because she was mad or because she thought it might be fear. Had Simon really received a service call at the last minute or was this his way of backing out.?

Hed acted strange the entire first part of the week. Had he found out shed visited his secret club? Did he disapprove of her that much? Her stomach lurched from the thought that she could possibly repulse someone so much. But damn it all to hell, she wanted Simon. He may have it in his head that she wasnt what he wanted but she was going to prove him wrong. She had too.

Chapter Nine
The week went by in a blur. Shed barely seen Simon after hed cancelled their movie date and on the few occasions she did he was hurrying off to one meeting or another. Shed finally gotten up the nerve to call him but he was never home and he didnt return her voice mail messages either. Her body ached from the need to see him, talk to him. She wanted to be angry with him but couldnt. This wasnt the first time theyd not talked during the week. On more than one occasion his schedule had run opposite hers. But she knew it wasnt that. She knew that he was avoiding her. Shed asked Tess if shed told him her secret. Tess swore she hadnt, promising shed take it to the grave. Afryca was mortified at the thought that maybe hed found out and it repulsed him that she would visit such a club. Her heart told her otherwise. If he was a member, then certainly he was open to it. There was only one thing to do.

She pulled her car onto Interstate 95 and headed north. There was only one way to scratch her itch. Maybe if she got one more visit with Simon, then he and his Shadow Box would be out of her system. This was what she told her head, but her heart and gut said something else. Shed never get enough of Simon. Two and a half hours later she braked to a stop in the parking lot. She sat in the car for another twenty minutes gathering her courage, and wondering if Simon ever participated in any of the other rooms. Thinking back to the many rooms shed seen that first day, she smiled at her visions of Simon tying her up, pinching her throbbing nipples with clamps or sliding his pole-hard cock into her ass while his hand toyed with her clit. She almost came just thinking about it. Her anxiousness turned to dread the moment she stepped into the club. Oh, Ms. A., Ive been trying to reach you, the receptionist said, her voice hurried. Shadow had to cancel his appointments

today. Huh? No, she wasnt hearing what she thought she was hearing. Didnt she just drive almost three hours to get to this club? What did you just say? Ive been trying to reach you. I know you came a long way. Anger bubbled in her gut so that she couldnt even hear the woman. Why didnt you call? She tried to keep her voice calm when all she wanted to do was grab this bearer of bad news, pull her over the desk and slap her. I dont live around the corner, her voice wobbled with dread. I am truly sorry. Ive been calling for two hours. I left several messages on your voice mail. Well its not going to help me to call my home phone when Im on the road now, is it? Her voice hitched as she pulled her cell phone out of her purse, then slumped, suddenly deflated. Her cell phone was on vibrate and she hadnt heard it tucked in the bottom of her

pocketbook. There were several missed calls, even a couple from Tess. She brought her gaze back to the womans face. Im sorry. She swallowed past the lump in her throat and hoped the tears at the back of her eyes would stay right where they were. Hidden. I guessed I missed the calls. Yes, and we are sorry for that. We want our customers to get the best experience possible. I would like to reschedule this appointment, free of charge, of course. How does that sound? Or you may visit any of the other rooms today if you so please. Her heart was pounding in her chest so loud she barely hear the words coming out womans mouth. When will Siwhen is Shadows next available appointment? Does he work in any of the other rooms? She didnt want another room unless he was in it with her. She knew it was silly but if her life was going to be in a shambles then at least she was going to get some pleasure out of it. Im not sure. The receptionist frowned. Her once concerned demeanor turned cool as if

Afryca was now bothering her with inappropriate questions. Hes actually asked for some time off. Indefinitely. Afryca opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out but hot air. Did she say hed quit? Just like that? No more Shadow? What about the Shadow Box? What was going on? Too much was happening. None of it made sense. Why would he do that? She grabbed the corner of the desk in an attempt to stave off the dizziness squeezing a band around her neck cutting off her much needed oxygen. Ms.? She was shoved into a chair before she could object and her hands were wrapped around a glass of cold water. Are you going to be okay? She wanted to yell no, not ever again, but instead, she took a tentative sip of the cool liquid and nodded her head. She gulped the remainder of the water, placed the glass on the corner of the table and ran toward the door. Never again. Sudden fatigue washed over her and she wondered how she was going to get home. A three hour drive home was a long ride

when you had no reserve. Reserve you were hoping to get from Simon. How dare he do this? She was not going to stand by and let him get away with it. It was one thing to avoid her at work. He didnt have to even talk to her except on a professional basis. Yet, shed thought their friendly relationship could withstand any storm. She guessed she was wrong. She hit the expressway doing eighty miles an hour. She dared any trooper to pull her over. It would be the day she went to jail. Anger wrapped around her fogging her vision. No way was Mr. Simon Ellery going to get away with this. Sure, he didnt know it was her, but he was going to know. If he still hated her then so be it. Shed wash her hands of him and move on with her life. Who knows, she might even revisit the club again. They did owe her an appointment. And if not that club, then another. Shed find them, all of them if need be. From what shed seen and what Tess had told her, Simon wasnt the only man who knew how to give pleasure. Who was she fooling? She was miserable.

Nonetheless, before the day was over, Simon was going to know who it was whose honey had coated his tongue. ***** Bleary eyed Afryca pulled into the nearest parking spot in front of Simons apartment. Somewhere along the ride home her anger had started to abate but as she spotted the light glowing behind his curtains it rushed back with a vengeance. Damn him. She pushed the car door open, stormed up to his porch and banged her fist on the door. Her finger punched the bell numerous times. But he didnt answer. She snatched her cell phone from her pocket and dialed his number. Simon. I know youre home. You are such an asshole. She snapped the phone shut, turned and ran back to her car. She needed to get as far from him as possible. Tears stung her eyes, threatening to fall. God, she didnt want to cry. Howd she get to this place? Leaving angry messages on

Simons voice mail. Hating him. Thirty minutes later and feeling a lot better she braked to a stop in her driveway. She blinked and stared at the car parked in front of her house. Simon? What the hell was he doing there? This was why you should never give people keys to your house. They showed up when you didnt want them to, when it would tear at your heart to look in their eyes. She pushed her door open, stepped in and stopped dead in her tracks. He was sitting there staring back at her. What are you doing here? her voice came out harder than she anticipated. He opened his mouth to answer and she cut him off with the flick of her hand. You know what, Simon? I dont really care. You havent spoken to me in over a week. She stormed over to him and jabbed her finger into his chest. You can leave. She didnt want to see him. She didnt want to have that conversation with him. Maybe after a few weeks, months, years shed get over him. She turned to walk away and swung back around. I

dont need friends like you Simon. Not ever. He stood there, his gaze hard on her face. But I need you. Yeah, right. She took a step and he grabbed her arm, pulled her back to him. Let me go, Simon. Why are you angry at me? Why? Why? She tugged her arm from his grasp, moved over to the sofa and flopped down. He sat down beside her and she jumped up and moved over to the chair. Leave me alone. Not until you tell me whats wrong. No. Yes. He kicked his legs out, folding his arms across his chest. She stood, walked over to the door, pulled it open and waited. I was at that club. All right? I know that. It was as if a needle popped a balloon. Everything swished out of her body. Her mind went blank. You are such a liar!. Ive never lied to you a day in my life. Well, theres always a first. I know Tess told

you. Tess? He walked over to her, grabbed her hand. She tried to pull it out of his grasp but he wouldnt release it. I havent talked to Tess all week. And I havent spoken to you because I was afraid of what you would think if you knew I was Shadow. She swiped away the tear that had the nerve to breach her eyes. I dont need you to lie to me Simon. Im a big girl. I can take it. And even if you did know, you certainly didnt do anything about it. Her breath hitched. She sucked in a deep breath, blew it out. It was hard but shed get it out. Had to. Its even okay if you dont see me like that. Im used to it. You arent the first who couldnt take me and my insatiable sexual appetite and you wont be the last. Please leave. She walked toward her bedroom not looking back. Her breath stilled in her lungs, her heart ceased to beat. She stood in the doorway of what used to be her bedroom. It had been transformed into the Shadow Box. Sheer curtains hung from the ceiling

throughout the room. The lights were off and several candles illuminated the room. The same soft jazz filtered from the stereo. Plush pillows adorned her bed. She blinked. Was this a dream, a trick? She jumped when Simons arms snaked around her body and pulled her back to his hard chest. Hed taken his shirt off. I thought I saw you the first night you came to the club. Why didnt you say something? I wasnt sure. When did you figure it out? Schadenfreuden. You blurted out that stupid word when you came. His lips pressed against the side of her neck and her legs buckled. Oh, no you dont. In one swift move he swung her into his arms and cradled her against his body. The things Im going to do to you. He mumbled something in French again. She flung her head back, ready to fight him, but then, just like that, the anger was gone. It was gone, and he was touching her, and to her amazement, she giggled. When did you learn French? she asked.

You said something to me that night. What was it? Her body was heating up to fervor pitch. I told you, but I think your mind was preoccupied. He repeated his words in French and then said, Oh, Afryca, the things Im going to do to you. He sat her in the middle of the bed, tugged her blouse over her head and with the flick of a hand, released her of her bra. His mouth immediately captured a nipple. She moaned and coupled the sounds escaping her throat the sounds escaping his throat matched hers. You have no idea how many nights Ive jerked off wishing, dreaming it was your hot tight pussy milking my cock. Why did you leave the club? I want you all to myself. I cant stand the thought of you being with anyone else. He smiled. Even if thats me. Oh, Simon. He trailed a line of kisses from one breast to the other, sucking, laving, and tugging. Each swipe of his tongue sent a ripple of desire to her

core. Her clit already throbbed with the need to have him in her. She couldnt stand it. Simon, please. Why didnt you tell me what you liked, what you wanted? Same goes. She said on a pant. Touch. He moved down the center of her body, his mouth leaving a hot trail in its wake. I hope you dont have any plans for tomorrow. He glanced up into her face and smiled at her confused expression as he peeled her pants and panties from her body. When Im finish with you, you wont be able to walk. He shoved his pants down his legs and dropped them on the floor. Oh He chuckled at her response and then blew a hot breath across her clit and it shot straight to her head. Her body vibrated with the need for release. His tongue toyed with her, flicking back and forth across her nub, swirling around and parting her dripping folds. She fisted her hand in her mouth to stop the scream about to erupt. Please Simon. I need you in me. Fill me with

something please. Not yet. He pressed a finger between her folds and into her heat, his mouth still lapping and laving her womanly core. I need to taste you again when you come. On those words he sucked her clit into his mouth and her body shot off the bed. His hands held her hips against his face. There was no escaping what he was doing to her. It didnt start like the little ripples she was used to. No, her body imploded and spun out of control. God you taste so good. My ambrosia, cinnamon and honey mixed together. She heard the words but couldnt respond. She barely felt him push her legs apart. He ripped a condom open with his teeth, sheathed himself and in one move planted himself between her thighs. The large bulbous head of his penis pressed against her, sending more sensation through her body. He leaned down, captured her nipple and slid home. God he felt so good, silk over steel. He started moving slowly in and out of her

core, teasing her. She couldnt stand it. He was driving her mad. She tried to pick up the pace but he refused her that pleasure. You want a sudden release. His voice was deep and strained as he stilled above her body. Ive wanted this too long for it to be rushed. I wont allow it. He pumped back into her. I want you to come like youve never before. Im the one, Afryca, no one else. Do you understand? She nodded and wrapped her arms around his back. Shed give him this. Hes wanted her as much as shes wanted him. Long moments later his breath hitched, a strained moan escaped his thoat. He was close but still he worked to give her everything. Oh, God, Simon. I cant stand it. The rippled started slowly, like a soft burn and grew rapidly. He reached between then, his thumb searching and finding her clit. One flick and one pump of his cock into her and she screamed. Her world fractured. Her body bucked and twisted, yet, still he continued to pump in and out of her.

Thats right, baby. Give me everything you got. I want it all. He was branding her, making her his. Thered be no other, this she knew. She panted for air but there wasnt enough to fill her lungs. Simon slowed, stopped pumping then pulled out of her. The sudden emptiness her core felt saddened her. Simon, she said after she caught her breath. You didnt come. Im not finished. He turned her onto her stomach, pulled her up to her knees and kissed a line down the center of her back. Something cool slicked between her butt cheeks and then his finger pressed against the tight opening. Naw, baby. Relax for me. He placed more kisses on her back. His other hand slid between her folds, pumped in a couple of times, urging her to relax for what was to come next. He slid a lubricated finger just pass the opening of her ass, worked it in and out and then pressed it further. She sucked in a breath, blew it out, sucked in another and repeated the same. He added another finger, working them

pass the tight muscles. The pleasure filled burning sensation was something shed never experienced in her life. A soft moan floated her mouth and he groaned. Simon withdrew his fingers and her hips. Against her will she pushed back toward him. Oh, baby, youre gonna kill me when my dick is in your ass. He rubbed more lube between her butt cheeks and on his cock and then positioned himself directly behind her. The head of his cock pressed against the tight ring of muscle. Blow out for me baby. She did as he asked, panting with the need for him to have her in any way he so desired. He held her hips, pushed his pelvis toward her and his cock popped though the tight ring. A loud moan escaped her throat and he paused. I wont hurt you, Afryca. Do you want me to stop? The burning sensations were overtaking all thought processes. She wanted to say yes but her body betrayed her. It felt too good. She shook her head, shoved her hips back and imbedded his cock in her balls to cheeks. This

time it was Simon who yelled. Damn! He held her hips still when she wanted to work them. She wanted the slow burn to escalate to a full force fire. Dont stop, Simon. I need to feel it. Everything. Please. He blew out a breath, sucked one in and gyrated his hips against her body. With each glide and slide of his hips, she met him pump for pump. Sweat dripped from his face to her back. Her sweat dripped from her face and chest to the bed. Simon slid his hand around to her front and cupped her mound. I cant hold it much longer, baby. She rotated her hips and he groaned. She reached between her legs and rolled his balls between her fingers. Simons body stiffened and loud moans of pleasure spilled from his mouth along with several expletives. His hand rubbed against her clit and then he dipped two fingers into her core. One more flick of his thumb across her nub and again she exploded. Her essence spilled out and over his hand. He rapidly pumped his fingers into her while his

cock pumped into her ass. Her orgasm was so strong her body almost flung itself away and off of him. He held her tight to his body. A second later he followed. Exhausted and spent, he lowered her to the bed and curved his body to hers, his cock still tucked neatly within the sheath of her ass. When he pulled out another orgasm shot through her body. All she could do was close her eyes and enjoy the ride. She wasnt sure how long shed lay in Simons arms. She opened her eyes and listened to the soft purrs of her breathing. She glanced around the room and brought back into focus the magnificence of it all. The soft curtains moving in a breeze. The candle almost burned down to nothing. She turned to glance over her shoulders and captured Simons gaze. His dark eyes were staring at her, unreadable. Uncertainty attempted to flutter back into her consciousness but she refused to allow it. What are you thinking about? She asked him when he smiled. I was wondering why I didnt know this side

of you. How could I have been so blind? Are you sorry? Uncertainty crept back in. Only sorry Ive missed so many years of this. He tilted his head and captured a nipple. She fanned her fingers though his thick hair and held his mouth to her. Already her body hummed with the excitement of having him take her again. He released her nipple and smiled up into her eyes. She started to push up and he grabbed her arm. Where are you going? Dont even think about leaving this bed. I wasnt. Good, cause if you can then that would mean you can still walk and my job isnt done. Neither is mine. She flipped him onto his back, and in one swift motion had his cock between her lips. He groaned and laid back on the bed, closed his eyes. Oh, no, Simon. Open your eyes. I want you to see everything I do to you. And the night is young yet. He moaned, opened his eyes and stared

down his body and watched her mouth take him to the balls. When she finished with him that night he wasnt going to be able to walk either. And if she played her cards right, the next night or the one after that either. Each and every night would be better than the one before. This she knew. She had her man. Shed had him all along. #####

About The Author

Sexy, Saucy, Spicy, Undeniably delicious bestselling author, Alexis Ke has been writing since 2006, after being birthed as an author from a vivid imagination, a passion for romance and the belief that every woman and man has a wild side. Her first erotic romance, The Young and the Restless was full of excitement and heat and received 4 stars from Romantic Times. She believes passion and love have rules of their own and she thrives in bringing that out in her books. Alexis has nine published books to her credit. When she is not writing, or thinking about writing, she works as a case manager in a local hospital. She resides in Tidewater Virginia with her husband. She has two adult sons and one grandson. Alexis loves hearing from readers and she can be reached at

alexis.ke@hotmail.com. Visit her website at www.alexiske.com

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