Painful Pleasures

New Chapters

Jamila drove uptown, the city was stunning at night. So many people were out, dressed up and laughing, probably on their way to their own late night parties. The ride wasn’t long, maybe about 10 minutes, until we pulled up to a three-story building. It wasn’t exactly flashy on the outside, but there were lines of people waiting to get in, as well as many who simply wanted to loiter and try to pick up some of the girls going in.

“They usually let women in for free before 11. I’m friends with the bouncer, so he should be okay with letting your brother in as long as he promises not to drink.” she winked at Eli. “Of course, that’s just code to not let it seem like you’ve been drinking.”

“I can hold my liquor,” Eli claimed.

“You better, because the last thing I need is to hear mom and dad b***h about how irresponsible I am for allowing you to drink, or worse, we all end up in jail for giving alcohol to a minor.” I fixed my hair in the passenger mirror. I hadn’t gone all out as I did the last time, considering the short notice, but I still put in a decent effort. We parked and got out to approach the door. The bouncer noticed us and a smile spread across his lips.

“Milly, how've you been, lil mama?” He was a slightly older man with a shaved head, somewhere between the age of 30-40, judging by the slight wrinkles on his forehead, the crows' feet at the corners of his eyes, and the white hair forming in his beard.

“Hi Tim, it’s good to see you. How’s fatherhood treating you?” Milly asked.

“Man…this s**t ain't for the weak. I aged just about 10 years in the last week.” she placed a hand comfortingly on his shoulder.

“It’s okay papa, it’ll get better.” She gave him a sweet smile. “Is my aunt in tonight?”

“Should be, I saw her about an hour ago.” He opened the door for her, but stopped when Eli and I followed. “Sorry brotha, it’s 15 for the men.”

“Oh, it’s okay Tim, they’re both with me.”

“Does your aunt know?”

“No, but I’ll tell her right away. I won’t let you get in trouble.” He took one last look at us and let us in. Inside, we were greeted by a huge crowd of dancers. The music was so loud it felt like my eardrums were gonna burst. We had to scream just to talk to hear each other. We pushed our way through the crowd. Jamila held my hand so we wouldn’t get separated. It was obvious she was well known here as several people came up to greet and hug her. She seemed to be looking around for someone specific.

“Yo! Milly!” someone called. We looked over to see a tall, light-skinned girl with very short curly hair that curled around her ears. Another girl, also tall with straight jet black hair, was seated at the booth beside her.

“Monica, Jessi! There you guys are.” Jamila said happily as we made our way over. They each gave her a warm hug.

“Nice to see you out of the house,” Jessi said (the one with curly hair). “It’s been so long since you came out I thought Ron had you grounded or something.”

“Yeah, haha, I guess it has been a while. You two look like you’ve been doing well though.”

“Who’s this?” Monica asked as she noticed Mila holding my hand.

“Oh, this is Aida, the girl I told you guys about.” Jamila gave my hand a squeeze. “She just moved to the city, so we’re celebrating.”

“Oh, you’re the writer chick, right?”

“I guess so.” I said dubiously, “That’s one way to describe me.”

“Monica and Jessi are two of my closest friends.” Mila explained. “We’ve known each other since high school. They’re also a part of my protection group. Being a little can make me vulnerable at inconvenient times and when I need help and Ronny isn’t available, they come to my aid.”

I looked around, looking for Eli. I hadn’t even noticed him branching off. I caught a glimpse of him near the bar. He was talking to several girls. They were laughing and touching his arm. Of course, I wasn’t gonna be in his business or c**k block, but hopefully, he settled his s**t with Miya before trying to court any of those girls.

“You guys wanna drink?” Jessi asked as she flagged down one of the bottle girls. We ordered a couple of martinis, one virgin for Mila since she was driving. I spent the next hour getting to know her friends. I was fascinated to know they were also part of the b**m lifestyle. I always thought it was all chains and whips and corny pet names, but the girls were cool with interesting jobs and hobbies separate from their dynamic. In short, they were a lot more tame than I expected. Eli joined us eventually, not wanting to be the only other sober person in the group.

“Aunty!” Jamila called as a tall fair-skinned woman approached our booth.

“Hi baby girl, how are you?” She gave Mila a hug. Jamila introduced us before her aunt led her away. “I’ll bring her back.” she gave us a wink.

“Okay enough sitting, I wanna dance.” Monica said as she scooted out of the booth. She pulled Jessi out and, to my surprise, Jessi pulled me along too. I was a little tipsy but I wasn’t feeling dizzy or drowsy. It was fun dancing with them as we mainly kept to ourselves. Neither one of them allowed anyone to come up and grind against them. Probably because they were both taken. I don’t exactly know how long I was dancing for, but my feet were killing me so I took a break at the bar. Despite there being hundreds of people with different scents, I caught a whiff of a familiar cologne.

“Well, well, fancy seeing you here.”

I looked to my left and my heart skipped a beat. Nate was standing a few feet away from me. He gave me that everlasting, knee-weakening smile I’d come to lust for in my fantasies. I felt my lips betray me as they tried desperately to form an overly excited smile. We had talked ever so often over the past month as I didn’t want to appear clingy and overly available. I didn’t think we’d be meeting face-to-face so soon and the jitters that ran through my body made it clear how much I missed him. However, I was nothing if not prideful so I tried my best to appear nonchalant. I raised my brow, smugly and said, “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were stalking me Mr. Perez.” he let out a laugh.

“Oh? Are we back to the formalities?” he asked, taking the seat next to me. “A pity, ‘Nate’ ran so much smoother off your tongue the last time you moaned it.” my face flushed before I could turn away. It only made his smile wider as he flagged the bartender and ordered us a drink. “You’re pretty far from home, are you sure it isn’t you who’s stalking me?” I stifled a laugh.

“I’ll have you know, this is my home now. I’m here with my friends to celebrate. Why are you here?” He looked slightly surprised.

“You moved here? Ha, fate works in mysterious ways.”

“Do you…live here too?” I asked, not trying to show the hopeful glee in my voice.

“Well, not exactly. I actually stay in a condo in Manhattan.” he says as the bartender sits two drinks in front of us. “It’s about an hour's drive from here.” I couldn’t help feeling slightly disappointed as it wouldn’t be so easy to see him considering I don’t have a car of my own yet. “I do travel here often though, a lot of my friends stay in Philly and it’s my home.” he took a swig of his drink and noticed that I was looking irly at my own. “Would you like me to try it first?”

“Oh, um, it’s fine. I’m not really that thirsty.” Despite that, he took the glass and tasted it, licked his lips and sat it down.

“I regret not arriving sooner to confront that man who had assaulted you.”

“Stop, I don’t need to hear that from you.” I hesitated, but gradually took the glass and downed it. It was bitter at first with a sweet aftertaste. “Besides, I got out unscathed, so it doesn’t matter anymore.” he leaned over, turning my face toward his.

“It matters to me.” his touch sent electricity through, not sure if it was from the alcohol or not. I wanted to kiss him. He was so close now, I could if I wanted to. However, before I could decide, someone pulled me to my feet. Elijah pulled me behind him defensively.

“Dude, ever heard of personal space? Don’t go touching my sister so casually.”

“Eli!” I protested, slightly embarrassed. “What are you doing?”

“Me? What are you doing? Have you learned anything from the last incident?” he scolded me, staring daggers at Nate. “She ain't interested buddy. I’m sure there are plenty of other women here who would welcome your company.” I stepped in between them.

“First off, don’t just walk up talking s**t like you own the place. You’re not even supposed to be here, remember? The last thing we need is for you to make a scene, so check your f*****g attitude. Secondly, had you chosen the passive route, you’d see that Nathaniel here isn’t a random stranger. I actually know him,” I glanced over at him. “Kinda.”

“Are you really scolding me for being concerned?” Eli asked.

“No, I’m scolding you for jumping to conclusions without accessing the situation first.” At first he was silent, pondering what to say.

“Yeah well, I still think you shouldn’t be so openly chummy with a guy you ‘kinda’ know.”

“Ha, like you and all those random chicks I saw you grinding with? You seemed pretty chummy.” I shot back. Before he could protest, Nate cleared his throat and approached Eli.

“I’m sorry, I really hadn’t intended on offending you or your sister. I don’t wish to cause any trouble between the two of you. I know this isn’t the most ideal of settings, but allow me to properly introduce myself..” he extended a hand. “Nathaniel Perez.” Eli side-eyed him, but shook his hand.

“Elijah Kirkwood. Where do you know Aida from?”

“We happened to cross paths at the airport a little over a month ago. Since then, we’ve randomly bumped into each other and became acquainted.” he smirked at me and my face flushed. Eli caught this and tilted his head.

“Are you…the guy from the hotel?” He looked at me. “Is this the guy you were talking about?” Nate smiled, obviously pleased that I’d talked about him.

“Yeah he…helped me out.” I could see the bartender staring at us, probably waiting to see if Nate and Eli were going to be a problem. “Look, can we not do this here? This is a club and you guys are killing the mood.” I pulled Elijah away. “Where’s Jamila anyway?”

“Some lady came and took her away. I think the other girls said she was her aunt or something.”

“Well, why don’t you go back to what you were doing? I really appreciate you worrying about me, but I promise, if I need you, I’ll let you know.” he eyed me, unconvinced.

“Alright…but I’m not going far. I’ll still have my eye on you whether you like it or not.” I rolled my eyes and pushed him toward the crowd where a pretty blonde girl was staring at him welcomingly. When I returned to Nate, he was seated again. Sipping at his second drink. “I’m sorry about that.”

“No need to apologize. It’s admirable that he cares so much about you. I’d have done the same.”

“You embarrass your siblings too?” he chuckled.

“Unfortunately, I’m an only child.” he stated. “Though I have had a history of being defensive over people I hold dear.” After a few minutes of talking, Jamila sautters over and wrapped her arms around my neck.

“Aida! C’mon, why are you just sitting around, come dance with us!” he looked over at Nate. “Ooops, sorry, am I interrupting?”

“No, it’s fine, I've rested long enough.” I say as I test the soul of my foot for any pain. “I was just about to come find you guys. Oh, this is…”

“Mr.Perez,” she finished, flashing him a friendly greeting.

“Evening, Ms. Everwake. You look well, how’s your aunt?” he asked formally.

“She’s good, she should be around here somewhere if you want to talk to her.”

“That won’t be necessary, I’m not here on business.”

“You two know each other?” I asked, dumbfounded by the coincidence.

“Well, we know of each other, but we’re not exactly close,” Mila explained. “He’s a representative at the law firm my aunt hired for her club. I’ve met him on a few occasions. I’m more surprised you two know each other.” I blushed again.

“Yeah, we just…can’t stop bumping into each other.” Mila gasped and gripped me tighter, turning me away so she could whisper in my ear.

“Is that the guy you were texting, the guy you’ve been falling for?”

“Hey, I never said I was falling for him, I just…found him interesting.”

“Please,” she dragged sarcastically. “You were gushing when you were talking about him.” She looked over our shoulders. “And you weren’t kidding when you said he was hot. I had a crush on him too when my aunt first introduced us.” I started at her, stupidly offended. “Oh, but not anymore, of course! That’s all you. I’m with Ronny, so it was never anything serious, just simple admiration. You two would make a much cuter couple.” My heart leaped at the thought of us being a couple, but I couldn’t get too excited. He may not want a relationship from me and honestly, I’m not 100% sure I’d want one either. “Anyway, I won’t hold you, but I still think you should come dance with us when you're done here.” she squeezed my hand, waved at Nate and joined up with her friends.

I turned to Nate, who was now talking to the man seated next to him. They looked close and I didn’t want to interrupt. I quickly tripped the bartender and went to join Jamila and the others.

I don’t know exactly how long I was dancing for, but it was surely long enough for the alcohol in my system to start kicking in. I wasn’t drunk, just nicely buzzed and sensual. I felt free and sexy as I danced alongside Jamila and the other two girls. I could feel every inch of fabric rubbing against my skin. When I looked back over at the bar, Nate was watching me. Excited by the sudden attention, I decided to put on a show for him. I caressed myself, never breaking eye contact as my body spoke a language only he seemed to pick up. The memory of the night we spent together flooded my thoughts. I closed my eyes, remembering how it all felt, how he felt. He was so strong, those beautiful veins popping out everytime he tensed and flexed his arms. His sexy groans and breathless commands. I hated myself for not taking more of him in when I had the chance to study him. As the rhythm slowed, so did I, swaying my hips and hugging myself. I imagined him holding me as I inhaled the lovely scent of his cologne. As if my prayers were answered, I felt strong hands on my hips. It surprised me and I prepared to push whoever it was away, assuming some guy had mistaken who my message was for.

“Easy, Kit, it’s only me…” Nate whispered into my ear. I didn’t have to turn and confirm, I instantly relaxed and allowed him to pull me into him, my butt pressed against his pelvis. Teasingly, I rubbed myself against him, paying extra attention to how my butt pressed against his groin. I smiled to myself as I felt a tight bulge begin to form and his hands tightened around my waist. “Don’t start anything you’re not looking to finish.” But I wasn’t listening. My mind was in a blissful haze. His hands trailed up my dress and brushed over my erect n*****s. I flinched, but didn’t stop him. He caressed my neck and bent down to plant several kisses along my shoulder. A part of me became cautious, worrying that we may be being watched, but as I looked around it didn’t seem like it. Still, if I get too worked up, it’ll be hard to stop. I pulled away and turned to face him. He looked slightly flushed and hungry. Did I do that? He really was good looking, even in the dark. He glanced down at my chest and smirked. “Look at you, getting turned on in public. Have you no shame?”

“You’re on to talk,” I say as I gently graze a hand across his p***s before running my hands up his shirt and around his neck. He closed his eyes and let out a sigh as he pulled me close again.

“God, I missed you..”

My heart leaped, sending shivers up my spine. Did he really mean it? Was now the right time to even say that as we were practically dry humping each other? Or was he only saying it in the heap of the moment? Why was I thinking so much into this? I should just focus on being horny. Instead of replying, I pressed my face against his chest. It was so hard and rigid. He smelled amazing as always yet I was surprised to hear how fast his heart was beating. Was I getting him too worked up? Was he okay? Was it too hot?

“Can I kiss you?” he suddenly asked. For some reason I felt shy as I stared up at him. He didn’t look as nervous as his heart was insinuating which made me more nervous. I was definitely overthinking his intentions. I nodded and he didn’t waste time to part my lips and slip his tongue into my mouth. A moan escaped my lips as he explored greedily. I wasn’t even breathing, I couldn’t. He tasted so good, I almost forgot where we were. He pulled away way too soon that I actually held onto his shirt and tried to come in for more. I was looking off behind me and I turned to see two guys staring. They were smiling as they gestured to him to come over. Nate checked his watch. “Damn-it..”

“What’s wrong?” I asked without thinking. “Do you have to go?”

“Unfortunately. I carpooled with my friends, but some of them have to work in the morning.” He gave me an apologetic smile. I couldn’t help but feel disappointed. What was I expecting to happen? That I’d invite him over? Not to mention, I still had my brother staying at my place for the night. “Will you be awake tonight?”

“Why?”

“So I can call you,” he laughed. Duh, Aida, stop getting your hopes up. When he walked away, I felt empty. He took his warmth alone with him. Uninterested in dancing any longer, I took a break at our booth. Elijah came slugging over eventually, obviously hammered. So much for looking out for me. Eventually, me and Jamila had to help carry him toward the car. We said goodbye to her friends and started our drive back to my new apartment. Everytime I glanced at her, I caught her smiling at me knowingly.

“Did you have fun?” she asked. I blushed and laughed.

“Yeah, I guess I did.”