John had called me after I’d gotten home. Not the way I wanted to end my fucking day.
I made my way downstairs and headed to the kitchen to get some Tylenol and a bottle of water. Although my work was in the city, I lived in the suburbs in a quiet, upscale neighborhood. The two-story brick colonial was my sanctuary and my Hell, my place of solitude where the darkness crept in at night. Every room was decorated in reds and blacks, all except my bedroom. I did it as a reminder of the blood on my hands and darkness of my soul. I knew there were things in life we could never take back, and I didn’t plan on ever letting myself forget. My room was white and light grey, a reminder of my innocence, something which was taken away from me. I would wake in the morning in purity, then leave with the reminder of the darkness that lived deep inside.
After grabbing what I needed, I headed back to the stairs and saw Nancy, my maid, walk out of the study.
“Good morning, Nancy.”
She looked up and screamed as she looked me over. Her wide eyes darted down my body and then back to my face. She turned around quickly and apologized profusely.
“Oh, my God. I’m so sorry, Mr. Cline. I had no idea you were down here,” she explained before she scurried off back into the study.
I rubbed at my head as her high-pitched apologies rang through my ears and then looked down at myself. I’d apparently forgotten to put clothes on and given the poor old bag a show. I’d have laughed if my head wasn’t pounding. It wasn’t the first time it had happened, and I was sure it wouldn’t be the last.
I went back up to my room and threw on some sweatpants. There was only one way I knew how to get rid of the headache. I opened the door to the weight room and stepped inside, turned the classical music on and headed for the treadmill.
I’d run it out of my system.
*
I stepped out of my car into the cool night air. It wasn’t usual for me to go out on a weeknight and prowl clubs, but it was what I needed and after the voicemail I’d received earlier, there was no way of getting around it.
“Mason, it’s been a while. I’m still waiting. I know you haven’t forgotten.”
It was a voice I’d longed to forget, but he wouldn’t let me. He’d never be out of my life.
I could have called Rachel, but this was different. I needed a new conquest. During and after my run, I couldn’t get Emma out of my mind. I kept picturing her curvy, petite frame above mine, riding my cock until ecstasy took over her face. And I craved every minute of it. If I weren’t already fucked-up, I’d think something was wrong with me. I’d never given up control before, but there was something about her I couldn’t get past.
I made my way into the club Night Shade located downtown. It was a regular for me. It wasn’t in the high-class part of town, but I liked that aspect. I didn’t want to run into people I knew. It didn’t always work that way, but it was rare. I didn’t wear my typical suit like I did every day when I went out at night. I dressed in jeans and a blue button-down dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to my elbows. I made myself appear approachable. I knew how intimidating I could look in a suit, so I avoided it.
I nodded to the bouncer as I made my way inside. The place was dim so it took a moment for my eyes to adjust. It had its usual smell of alcohol and sweat, which wasn’t pleasant, but I wouldn’t be there long to endure it.
Making my way to the bar, I sat at the far end and nodded to Tommy who was making some drinks for customers. He was the bartender and part owner of the club. I’d known him for around three years, ever since the place had opened. He’d noticed me the first night I’d come in. I wasn’t expecting it, but I wasn’t surprised either because when John became famous, so did I. I became an eligible bachelor in the eyes of the media in a matter of twenty-four hours. The young tycoon following in his dad’s footsteps… but they all had it wrong. I was doing everything I could to not follow in his footsteps.
Tommy handed off drinks to his customers, made his way toward me and smiled as he approached.
“Hey, man. You on the prowl tonight?” He smirked.
I never had personal conversations with him, but he wasn’t blind. He knew what I came there for.
“Gin and tonic,” I replied without answering his question.
He laughed and walked away to get my drink. He knew he wouldn’t get anything out of me.