The lady wore her witch black hair in full fringe and, for some reason, a torturous scene from the past flashed in my head, making me tense up with the intense emotion that came with the memory.
For the life of me, I found myself unable to take my eyes off the girl and spaced out.
I swallowed hard when Jacob said, “They are really eye-catchers aren’t they?”
Then I heard myself say, “Can I get a private dance with the one in the middle facing us?” My voice sounded a bit different and I wondered if Jacob caught the intensity.
“You have to be a gentleman and ask her yourself. We asked them to stay for the party, so go and mingle, Evan,” he teased, and walked away to attend to some other guests.
The sound of my heart pounding was quite loud in my ears, even though I knew the probability of the woman I knew turning out to be a stripper or dancer was nil. But then I was never given the chance to even ponder on the probability of what she did to me and yet she had, blowing my heart sky high. I didn’t know when I got up. I was consumed by the sight of her.
“Hey,” I said, standing behind the two other girls, towering over the three with my eyes on the one facing me. I watched as her eyes widened in obvious shock under the mask. I let out a shaky breath. “I’m sorry I missed your dance, and would very much like a private one with you… if you don’t mind,” I said, looking at her intently, steeling myself from dropping my gaze to those lush lips I know so well. She shook her head without speaking and I added, “If it’s about payment, trust me, I can afford it.”
“I’m sorry, sir, she doesn’t give private dances,” the lady in front of her to my right said in a cultured tone that sounded British. I darted her a glance, flashed my most charming smile, and reverted my gaze at my tormentor.
“Thank you, but, I would love her to say that to me herself,” I said and saw her full chest heaving. ‘Come on, baby, speak to me,’ I thought in desperation. I knew it was her. It has to be. I would know those striking hazel eyes, that heart-shaped face, curves, and even her scent anywhere. My heart floundered and constricted.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered and I let out a shaky breath. I had to press my teeth together to keep from shuddering noticeably.
When she turned away, I said, “Would a million dollars do? Or Two? Name it… Name your price. I can transfer the money into your account at this very minute. All I need is a few minutes alone with you,” I said, and heard her friends gasp. I knew if not for the loud music and voices, we would be drawing everyone's attention by now. But I didn’t give a damn!
I took out my wallet and started counting 100 dollar bills deftly, while my eyes stayed glued on her until she walked back, holding my gaze via her mask, and came to stand in front of me.
“Stop…” she said in that soft sultry voice that had tormented my dreams for years, and for about a minute I couldn’t speak. I could only look into her eyes as if I was under hypnosis. Then she snatched my wallet and the wads of cash from me, arranged the money back inside, and gave it back to me.
“This way… sir,” she said, leaving the large room to walk down a side hallway. I hurried after her, trying not to stare at her shapely back and the way she tended to move as if she was on a runway, in a graceful catlike prowl with her hips swaying.
I swallowed, following her inside a deserted private room with one of those pod chairs and a cream leather chaise sofa with a sidebar and an automatic music selecting device.
“What song would you like, sir?” she said, laying emphasis on the last word. If I hadn't been so nervous I would have found our situation quite amusing, but there was nothing amusing about this particular role-playing.
“You pick, you are the one to dance to it,” I jeered, and in my bid to act nonchalant, I went to pour myself some brandy, but then my hands shook and I poured some of the drink on the rug as a result.
A mellowed rhythm and blues filled the room, and I watched as she moved seductively to the beat. Echoes of her laughter filled my ears, blocking the sweet sound, all I could hear were voices—hers and mine-–hauntingly filling my head, tearing me inside out.
“I may be wrong, but seductresses are supposed to be way closer than you are right now,” I said, drinking more of the brandy. I was aware I was drunk now, losing all inhibition. But at this point, I could care less if I was acting like a fool. I was utterly convinced it was her.
I went to take a seat on the chaise sofa, watching her dance and trying very hard to ignore how my body was automatically responding to her. When she danced close to me, swaying her body delicately with her eyes holding mine. I lowered my gaze to her left kneecap and saw a thin pale scar on her skin, and remembered when I had startled her one time when she was emerging from the outdoor sauna naked and she had fallen and scraped her knee. I reached for her waist, pulling her closer to me so she could straddle me.
“Please do not touch—” she said softly in panic, with her full chest heaving, and I held still in order not to scare her and slowly brushed my thumb on the scar.
“Remember when you got this? I was terrified you were going to hit your head. I wanted to hold you in my arms and keep you safe for all time,” I said, and chuckled, sounding quite bitter, and my laughter hollow. She went very still. “So, are you going to take the damn mask off, baby? Or should we still continue this charade? Estera?” I said, slowly brushing my lips against hers. My body shook from restraint. She bolted out of my arms and ran out of the door.
It took me a second before I could collect myself and follow her. That slight touch of my lips against hers was quite disarming.
If I was looking for confirmation, I have it now. I ran outside the door and saw her disappearing down the passageway to the right, not the left, which led to the club room. I followed her, shaking my head to focus.
“Estera!” I called loudly, barreling after her to the end, then saw a fire escape door at the end of another hallway to my right and ran towards it. By the time I busted out through the door, she was already running down the long flight of stairs. “Estera, wait! Baby, I only want to talk!” I yelled down the endless flight of stairs, and my voice echoed in the confined space. She ignored me and kept her pace of descent.
‘So be it!’ I thought, running after her all the way down the building and busting out to a quiet alley at the back of the building. I was breathing hard and my heart felt like it was going to pop out of my chest, but she was no longer in sight. I raised my hands to my head and stood like that for about a minute just staring down the deserted road.
“Christ, s - she left…” I said under my breath in utter shock. My heart tightened so hard that I let out a pain-filled groan. And out of desperation, and the anguish ripping me apart, I screamed her name again, sounding quite lost. I couldn’t believe I saw her again, held her in my arms–albeit briefly– and she left. “Oh, God, my chest,” I said, lowering to the asphalt floor, breathing hard. The pain was excruciating.
“Evan—” I heard her voice again, and I shot up, turning around, then saw her come out of a shrouded corner a few feet away. She took hesitant steps towards me, then stopped. “Are you okay? What's wrong with your chest, baby?” she asked with great concern and my shoulders heaved as a result of my laboured breathing.
“Estie—you are still here…” I said in a low, deep voice ridden with feelings. “Yes…” she said in almost a whisper. “Small world, huh?” I said, letting out a pitiful chuckle. “Evan…” she said and looked as if she wanted to say more, then stopped. “Were you really going to run off without as much as a word to me, baby?” “I don’t know. You scared me!” she replied in an emotional tone. “Please… please tell me you went ahead and went to med school.” “I'm in my intern year!” “Then why the hell, Estera, are you in that getup, acting like a fucking stripper? What is that about? Do you need money?” “No, I don't need money. I’m doing this for a friend.” “How much?” “No, Evan. No. Just leave it be—” she said, still standing so far from me. I felt like I was in some bizarre dream and the need to touch her to assure myself it was real and she was actually there overtook me. “Come to me, Estera,” I said in an intense, commanding tone. “I shouldn’t… Evan—” “Don’t make me beg,” I said p
After the first round of our sexual indulgence, I bundled her off of the bed with her squealing with surprised delight to have a shower with her. I later left her in the bathroom to change the bedsheets, then returned to her to have her again in the shower stall. I was like an insatiable Stallone and I could only blame it on the alcohol, and the adrenaline caused by the chase and the escape from reality.With the few drinks that I had—okay, more than a few drinks—coupled with the emotional roller coaster and the pleasure of release with the only woman that I have ever wanted so desperately, it wasn’t a surprise that I slept off after getting her back in bed. Wrapping my arms around her firmly like I was afraid she was indeed a dream, nothing but a cruel play of my faculties. The sound of my phone ringing jolted me out of sleep, and I saw we had repositioned ourselves. She was now having her back to me, pressed snugly to my front in a perfect fit. Even with the blaring sound of the in
“Doctor Roberts?” the familiar voice of one of the nurses made me halt my strides. I had just finished assisting one of the attending physicians in major surgery and I was pretty satisfied it had gone well with no hiccups.“Yes?” I responded, turning around to face the dark-skinned skin, average-height young woman. She was about my age and I could say part of our clique. Most of the interns in Memorial Hospital often band together for one activity or the other to the point that we even have a popular bar a few blocks from here that we go to unwind at least once a week for a drink and a good time. Meredith was one of the few nurses that had somewhat drifted into the gang. She smiled at me and offered me a file.“Dr. Yen had a family emergency but was supposed to perform an Appendectomy this evening, she called and asked that you cover for her.”I took the patient’s file and flipped through it deftly. “Harrison Michaels…” I read the patient’s name aloud, “Is he here?”“Yes, Doctor.”“Ok
The surgery didn’t take me more than an hour, and we were on our way out of the hospital's main entrance by seven-thirty in the evening.“What’s the plan?” I asked as we walked past the parking lot heading away from Madison Avenue to Riverside Boulevard walking towards E 99th St.“We go home to change, and join the girls at Sapphire nightclub,” Ashley said, “They want us to watch them perform, before giving us a few pointers. And tomorrow we go shopping!”“It’s a good thing tomorrow is Saturday, I am beat!” I said, sounding like I felt -- tired.“Thank you, Estie for doing this,” Ashley said and I waved her off.“We need something fun for a change anyway,” Ameera said.“Are you saying our lives are boring, Doctor Ameera?” I said in theatrical shock. She giggled and rolled her eyes.“Our lives are a boring routine, Doctor Roberts, we are in dire need of an adventure,” she said with a sigh.About ten minutes later we were already at our apartment building. We chatted animatedly as we he
“It is nice to officially meet you all,” Anna said, the Hispanic beauty placed her hands on her ample hips and openly assessed us.“Wait till I tell my mum, we have doctors working at the strip club now,” Tamika said, taking us all in. Ashley quickly made a sound to negate the claim.“Just like I said, my friends are involved because they want to help me and it’s only going to be a one-time thing,” Ashley explained in a rush, letting out an awkward laugh.“That’s all they all say,” Tamika replied, throwing Ashley a skeptical glance.“Ignore Tamika, she is messing with you,” Anna said and cut her eyes at her friend. She responded with a raised eyebrow. Ameera shared a look with me. “I already told my boss about you and he has something huge coming up you might be interested in, but he would like to see what you can do before he can hire you three for the gig.”“And since we are to train you, and serve as agents, we get a 20% cut, aside from Bobby’s 30% of course,” Tamika interjected.“
We all watched as the girls left the stage and another lone figure came out. She wore a black leather bodysuit with a matching mask, holding a horsewhip. I smiled. She reminded me of Catwoman. The mask covered almost all of her face and I wondered if, like us, she was someone who wanted to be incognito or just one of her acts. I watched with interest as she moved about, sinuously, slowly snapping the whip with expertise. Then she began to pull down her front zipper exposing her full chest, narrow waist, and wide hips. When she stepped out of the bodysuit she was completely naked. The boys went wild, but not once did she disturb her mask. It was riveting and I watched till the very end. Anna and Tamika came back up to get us and took us to a private room for practice. And like the private box, it looked like a place where a wealthy client would enjoy a striptease all alone. “Do you think they allow the girls to go further than just showing off their goods?” Ashley asked evidently we
The girls and I spent the better part of the following day shopping, but when it came to what to wear for the upcoming gig, I chose a black leather bodysuit with a matching knee-length boot and mask. The others waited to see me in it before rushing to pick theirs. The three of us adorned similar attire and stood in front of the boutique mirror, admiring ourselves then we exchanged satisfied grins, turned to the shop attendant, and chorused, “We will take these.”We later joined Anna and Tamika at a Pole dancing dance and fitness center somewhere along West 27th Street and spent a few hours having a crash course on strength-building exercises before braving choreographed moves. We were also taught aerial hoops with Anna and Tamika showing us the step-by-step moves. And at every chance I got, I sketched the detailed moves in steps, and thus when it was my time to show what I had learned for the day. I let out a deep breath and let my memory guard my every move. When the instructor gave
Ever since I walked through the doors of Memorial Hospital, I had done everything I could to prove I was going to be a formidable contender in the surgical world, and of course the next best Surgeon in the entire country -- if not the world. I had taken every chance I could to assist top surgeons in major surgeries, ensuring they knew I was dependable and would have their back in any difficult cases or the very worst of scenarios. And that–-I trust–-had made Cole, who was the head of my department, assign me solo cases that someone at my level shouldn’t be handling. And thus it was quite worrying when I ducked each time a nurse called out to me or even approached me. By 3 p.m. Tuesday, I wasn’t overly surprised to see Cole glowering down at me at the cafeteria. “A word, Doctor Roberts?” he said as soon as I bravely raised my eyes to meet him. I nodded in resignation and he took the seat opposite mine. “Hey,” I said with forced bravado. “What’s going on?” he asked, arching his thi
“I do not want to hear about your sexual escapades, Evan Sterling!” she said through gritted teeth, still glowering at me. I made her widen her legs for me as I fit myself in between her legs. The dress she wore had ridden up, giving me the chance to place my hands over her naked thighs. “After you, I didn’t want anybody else. I was obsessed with making sure you stayed mine,” I said, stroking her naked thighs. Her eyes softened. I leaned over and pressed a kiss to her lips. “I had had time to think about my reactions, and now, I know when Edward showed me that video, I accepted it to be true as a result of my experience, but I walked to the chalet to get confirmation from you. But of course, you weren’t there, and I didn’t come after you because I was scared to confirm it. So, deep inside me when I accepted that you had fucked my father for money. I didn’t believe it. Otherwise, I would never have had sex with you when I saw you at Jacob’s bachelor’s party. For me to believe it, I
I felt Estera's hand slowly slip into mine as we drove through the Sterling Estate gate. I opened my hand wide, giving her room to interlace her fingers with mine. She leaned across from the passenger seat to rest her head against my shoulder and I stopped the car so I could reach for her. Cupping the side of her face, I made her lift and crane her neck to receive my kiss. I pressed my lips against her forehead then her lips. Kissing her slowly as if we have all the time in the world. She let out a shaky breath when I let her go, gazing lovingly into my eyes. "Don't be scared. Nothing or no one here can hurt you ever again. I need us both to put this to rest. We had an amazing time here, on this ground and I want us to take that back. Separate it from the nightmare that came after. I hate this place…." "Evan…" she whispered, raising her hand to cup my chin. I let out a soft chuckle. "I need to let him stay buried and not continue to hurt us…to hurt me. Please," I said. She nodde
Evan had prepared a special table for my aunt, his mother, and Mary Antoinette Dallas. My aunt—I could see–-had rescued Ashley and Ameera and had taken charge of our boys and when we approached the table I saw four men in black suits, hovering close to my aunt Sophia and the boys. I gave Evan a side glance but his eyes were held forward. Lowering my gaze, I saw how the men monitored the boys' every move and let out a sigh. Evan was quite serious about our children’s safety and with the look of it, it seemed he couldn’t even take a risk when they were with family. Mary Antoinette Dallas beamed at me. I gave her a warm smile, pretty glad the other woman was much better despite the ravaging chemo after her surgery. I had thought she might resent me a little when she found out about Evan’s duplicity in regards to his marriage to her but the woman took it in her stride. With Charlotte Sterling's help, she went back home to pay her last respite to her mother and bury the tortured soul. I h
I have indeed come a long way to be wearing a 30 million dollar diamond embellished bridal gown, and an equally sparkling tiara that contained about 2,000 tiny cut diamonds. I was almost afraid to move. But the very sight of the tall, broad-shouldered, handsome man, waiting with the bluest intense eyes in the front of the room drew me forward. Evan -- was breathtaking! He wore the traditional black tuxedo with a white undershirt but with a custom-made hand-printed silk scarf, knotted with two loops in the form of a bow tie around his collar. However, there was nothing traditional about the price tag. He went all out for this wedding anniversary slash renewal of wedding vows. My heart skipped a beat at the knowledge that this beautiful man was all mine and he loved me with all his heart and soul. The lighting of the cathedral was dimmed and as I moved the light shined off the diamonds, creating a wonderful sparkle. I let out a shaky breath and my aunt Sophia looped an arm to mine, l
I doubt anyone was as happy as I was to know Cole Foster was doing fine. Now I can breathe easily. Being without Estera and my boys these past few days has not been easy for me. I was constantly checking my phone and seemed impatient in my dealings.Edward's funeral was a private one. I had figured only my mother and I would be present with the minister, of course, and a few chosen staff, but then Estera's aunt had shown up. An act that got my mother pretty emotional.I never did pay much attention to the relationship between the two women in the past. I knew now they were closer than just an employer and employee and I was glad someone was there for my mother other than me. I figured Mary Antoinette would like to be present for her mother's funeral and had Antony buried immediately. I heard no one showed not even his employees. That showed the kind of man the fucker was. Aside from handling all the burial arrangements, I was also keeping taps on Gaius’ case. Estera’s parents’ lawyers
“I’m sorry … I should have known better and gotten help--” “Don’t apologize. It wasn’t your fault. I am just glad you weren’t taken from us—” “Please, tell me Doctor Benjamin and Doctor Rasheed got off unhurt,” he said. “They are fine — traumatized, but fine,” I replied. “Thank God. What happened to Edward Sterling?” “He died … the police killed him when they discovered their men weren’t responding to their radio call anymore.” “Shit. I tried to help them. He didn’t let me.” “You could have bled to death too if Evan hadn’t risked speaking with Edward to make him let you, Ashley and Ameera go.” “He must feel like hell … I know I would. Having a man like that as a father must be tough.” “He is happy you are alright—” I said. He sighed. “Where is he now?” “In Charlestown … helping his mother take care of Edward, Antony, and Anastasia Dallas’ burial arrangements--” “Shit! She didn’t make it?” “No…” “Her daughter?” “Mary Antoinette is responding to treatment, although she is
I stood back from the grave unable to contain the anguish filling me up inside. It was pretty intense and it felt like I was drowning in it. My eyes stayed glued to the name on the headstone although unseeing. I was completely blinded by tears.“Estera Roberts, I am so sorry for your loss…” a familiar voice said from my right and I raised my eyes to meet the older woman’s gaze. Mrs. Pincushion, my homeroom teacher, peered down at me with sorrow-filled eyes. A deep frown furrowed my eyebrows. Something doesn’t feel right. Why the hell would the petite woman be at this funeral? Wait… whose funeral is this?!”“Roberts?” Cole's familiar husky tone called me. I jerked my gaze away from Mrs. Pincushion and my eyes opened and I found myself in a dim-lit room. The beep--beep sound of the heart monitor reminded me I was in the hospital room, lying next to Cole on the bed. I sat up, rubbing my hands over my face.“Shit!” I muttered, realizing it was a mere dream. I let out a sigh. It was a no-b
The gunshot sounds weren’t coming from down the building but up, that was how I knew it must be from Edward’s ward. My heart pounded, hoping he hadn’t done something stupid to worsen his case. I had no idea where my mother was, but I knew she was in the building. I put a call through to her and her phone rang and rang but she didn’t answer. I clenched my jaw, finding my way up the flight of stairs. On getting to the floor before the one my father was on, I saw men in black trousers and white shirts with gun holsters around their waists gingerly going up the stairs. I assumed they were part of the men sent to watch Edward. “What’s going on up there?” I asked one. He threw me a hurried gaze and his eyes settled on my bandaged arm and shoulder. “You shouldn’t be here. This place is sealed we have a hostage situation—”“Is the aggressor Edward Sterling?” I asked. He stopped to give me his full attention. “I didn’t catch your name, sir?”“Evan … Evan Sterling,” I said. A deep frown fur
One of the kitchen staff brought them to my office shortly after. I thanked her and gave her a tip. Closing the door, I placed the food on the coffee table and went to make coffee for Evan, placing the mug beside his plate, I went to press a kiss to the side of his lips, placing a hand over his forehead to be certain he wasn't running a temperature. “Baby?” I called. “Mmm … love you waking me with a kiss,” he muttered. I giggled. “Get up, sleepy head, and come eat, so you can take your antibiotics.”“Yes, ma’am,” he said and got up, towering over me. Without heels, I was quite aware I must look like some midget beside him. He first went to plant kisses on the twins' forehead and cheeks, causing them to laugh before straightening his spine to gaze down at them with loving eyes. I reached for his good arm, urged him to the sofa, made him sit down and gestured to him to serve himself and eat. “Where did you get all these so early?” he asked.“Hospital food … but for the doctors,”