Their Confession Read online

  Of course he wanted the excitement, spontaneity, and unpredictability some relationships could bring, but he also wanted to feel secure, settled. A few nights ago at The Black Door, he’d told Gabi he loved her. He realised he was no longer hung up on his ex-wife Eva, and doubted whether he’d really loved her at all. It must have just been lust—the strong kind, for it didn’t compare to the feelings he had for Gabi. He didn’t know why he was hooked, but he couldn’t shake it off, nor did he want to. She made him want to be a better person. He had made a promise to sell the club he’d owned and enjoyed for years, and to turn his back on the lifestyle he’d become accustomed to—swinging.

  An old friend of his, Carl Johnson, was buying The Black Door. He’d given Darion his word that none of his employees would be out of a job. It suited him just fine.

  Darion had been looking forward to a new chapter in his life until he’d been the recipient of news that could change it forever. Before he could replay everything in his mind, Gabi appeared. Taking a final pull of his cigarette, he strolled toward a metal bin, and stubbed it out.

  “You happy with your dress?”

  She nodded.

  They walked alongside one another in comfortable silence for a moment.

  “Do you want to go for food?”

  “Whatever you fancy, Gabi.” He shoved his hands in his jean pockets. “First, we have another shop to visit.” He jerked his head in the direction of an adult shop.

  “Yeah, because that’s one shop you don’t mind being in.” She playfully pushed him on the shoulder.

  “Believe me, anything we get from that shop,” he began, “the pleasure will be all yours.”

  “I’m sure we can find something for you too. After all, you’ll need something to fill the void of the playrooms.”

  “In that case, we may need to buy the whole shop.” Darion meant it as a joke, but seeing Gabi’s mouth drop open, he pulled her into a tight hug, crushing her against him. “Don’t worry,” he said, staring down at her. “You’re enough for me, Gabi.”

  She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “How can I be enough?”

  “I told you, I lacked something with women in the past. I don’t lack anything with you.” He meant it from the bottom of his heart. “They say sex feels better when you’re in love, and it’s so fucking true.”

  “I can’t see how you’ll go from having wild, risky sex with several different women fulfilling your every desire, to having ordinary sex with just me.” The insecurity and worry in her eyes seemed to mirror his own.

  Manufacturing a small smile, he said, “I only need you, and believe me, darlin’, there will never be anything ordinary about our sex life.” He flicked his tongue over her bottom lip teasingly.

  Gabi ducked her head with a giggle, and he was sure she was a little more secure. She hooked her arm in his, and together they made their way to the shop with the magnificent window display. Sexy lingerie and fantasy outfits hung from mannequins, not to mention the huge posters of women who could give Victoria Secret models a run for their money. Darion knew what was beyond that window. At the club, they’d had to stock up on orders constantly in respect of toys. Why not pleasure most of the erogenous zones? If Gabi thought sex between them would be ordinary, then she had another think coming. Didn’t she know him by now?

  He couldn’t refrain from leaning forward and kissing her on the forehead. From afar, and to an outsider, he knew they looked like those couples—happy, in love, carefree.

  Beneath the surface was the biggest obstacle their relationship would ever face. Darion was unsure of whether it would strengthen their bond, or shatter it completely. He was afraid it would be the latter.

  Chapter Three

  Gabi

  Gabi couldn’t stop the smile on her face, even though it strained her cheeks. Swaying her chair from side to side, she glanced at the cerulean sky. She hadn’t seen it so clear in a while. She could feel the sun beaming down, warming her face. The weather reflected her mood—nice and bright.

  Yesterday with Darion had been more than pleasant. After they’d finished shopping and stocked up on a box of kinky goodies, they had enjoyed food at his favourite restaurant. Tucked away in the hills, it was peaceful and beautiful, surrounded by the leafy nature. She couldn’t believe the change in her relationship with Darion. She was ecstatic he was selling The Black Door.

  It was like a big weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She didn’t need to worry about what he was up to at the club anymore, whether his ex-wife Eva, or Gina had got their claws into him, like she’d often thought. She didn’t need to stress herself out, wondering if he’d given in to the tempting playrooms, enjoying them without her. At that moment in time, everything was good.

  Turning from the window, she tapped her foot on the floor repeatedly. It wasn’t too good, was it? She silently prayed nothing would come along and ruin what they had.

  Their relationship had already been through hell and back. Firstly there had been Darion’s confession of leading the life of a swinger, which had shocked her to the core, then there had been her confession about making the worst mistake of her life—kissing her ex-fiancé Lawrence when she’d been feeling lost, shut out, and distant from Darion. Gabi was unsure she could handle any more surprises.

  “Hey, Miss Woods.” Mallory’s voice startled her as she entered the room.

  The coffee aroma instantly filled Gabi’s nostrils, and her mouth watered. It was just what she needed. When Mallory handed her the warm cup, Gabi thirstily took a long swig.

  “How’s your afternoon going?” She dropped onto the chair at the opposite side of the desk.

  “Busy. What about yours?”

  “I haven’t got much done.” She propped her legs on the desk. “There’s a new man on our floor. Gabi, he’s pretty fucking hot.” Mallory threw her head back with a laugh. “His name is Ben.”

  Gabi shook her head in amusement. Mallory had been with her partner Steve for years; however she didn’t shy away from appreciating a bit of eye-candy. As loyal as they came, she would never act upon it and betray Steve.

  “I’m so glad you sorted things out with Darion, by the way.”

  “Yeah. Me too.”

  “Take that, Lawrence, you soul-destroying asshole,” she said as if he could hear.

  “It was my fault too, Mal.”

  “Gabi. You were drunk. Your head was all over the place. Lawrence took advantage.” She folded her arms across her chest. “Besides, it was cruel of him to threaten you like that. You should have been able to tell Darion when the time suited you. You could have lost him.”

  “I won’t be making that mistake again.”

  “You might when you see Ben.” She winked.

  “About Thursday night…” Gabi sighed heavily, leaning back in her chair. “I don’t even know Lloyd all that well. Are you sure he’ll want me there?”

  “Gabi. It’s a works do. Everyone and anyone will be there. Lloyd barely knows me. I’m only going because I find it impossible to refuse a free bar.”

  Gabi couldn’t help but laugh. “Okay, I’m sure it will be fun.”

  “It will.” Mallory lifted her cup to her lips and began drinking her coffee. Only when she finished it all, did she set it on the table. “Are things okay with you and Darion anyway?”

  “For now, yes.”

  “Good.”

  “How did I forget to tell you?” She shot up in her chair, suddenly remembering. “He’s selling The Black Door, Mal. Can you believe it?”

  “Wow. Looks like a leopard can change its spots.”

  “He believes it will all happen quite quickly. Eva has agreed to sell her share too, as she needs the money. I reckon she’s back for Darion as well.”

  “I bet.”

  “His friend is buying the club, but Darion’s letting him take over it now, whilst the sale is going through. He must have had enough of it, Mal, with Eva being there, and the stress of Gina leaving.”

 
“Well, that’s brilliant news. What are Darion’s plans now?”

  She shrugged a shoulder. “I don’t know. I can’t quite picture him in an office, can you?”

  “I could, but I doubt the women would get much work done.” She beamed.

  “I’m sure Darion will think of something.”

  Mallory stood up and smoothed down her blonde hair, which had grown out of the bob, and now fell to her shoulders. Like Gabi, she took care of her appearance, and had regular facials, manicures and pedicures. She also had a wardrobe to rival Olivia Palermo’s.

  “Okay. I better get back to perving over Ben. I mean work,” she teased.

  “Yeah. Don’t work yourself too hard, whatever you do.” Gabi fixed her with a look.

  When Mallory left her office, she dug through her handbag and retrieved her mobile phone. Touching the screen so it lit up, she checked if she had any missed calls or messages. She didn’t. She wondered how Darion’s meeting was going with his friend, Carl Johnson. She hoped he didn’t have second thoughts about selling The Black Door.

  Chapter Four

  Darion

  Darion picked up his glass of Coke and gulped it back. Setting it on the table, he reached into his pocket for his cigarettes. He offered one to Carl, who was sitting opposite him, and Eva, who was sitting to his right. Carl took a cigarette, placed it into his mouth, and lit it.

  “So, does your wife know what sort of club you’re buying?” Darion asked. He lit his cigarette and took a drag before blowing the smoke from the corner of his mouth.

  “Yes, she does,” Carl responded. “My wife doesn’t get involved in my business affairs.” He paused for a moment. “I take it yours does?”

  Darion was certain he saw a hint of a smirk curl Eva’s lips.

  “Gabi has never asked me to sell the club. I wanna sell it.”

  “Eva, any second thoughts on your half?” Carl turned his attention to Eva.

  “I’d rather not sell, but I could do with the money.”

  Carl nodded. “I’ll have my solicitors draw up the documents. Darion, do you still want to turn the club over to me immediately, pending the sale process?”

  He reclined in his chair, taking another puff on his fag. “That works for me.”

  “Looking for a manager?” Eva asked, flicking back her silky, black waves.

  “Seeing as you’re already familiar with the place, why not?”

  Darion didn’t miss the way Carl’s gaze swept over Eva, his eyes twinkling in admiration. Maybe there was another perk to selling the club—Eva not being on his case.

  Darion twisted his body around in his chair to survey the club once more. He would miss it. He would miss seeing Lexi, Marnie, Wendy, Tiana, Lennie, Travis, and his other staff regularly. Although he’d promised to stay in touch, he knew sometimes everyday-life prevented meetings from happening as much as one would like.

  “Will you be changing much about the place?”

  “Oh absolutely.” Carl’s attention flittered around the room. “I love what you’ve done with the décor and everything, but I need to put my mark on it.” He grinned.

  Darion nodded and memories flooded his mind of when he’d first purchased The Black Door. He’d been like a little kid in a candy store, so excited, and unsure of what to do first. How the years had flown.

  “So, the dancers want to keep their jobs?” Carl asked, stubbing out his fag.

  “As far as I’m aware.” Darion flicked his cigarette into the ashtray.

  “Great,” Eva muttered.

  Carl’s brow rose. “Anything I should know?”

  “The dancers have a slight problem with authority.”

  “They don’t,” Darion cut in with a head shake.

  “They do,” Eva continued, propping her elbows on the table and toying with the rim of her glass. “But if I’m managing the place, I’ll ensure they follow the rules.”

  “Eva.” Darion leant closer to her and flashed a menacing smile. “Don’t you dare upset those girls.” His tone came out a stern warning, as he intended. Hadn’t she already caused enough trouble?

  “They’re not your girls anymore.”

  His spine stiffened and he unbuttoned his collar, feeling hot all of a sudden. Not being able to protect the girls and ensure they were okay worried him. He knew Eva hadn’t really taken a liking to them, and although Eva was a hard worker, she was a bitch with a power trip.

  “Shall I give you pair some privacy?” Carl asked, clearing his throat with a cough.

  “No, it’s fine.” He pushed himself to his feet. He’d rather swallow glass than be alone with her. He couldn’t wait to see the back of Eva.

  “Well, whenever you want to clear your office, let me know. I’ll be here all week,” Carl informed him.

  “Thanks.”

  “I can’t fucking wait to start this new chapter in my life, Daz.” Carl rubbed his hands together, the glee visible on his face.

  Darion wished he could say he was excited about the new chapter in his life, but a certain phone call kept swirling round in his mind, like the buzzing of a mosquito that wouldn’t go away. He was pleased however, to be at a comfortable stage financially, and could start a new business should he want to.

  Digging into his pocket, he retrieved the key to the club. Dropping it on the table, he pushed it toward Carl.

  “Enjoy.”

  “Oh. I have every intention. Don’t you worry about that, my friend.”

  Carl stood and held out his hand. Darion shook it firmly.

  “Do you want to see the upstairs for the last time, before I refurbish the whole place?”

  With a shake of his head, Darion said, “I’ve seen enough of this club to have memories to last me a lifetime.”

  “I agree,” Eva said, with a giggle.

  “It’s all yours.” He picked up his jacket.

  “No celebratory drink?”

  “Call me when the place is back open. You’re shutting for a month, right?”

  Carl nodded. “I’ll send you an invitation to the grand opening.”

  With a nod of his head to Eva, Darion made his way toward the exit. He heard the clacking of Eva’s heels on the floor. When he stepped outside into the fresh air, breathing it in, the sun beaming on his face, he smiled for a second, forgetting about all of his troubles.

  “Darion.” Eva placed a hand on his arm.

  He edged away. “What do you want, Eva?”

  “I’m gonna miss you.”

  “It’s a small town. Unfortunately, we’ll be unable to avoid bumping into one another.”

  “I hope you know what you’re doing, selling this place.”

  He lifted his head to take in the sign that read, ‘The Black Door.’ The light to the upstairs was switched off, and Darion already missed the red glow that cast on the street below. In his early twenties, he had been so excited about opening the gentlemen’s club. Many amazing parties had been held there, and many nights of pure pleasure had occurred in the playrooms. He was ready for a change. Wasn’t he?

  “It’s time to move on.”

  “I hope I didn’t have anything to do with your decision. If you wanted me gone that badly, I would have left.”

  “My decision has nothing to do with you.” He turned on his heel.

  “What will you do now?”

  He shrugged a shoulder. “I need to weigh up my options.”

  He slowly sauntered toward his black Audi, gripping the keys in his hand. Opening the door, he climbed in, and remained still for a moment. Looking back toward the club, an unfamiliar empty ache lingered in his heart. He didn’t know what the future held. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t afraid. Dropping his head back so it hit the headrest, he let out a long, heartfelt sigh. He sensed Eva’s presence still, could feel her eyes burning holes into him. Turning his head, he noticed the expression on her face, which could only be described as sadness. Heartbreak. Pain. Welcome to my world, he thought.

  Jamming his key into
the ignition, the engine roared loudly. “Damage” by Kosheen blasted from the speakers. Putting the car in gear, he pressed his foot on the accelerator, and sped off. The tyres screeched on the tarmac, leaving behind smoke. He drove away from his old life, from his club, from his ex-wife, and from everything he had ever known.

  Chapter Five

  Gabi

  When Thursday evening made an appearance, Gabi was in a lively, modern bar not far from work. Lloyd was already drunk and Gabi was unable to remember most of the names of her colleagues. She sipped her cocktail and returned her attention to the receptionist, Julie, droning on about staff policies. She almost kissed Mallory when she saved her, and dragged her toward the dance floor.

  “That woman cannot be married.” Gabi laughed. “Seriously, I was feeling great until she dragged me down into the depths of hell!”

  “Why do you think I avoid the reception area like the plague?” Mallory began swaying her hips and arms to the beat of the music. “She’s the type of woman who would win the lottery and complain about spending the pound on the ticket.”

  Gabi burst into hysterics. “Oh, Mal. How Lawrence didn’t like you baffles me to this day.” She hiccupped.

  “Lawrence only likes people with sticks up their arses, who like fishing, golf, watching horse races, and talking about politics.”

  “So true.” She paused. “Hang on. What does that say about me?”

  “That you were young and naïve, and thought an older man would do you good.”

  “Darion’s not much younger than Lawrence.”

  “Darion acts his age. He doesn’t act eighty, Gab. In fact, my granddad is eighty, and he’s more fun than Lawrence.”

  “Yeah, well, he’s a thing of the past now.”

  “Thank God.”

  Gabi continued to dance. She glanced over her shoulder at the table where they had been sitting. The men from the office were laughing loudly at something, whilst the women sat rigid in their seats, obviously too uptight to dance.