Page 20 of Sweet Torture (Torture Games #1)

FIFTEEN

GRIFFIN

W hen the door opens, I am speechless.

Naz insisted on taking an Uber home, but I refused to meet her at the restaurant.

I won in the end. It took some time to convince her.

I explained that a queen should be escorted, and I wouldn’t let my woman be unsafe.

In the end, I don’t know what made her change her mind, but I couldn’t be happier.

Therefore, I find myself standing at the door of what looks like a quaint little studio apartment, staring at the most beautiful creature I have ever seen.

The light from behind plays with the halo-like tendrils of her hair before reflecting the intricate beading of her bodice.

The slim skirt clings to her ass with the conviction of a climber’s hand slipping from the ledge.

She leans over and closes my mouth with a firm motion from her hand .

"That was the reaction I was going for. Ready to go? We have clients to dazzle," she states. She closes the front door behind her and checks twice that the door is locked.

“Ready?”

I simply nod and let her slip her delicate hand through my arm as we walk to my waiting car.

Opening the door for her, I take the opportunity to take in the whole picture.

From the luscious curve of her ass to the delicate lace that edge the mouthwatering sight of her plump breasts.

Her hair falls down her back in waves, and it reminds me of the night we met.

Tearing my gaze away from her, I walk around the front of the car and snap out of my daze. I get in next to her and get pulled in again. I start at her black strappy high heels and move up over her bare calves I crave to have wrapped around my waist.

Fuck! I need to focus.

The further I look, the harder I get.

When I get to her gorgeous tits again, I am almost done.

"Do I meet your requirements, Chaos?"

Even her voice is seductive. And there is that name again. My hand cups her face.

I use all my might to stop myself from bruising her lips with my thumb. I want to destroy that lipstick right now by using so much more than my lips .

Instead, I take her purple streak in my hand and put it behind her ear.

"You are breathtaking. I could never have dreamed that I would ever be able to touch something as beautiful as you."

She blushes slightly, and even that makes me hot.

I can't wait to caress her skin with my lips. To feel her warm, provocative body against my hard chest and to thrust into her wet pussy with no restraint. Fuck, if I don't get my thoughts under control right now, Pat is going to think that I am incredibly fucking happy to see him.

If I am still semi-hard, however, after I introduce Naz to Patrick and his wife, I am sure he will take pity on me. Or definitely understand the conditions.

I start the car and drive in silence to the restaurant. I am imprisoned by my lustful thoughts.

We are almost there when a notification comes through on her phone. She takes it out of her bag and opens the message. I can't see who it is from, but it makes her laugh out loud.

"What is that about?"

I am not even trying to disguise the jealousy in my voice. She needs to see and understand that she is mine.

She starts typing back a response before answering me, making me even more curious. I can barely restrain myself from grabbing the phone from her.

"It is from my best friend, Rose. I sent her a picture of my outfit to ensure I meet the required standards of being seen on the arm of the great Griffin Maxwell.

She just sent me back a reply." Ah, this must be the gallery owner.

I didn't realize how deeply invested she was in my relationships until now.

"What did she answer?" It couldn't be that bad if it made her laugh.

"She said you can't be lucky enough to have scored a date with someone like me tonight. She is just being silly, but I really do love her." I like it when little bits of her personality are revealed by her kindness and consideration of others.

"She is a hundred percent correct. I should be honored that you have graced me with your presence." She puts her hand on my arm, and I am sure she can feel the bolt of electricity between us.

"Oh, Chaos, flattery will get you everywhere. But it is not going to be that easy. So, I would suggest that you get some food in me first. You know how mussy it makes me." Her eyes are smiling at me, but her voice has a note of seriousness that does not go unnoticed by me.

"Luckily, my Queen, we are here. Now, please excuse Mike.

He is not used to a woman of quality, so he might offend you during the course of the evening.

Please let me know if you feel uncomfortable at any stage, and we will leave.

Understood?" She smiles that smile I hope is just for me, and my cock twitches again .

"My dear Chaos, you underestimate me again. Watch me work my magic. Now open my door for me. I am a lady, after all."

I quickly jump out and step around the car to open her door. I hold out my hand and can't contain the pride that flows through me when I see another gentleman get slapped by his date because he is ogling mine.

Handing my keys to the valet with a stern look, I refocus all my attention on her.

We follow the hostess to the table. I spot Mike sitting with an unknown woman.

Rounding the corner, I see they left us some space open next to Pat's wife. At least Naz will have some company. I doubt she will have anything to say to yet another bimbo that Mike has decided to bring.

We reach the table, and the men get up out of respect for Naz. Mike's questioning eyes follow me as I help her to her seat.

“Naz, this is Mike Dunn, my partner, and this is Pat Weston and his wife, prospective clients of ours.”

Introductions are made, and I shake Pat's hand before taking my seat.

We are barely comfortable when Mike starts questioning Naz as if she is the main attraction tonight.

"So, Naz, is it? That is quite an interesting name. Is it short for something?" He is openly prying into her life, but she handles it beautifully .

"Why, Mike; at least let a girl get a drink before you start prying into her personal life." Mike seems put off for a second but recovers quickly.

"Of course. How rude of me. Can I order you ladies a bottle of wine? I am sure they could rustle up something for you." Naz takes the menu and then leans over to Pat's wife, Alma, I think her name is.

"What do you think, my dear? Should we try something new? You look like a gin drinker to me, or am I mistaken?"

Alma replies with a broad smile, "I am. How did you know?"

"Oh, come now, my dear. Class recognizes class, and you are one classy lady, if I may say so." Alma blushes slightly, but she just brushes it off.

"I am quite fond of whiskey, so since we are at this fancy club, why don't we do something reckless?

I promise to dive into the deep end with you.

We can enjoy more than just the delicious dessert I see on the menu.

" Naz looks directly at Mike's date and says in a friendly tone, "What about you, dear?

Would you like to try something new with us?

" The woman doesn't even look up from her nails to acknowledge Naz's existence.

She just dismisses her with a weak wrist motion. "No thanks, the wine will suit me just fine."

Naz doesn't even flinch and turns back to focus all her attention on Alma. She leans in closer. It is barely a whisper, but I hear her say.

"Okay, so then I guess this is the fun side of the island."

Alma is trying her hardest not to burst out in laughter. I am mesmerized as she winds this woman around her little finger.

By the time the waiter gets to the table, they are as thick as thieves and order the whiskey-tasting platter.

Mike shakes his head, but Pat just chuckles and strokes his wife's hand.

After Naz places their drink order, she turns to me and hands me the menu.

She is drawing my attention to something on the menu, and I immediately comprehend what she is doing.

She is pointing to the dish she would like for her main meal.

She is allowing me to order for her. And she is doing it so inconspicuously that I feel humbled by the power she is handing me.

It is a silent transfer of power only between the two of us.

I know it is just a food order, but she clearly shows how much she trusts me to take care of her properly. When I nod in acknowledgment, she puts her hand over mine on the table and turns her attention back to Alma.

Mike gazes at our hands and gasps a little harder. He has more questions than ever before.

We both return to the conversation when Alma asks Naz what she does for a living .

The conniving look she gives me makes me burst out in laughter. The whole table is frowning at my reaction. If only they knew what a vixen she could be. I take her hand and put it on my thigh under the table when I answer.

"She is a successful artist. Her work is really amazing."

Alma is ecstatic. Candy, or whatever her name is, is still inspecting her nails.

"That is wonderful. What type of medium do you use? And what inspires you the most? And what do you prefer to paint? Landscapes, perhaps?"

She is a talented artist; contradictory to my arrogant words the first night we met, she is gifted.

"Well, Alma, I am an erotic nude artist." She waits a few seconds for her words to sink in and continues as confident as ever. "I use mainly acrylic or oil but have also dabbled in pastels. And luckily for me, my brand-new muse is sitting right next to me."

She turns her whole body towards me to stare directly into my eyes. It feels like we are alone in this world, and no one else matters more than the two of us, right here, right now. She touches my jaw lightly and continues talking, never breaking eye contact with me.

"I believe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I can tell you honestly, I have never seen a more beautiful man than this one.

" She drops her hand back to my thigh and digs her nails in.

With a devious smile, she turns back to Alma and puts up her hand as if to whisper, but her voice is loud enough for everyone to hear.

"And, of course, he isn't too bad looking on the outside either," Naz says.

Alma is thoroughly enjoying the conversation and is totally taken in by Naz. Our drinks arrive shortly after, and Naz suggests we make a toast.

"So, the toast is a tradition amongst my friends. You say something that you want to manifest in the future. For example, to be rich or to be successful. However, it might be better to dig deep and manifest legit shit."

Alma giggles again when she hears Naz swear. She really doesn't give a rat's ass what people think of her. It is just so refreshing. I could have been stuck with bimbo barbie for the evening.

Thank goodness this woman came into my life.

"Okay, Candace. Would you like to start?"

Candace, not Candy, takes a sip of her wine. Mike swoops in to cover up her blatant disregard for Naz. I can feel myself getting angrier by the minute, but she squeezes my thigh again and motions for me to keep calm.

How dare she disrespect my queen like that? I will have a talk with Mike tomorrow.

Always a kiss-ass, Mike lifts his glass with a "to being in a successful business venture with Pat."

Naz gestures to Pat, and without blinking, he declares, “To be happily married for many more years. "

Naz puts down her drink, grabs Alma's arm, and says, "Oh my word, isn't he too cute for words? Good on you, girl. He is, of course, totally smitten. And I understand why. Just look at you."

Alma blushes, but the look she gives Pat is indescribable. I look away to avoid intruding on their private moment when Naz encourages Alma to be next.

"Well, to being as real and happy every day as I am right now."

That is profound, and I suspect Naz knows she played a role in this situation because she simply hugs Alma and then lifts her own glass.

"Be brave enough to try new things, even when they scare you slightly." She looks directly at me when she utters these words, and her eyes say so much more. She lightly shakes it off and gestures to me.

I lift my glass of whiskey and say, "To be with this beautiful creature till my end of days." We raise our glasses and clink them in the middle before we take a sip. Her eyes are still focused on me. She looks away and downs the whole glass. She winces, and Mike laughs at her reaction.

"Not as easy as it looks to drink whiskey, Naz?" the asshole states.

She smiles sweetly up at Mike and replies, "I never said it was easy, Mike, just that it would be worth it."

And with that, she turns her attention back to Alma while still keeping her hand clasped on my thigh. Her touch comforts me and makes me relax.

I skillfully diffuse all of Pat's concerns. I can readily acknowledge that he is impressed by my knowledge by the end of dinner.

Naz glances my way occasionally to ensure I am still okay and then returns to her conversation. Although she never lets go of my thigh, it brings me a sense of belonging just to know that she is close if I need her.

By the end of the evening, Naz and Alma are best friends. They make a coffee date or something more exotic. A wink accompanies her suggestion, but Alma doesn't oppose the statement in any way.

Pat shakes my hand heartily. Suddenly, he leans in while pulling me closer. "You have found a rare gem, Maxwell. Don't fuck it up." I can only nod my head as they turn to leave.

Mike sits back down and starts talking, but I barely hear what he says. I am still staring at the departing couple and see the loving way Alma is staring up at her husband when he opens the door for her. I want that in my life.

A hand creeps up my thigh, and concerned eyes pin me down.

Could I have found it?