Into the Darkness

She was the very picture of beauty. Her long dress flowed down her perfectly toned body. I felt my cock harden. What I wouldn’t do to have my face between those full breasts right now. Her hair was styled to one side, wavy in a 1950s style. It was longer than in high school. I had to focus. How long had I been standing here for?

“Charlotte, what a nice surprise to see you again.” I took the initiative to introduce myself since she stood there speechless. She stammered as she began to speak. Did I still have some effect on her? She introduced her colleagues, then the moment came that I dreaded. She introduced her fiancé, the fucker.

He extended his hand so what was I supposed to do? I shook it thinking of that old saying: ‘Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.’ He repeated my name. So the fucker knew me.

“How do you and Charlie know each other?” He took his arm off her waist and reached down to hold her hand. I watched him wrap his fingers around her beautifully manicured fingers. With every fiber of my being I tried to contain my jealously.

I rambled on about us dating in high school. There was history there and who was he to stand in the way of that? Charlotte looked pissed, something I would have to deal with later. Don’t worry, sweetheart, feel free to take it out on me later while I’m fucking your brains out. Okay, I was getting ahead of myself but that dress was conjuring up all these dirty thoughts in my mind.

He went on about the articles he wrote about me and my company. Smart motherfucker. He had done his research. I had to admit it was a pretty good article. Charlotte’s assistant interrupted my thoughts.

“So Alex, are you from New York? Your accent is very Hugh Grant. God, I loved him in Notting Hill. Anyways, love your Armani suit.”

Fuck this! Eric was like a male version of Adriana.

I corrected him, not wanting anyone to call me Alex. I didn’t want to answer his fucking questions either. How was I going to get her alone? I politely answered, knowing I had to play Mr. Nice Guy, for now. I mentioned our new office so she knew I was going to be in New York more often. It was no longer about the office. It was all about her now.

“And thank you, my sister chose the suit. She lives and breathes fashion. I’ll introduce you later.”

“Adriana is here?” Charlotte asked nervously. I saw her scan the room. Now I felt like a prick. Adriana meant so much to her and I had fucked that up royally. I watched the panic set in her face. I shouldn’t have dropped the bombshell of Adriana being here so loosely in front of everyone.

“Somewhere floating around with Elijah.”

“Her and Elijah are still together?”

I owed my life to Elijah. Without him my sister would be an even bigger pain in my ass. I felt for them though, especially when Elijah got cancer before their wedding. My sister had been to hell and back but thankfully the chemo worked and he recovered. I wasn’t sure Adriana had though.

Everyone turned their heads to look at the MC who began to speak. I continued to stare at Charlotte, her eyes never leaving mine. I needed to get her alone, to explain. We were asked to take our seats as the meals were being served. I said goodbye, knowing it wouldn’t be the last time I would see her tonight. Then, as they walked away, I quickly grabbed her arm.

“You look breathtaking, Charlotte,” I whispered in her ear.

Having her so close for a split second, I inhaled her heavenly scent. It was

like a drug and just like that I found my addiction again. She walked away from me, leaving me there like a lost puppy. I had to pull myself together. How could she still have such an effect on me? I walked to my table purposely, past Adriana.

“She’s here,” I said.

…

After dinner was served, the crowd began to mingle again. A few had taken to the dance floor. I walked over to the bar. I needed another drink, something harder this time.

“What can I get you, sir?” the waiter asked.

“Scotch, neat.”

“Hi Lex.” Charlotte’s assistant, Eric, was standing beside me, maybe a little too close. Or was that my paranoia? “So I’m guessing Charlie and you were more than just friends back in high school hence why you could cut the sexual tension with a dil…um, I mean, chainsaw?”

“It was a little complicated,” I answered hesitantly. Where was he going with this? And was he about to say dildo?

“I’m surprised she never mentioned you, considering I’m her BFF. You would think a gorgeous man like yourself would have been brought up during at least one drunken escapade.” He motioned for the bartender to serve him, ordering two martinis, then he quickly turned back to me.

“Well, since you are so-called BFFs, Eric, tell me, how long have her and Julian been together?”

“Six months,” he responded as he grabbed his martini and swirled the stick.

I don’t know what I wanted to hear. It was good they weren’t together for long but the engaged part, I couldn’t comprehend. They were only together for six months and she was already engaged to him? Why would you rush that? Unless she was… No, fuck, it can’t be that. She’s drinking champagne. Calm down, Edwards. I needed to play my cards right. I was desperate for information, anything about her I could get my hands on.

“I own a club, After Dark. Not sure if you’re heard of it?” Of course he had heard of it. Weren’t gays known for their fashion sense and club life?