Black Pearl (5 page)

“Pearl you were amazing!” Jazmine exclaimed excitedly when she hugged Devyn as she exited the stage.

“Thank you! That was so much fun. This never gets old!” Devyn declared, just as enthusiastically as Jazmine.

Devyn entered the locker room to wait for her discarded costume to be brought to her. She felt energized and exhilarated, as she always did once she stepped off the stage. She was just about to pull out her phone to text Mercedes, when a knock on the door sounded, and Mistress Coco entered with her costume. For a second time, Mistress Coco brought Devyn her clothing and she wondered what the reason was this time. 

“That was some set, girly.” Mistress Coco said smiling. “Here’s your costume,” she said handing Devyn her clothing and turned to leave. “Oh, and you have a visitor.” At this Devyn blinked. Who could be here for her?

“They’re waiting in my office. I told them you’d be there in a minute.” Before Devyn had time to ask who wanted to see her, and for what, Mistress Coco walked out.

Devyn shrugged, thinking it may be some sort of promoter. Often burlesque troupe coordinators showed up at the club looking for new girls to hire. Devyn didn’t have any interest in performing with a troupe or group. She decided to let the person down quickly and get back to change, so she could watch the rest of the performances. She threw on her pink kimono style silk robe, cinched it at the waist and proceeded to walk out the door.

Mistress Coco’s office was down the hall, away from the girl’s locker room, ensuring the performers privacy from anyone who visited Mistress Coco’s office. When Devyn arrived, she noticed the door was slightly ajar. She tapped lightly on the door and entered.

Without looking she began talking, “Hello. Mistress Coco said someone want–,” Devyn stopped as the man emerged from the corner of Mistress Coco’s office. Devyn looked into the blue eyes she had come to memorize over the last three weeks. The look he was giving her told her he was pissed.

“Oh.”
Shit.
Devyn was at a loss for words.

“Oh?” He gritted out. Devyn thought he was angry over possibly embarrassing his company.

“I know what you’re thinking,” she quickly stated.

Nikola raised an eyebrow. “You do?”

“Yes, and before you say it, I want you to know I never violated any employee code of conduct. I never presented myself as an Excel employee or associated myself with the company in anyway while on stage. In fact, most people here don’t even know my real name. I do all of this on my own time, so there’s no connection with Excel…” She stopped as she noticed a muscle in Nikola’s jaw jump.

He slowly walked towards her. The intense look in his eyes and anger etched on his face had Devyn stepping back until her back met the closed door. Nikola didn’t stop until he was completely pressed against her. He put his hands on the door on either side of her head, trapping her.

“Right. You’re known as Black Pearl, not Devyn Williams,” he said as he moved back slightly to look down at Devyn’s body. Her breasts rose and fell as her breathing became more erratic due to his nearness. Devyn could feel her nipples strain underneath the pasties she still wore.

Devyn felt his gaze on her body as if it were a caress slowly moving its way down her body. Nikola’s eyes locked in on the slight opening of her robe just below the apex of her thighs. Devyn felt her sex grow wet with desire. She licked her lips in spite of herself. The move was not missed by Nikola.

Staring at her lips, Nikola stated, “You ran out of the office quickly earlier today.”

She was thrown at his statement. Wasn’t he there to scold or worse, fire her, for possibly embarrassing his company? The look in his eye told her he was thinking about something entirely separate than business.

Finally, getting her bearings, she responded, “Y-you had a visitor and it was after 5:00.”

Lowering his head, he spoke into her ear, “You think a minor interruption would have stopped me from doing what I wanted to do to you in my office?” Devyn shivered from his breath skimming over her neck and shoulder.

She knew she should ask him to step back, so she could exit. She knew he was probably here with that woman who interrupted their kiss earlier. She knew it did not make sense to allow this to continue.

Looking in his blue eyes, she also knew he had the power to make her fall for him, harder than she ever fell for Marcus, which meant he had the ability to destroy her when he walked away. She knew all of this in her head, but his nearness intoxicated her. She was powerless to push him away.

Instead of pushing him away, she asked, “What did you want to do?”

“This.”

He slammed his lips to hers, taking her mouth in an even more possessive kiss than earlier. He commanded everything about this kiss. Devyn was sure, if his arm was not around her waist, her knees would have buckled. He pressed her lips open with his tongue, leaving no room for refusal. Devyn could do nothing but surrender as his tongue plundered her mouth. Nikola trailed his lips down to the sensitive spot at the back of her neck, while moving his hand down searching for the end of her robe. When he found it, he lifted one side up allowing his hand access to the soft skin underneath. He trailed his hand up her thigh to her stomach and down, skimming his fingers across the top of her lace panties.

“Spread your legs.” Without missing a beat, Devyn complied with the request, moving her legs wider. She trembled as his hand made its way into her panties.

He lifted his head from her neck. “How often do you do this?”

Devyn was lost in his touch and his penetrating gaze. Blinking a few times to clear her head of the sensual fog he had her in.

“Umm, what?”

Nikola cupped her pussy with his palm. “How often do you perform like this?”

“I umm…” She struggled to control her breathing as his fingers separated her pussy lips.

“A f-few times a month.” She closed her eyes and moaned as Nikola inserted a finger into her core.

“Do you let these men touch you?” Opening her eyes at his question, Devyn noticed his jaw tighten with tension as he asked the question.

“N-no. It’s not that type of show.”

“Good. Don’t let them touch you. I would fucking kill someone if I saw them touch you.”

She panted as he slid his finger in and out of her core. She jumped when he began massaging her clit with his thumb.

“Nikola,” she closed her eyes and whispered his name.

“Mmm. I like the way you say my name,” he lowered his head, once again taking her mouth in a possessive kiss, as he inserted a second finger into her wet core. Devyn moaned into his mouth as the sensations drove her higher and higher. Nikola worked his fingers stroking her over and over, driving her towards her climax. Devyn gripped at his shoulders for leverage and moved her hips to ride his fingers.

“Come for me,” Nikola said with his mouth pressed against hers. He sped up the motion of his fingers. As if she was waiting on his command, Devyn came apart as an intense orgasm overtook her. Nikola kissed her, silencing her loud moans. For a few minutes after Devyn climaxed, they stood there, with Nikola’s forehead pressed against hers, catching their breaths. When Nikola removed his fingers from Devyn’s core she moaned.

Nikola stepped back and removed a handkerchief from his pocket, wiping his fingers and the smeared lipstick from his face.

“Next time I will be tasting this instead of wiping it away.”
Next time.
Devyn noticed the phrase. Just as she opened her mouth to say something a knock on the door sounded.

“Pearl, you still in here?” Mistress Coco sounded, as Devyn turned to open the door.

Opening the door, Devyn affected a fake smile. “Y-yes, Mistress Coco. I was just leaving.” Mistress Coco eyed her suspiciously, then looked over her shoulder at Nikola.

“Did you two discuss whatever business you needed to settle?” She asked looking at Nikola, who told her he wanted to meet with Black Pearl for a business discussion.

Devyn looked over her shoulder at Nikola, confused, but quickly turned away as she saw the intense look in his eye.

Pulling her robe tighter around her, Devyn nodded. “Yes. I’m going to head out now.”

Devyn quickly exited Mistress Coco’s office to the changing room. Any thoughts of remaining for the rest of the show quickly vanished as Devyn dressed and stuffed her costume into her bag. She needed to put as much distance between herself and Nikola Collins as possible.

Nikola was fuming. For a second time that day, Devyn managed to slip away from him. And for a second time that day, he was powerless to stop her. He hated feeling powerless, but he needed to attend to a matter before he could pursue Devyn—and pursue her, he would. To hell with any issues of impropriety. He wanted her. When he agreed to go out with Cindy, he never imagined it would be to a burlesque show. It wasn’t his typical idea of a date, but he enjoyed the performances and the women were beautiful. Just as he was feeling more comfortable, the hostess mentioned Black Pearl as the next performer. Nikola’s breath caught when he realized Black Pearl was none other than Devyn Williams. It was like an electric shock coursed through him as he watched her strut across the stage, dancing and removing one article of clothing after another. When she turned around and bent at the waist, presenting the audience with her luscious behind, he felt a rage shoot through his veins, looking at other men’s reactions to her. He clenched his fists and jaw so tightly they ached. Cindy, his date for the evening, was none the wiser, as she took in the performances. Once Devyn exited the stage, Nikola told Cindy he needed to step out to make an important phone call. He stood, pausing to adjust himself, as Devyn’s performance left him not only angry as hell, but aroused as hell too. Finding the hostess, named Mistress Coco, Nikola presented his business card and told her he had business with Black Pearl. She eyed him for a long minute, before relenting and showing him to her office, and told him Black Pearl would be down in a minute. When Devyn walked in, it took all his willpower not to rip that pink, silk robe off and bend her over Mistress Coco’s desk.

“Fuck,” he swore under his breath.

“What’s wrong with you? You’ve been in a sour mood since you came back from your phone call? Business didn’t go well?” Cindy asked, as he drove to her condo.

“I’m fine. It’s nothing,” he replied impatiently.

“Well, I’m sure whatever it is, I can take your mind off of it,” she purred as she traced a finger up his thigh. Just as she began to reach higher, Nikola’s hand stopped her.

“That’s not a good idea.”

“You know I can make you feel good,” she moved to reach for his cock again, and his grip on her hand tightened.

“Stop,” was all he said as he turned into her parking lot. Cindy eyed him as he pulled into a parking spot. He got out and walked her to her front door of her building. “Are you coming up?” She asked hopeful.

“That’s not a good idea. In fact, it’s not a good idea for us to keep seeing one another.” Nikola stated in his typical straightforward manner.

“What? I thought we were enjoying one another,” Cindy pouted.

“We were, but as I told you in the beginning, this was not going to be long-term. Our time has ended.”

“Have you found someone else?” She asked her voice rising.

“That’s not important.”

“So it is another woman. Who is it?”

Nikola’s anger was beginning to rise. “Number one, I do not answer to you. And number two, we were never going to be anything long-term and you knew this when we began. We had fun while it lasted, but this ending is for the best.”

“The best for who? You and your next whore?” Cindy yelled.

“Watch your mouth,” he said in a low voice, glaring at her as he fought to control his anger.

Cindy noticed the look and became instantly contrite. “I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. I just don’t understand. I–”

“There’s nothing to understand. We went out. Fucked. Had fun. Now it’s over,” Nikola knew he was being an ass, but at this point he didn’t care.

“I will see you around. Enjoy the rest of your evening” he said, effectively dismissing her. He turned, leaving her standing there, as he climbed back into his black Mercedes Coupe, and drove off.

“Good morning, Devyn. How are you?” Devyn turned from in front of the elevators and smiled.

“Good morning, Andre. Welcome back. How was your trip?” She asked as the elevator arrived.

Andre held the door open for her. “It was great, but we’ll go over that later. Are one of those for me?” He asked pointing to the tray in her hand that held two cups of coffee and a muffin.

“Yes, I was just going up to the top floor to drop this off on Mr. Collins’ desk and then bring yours, but since you’re here,” she said handing him his coffee and muffin.

“You were taking coffee up for my brother?” He asked with a confused look on his face.

Devyn figured it was because she was supposed to be back working for him now. She arrived to work extra early in order to buy coffee and drop it off at Nikola’s office before he arrived for work. She wanted to do everything she could to avoid him, but she knew he hadn’t hired another administrative assistant yet, so there wouldn’t be anyone to bring him coffee this morning.

Devyn nodded. “Yes. Since you’re back and he hasn’t hired a temp assistant yet, I thought I’d drop off his morning coffee before he gets in.”

There was no way Devyn was going to tell Andre why she was so early and adamant about dropping off the coffee before Nikola arrived at the office.

“And you brought him coffee every morning while you worked with him?” He asked.

“Yes, just like I do for you.” She responded wondering why he had an inquisitive look on his face.

“Oh. In that case, I don’t want to break tradition. I’m going to tackle some of the work on my desk this morning. I know I don’t have any meetings today, so let’s push our usual Monday morning meeting back a few hours so I can catch up,” he said as the elevator arrived at their floor.

“Okay, I’ll drop this off and will be back at my desk if you need anything.”

Once the elevator arrived at the top floor, Devyn quickly entered Nikola’s office, placing the coffee on his desk and turning on his computer out of habit. She looked around the office to make sure everything was in order. She paused; looking at the place they shared their first kiss Friday afternoon. Her mind then drifted back to Friday night at The Black Kitty. Devyn closed her eyes as she remembered his touch and the way he made her body feel. After running out of the club, Devyn headed straight home. She turned off her phone for the rest of the weekend, fearing Nikola might call her, and not knowing what she would do if he did. She knew it was inappropriate to have any sort of affair with the CEO of her company. While Andre was technically her boss, Nikola was everyone’s boss. She also knew he was the type of man that women did not easily walk away from. She didn’t want to lose her heart yet again to a man who thought nothing of trampling on it and discarding her like yesterday’s newspaper. Devyn sighed and hurried out of Nikola’s office, not feeling safe until she was back at her desk.

As she worked, Devyn tried to convince herself that things would go back to normal, now that Andre was back. Typically, she never saw Nikola more than once or twice a week, if at all. She chalked what happened on Friday up to their close proximity, and the fact that he saw her half nude a mere few hours after kissing. Any man would act that way, but Nikola had a girlfriend and scores of women lining up to date him. He wasn’t thinking about her. Convincing herself she was getting worked up for nothing, Devyn pressed on with her work. A few hours later, Andre called Devyn for their usual Monday meeting.

“Oh, before you leave, I have something for you,” Andre said turning in his chair to retrieve a bag under his desk. Devyn remained seated.

Andre pulled three gift boxes out of the bag. “This one is yours and the other two are for your mom and sister.” Devyn opened the box to see a beautiful pink silk scarf. Andre spent the past three weeks in Hong Kong on business, and picked up the handmade scarves as gifts.

“This is beautiful. You didn’t have to do this. Thank you, Andre.” Andre often brought gifts back from his travels for Devyn and other people in the office he was friendly with.

“Really, these are beautiful. Thank you.”

Andre smiled. “You think your mom and sister will like them?”

“Do I? I’m thinking of keeping them for myself,” Devyn laughed.

“Don’t do that. If you want more, I’ll just have to fly back to Hong Kong and buy more,” Devyn eyed him and he laughed.

“I think you’re just trying to get out of work,” she teased.

“You might be right about that. Speaking of work, how was it working for Nik? He wasn’t too much was he?”

Devyn licked her lips nervously. “Uh, no. He was fine. We got a lot finalized for the gala this weekend,” Devyn said trying to change the subject from Nikola.

“That reminds me, your tuxedo fitting is this afternoon. It’s your usual tailor, so the tuxedo probably fits well already. They just want a fitting to make sure.”

“Great.”

“Thanks again for the scarves. My sister and mom will love them,” Devyn said standing to gather her belongings and head back to her desk.

“All right.” Andre started, checking his wrist watch. “I’ll be leaving in a few to have lunch with–” He paused as Nikola materialized at his door.

“Speak of the devil,” Andre smiled.

Devyn nearly dropped her gift boxes as she turned to see Nikola standing there, looking as beautiful as ever. He wore a dark pin striped Ralph Lauren suit. With his hands tucked into his pockets, Nikola let his gaze roam over Devyn’s face, travel down her body, and stopping at her core, as if he was remembering what they’d done on Friday night. He dragged his eyes back up to Devyn’s face, a hint of mischief in his eyes. Devyn’s entire body flamed.

“I’m not interrupting am I?” Nikola asked.

Andre who watched in the brief exchange responded, “Nope, we were just ending our meeting.”

“Uh, enjoy your lunch.” Devyn smiled as she made to leave.

“Don’t forget to let me know how your mom and sister liked the scarves,” Andre said to her retreating back.

Nikola lifted an eyebrow. “I didn’t know you had a sister, Devyn.” Nikola commented saying her first name for the first time. Devyn felt her stomach muscles tighten hearing her name for the first time on his lips.

She swallowed. “Uh, yes. Older.” She went to move past Nikola, and he only moved slightly forcing her to brush up against him as she passed.

“Nikola, shouldn’t you thank Devyn for bringing you coffee this morning? That was awfully nice of her, wasn’t it?” Nikola’s gaze pierced Andre before he turned to Devyn.

“Yes, it was. Thank you, Devyn.”

She cleared her throat. “You’re welcome.”

“I’ll be at my desk.” She directed at Andre before turning to leave. Devyn arrived at her desk and blew out a harsh breath. She’d forgotten Nikola and Andre were scheduled to have lunch today. She tried hard not to think about Nikola now using her first name or the way his eyes devoured her body. As the two men walked out, Nikola exited the glass door last, turning and winking at Devyn as if to tell her this wasn’t over. She blew out another breath.