“Love is a great master. It teaches us to be what we never were.” – Moliere

Antonio

Later that evening as I sat at the kitchen bar stool enjoying a glass of wine and waiting on Jane so we could head to the club I was enjoying how she couldn’t keep her hands off me she kept kissing me every moment she could, biting my neck in between which I thoroughly enjoyed and cuddling it made me feel less mad in my craving for her to see she wanted me to the same degree drinking my blood made it harder for her to hold herself back as much as she did and I was enjoying every moment of it I hummed happily as I took another sip of wine the click of heels made me look over lord almighty I sat my cup down before I dropped it. She was a goddess she was pure temptation and absolutely beautiful he drank her in head to toe she had on the sapphire blue sequins dress she bought it was strapless and long but on the right side was a slit that went all the way up to her hip the color set off the honey hue of her skin making her look as if she were glowing. She wore dark Smokey eye makeup that made her have an exotic look to her and her full luscious lips were a sexy shade of red she had her hair in its natural state of voluminous thick curls that cascaded down her back, she did a little spin so he could see the back completely he nearly groaned out loud there was no back just some thin straps that crisscrossed down her back all the way down the dip in the dress stopped right above her ass he was going to kill someone tonight with her looking this fucking good and smelling even better than usual if that was possible yet she was he wanted to grab her up strip her naked and kiss every inch of her especially the sweet spot in between her legs until she came against his tongue screaming his name.

“Antonio, Antonio?” he blinked Jane was waving a hand in front of his face she looked concerned. “Are you okay?” he ran a hand over his face no he was not he was ready to ravish her but now wasn’t the time he took her hand in his and gently kissed the palm of her hand she blushed looking away she bit her lip he gently turned her face back.

“You look absolutely beautiful Jane” he gave her a gentle kiss she sighed into his mouth “Mmm you keep that up and we won’t be leaving here at all tonight” he teased her well partially he was debating keeping her here all to himself but he wanted to watch her perform and he didn’t want to interfere with her sleepover with her friend tonight either there was plenty of time for them to have together the thought made him smile.

“Thank you, you look very handsome as well” she purred as she drank him in she grabbed him by his tie pulled him down and kissed him roughly yet sensually her mouth moving against his as if they were having sex mmm he liked this sexy, bold side of Jane he hoped she showed it to him more often. Too soon for his liking she pulled away.

“I’m ready” he nodded he took her hand and they headed for the door she paused to grab her blue duffel bag must be her over night bag he took it from her and slung it over his shoulder he paused to lock the door behind him before they headed to the elevators the whole ride down he couldn’t keep his eyes of her she was stunning tonight her energy was practically sparkling all around her, there eyes locked she gave him a sexy little grin he was about to grab her and kiss that grin right off her face when the elevator stopped and the doors opened she stuck her tongue out at him as she skipped off she must have known what he intended to do he chuckled to himself he loved her playful side being back around her it was different in many ways things were more intense, they knew each other but were learning each other all over again as well and even themselves he knew they still had hurdles to overcome but with the way things were going he was very optimistic they would over come them and come out even stronger and closer.

“My love for you has no depth, its boundaries are ever-expanding.” —Christina White

Jane

We arrived at the club I led Antonio past the line of people waiting to get in i went to the private entrance Aiden used and always had me use when I arrived it led in the to the back entrance the door opened to first floor at the bottom of the stairs that led up into his office I’d been up there a few times just to relax and sometimes Aiden and i would simply talk he was a good listener. I headed towards the hallway the exited to the bar the place was already packed as usual the music thumped through the speakers.

I pulled my phone out my purse to text Mimi but she had already texted me saying she was here and at the bar I looked up and sure enough there she was looking absolutely fucking fabulous I usually saw her in her work scrubs, gym clothes or her “mom clothes” as she referred to them jeans and a t-shirt and sensible gym shoes. But not tonight she looked sophisticated sexy she wore the dress I gave her that was identical to mines but in a rich purple her hair was pulled up into a sleek bun showing off her lovely neck line and back of the dress to maximum effect when I got closer I saw she wore purple glitter eyeshadow to match her dress and black open toed stilettos she threw her head back laughing at something Aiden said to her I smiled the energy between them was like silk wrapping around my body soothing and gentle like warm honey on your tongue.

“Hey Mimi you look fabulous” I told her once I reached her side she jumped up impressively for someone in four inch heels to give me a hug I hugged her back inhaling at the same time she smelled really good like cinnamon and rose this must be another side effect of drinking Antonio’s blood my sense of smell was heightened so I was smelling her natural scent wow.

“Thank you, so do you chica” she looked me over nodding with motherly approval making me laugh I guess it was hard to turn off mom mode once it was activated.

“Hello Jane” Aiden said from behind the bar “Antonio” he gave him a nod “What are you two drinking”? He refilled Mimi’s glass of white wine murmuring a thanks she sat back down and took a sip making a noise of appreciation I noticed Aiden’s gaze soften when it landed on her.

“I’ll have the same as Mimi better keep it light I do have to perform soon” I sat down beside her, Antonio sat on my other side

“I’m good for the moment” he said waving a hand dismissively making Aiden’s lip twitch and Mimi snort from trying to hold back a laugh, Aiden sat a wine glass in front of me and poured me a generous amount of wine with a murmured thanks I took a sip it was sweet and cold perfect I took another sip this night was turning out great so far I relished this moment okay I finished my glass and set it down time to get on stage I signaled Aiden letting him know I was going on he nodded back.

“ I’m going to head to the stage” I told Antonio as I stood up he reached out and pulled me to him I stepped in between his legs and wrapped my arms around his neck he leaned up at the same time I bent to give him a kiss I gave him two more quick kisses before I headed to the stage behind the curtain to get ready.

“If I never see you again I will always carry you inside, outside; on my fingertips and at brain edges and in centers, centers of what I am of what remains.” —Charles Bukowski

Antonio

I sat waiting with happy anticipation and he wasn’t the only one Mimi was practically bouncing as she and Adrian chatted he noted that he hadn’t left the bar since Mimi had been here when he could have easily had someone else tend to her hmm he must like her more than he was letting on he wondered now if Jane had a feeling about these two and set this up he wouldn’t put it past her she was always trying to make others happy putting others before herself he loved and hated that about her she was the opposite of him he was selfish especially when it came to her speaking of he looked up as the curtains rose Jane sat at the piano pulling her hair Into a bun on top of her head, a tall lean man with mocha skin and a bald head who looked to be in his late thirties had a saxophone around his neck, a young Asian women with short hair dyed lime green on the tips sat with her violin waiting for her cue to begin. The lights dimmed in the club and focused more towards the stage Jane lifted her hands and brought them down gently on the keys as she began to play soon the rest followed he recognized this melody, he thought trying to remember who the song was by then Jane opened her mouth and began to sing her voice was absolutely beautiful it was rich and smooth it made him think of warm honey and promises whispered in the dark in your lovers ear he was entranced and he wasn’t the only one he noticed as she continued.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“I’ve got you under my skin

I’ve got you deep in the heart of me

So deep in my heart

You’re really a part of me

I’ve got you under my skin

I tried so not to give in

I said to myself

This affair never will go so well

But why should I try to resist

When, darling, I know so well

I’ve got you under my skin"

The band played perfectly together they each stood out in there own way but meshed well together so no one tried to outshine the other they all complimented each other well instead and she chose a song he hadn’t expected her to pick I’ve got you under my skin by Ella Fitzgerald another stunning women In her right now that he thought about it she picked an excellent song and they all did it justice when she sang her last lyric and they played the last note it was dead silent before everyone was up and applauding some even threw flowers on the stage Jane got up and grabbed a few flowers and handed it to each person on stage with her they all shared big warm smiles and fist bumps, the Asian women leaned and said something in Jane’s ear that he couldn’t hear over the applause and whistles after a moment she pulled back and nodded happily to whatever she had said she went and grabbed the mic and set it up at the front of the stage as everyone got back Info position Jane mouthed one, two, three this time it was a more upbeat song they played then Jane began to sing once again.

“Wait a minute

I think I left my conscience on your front doorstep

Woah-oh, woah-oh

Wait a minute

I think I left my consciousness in the sixth dimension”

The crowd began to dance pumped up by the music everyone was laughing and singing along the energy was Infectious he found himself smiling ear to ear tapping his foot along to the beat Aiden cane from behind the bar and held a hand out to Mimi who didn’t even hesitate she grabbed his hand jumped up and began dancing ah he recognized this song now It was “Wait a minute” by Willow Smith she had played this song the other day while she took her shower it was the perfect song to end on he thought as the happy energy flowed around him he couldn’t feel it as much as he could earlier her ability was wearing off within him and honestly he was glad other than the happy feelings floating around there was lust directed towards his women, envy and what was that..? He tried to send his senses out to pick up that odd feeling he felt it had come and gone so quick he couldn’t even tell what the hell it even was but one thing he knew it didn’t feel good.

“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profundity. Kindness in giving creates love.” – Lao Tzu

Jane

I was tired and exhilarated at the same time once we finished our set I headed to the bar for a much needed glass of Ice cold water. As I headed over I saw Aiden and Mimi still cuddled up dancing together I was ecstatic I hoped something good came of this they both were such caring, strong people who worked hard and took care of those they cared about and left no room for much else but hopefully this was a match made I definitely thought so I could feel it, I skipped over and put my hands over Antonio’s eyes.

“Guess who” I whispered in his ear before I pressed a kiss to his neck he grabbed me by my head and held my mouth at his neck smiling I kissed his neck again before gently sucking on and nipping him with my teeth making him moan out loud I couldn’t explain it but I loved that I had this effect on him it made me tingly down below.

“My Jane” he growled “Come give me a proper kiss” he released my head taking my hands off his eyes I came around in between his legs and gave him a proper kiss as he called it.

“You were amazing I enjoyed your performance very much” he said when he finally let me up for air he signaled the bartender over “water” he told her once she was close enough nodding she filled a cup with ice and water before handing it over to him which he promptly handed right to me.

“Thank you” I said emphatically I took the cup and took a big gulp enjoying the coldness.

“I’m glad you enjoyed our show the lady on the violin was Thea, and the man on the saxophone was Jamal.” I took another sip of my drink “ I would have introduced you but they couldn’t stick around they have dates later they were cutting it close”

“No worries” he assured me “ Maybe I’ll meet them at your next performance”

I smiled whenever he talked about the future or made plans it made me happy it reinforced his promise to me that he wouldn’t leave and he was very serious about us not that he hadn’t been he wouldn’t let his insecurities and fear run him anymore he promised me and I was going to believe him but every so often that little insecure voice inside of me reared it's ugly head and tried to convince me he would break that promise just like he did before and I would be alone again I twirled the ice in my cup I understood insecurities I had them too so when he was able to bear his soul and tell me his it made it easier to forgive him.

“Hey Jane are you ready to go?” Mimi asked finishing the last of her wine, I nodded

“Did you drive?” I asked her throwing my cup away she shook her head.

“ I took an Uber”

“I can drive you both to your home” Antonio offered taking my hand and pulling ne to my feet.

“Actually is it alright if I drive you Mimi and Jane you ride with Antonio?” Aiden asked his eyes were all for Mimi as he suddenly popped this question she glanced over at me I gave her a nod of encouragement Aiden was a good guy she was perfectly safe with him.

“Si, vamos!” she headed for the door Aiden signaled his bartender over to cover him before he followed after Mimi I was looking forward to seeing how this turned out. We followed behind them I couldn’t wait to take my shoes off throw on a t-shirt and shorts and relax and have some womanly time with Mimi although I would miss Antonio which was silly when he was right here next to me sheesh I had it bad I thought getting in the car I immediately took my shoes off and rubbed my feet ah that was better.

“I would have been more than happy to massage your feet and wherever else you might need” Antonio purred seductively at me as he started the car he sighed heavily as if burdened “But your going to have your lady time” he looked over and gave me his best pouty face making me laugh although a foot and body massage did sound really good but I made plans with Mimi she showed up for me so I was going to be there for her we women needed to stick together more often in this world and more genuinely.

“How about tomorrow when I come home we give each other massages with the oil, naked in front of the fire place?” I offered he whipped his head over to look at me a huge grin on his face his fangs peaked out clearly he loved my suggestion.

“Yes, yes and yes again baby” he parked in front of Mimi’s house he unbuckled my seat belt and pulled me out my seat onto his lap he gently took my face in between his hands and he didn’t speak he just looked me in my eyes my face began to warm under his intense gaze he looked at me with so much love, like I was everything to him… it was so raw I felt tears well up in my eyes as his love filled me up and washed over me in wave after wave I kissed him slowly savoring the taste of him his strength everything about him that made him this beautiful, intriguing, passionate and at times confusing and complicated man I fell in love with. A sudden knock on the driver side window made me jump I clutched at Antonio he frowned ready to curse whoever had dared tapped his glass but paused when he saw it was Aiden who was grinning ear to ear.

“Time to go” I said I got off Antonio’s lap and back over on my seat I didn’t bother putting my shoes back on I got out Antonio followed suit he grabbed my duffel bag for me I held my hand out to take it.

“I can manage baby I promise” I assured him almost reluctantly he handed me my bag Mimi snickered.

“See you tomorrow, I love you” I stood on the tips of my feet and gave him a quick kiss I didn’t want to make it deeper or I’d never get inside the house, he grabbed me around the waist and lifted me up and kissed me beside setting me back down of course that didn’t mean Antonio wouldn’t.

“I love you , goodnight my love” he gave me one last lingering look before he got back in his car and drove away Aiden gave Mimi a kiss on the cheek before he also got in his car and drove away.

“Shall we?” Mimi headed up the steps to the front door I followed behind her but paused when a movement caught my eye I glanced over I could have sworn I saw something, I was about to send my senses out.

“Jane, come on chica my feet are killing me” she was pulling her shoes off as she opened the door.

“Coming” I called jogging up the stairs and following her into the house.