Fallen (Chronicles Of The Fallen) Page 4

  Looking over at Samuel, she stands and makes her way across the room. Impressed by the display of liquors in glass containers, she asks, “What’s in this glass container?”

  He grins as he opens a top door, allowing cold air to escape. He reaches in with tongs and pulls out two cubes of ice, placing them in a glass. He picks up the clear liquor, then pours it over the ice. The ice begins to crack against the lukewarm liquor. “This is Grey Goose. I believe it’s one of your favorites.” He hands Lisa the glass. Replacing the glass stopper, he turns to her and clinks her glass. “To your success tonight. May it be legendary.”

  He takes a sip, his eyes remaining on hers. She finds this almost intimidating, but alluring. Bringing the vodka to her lips, she takes a sip and then lowers the glass, appreciating the burn in her throat. The two stand there for a moment longer. Just as Lisa is about to speak, Samuel’s intercom buzzes. He grins down at her. “Hold that thought,” he says and crosses the room. Lisa watches him as he picks up his phone.

  Lisa looks at a few of the pictures Samuel has hanging on his wall. One is of the current president shaking his hand, another is a photo with Nelson Mandela. Looking further down, she finds a framed picture of her, Samuel, and Steven at the Gala from last year. Memories return to her and she smiles softly. Taking another sip of the Grey Goose, the chill of the ice grazes her lip as the liquor burns.

  Not realizing he’s hung up the phone, she hears a glass being set down. As he draws near, his cologne invades her senses. Inhaling, she slowly turns around, looking up at him. His eyes capture hers. “We’ll make a lot of memories tonight. I look forward to seeing you.”

  “Seeing me?” Lisa swallows, unsure if this is an advance or genuine curiosity as to what she’ll be wearing. She’s hoping the latter, but secretly wanting the first.

  He chuckles. “Seeing you in action tonight.”

  “Oh, right,” Looking away from his dark brown eyes, she feels her knees going a little weak. She’s not sure if it’s the Grey Goose or the desire she seems to be developing towards him. Tilting the glass up, she swallows the remaining amount of vodka. Setting it back down, the ice cubes clink to the bottom. “I think tonight will be great, Samuel. I received a call earlier that the event coordinators are already working hard.”

  Looking back up at him, she sees that his eyes are still focused on her. She holds her breath for a moment, then looks away again. Needing to put space between them, Lisa moves further into his office, looking out one of his office windows. Glancing down to the street below, she sees cars passing by one another, street vendors selling food and beverages.

  Hearing footsteps behind her, Lisa bites the inside of her cheek as her fingers clutch the glass in her hand. Feeling his fingers gently glide down her arms, she begins to exhale. His body moves closer and his chest grazes her back. Leaning back into him, his breath gently grazes her ear before moving down her neck, but his lips never touch her skin. Her eyes close as warmth radiates between her thighs. “Samuel…” she breathes out.

  “Yes?” Snapping her eyes open, she gasps and looks up to see him sitting at his desk, hanging up his phone. Still sitting in her chair, she looks down at her hands…empty, except for her coffee tumbler. She looks back up at him. He tilts his head, lifting a brow. “Lisa, are you alright?”

  She nods and turns away from him, her fingers moving up to her lips. “What just happened?” she whispers to herself.

  “Lisa?” Samuel leans in a little, genuine concern written on his features. “Are you feeling alright? This is your big night; you can’t be under the weather.”

  She shakes her head, then smiles, looking up at him. “No, I’m fine. I think it’s just nerves.”

  “Alright then.” Pushing off his desk, he picks up a few items and hands them to her. “This is tonight’s itinerary and arrival of guests.” She takes it and looks it over, then nods. “Good luck tonight, Lisa. I’m sure all will be great.”

  She looks up at Samuel. “It has to be. There’s no choice in the matter.” He chuckles and takes a seat behind his desk. Lisa looks at him, then turns to leave his office, pulling the doors closed behind her. Leaning against the door for a second, she looks up at the ceiling, mentally going over what just happened.

  “Lisa?” she looks over when she hears Mariah’s voice. Pushing off of the wall, Lisa walks over to Mariah and the two begin going over tonight’s event information.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~

  Arriving at the event in a limo, Lisa steps out wearing a silver fitted silk dress that flows out from her thighs to her feet. The top of the dress is strapless and accented with encrusted jewels. Her hair is pulled up into a twist, with curls cascading down her head and neckline. Her shoes are strappy, high-heeled sandals with diamond bow ties on the sides. Holding her silver clutch under her arm, she takes a few steps down the red carpet and holds her breath for three seconds, then closes her eyes. “Lord, please let tonight go without a hitch.” Opening her eyes as she exhales, she puts on her smile as cameras flash in her face and people request interviews. Smiling to a few people she knows, she stops by to provide some insight to the viewing public.

  Stepping through the double doors leading from the red carpet, the ballroom is decorated perfectly. The candle sconces on the walls are lit, and three chandeliers hang with LED candles shining. The tables are all set with candlelight centerpieces, and the ceiling is flashing laser lights set in sporadic motions. Music is playing loudly as people begin to fill the place. Overhead, in what looks like a remote helicopter, a self-propelled camera takes pictures from different angles and viewpoints. The stage is set with speakers for the DJ to entertain the crowd. She makes her way towards the stage and walks up the steps. Approaching the podium, she opens her clutch and pulls out her notes to review them one last time.

  The DJ ends the song and makes an announcement: “Please turn your attention to the stage and your emcee for the evening. Please give her a round of applause and welcome your coordinator for tonight’s event, all the way from Elite PR & Marketing, Ms. Lisa Adams!” Lisa looks to the DJ and smiles, then nods a thank-you. The crowd cheers as Lisa waves. The spotlight is on her and she feels momentarily blinded. Finding Samuel in the crowd, he offers her an encouraging smile. Looking through the ballroom, all eyes are on her.

  She swallows. “Thank-you all for coming out tonight. I won't keep you long, but I just wanted to give special thanks to a few people for helping make tonight possible. First to Samuel Clayton, the CEO of Elite PR & Marketing…thank-you for allowing tonight's event to come to fruition. Secondly, to the great coordinators at Elite…without you, none of tonight would be possible. And lastly, to the cast and crew we are here to celebrate with…tonight is about you." Lisa applauds with the crowd. "Thank-you again and enjoy yourselves. I'm Lisa Adams, your PR Event Coordinator." The crowd applauds as she slips her cards back into her clutch, tucking it underneath her arm. Walking towards the edge of the stage, one of the stagehands takes her hand and assists her down the steps. Turning to him, she nods her thanks.

  Walking through the crowd and hearing many congratulations, she makes her way to the bar and orders a shot of vodka. Tossing it back quickly, she shakes her head and the bartender chuckles. "Good stuff tonight, Ms. Lisa." She looks up and smiles.

  Turning, she finds Samuel talking to a few clients. He looks her way and they make eye contact. She watches his face light up as he takes her in. She smiles and makes her way towards him. He takes her breath away in his black tuxedo and black bowtie. The white button-down dress shirt makes a nice contrast to his dark hair. He's the living example of edible sex. Adjusting the sleeves on his tuxedo jacket, he holds out a hand for Lisa.

  She slips her hand into his and smiles. “Samuel, you clean up well.”

  Bringing her hand to his lips, he kisses it softly, never breaking eye contact. “You don’t look so bad yourself.” He winks and leans in, whispering, “You look stunning. I can't keep my eyes off of you.” He pulls back and smiles to he
r, releasing her hand. “Outstanding job tonight. Truly remarkable.” He rests his hand on the small of her back, leading her over to the bar.

  The bartender approaches and sets a bottle of Grey Goose out on the bar. “Compliments for tonight’s event, Ms. Adams.” He smiles and pushes forward two frozen glasses.

  “Wow, thank-you very much!” He nods to her, then turns to another waiting patron. She looks up at Samuel with a smile. “Would you care to share a drink with me? I can’t drink this whole thing alone.”

  He nods. “Of course. Let’s go take a seat.” He points to an open table in a corner of the ballroom, leading her with a hand in the small of her back again. She enjoys his touch and allows him to lead her. He pulls out her seat and pushes it back in for her. Unbuttoning his tuxedo jacket, he takes a seat next to her. “Amazing work tonight. You pulled it off beautifully.”

  Lisa grins, handing the bottle to him to open. “Thank-you, but I did have a great mentor.”

  Chuckling, he takes the bottle and opens it. He pours her glass, then pours his own. He raises his glass in a toast. “To an amazing woman who pulled off the biggest PR event of the decade.” He clinks her glass and she grins.

  Taking a long pull from her glass, the burning in Lisa’s throat reminds her of what happened earlier today in his office. Setting her glass down, she looks up at him with a smile. “So, what’s next?” She raises her brows.

  Taken by surprise, he furrows his brows. “What’s next? I suppose we could go dance, if you like.”

  “What?” She grins at him and playfully slaps his arm. "That's not what I meant."

  Samuel chuckles. “There are a few accounts I’ve been working on with Steven that are up-and-coming clients, but we can talk about them later. Tonight is about you.” He takes another sip of his vodka as he watches Lisa. Setting his glass down, he says, “So, what’s next for you? Tonight, I mean?” Samuel gives Lisa a look, his eyes filled with sex appeal and longing, and she finds herself drawn to him.

  She blinks, then smirks softly as she leans forward, resting her arm on her thigh to support herself. “If you’re lucky, you might find out.” She grins and moves her hand towards Samuel, pressing a finger into his chest. “You never know with me.”

  She sits back in her chair and wonders where the hell that just came from. Feeling the blush touch her cheeks, she quickly picks up her vodka, taking another sip, turning it into a long drink. Setting her glass down, she notices Samuel's brows raised in amusement. He picks up the bottle of Grey Goose and refills her glass. Setting the bottle back down, he looks back at her as his eyes trail over her body.

  “I might like that,” Samuel retorts. “I might enjoy that a lot.” He leans forward, resting his arm on the tabletop. “You’re a very beautiful woman, Lisa.” His finger glides gently across her hand.

  Her face lowered, Lisa looks up at him seductively and grins. “Thank-you.” Turning her hand over, his finger traces it. She feels an ice cold shiver run through her body, leaving pools of warmth as it moves. “You aren’t so bad yourself.”

  He smiles as his hand cups hers. Running his thumb over her palm, he moves his chair closer to hers and leans in to whisper in her ear…or so she thought. His breath fans out across her ear and the sensitive skin of her neck. Gooseflesh runs over her body and her eyes look around the room, hoping no one has caught on to what they are doing.

  “Ignore them,” he whispers. It was alluring, intoxicating.

  She closes her eyes as his lips press against her neck. His hand moves up her arm until he reaches her neck, cupping the side of her head. He kisses further up her neck until his teeth nibble on her earlobe. His breath, soft in her ear, makes her gasp softly. She moves her free hand over Samuel’s chest, feeling the muscles contracting under his clothing. She pushes her hand across his chest, gliding over his shoulder. Her fingers gently dig into his flesh as she pulls him towards her, wanting him closer. Opening her eyes, she notices a light haze drifting around their table. She blinks slowly as people walk by. No one seems to realize they are sitting alone in this dark corner. She sighs softly to herself as she closes her eyes again.

  Kissing up her jawline, Samuel captures Lisa’s lips with his own. Gliding his tongue over her warm lips, she parts them with a sigh. Deepening the kiss, Samuel’s hand holds the back of her head, pulling her closer. As his tongue tangles with hers, he tilts his head the other way, crushing his lips to hers once again. A warmth ignites between Lisa’s thighs, a longing for Samuel to be between them.

  "Have you seen Lisa?" A familiar voice rings out behind her.

  Reluctantly pulling away, she looks up at Samuel. The desire on his features is so strong that she’s grateful to be sitting at the moment. His eyes are deep brown, almost black, with desire. They call to her, wanting her to leave with him. She could feel lust possessing her body, wanting to feel Samuel's lips on her breasts and between her legs. His stare is intense. Forcing herself to look away, the haze around them vanishes.

  "There you are!" Jill comes up to Lisa and looks down at her. She pauses for a moment, looking between Lisa and Samuel, biting her lip. "Oh, umm, I'm sorry."

  Lisa shakes her head and stands up, adjusting her dress. She looks down at Samuel as he adjusts himself. Lisa's brows rise and she smiles at him, mouthing sorry as she reaches over, picking up her bottle of Grey Goose.

  Turning to Jill, a sense of relief flooding through her, she steps away from Samuel. "Are you okay?" Lisa asks and Jill nods. She looks back at Samuel, then at Lisa.

  "Yeah, but I can't say the same for him." She smirks at Lisa. "Are you two...?" Jill leaves open the obvious question.

  Shaking her head, she says, "No, we are not. At least, I don't think so." Lisa looks back at Samuel for a moment and they make eye contact. The corner of Samuel’s lips curl in a smirk and the desire in his eyes is almost enough to force her back to him. Shaking her head, she lowers her gaze and turns back to Jill. "No, we are not."

  Jill loops her arm through Lisa's as they make their way through the party. "I want to dance. Come on, let's go!" Lisa grins and shakes her head, then holds up her bottle of Grey Goose. Jill takes it from her and walks over to the bar, exchanging a few words with the bartender. She turns and points to Lisa, and the bartender nods. Taking the bottle, the bartender places it back into the freezer, while Jill leaves a tip on the bar for him.

  She makes her way back to Lisa, smirking. “All taken care of. Now, let's dance." Taking Lisa's hand in hers, she leads her out onto the dance floor just as the music shifts. Techno music from Benny Benassi pounds through the speakers. Grinning, Jill lifts her arms and moves her body to the rhythm.

  "What the hell?" Lisa laughs and starts dancing with her friend. Moving to the beat of the music, Lisa feels it slowly surround her body, engulfing her and wrapping silken fingers of desire around her. The warmth of a body falls in step behind her. Hands grasp her arms and seductively move down her soft skin. Reaching her wrists, they lift her arms up over her head before moving down her body, roaming past her shoulders, down her waist, over her hips.

  Lisa moves in rhythm with the man behind her, feeling his body moving against her own. His hands move up around her stomach and cups her breasts. Gasping, her lips part and her head tilts back. Closing her eyes, she feels a warm veil slip around her neck, spiraling down around her back and to her thighs. A warmth heats between her legs as the softness of the veil becomes fingers teasing at her sensitive flesh. She moans softly as her hands move up through her hair.

  “Lisa…” she hears a male’s voice ring softly in her ears. His voice is like sunshine after a severe storm. Opening her eyes, she’s pulled from her enlightened desire. The instant she opens her eyes, the hands roaming her body leave and the body moves away from her. Her senses begin to calm and she turns to find who was dancing behind her.

  “Lisa…” she hears him again and her head turns towards the sound. Standing in the shadows is a tall, well-built man who has a soft glow about him. She tries t
o adjust her eyes to see him, but it’s no use. The lighting is too dark. She begins taking a step towards him, but a hand reaches out for her. Grasping Lisa’s hand, Jill turns her back around and smiles at her friend. Resting her hands on Lisa’s shoulders, Jill dances to the rhythm of the music. Lisa grins and starts dancing again. Looking back towards the shadows again, she finds the man’s gone.

  Looking across the floor in the other direction, her eyes land on Samuel. He gazes back at her, a smirk on his lips. The look on his face is one of desire and lust, everything Lisa was feeling a moment ago. His eyes are dark and fierce. His lips are inviting as he mouths Let me fuck you. She can feel the lure of him, feel the pull he’s having over her. It’s as if steel hands begin moving over her body, coiling around her as they pull her towards him. His face tilts down slightly and his gaze becomes stronger, more alive. His lips pull into a grin and he licks around his bottom lip with what appears to be a serpents tongue.

  Gasping softly, Lisa forces herself to look away and she turns back to Jill. “I think it’s time for me to go home. I’m not feeling very well.” Jill looks at her, then nods and the two turn away from the dance floor. Wanting to steer clear of Samuel, Lisa and Jill walk in the opposite direction, towards the door.

  Stepping out into the cold night air, the crispness jolts Lisa awake. It’s as if she’s able to breathe again. “I’m sorry, Jill. You can go back inside if you want.”

  The valet approaches Lisa and she hands him her ticket stub. The valet returns to his desk and he looks up Lisa’s limo information. He picks up a phone and places a call before hanging up. Lisa looks up as the valet approaches, letting her know her limo will be around shortly. Nodding, she turns back to Jill. “Honestly, it’s fine if you want to go back in. I think I had too much to drink tonight.” She knows she didn’t and feels fine but, between Samuel and the voice she heard on the dance floor, she begins to wonder if something wasn’t slipped into her drink…or maybe she’s losing her mind.