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  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Dedication

  1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  7

  8

  9

  10

  11

  12

  13

  14

  15

  16

  17

  18

  19

  20

  21

  22

  23

  24

  Epilogue

  Copyright

  About Charlotte

  Coming Soon

  To Sarah—

  Over twenty years of friendship and our relationship never gets old. The Blair to my Alexandra, thanks for always making sure I don’t take myself too seriously. Love you.

  1

  Alexandra Kane needed to get laid or cobwebs would take up residence in her vagina. She needed it yesterday. Last week. Last month. Hell, she needed it sometime in the not-so-distant future so she didn’t forget what it was like to have an orgasm not created from a battery-operated device. She’d never gone this long without sex before, but with her overwhelming workload and the walls threatening to close in, it was all she could do to hold on to her sanity, let alone maintain her orgasms.

  Alexandra needed the release of a good orgasm, because having a job that runs you into the ground sucks donkey balls. She had almost no social life. Although she’d never been one to have a million girlfriends, she still wanted someone she could call if she wanted to hang out. But it was sex she missed the most.

  She couldn’t seem to get a release, and she couldn’t make her need go away. The comfortable weight of a man on top while he sunk into her happy place? Priceless. And worth all the frustration she went through to get it. When the need was too great, she didn’t care who it was. Which wasn’t safe or practical, but there was no one she could call.

  Case in point, her current Friday night, where she was desperately trying to finish up in the office so she could leave. She groaned when she saw her best friend’s name on her cell, but if she didn’t answer, Blair Fischer would keep calling until she did. She pressed the green button, putting her on speakerphone.

  “Hello,” Alexandra answered.

  “You’re late.” Blair’s voice echoed throughout Alexandra’s empty office. Alexandra pulled away from her depressing thoughts, running her hands haphazardly through her hair, the long dark strands falling all over the place as she tried to focus on what Blair was saying. The computer screen in front of her mocked her, another reminder of her burgeoning workload. She had to finish the brief in the next thirty minutes so it could be filed in the courthouse by midday Monday

  “I know.” Alexandra sighed. “I just need to finish this brief so Karen can file it before she leaves.” As Alexandra’s assistant, Karen worked behind the scenes to make Alexandra’s job easier, never complaining about the long hours asked of her. The woman deserved a medal but settled for the lifetime supply of wine and chocolate Alexandra kept stocked for her.

  “You always need to finish something,” Blair answered. “And it will be there tomorrow for you to deal with. Your sister’s birthday dinner is about to start and if I have to explain to her why her younger sister couldn’t make it to her birthday, I am going to hunt you down in these high heels and drag your skinny ass over here. You are not to miss this. You have missed too many events in the last year, so put that brief down and come on.” That was Blair, as subtle as a banging gong at a mime convention.

  Alexandra groaned; she hadn’t forgotten, she’d just been sidetracked when she realized they needed to file the brief on behalf of her newest client. A couple minutes wouldn’t make much of a difference. She glanced at the time; she had about fifteen minutes to make herself presentable and get out before her best friend did in fact come banging down her door to take her to Parker’s dinner.

  “I'm on my way,” Alexandra promised, blowing an air kiss into the phone before hanging up and going back to her work. She hurried and twenty minutes later was out the door and on the way to her sister’s birthday celebration. It was an intimate affair, with just a few of girlfriends for dinner, while the bigger party was this weekend. Her and her sister’s birthdays had always been a big deal, something their parents emphasized with big parties and mounds of presents, and a tradition her mother continued after their father’s death over twenty years before.

  Alexandra rubbed her chest over her heart, blinking back the moisture in her eyes when she remembered how her father used to help her mother decorate with whatever theme the girls had chosen for their party, all the while complaining he was drowning in pink. It never got easier, no matter how many years passed, but times like these made the loss more acute, like a gaping hole that never quite filled, regardless of what she tried to shove in it.

  These are happy times, Alexandra thought, handing her keys to the valet upon her arrival. She gave her name to the hostess, waving to the few people she knew in the restaurant—some clients, some friends—before walking to the table for six in the back where Parker and Blair sat.

  “Hey, Parker…” she started to apologize. Her sister jumped up and hugged her, cutting off her air supply.

  “You came!” she squealed in Alexandra’s ear, rocking back and forth with her arms wrapped tightly around her. Parker stepped back, her arms sliding down to hold Alexandra’s hands, the grin splitting her face. They looked like twins, the two stacked brunettes who stood around five foot five with eyes the color of aged cognac, and long, brown hair. “And you’re early,” Parker finished, her voice tinged with surprise.

  Early. Alexandra glared at Blair, whose narrowed green eyes dared her to disagree.

  “Of course.” Alexandra shrugged off Parker’s disbelief, kissing her on the cheek. “It’s not every day my sister turns thirty-four.”

  “Ugh.” Parker groaned. “Don’t remind me. I turned thirty and fell the hell apart. I had to see the doctor the other day for my yearly checkup, where she reminded me I was reaching the age I might require medical assistance or have complications bearing children.”

  “Thanks for giving me something to look forward to.” Alexandra was staring down thirty in December. She let go of Parker and turned to Blair, giving her a hug and a smacking kiss on the cheek. “Thank you,” she whispered, since Blair’s duplicity put a smile on Parker’s face.

  “This ain’t my first rodeo.” She smiled. “I know how to get you lawyers to be where I need you when I need you.” Blair’s husband Derrick had gone to law school with Alexandra; it was how they met, but he’d focused on corporate law. Alexandra’s firm was a hodgepodge, taking on a variety of cases, including criminal.

  “So, what’s been going on with you?” Alexandra directed her question at Parker after they sat back down since she hadn’t seen her in two weeks.

  “Nothing much.” She shrugged. “I’ve just been getting engaged.” She pulled her hand out from under the table, sporting a huge sparkler.

  “Oh, my God! Congratulations! I’m so happy for you!” Alexandra hugged her sister again before grabbing her hand, studying the ring that was as clear as a bell. “This is amazing. Anthony even bought you a five-table ring.” Anthony was Parker’s longtime boyfriend, who loved her to distraction and spoiled her rotten.

  “A five-table ring?” Parker held her hand out, her face scrunched in confusion.

  “Big enough to be seen—” Alexandra started.

  “Five tables away,” Blair finished, before they dissolved in a fit of giggles. Alexandra kissed Parker’s forehead, so happy she couldn’t sit still.

  “How did it happen? And why didn’t you call me earlier?
” Alexandra asked, then listened to her sister describe the trip they took the previous weekend, where he popped the question on the beach as the sunset.

  “I was going to call you, but figured what the hell, I’ll surprise her at dinner.” They gushed over the ring some more, talking about wedding ideas, before Parker’s surprise was met with more excitement when the rest of her friends came. The evening passed quickly while the margaritas flowed freely, with promises to get together again before an intoxicated Alexandra threw herself in the back of the cab with Blair, arranging to come back for her car the next day. They were able to get out Alexandra’s address between the giggling and fumbling, settling in for the long ride to the suburbs Alexandra called home.

  “I’m thrilled for my sister. She deserves all the happiness life has to offer, and Anthony’s perfect for her.” Alexandra smiled, leaning against Blair’s shoulder because it was too much work to hold her head up.

  “She looks happy. Unlike some people.” Blair drilled her finger in Alexandra’s stomach.

  Alexandra swatted it away before Blair bruised something. “I’m happy. How many people do you know make junior partner when they’re thirty?” She held her arms out like an actor gesturing toward their waiting crowd.

  Blair rolled her eyes, pushing Alexandra’s arms down. “There’s more to life than work. When was the last time you went on vacation? Had a date? Got laid?” Alexandra’s eyes darted toward the rearview mirror, where the cab driver was paying close attention to Blair’s latest “you need a life” round of questions.

  Alexandra turned so she could maintain some semblance of privacy from the nosy cab driver. “I’m going on vacation as soon as I’m done with my upcoming trials. You know how important it is for me to make partner. And as far as dating, I don’t have time for anyone right now. Getting laid? That’s been a while.” Six months, to be exact, but Blair didn’t need to know that piece of information. And wasn’t she just a chatty Cathy after all those drinks? Those close to her knew Alexandra didn’t date but had no idea she went to the bar for a random one-night stand when she had an itch to scratch. Easier all around, but she’d been too busy for even that recently.

  Blair tsked at her. “You don’t even remember, do you? The day I forget the last time I had sex is the day I hire a male escort.” Alexandra remembered, but refused to elaborate on the drunken hookup on for her twenty-ninth birthday resulting in missing panties and a walk of shame to rival her college days.

  Alexandra slapped her arm. “I am not hiring a prostitute. Could you see the headlines? ‘Popular lawyer indicted for soliciting sex.’ Plus, I can get my own man; I just don’t have time.” And she refused to deal with the next guy looking at her like she was a freak—as though she were damaged somehow—because she loved having sex a lot. She just chose not to have indiscriminant sex with multiple men, she preferred one partner. And there was no partner, just her vibrator, which she’d almost worn out with overuse.

  Blair didn’t answer, just stared out the window, deep in thought before addressing her. “Hey, I have an idea…”

  By the time she was done outlining her plan, Alexandra wished she’d jumped in the cab with someone else. It sounded ridiculous, thrilling, dangerous, inappropriate, and so arousing she knew she was in for trouble.

  ***

  Alexandra went about her business over the next week, not worrying about Blair’s bleak assessment of her current love life or her ludicrous plan. That was until she read this:

  To: Alexandra Kane

  From: Blair Fisher

  Subject: Gotcha something…

  10:49 a.m.

  Hey Alexandra,

  Remember that conversation we had the other day about your crazy schedule and how you didn’t have time to get any? It’s Wednesday, HUMP day, and I know for a fact you need a good humping, so I am including the email about the club I was talking about. This is top secret information and I am not telling how I got it, but you’re welcome. He’s exclusive, discrete, and caters to people like you. Email him - GET LAID!

  Love you,

  Blair <3

  Alexandra stared at the email, complete with the promised email address for Roman Valentine, the owner of the exclusive sex club she’d heard about. She cursed those damn margaritas, which had made her confess the sorry state of her love life in the back of a dirty cab.

  Valentine specialized in any kind of sexual arrangement required, and she needed someone who could give it to her without any of the complications of a regular relationship while exercising discretion. She closed out of the email—the last headache she needed was someone discovering she was looking up potential sex clubs on company time—promising to give the information serious consideration that evening.

  Was she the kind of girl who arranged for a regular sexual hookup with virtual strangers as a member of a sex club? The sex she’d had in the recent past had been in crowded clubs when her need to be filled overcame her thought for her safety or reputation, but she knew those encounters were anonymous. This spoke of a different type of arrangement, where anonymity wasn’t possible. And what would her law partners say if they found out she sought Roman’s services?

  She was still thinking about the idea that evening, two glasses of liquid courage in the form of moscato later, and figured the worst he could do was say no to her request. She’d heard about him in hushed voices at dinner parties, but never allowed her mind to drift there. He could probably buy most of the people in the city but refused to flaunt either his wealth or the people who supplied it, opting instead for an almost reluctant existence. She searched his name online, hoping for more information, but there was little about the elusive club owner other than a bit of gossip here or there. And nothing about the club. Means he knows how to keep a secret, she thought, opening her personal email before she could talk herself out of it.

  To: Roman Valentine

  From: AK

  Subject: Valentine

  9:45 p.m.

  Dear Mr. Valentine,

  I received your contact information from a friend of mine. I was informed your club is the best at catering to people with particular needs. I will just be frank—I work long hours, and do not have the time or inclination for emotional entanglements. I do, however, need sexual satisfaction with anonymity. Could we meet to discuss?

  Sincerely,

  Alexandra

  Alexandra hit send before she chickened out, ignoring any negative future implications. It was no one’s business what she did on her own time, but she was fooling herself if she believed her partners would agree. Her reputation impacted the firm, and she needed their support to make partner. It was a catch-22—she needed the release of an orgasm to maintain her sanity and keep her job, but she very possibly couldn’t get that release from the one place that catered to her wishes, Club Valentine.

  She tossed and turned most of the evening, considering the ramifications of her actions. Realizing sleep was futile, Alexandra decided to work on some of her cases, hoping to make some headway on the two she had in the next week so she could spend the weekend with Parker discussing wedding plans. Parker wanted to look at possible venues and Alexandra agreed to help her scout them out. She made her way to the office a little after eight thirty, spending the first part of her day in a meeting, before she sat a minute to compose herself and check messages. Heart racing, she balked at the incoming email address. Roman had replied to her and she felt a bit sick thinking about his answer.

  To: AK

  From: Roman Valentine

  Subject: Re: Valentine

  9:35 a.m.

  Dear Alexandra,

  If you received my information then you already know I cater to an exclusive client list. We welcome all needs, and have plenty of men who would be able to meet your sexual appetite. Should I schedule a time for you to come in and find someone of your tastes who can work within your schedule?

  Sincerely,

  Roman

  Alexandra exhaled, rereading the em
ail again. This could work. Blair’s asinine idea may help her out. Only problem was she refused to deal with one of his “men”. She wanted the best, and after more digging, Roman Valentine was rumored to be as good as they come. Besides, she wanted to make sure her association with his club didn’t get back to her bosses, meaning she needed to work with him.

  To: Roman Valentine

  From: AK

  Subject: Re: Valentine

  10:08 a.m.

  Dear Roman,

  I only work with the best, and as the owner, I’m sure you know who I think is the best.

  Sincerely,

  Alexandra

  She waited for the answer that never came. The man owned a sex club, so Alexandra was sure he’d been propositioned before. Twelve hours later, she swore she’d run him off, figuring it was for the best. Blair’s idea was crazy anyway. The only thing crazier was that she had considered going through with it. Hopefully he would stay quiet and not disclose her communication. Her answer came over twenty-four hours later and made her dig in her heels, more determined than ever to get him.

  To: AK

  From: Roman Valentine

  Subject: Re: Valentine

  10:29 a.m.

  Dear Alexandra,

  You must have misunderstood your friend, or the purpose of my club, because I don’t sleep with my clients. I cater to your needs, but I don’t personally fulfill them.

  Sincerely,

  Roman

  Alexandra mulled it over, strategizing about what it would take to get him to agree. There was something she could offer, an object she didn’t know he wanted until the other day. It seemed like fate when the email came into the inbox, but there was no way of knowing if he’d even accept her terms. She emailed her reply, hoping he decided to give her a chance because if not, she was out of options.

  To: Roman Valentine

  From: AK

  Subject: Re: Valentine

  12:37 p.m.

  Dear Roman,

  I need the best, and you are at the top. The fact you don’t sleep with your clients as a rule only makes me more certain you’re the right pick. I’m looking for a lover, not a porn star. The least you can do is meet me before you say no. If not, I would be willing to discuss the possibility of meeting with other people at your club. I can make it worth your while.