Samantha's Submission #1

SAMANTHA BATES

I glided across the gleaming herringbone floor of the Crystal Ballroom, the swish of my silk gown barely audible over the string quartet. My eyes were locked on Alexander Reyes as he lounged against a marble column, his designer jeans and blazer a stark contrast to the sea of tuxedos around him. My heart quickened as I approached, equal parts anticipation and nerves.

"Mr. Reyes," I said, extending my hand. "Samantha Bates. Welcome to the Velvet Key Society."

His warm fingers enveloped mine as a slow smile spread across his face. "Ms. Bates, the pleasure is all mine. I've heard so much about your... exclusive gatherings."

A shiver ran down my spine at the way his dark eyes appraised me. I fought to maintain my professional demeanour, though a part of me longed to let my carefully pinned hair down.

"I trust you've had a chance to explore the amenities?" I asked, gesturing to the opulent ballroom around us. The crystal chandeliers cast a soft glow over the guests, their laughter mingling with the tinkling of champagne glasses.

Alexander leaned in close, his breath warm on my ear. "Oh yes, though I'm far more interested in exploring... other things. Now tell me, what are your preferences, Ms. Bates? I feel like we'd get on famously."

My breath caught in my throat.

"I like a man who will take control."

The words sent a thrill through me. I rarely indulged my own desires, too focused on ensuring everyone else's needs were met. But tonight, perhaps I could make an exception.

Alexander's finger trailed down my neck, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake. "Well then," he murmured, his voice husky, "it's your lucky day."

My heart raced, torn between professional decorum and the electric tension crackling between us. I should step back, maintain boundaries. But his touch ignited something primal within me, making it hard to think straight.

"Is that so?" I managed to reply, my voice embarrassingly breathy. I cleared my throat, trying to regain some semblance of control. "And what makes you so certain?"

His hand landed on my neck, warm and firm. My pulse quickened beneath his palm. "I have a talent for reading people, Ms. Bates," he said, his thumb brushing my jawline. "And right now, you're an open book."

I swallowed hard, acutely aware of how exposed I felt under his gaze. This was dangerous territory. I was the organizer, not a participant. And yet... the temptation to let go, just for one night, was overwhelming.

"Perhaps," I whispered, surprising myself with my boldness, "we should continue this conversation somewhere more... private."

I led Alexander towards the private elevator, my heels clicking purposefully against the polished marble floor. The weight of his hand on the small of my back sent shivers up my spine. As we waited for the elevator, I found myself second-guessing my decision. Was this reckless? Unprofessional?

"Having second thoughts?" Alexander's voice was low, tinged with amusement.

I straightened my shoulders, meeting his gaze in the mirrored elevator doors. "Hardly. I always have a contingency plan."

The elevator arrived with a soft chime, and we stepped inside. As the doors closed, sealing us in the intimate space, the air seemed to thicken with anticipation. I pressed the button, my fingers trembling slightly.

The elevator doors opened, revealing a dimly lit hallway. As we stepped out, I couldn't help but wonder what the night would bring.

I fumbled with the keycard, my usual efficiency abandoning me as Alexander's warm breath tickled the nape of my neck. The lock clicked, and I pushed the door open, stepping into the plush suite. Before I could flip on the lights or even catch my breath, Alexander's strong hands were on my waist, spinning me around.

The door slammed shut behind us, and suddenly I was pinned against the wall, Alexander's body pressing against mine. His hand found my throat, applying just enough pressure to make my pulse race. Our eyes locked for a fleeting moment before his lips crashed into mine, hungry and demanding.

A moan escaped me, muffled by his kiss. His fingers tightened slightly around my neck, and I felt myself melting into his touch, my carefully constructed walls crumbling.

Alexander deepened the kiss, devouring me with an intensity that left me breathless. His free hand roamed my body, leaving trails of fire in its wake. I arched into his touch, my own hands clawing at his back, pulling him closer. The world beyond this room, beyond his touch, ceased to exist.

My skin tingled with electricity as Alexander's lips finally broke away from mine. His eyes, dark with desire, bore into me. The silence hung heavy between us, charged with unspoken promises.

"Strip, Ms. Bates," he commanded, his voice low and husky.

I hesitated, my usual confidence wavering.

His hand landed on my neck again, fingers applying gentle but firm pressure. "Did I stutter?" he growled.

A shiver ran down my spine. "No," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

"No, what?" he pressed, his thumb tracing my jawline.

I swallowed hard. "No... sir."

A satisfied smirk played at the corners of his mouth. "Good girl. Now, I won't ask again."

My fingers trembled slightly as I reached for the buttons of my blazer. I let it slide off my shoulders, the soft whisper of fabric against skin echoing in the quiet room. The dress came next, pooling at my feet in a puddle of silk. I unclasped my bra, letting it join the growing pile on the floor.

Alexander's eyes roamed over me, his gaze almost tangible. I fought the urge to cover myself, instead standing tall in just my lace panties and heels. The cool air of the room raised goosebumps on my exposed skin.

"You're stunning, Ms. Bates," he murmured, his voice thick with appreciation.

A flush crept up my neck, warming my cheeks.

"Thank you, sir," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

His eyes darkened at my words, and he closed the distance between us in two quick strides. One hand cupped my face, while the other traced a line from my collarbone down to the curve of my breast. I shivered, desire pooling low in my belly.

"So responsive," he murmured, his breath hot against my ear. "I can't wait to explore every inch of you."

I could barely catch my breath as Alexander gently pushed me back onto the bed. The plush comforter caressed my bare skin, cool silk against heated flesh. His lips found mine again, more insistent this time, as he hovered above me.

"Samantha," he breathed against my mouth. "You've been driving me wild all night."

A small whimper escaped me as he began trailing kisses along my jaw. His stubble scratched deliciously against my sensitive skin, sending tingles down my spine. I arched into him, craving more contact.

"Please," I whispered, though I wasn't sure what exactly I was begging for.

Alexander's lips curved into a smile against my neck. "Patience, Ms. Bates. We have all night."

His mouth continued its torturous descent, leaving a trail of fire in its wake. When he reached my collarbone, he paused to suck gently, and I gasped at the sensation. My hands flew to his hair, fingers tangling in the soft strands.

"God, Alexander," I moaned as he moved lower still.

He chuckled, the vibration against my skin sending shivers through me. "That's 'sir' to you, remember?"

Before I could respond, his lips closed around my right nipple. The wet heat of his mouth was exquisite, and I arched off the bed, pressing myself closer. His tongue swirled around the sensitive bud, and I bit my lip to stifle a cry of pleasure.