14. Chapter Fourteen
While Viktor is away, I will play.
I giggle to myself as Joy puts the finishing touches on my makeup. Knowing that what I’m about to do will have him desperate to get home. If he’s going to make me send hourly updates and photos, he’s going to regret his choices.
“Girl, why do I feel like you’re playing with fire?” Joy asks, brushing some blush across the apple of my cheek.
“Oh I am definitely playing with fire, and I’m bringing the gasoline.” My fingers gently rub the purple lace in my lap.
The doorman calls up to the penthouse to let us know that our guest is here. He will send her up and it’s go time.
“Are you ready? I can’t say I ever pictured you doing something like this.” Joy points out my sudden confidence in my body .
“It’s amazing what having someone worship your curves instead of constantly putting them down will do for you.”
Over the time that I’ve been with Viktor, having him constantly tell me how beautiful my curves are have really started to change how I view my own body. I’m still not entirely comfortable in my own skin, but I have enough confidence to do this boudoir shoot. Joy and I went out last night to the little boutique down the street to pick out the outfit for the shoot, and I chose purple to match the Havoc colors. Knowing how much he loved those purple heels I wore the first night, I knew it was perfect to pair with them.
Opening the door I greet Alesandra, the photographer that Claire recommended to me. She did a maternity boudoir a few weeks ago and the photos were absolutely stunning. I even booked her for another maternity session, with Viktor. That will be a surprise for another day.
“Hi! It’s so nice to finally meet you!” I reach out my hand to greet her.
“So lovely to meet you, Calliope! I’m thrilled you chose me for this special session!” Instead of taking my hand she pulls me into a hug.
Joy walks up behind me, “Hi, I’m Joy. I’m here for moral support.” She extends her hand the same as I did, but was also pulled in for a hug .
“Oh! How fun!” Alesandra places her bags down on the counter and starts to put together her gear. “Tell me a little bit more about your shoot, what are you hoping to get?”
“Laid,” Joy snickers and Alesandra laughs.
I shoot Joy a shut the hell up look.
“I trust you for poses, but really it’s just because of a newfound confidence in my body, and thanking the man who made me appreciate all my body is doing and has done.”
“Well that is the best reason.” She snaps her lens into place. “Where are we starting?”
I grin, rubbing my hands together. I want photos on every spot Viktor has worshiped my body in his penthouse.
I lead her to the bedroom to start there, needing time to get comfortable and emboldened for the final photo I want. The photo that will be the one I send him while he’s playing the game.
As we finish the session, Alesandra poses me along the windows that overlook the Houston skyline. After a few shots, I pose in the way that Viktor told me to stand against the window. Recreating the memory for him to keep.
My favorites though, are the ones of me on the bed, with his jersey on, my ass popped out from behind. I chose a matching set of panties in a deep violet color. Joy cut up the jersey so it fits me better and shows off my waist line.
“Oh girl. These are amazing.” She scrolls through the back of her camera. “I’ll have them ready for you in the morning, as requested.”
Paying extra to have these back as soon as possible will be totally worth it. I can’t wait to start sending them to Viktor.
“Thank you so much Alesandra.” I walk her to the door.
“I’ll see you both soon!”
Joy ended up booking a session just for herself. But I’m not all too sure that it’s not for her boss. She’s been awfully quiet about the grumpy man she claimed to hate then was all over the night at TRNDZ.
Closing the door I collapse onto the couch next to Joy. “That was amazing.”
“He’s going to skip the game and come right home.”
I giggle at the thought of a professional hockey player wanting to give up his game to come home to me. Especially Viktor. He loves the game. He’s already talking about the first pair of skates he’s going to buy our baby, whether it’s a girl or boy, they’re going to be skating.
“It’s almost time to go. Are you sure you want to come?” Joy asks.
She has plans with her co-workers tonight for dinner and a new trendy bar. Her job has a lot of perks for me. The best one is currently in Boston with his teammates.
“One hundred percent. Is your boss going to be there?” I coyly ask.
“Ugh. I fucking hope not.” Her cheeks redden, not matching her sentiment.
I grin. Guess I’ll see if I’m right tonight.
Choosing jeans, and a sheer black blouse to put over my black bodysuit, I check myself in the mirror.
My makeup from earlier still looks good and I pair my ensemble with some black heels.
I snap a photo in the full length mirror with Viktor’s messy bed in the back from my boudoir shoot. I think twice about fixing the bed, but I want him to see the messy bed as a cheeky caption comes to mind.
Me: photo Wish you were here messing up the sheets with me.
An immediate response comes.
Baby Daddy: I can’t wait to mess up the sheets with you in a few days. How is liten b?nne?
Me : He’s good. Misses his Daddy.
Baby Daddy: He?
Me: Just a feeling. We can find out early next week though. If you want to.
Baby Daddy: Book it. There’s a credit card in my top drawer.
I roll my eyes. Of course he left a credit card for me to buy whatever I want. This man can’t stop taking care of me even if he isn’t here.
Me: Yes, Sir. eye roll emoji
Baby Daddy: winking emoji Good girl.
What he doesn’t know is that I already booked it with Claire’s help for figuring out a time he doesn’t have practice or a game, or some other team obligation. Vivid dreams come to me every night. Me, Viktor, and a sweet little boy with Viktor’s dark hair, and my light green eyes, the chubbiest cheeks I’ve ever seen, and a toothless little grin with a dimple that matches Viktor’s. I need to know if my dreams are coming true.
“Let’s go, C.”
Joy steps out of the bathroom in the tightest jeans I’ve ever seen her wear, and a deep V cut coral blouse that flows from her body and leaves me wondering how the hell it’s staying attached to her boobs. Completed with an adorable half up hairdo with a cream bow tying it back, and matching coral stilettos that make her taller than me.
“Tape, baby. It’ll hurt like hell later but not when I’m getting that look from the boys instead of my pregnant bestie who loves dick.”
She walks toward the door laughing. And if she’s looking to get someone’s attention, she’s going to get it.
We wait in the lobby for our Uber when a blacked out town car pulls up with a driver suited up like we’re royalty.
“Wow, this Uber driver really goes the extra mile.” I whisper to Joy.
“Ms. Miller, your driver is here.” The doorman ushers us to the door and holds it open.
“My driver? I didn’t order a driver.”
“Mr. Karlsen did. He is here for you whenever Mr. Karlsen is gone, please let me know if you are going out and I will call for him.” He nods and walks back to the desk by the elevators.
“Shit girl. A penthouse and a personal driver?” Joy smacks my arm before skipping into the waiting car.
I close my eyes and take a deep breath.
“Thank you,” I say to the man holding open the door .
He doesn’t speak, only nods.
Settling in next to Joy I see that there is a window dividing the front from the back.
“Do you think he knows where we’re going?”
“I’m going to guess if you told Viktor then that answer is yes .”
Pulling out her phone she snaps a selfie in the back of the car. “There. Your hourly proof of life is sent for you this time.”
I laugh before relaxing with the bottle of sparkling grape juice Viktor has chilling in the back of the car next to the real bottle of champagne for Joy.
Watching out the window, I see the moment we pull up to The Steer, with a line waiting out the door.
“I’m so freaking excited to try this place. It’s supposed to be really good.” I turn to Joy who looks like she belongs in this life.
“It’s really good. The hype is totally worth it.”
I turn to her, my mouth dropped open. “How many times have you been here and why don’t I know about it?”
She faces me instead of her cell and her eyes widen, “I mean I haven’t, I just heard.”
“Mmm. Sure. You’re keeping secrets from me. And I don’t love it. ”
Before she can respond the driver is pulling open the door for us to step out in front of the throngs of people waiting for a chance at a table.
I watch as Joy confidently steps up to the hostess stationed outside, giving her our names, and getting us a personal escort right to the table.
If looks could give a man away, Joy’s boss just told me everything I need to know. His tongue is practically rolled out onto the table drooling, watching as she approaches.
She glances at him briefly, barely giving him a moment of her time, before taking the seat at the end of the table by two other guys from her office, leaving me the empty seat next to her boss, and her friend Allison.
I lean toward her boss to whisper, “You can close your mouth now. Wouldn’t want you to give yourself away too much.”
He shakes his head, turning to look at me. “What do you-”
“Welcome to The Steer Steakhouse! Can I get you guys started with some drinks?”
By the time everyone has placed their orders, my attention is elsewhere.
Thad.
Sitting right at the bar with Amber and a herd of other douchebags hanging on his every word. Probably the interns from Arrington Development that he treats like shit. Paid to act like he’s God’s gift to the world.
What did I ever see in that man?
As I have that thought, he turns to look over in my direction, spotting me with eagle eyed precision through the crowd.
I watch in horror as he excuses himself from the crowd and makes his way over to our table.
“Callen, it’s good to see you. What are you doing out here tonight?” Thad slaps Joy’s boss on the shoulder.
“Hey man, just taking the team out to celebrate a large contract they worked hard on for the last few weeks to win. What brings you out?” It’s subtle, but I notice the way he flinches away from Thad.
“Oh you know, new batch of interns, gotta show them what they could have to keep them working those hours.” He laughs at what he said, but no one joins in.
Thad would never be caught treating his team to, well anything. Let alone an expensive dinner and allow their plus ones to join for the night.
“Well, it was good seeing you, Thad. I’m going to get back to my team now. I’ll see you next week for the pitch.” He reaches out his hand to shake and end the conversation.
Once he’s back at the bar with Amber, Callen looks at me. “I’m so sorry he came over here. He usually just ignores us, but he must have wanted to make his presence known with you.”
“It’s fine, I’m over it.” I wave him off. He must have heard about our breakup through the development firm grapevine.
“I saw. You’re dating Viktor Karlsen now?” He asks with interest.
“I am. He’s in Boston for a game but maybe when he gets back, you and Joy can join us for dinner.” I push my limits on fishing for information about him and Joy.
“We’ll see about that.” His gaze turns toward the woman in question, a look of displeasure crossing his face when he sees that she’s flirting with the man at the end of the table that wasn’t there when we arrived.
I send her a questioning look, raising my eyebrow and nodding to the guy on her right. She shrugs in response and goes back to her conversation. When I turn back around to talk to Callen, he’s gone. Talking to one of the interns at the bar from Thad’s group.
Baby Daddy: Are you having fun at dinner?
Me: Thad is here. With Amber. So, it’s something.
Baby Daddy: Is he bothering you?
Me: No. He came over to say “hi” to Joy’s boss. Don’t worry, no one is ruining my night. eyeroll emoji
I put my cell phone away now that my hourly check in is done.
Searching the area I’ve lost track of Thad, but see Amber still at the bar.
“Come on! We’re going to the bar downstairs.”
I follow Joy blindly down the stairs to a bar that is blocked off by a velvet rope. Callen gives his name and the rope is lifted for us. When the bouncer sees me his eyes widen.
“Excuse me, are you Viktor Karlsen’s girlfriend?” I can hear the starstruck in his voice.
“I am.” I smile at him.
“Oh wow, I’m a huge fan. If you need anything you let me know. I’ll take care of you.” He closes the rope behind me stopping the party from behind me entering without giving their name.
“Thank you.” I nod to him and follow the group to a table on the outer edge of the room.
This time Joy waits for me.
She leans over to whisper in my ear. “How amazing is this place? ”
Thad takes the last empty seat at the table. He must have brought the interns down here before we got here.
“I mean it was great, now it could be better.” I sigh as he smiles over at us.
“I’m so sorry, C. I didn’t know he was going to be here tonight. I don’t even know why he’s sitting with us. Callen can’t stand him.”
I find Callen who’s talking to the intern I saw him with earlier. “I think he’s trying to poach his team.”
“Oh that’s Callen’s favorite thing to do just to piss Thad off. But Thad sucks up to him because he knows he needs him as a network to do anything in this business.” She rolls her eyes at Thad’s blatant attempt to get near Callen.
I laugh because he looks like one of the interns he talks so badly about.
“If you want to go I won’t be angry. I don’t want to force you to hang with him after everything he did.”
“I’ll probably head out soon. I’ll send the driver back for you.” I smirk.
“Ooh la la, you’re so fancy now.” She takes her drink from the waiter.
I only stay about fifteen minutes more before I text the driver that I’m ready to leave.
It’s nice knowing who is going to be there to pick me up, and that Viktor has vetted him so I know he’s safe. I’ve not really been alone since I found out I was pregnant but the few times I have been, I feel like I’m more paranoid about the people around me. Like any one of them could do something to our unborn baby. Viktor makes me feel safe and protected when he’s with me.
“Good evening, Ms. Miller.” The driver opens the door for me, and inside is a large gift bag.
I lift the bag, and look at the driver. “What is this?”
“A little something from Mr. Karlsen, there is a note with the gift.” He closes the door, ever the picture of professionalism.
Skatten Min.
I told you I would buy you a hundred more pairs if I got to rip them off you. I expect these to be on your body when I return home to you in my bed.
Love, V
I peek into the bag, moving the tissue paper over. Inside is quite possibly one hundred pairs of lace thongs alongside unlined lace bras, all in matching colors.
I close the bag, suddenly wondering if the driver also did the shopping. My cheeks heat at the thought.
Me: You are insane.
Baby Daddy: Got my gift, I take it?
Me: Yes. You crazy man.
Baby Daddy: No. I am a man of my word.
Two can play his game. Just wait until I get home.
I rush up the stairs so fast when I’m dropped off that the doorman probably thinks there is something wrong with me. I thought about switching to the stairs when the elevator was taking too long but then I remembered how many floors I would have to climb.
Finally the elevator dings and I hop in smashing the button for P3 and the one that closes the doors without waiting any longer.
Once I get upstairs I rush through the door, and into the bedroom, giving myself a minute to gather my breath before stripping out of the clothes I had on.
I slip into the lavender matching set, standing in front of the large full length mirror. I snap a mirror selfie before setting my phone up on the dresser across from the bed. I learned that you can take a screenshot from a video and don’t have to mess with a timer, I might even send him a video if I’m feeling brave enough .
Positioning myself on the bed, I peek over at my phone one more time to make sure I’m in the video, faceless of course. I’ll never send a thing half-naked with my face in the photo.
For the first photo, I kneel at the end of the bed, facing the headboard, sitting on my feet and lifting just a bit to highlight my ass. I run my hands through my long curls, pulling the sides together in a seductive move. I hold the pose for a moment or two before moving into the next.
I slide to the edge of the bed, spreading my legs for him. I reach back with one hand and arch my back, throwing my head back. With my other hand I lightly grip my own neck, pausing for a second. Then I slide my hand slowly down my body, caressing over my breast, bump, and stopping at my clit.
I smile to myself. I’ve never been so bold and it feels fucking amazing. I’m just as excited to send these as he will be to get them.
Hopping up, I run over to the dresser to stop the video. Giddiness courses through me as I run over to his side of the bed and curl up in his spot. His smell envelops me like a comfort blanket.
I screenshot my poses from the video, then trim it down to just me running my hand over my body. The images show just how much my bump is starting to show. It won’t be long before we’ll have to start telling people that I’m pregnant .
Adding the two photos and video to a message, I hit send before I lose the nerve.
My phone immediately rings. A photo of Viktor fills the screen and I swipe to answer the call.
“What are you doing to me, Skatten Min?” He doesn’t greet me, or wait for me to greet him. Apparently the photos had the exact effect I was hoping for.
“Just getting ready for bed,” I say innocently.
“That’s not true. Are you lying to me?” he growls.
“Nope,” popping the P, “I am laying in bed as we speak.”
A FaceTime request comes through from him.
“Why are you trying to FaceTime?”
“Answer, and find out.”
I accept his request and see his smirking face fill my screen in real time. My heart constricts. I didn’t realize until this very moment how much I miss him, and feeling the safety of his arms around me at night.
“See. Safe and sound in your bed, as requested,” I sass him.
“Let’s revisit that video you sent me. You want to touch yourself, Skatten Min? Or are you thinking of me touching you?”
“Thinking about you touching me.” Now.
“I want you to touch yourself, and do as I say.”
“Yes, Sir. ”
“Set the phone up on the nightstand so I can see you as you touch yourself, Skatten Min.”
I lean over setting the phone up on the nightstand so he can see as instructed. I never was one to break the rules.
“Grip your neck like you were in the video. I want to see you explore your own body, and love it as much as I do.”
Doing as he says, I lightly grip my neck, but this time it feels sexier knowing that he’s watching.
“Feel your breasts. The ones that fill my hands.” Moving my hand I listen as he continues, “Pinch your nipples. I want to see them harden at the thought of me doing that to you while I pump my cock.”
My back arches as I pinch my nipples. I imagine his warm mouth covering me instead of my fingers.
“Viktor,” I moan.
“Slide down to your clit, slip your finger through your wet pussy and circle that clit. My hard cock is desperate to feel the heat of your tight pussy. To feel my cock coated in you.”
My fingers alternate between circling my clit and sliding inside of me at his words.
“It’s not enough. I need you.”
“Keep touching yourself Skatten Min. Pinch your clit for me.” He’s giving directions through a strangled breath now. “I can’t wait to get home, to slam my cock into you. To lick you. Touch you. I’m almost there, and you’re going to come with me.”
Something about knowing he’s stroking himself to the thought of me getting off to his voice puts me right on the edge.
“Slide two fingers inside yourself, flatten your palm on your clit and work that pussy until you’re coming. Come for me.”
Writhing on the bed, the shiver of an orgasm takes over my body. “Yes, Sir.”
“Good girl.” The moans of his own release bring my orgasm.
I continue touching myself, circling my clit and fingering myself to his moans to draw out every pulse of my orgasm.
Goddamn. Why is it so sexy knowing he got off to me touching myself? I’ve never had phone sex before. Never having the confidence to touch myself or someone walk me through it. But everything is better with Viktor. Everything feels safer with him, giving me the confidence to do things I never thought I could.
“Skatten Min, come back to me.”
Viktor’s voice pulls me from my orgasm induced bliss, back to him.
I roll to face the phone that’s still set up on the nightstand .
“Don’t shy away from me. You’re beautiful and sexy, and I can’t wait to drown myself in you once more.”
“Forever?” I ask half asleep.
“Every day for the rest of my life, Skatten Min.”
My eyes are slipping closed faster than I want them to. I’m not done hearing his voice.
“Promise? I can’t lose you. I’d drown in misery.”
“I promise, Skatten Min. Sleep now.”
My eyes that were at half mast, close fully as I drift off into sleep.
The sun streaming through the floor to ceiling windows of Viktor’s bedroom awaken me. I stretch out in his bed and am reminded quickly that I’m here alone. A pout begins to form on my lips when I remember our night last night, something that still feels like a dream instead of my own reality.
I roll over to grab my phone and see that it’s only seven in the morning. I find two messages left on my phone. One from Joy and one from Viktor.
Joy: Made it home. Kind of. Sending you my location.
Viktor: Forever, Skatten Min. I promise.
Brief recollections of a conversation with Viktor come to my mind. I made him promise me forever in my orgasm induced haze. God how clingy can a girl be?
Anytime I asked Thad for reassurance or a plan for our future he’d always tell me one thing. No one likes a clinger, C. Don’t be like this, it’s not becoming of you.
But not Viktor. He reassures me, and shows me how much he loves me without even saying the words. He’s become my safe space and I don’t know what to do with that. I’ve always been independent, especially with Thad. I took his words to heart, being detached and void of emotion was more attractive.
Another text comes through, followed by an email. I check my messages first.
Mom: See you at eleven, baby! I can’t wait to shop for my future grandbaby! Heart emojis x100
Next I go to my email.
Calliope,
You are the most fiery badass I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. Please think about letting me use a few for my website, I’d even be open to a model shoot with you in something you’re more comfortable sharing. I hope you love them as much as I do.
XO, Alesandra
Clicking the link in her email I open to a gallery of hundreds of images of me looking like someone I don’t even recognize.
Who is this new Calliope Miller? And where has she been hiding my whole life? I love her.