Chapter 2 - Grace
Being in my last year as a grad student was way more stressful than I could have anticipated. There was so much more to take in and consider in marketing that I couldn’t even take a proper breath. This last week, I spent most of my waking hours in the library trying to cram all the terms into my head.
I had left the track team and my weekly chess games to concentrate on my studies. My life has become a mechanical machine of getting up, studying, and sleeping.
Then, I walked into what felt like a brick wall. My book slammed into my chest with force. Exhaling slowly, I looked up as the book dropped to the floor.
Looking up into the stranger's deep-set dark eyes, I felt like I had dropped into a black hole. His chiseled jaw and symmetrical features were out of this world. He was a big man with muscles for days. His brown hair shone like smooth Egyptian cotton. I had to restrain myself from touching it. The head of a snake-looking creature peeked out of his collar, making me wonder what else was under his shirt.
His faint sleek beard with the slight curve on his full lips complemented his masculinity as it added a softness most women craved. If the perfect man existed, he would surely be it.
I assured him that I was fine, but he wouldn’t let my hand go. He appeared so out of place that I had to smile. For a moment, time froze as a hurricane swept through my mind, removing all thought. Then I realized he was holding my hand a bit tight.
Smiling at him, I spoke carefully. “Could I get my hand back?”
I noticed him blushing a little as his cheeks turned a light red. He glanced at my hand before letting go. Rubbing the back of his neck, he replied softly. “Sorry about that, I didn’t mean to. It’s just that you’re so mesmerizing. I got lost in your beauty.”
This time, my cheeks turned crimson as I lowered my gaze. I felt my body swaying slightly. Placing one arm across my chest, I held it with the other. “Thank you,” I whispered.
He put his hand under my chin, gently lifting my head.
“Don’t be shy,” he said, stepping closer. He seemed to be searching my face. I was unsure what he was hoping to find. Our eyes met, and I stared deep into his soul for a second. Taking a step back, I spoke carefully, pulling my head from his hand. “I’m sorry, this is slightly inappropriate.”
I bent down, picking up my book. Holding it to my chest, I crossed my arms over it in a protective gesture.
“Excuse me,” he replied. “I didn’t intend to make you feel uncomfortable.” Holding his hand out to me, he continued. “I’m Makari, and you are?”
“Grace,” I replied, taking his hand as I didn’t want to appear stuck up. I smiled once again, feeling a tumbling inside my stomach.
Instead of shaking my hand, he raised it and laid a soft kiss on it. Glancing up at me, I felt the blush returning as they burned. His lips were soft and warm.
“Could I maybe take you out for a coffee or a drink later to apologize for my clumsiness?” he asked, letting go of my hand.
I giggled lightly as I responded. “Maybe, not that it was entirely your fault.”
“Well, how about tonight? Can I pick you up around eight?” he insisted.
“I’ll think about it,” I said, patting his shoulder before turning to leave. I had taken two steps and knew I wanted to. Turning back, I smiled at him as I nodded.
His smile broadened as he spoke again. “You are so beautiful.”
Turning back to face him, I glanced around. No one seemed to notice our collision, which was good.
I was about to turn and leave when he spoke again. “So, it’s a date.” Closing my eyes for a second, I absorbed his voice. It was filled with a calm tenderness. I could listen to it all day.
“What brings you here, as you are obviously not a student, or are you? Sorry, maybe you’re a new professor.” I asked, smiling like an overly happy dog. In my mind, I was slapping the crap out of my face, but the smile wouldn’t ease up. It felt like my hormones had jumped into a pool of love potion, and I was about to lose control.
“Aren’t you the observant one,” he replied teasingly. “No, I’m not a student or professor. I was just checking in with a professor friend of mine.”
Feeling my body swaying, I wished the earth would open and swallow me. I have never had this reaction to any man I have ever met. “Well, good luck with your meeting then,” I replied, turning. I wanted to run, but my body was betraying me. My legs felt like lead and wouldn’t move.
“Wait,” he huffed, jumping around me to stand between me and the door. “I have already met my friend. But I just want confirmation. I don’t want to end up sitting outside like a stalker. We do have a date tonight?”
A heatwave washed over me. I felt my cheeks turning bright red as I shyly looked up. “I don’t generally do this,” he said, lightly touching my fingers.
If he only knew I have never done this, I get to know the men I date before going out. I have always been careful, but maybe I needed a break. Seeing as my mind was blanking out, maybe some fun was just what the doctor ordered. What harm could it do? This way, I wouldn’t have to face a fawning guy.
“Yes,” I replied plainly, trying to contain the sudden burst of excitement. “I would like that. Pick me up around eight here outside the library?”
“Yes,” he added, stepping to the side. “See you then.”
“Note that I don’t do such things,” I added before leaving.
My heart was stuck in my throat as I headed back to my dorm room. I couldn’t believe I had said yes so easily. But there was something about this man I couldn’t place. Plus, all studying with no play would surely make me dull.
Grinning at myself, I took a shower and started getting ready. After changing my outfit three times, I finally settled on jeans and a comfortable top.
I strangely felt comfortable. Heading out, I went to the library parking area. I didn’t want him to know where I was staying. It was only a couple of drinks and maybe some dancing to relax. I wasn’t going to give a stranger my address.
Sitting on the bench, I noticed a truck pulling in. It had to be him. I stood as he stopped and got out. Suddenly, I felt unsure, but it was a bit late for second-guessing myself.
“Good evening,” he said, opening the door for me. “You look lovely.”
“Thank you,” I replied as I got in, and he closed the door. His scent filled the air around me as our shoulders brushed lightly. It was a smoky spice scent, taking me back to my childhood. Closing my eyes, I could see my grandpa sitting by the window with his pipe. I smiled, watching him move around the truck.
As he closed his door, he turned to me, smiling. “You look good,” he complimented.
I was glad it was dark as I felt my cheeks heating up. “Thank you,” I replied. I knew my light blue jeans hugged my thighs and ass perfectly. It was more for showing off than comfort. Why I decided to wear them, I wasn’t sure, it just felt right.
He started the truck and pulled out of the university grounds. As he drove, I watched the moonlight dancing across his muscular forearms. He was fascinating; I was battling to keep my eyes off him.
Makari selected a bar not too far from the university. I was glad, as I could simply leave if the evening turned out to be a bust. Once again, he was a real gentleman, opening the truck door and bar door for me. The place wasn’t as packed as usual, possibly because it was a weeknight.
We walked through to the bar at the back. “Hi there,” Makari greeted the bartender while raising his hand.
The older man nodded and came straight over. “Evening, what’ll it be?” he asked.
“I’ll have a martini,” he said, then glanced at me as he continued. “And a dacqrifor the lady.”
“Coming right up,” the man replied as he turned and got to work.
I wondered if he got the same thing for all the women he brought here, as it was one of my favorite drinks. Or did he know more about me than I thought? It strangely felt like he read my mind.
He was unlike any man I’ve ever met. I wondered where he came from and where he’d been hiding. The barman returned with our drinks. As he handed me mine, Makari winked at me as he spoke. “You want a table at the back or more towards the door in case you want to run?”
My cheeks instantly turned red. “Doesn’t matter,” I replied shyly. I was now sure he could read my mind.
I walked with him to one of the booths in the back. “Didn’t you want a table?” I enquired.
Shaking his head, he replied flatly. “No, I think a booth will allow us to communicate a little.” He held his hand out towards the opening, and I slid in first.
I moved almost all the way around to the other side. Looking up, I noticed the booth was facing the door. I found this a bit odd and wondered if he was thinking what I was. Straight line to the door in case the date was horrible. I almost burst out laughing at the idea, but took a big sip of my drink instead.
The music was nice, and most of the people were laughing, drinking, and chatting away. I have only been here about two times with other girls from school. But the atmosphere was nice.
Looking at him as he sat down, I could see he was tired. There were dark circles under his eyes, and his shoulders were slumped. As he turned, our eyes met, and I was lost in their sparkle for a second.
“So, may I ask what you are studying?” He asked before taking a sip from his glass.
Grinning, I played with the straw in my glass. “You may,” I replied tauntingly.
Makari grinned and shook his head. “Well, then,” he said, shifting closer. “Please do enlighten me.”
His tone was light. I couldn’t help but smile. “I’m studying Marketing,” I replied, nodding. “Now it’s your turn.”
He glanced around before answering. His tone had gone from light to a kind of mystical soft one as he replied. “Let me guess. Do you want to know what I do?”
Shaking my head, I softly tapped his shoulder. “Of course I do, silly,” I replied, trying to match his tone.
Makari suddenly sat back and spoke in a deep tone. “Then I’ll have to kill you.”
“What?” I replied, a bit overly loud. I could feel my eyes widen as I placed my hands over my mouth. It wasn’t the response I expected.
He laughed as he leaned towards me. “I’m joking,” he said. “But the look on your face was priceless. I’m a businessman of sorts.”
Breathing out heavily, I tried to wipe away the idea he had just placed in it. “Sounds interesting. What do you sell? Souls?” I knew my comeback sounded sarcastic, but he shocked me just a little. He was a stranger. I didn’t know if he was a lunatic or not.
He was surely trying to avoid answering me. I wondered what he could be hiding. “No, I sell specific products to a selective clientele,” he remarked, getting up.
“What kind of products, or is it a secret?” I shot back, feeling my nerves tingling.
“Would you like to dance?” he asked, smiling.
I sat thinking about it, feeling slightly unsure. After a bit, he shrugged and took another sip of his drink as he sat back down. “What do you usually do for fun?” he asked.
“I used to play chess, but with my studies, there’s no time, and you?” I replied.
He sat back thinking before answering slowly. “I like watching football and car racing when I get time.”
“Okay, let’s dance,” I eventually replied. I wanted to dance. But something wasn’t sitting right with me. Yet, I was sure that if Makari was a killer, he wouldn’t admit it. He was surely just joking about having to kill me. He appeared soft and gentle. I was rarely wrong about people and would go with that for now.
Getting up, he held out his hand. I reluctantly took it and walked with him to the dance floor. He swung me around, pulling me into his strong arms. As we danced, our bodies collided, and it felt like electricity pulsing through me each time.
After the third dance, I had to sit. My legs and lungs burned equally. He was a good dancer. With each move, I could feel my body igniting under his touch. Except for all the fancy moves he had, his spicy odor tingled my senses. I have never felt this attracted to a man so quickly.
I didn’t make it a habit to just jump into bed with anyone. But being held by Makari, I strangely wanted him. He made me want to lose control. I reveled in the feelings that surged through me as our bodies ground against each other. I wondered where the good girl in me had gone suddenly.
After a couple of dances, I could feel the effects of excessive exercise on my body. Suddenly, Makari pulled me closer, whispering in my ear. “Would you like to take this party private?”
Pulling back slightly, I felt my insides twisting as my hormones took charge. I nodded slowly, smiling at him. Deep down, I knew it was a bad idea, but it was the only kind of idea I had left.
He took my hand as we walked back to the table. I collected my bag as he paid for the drinks. Outside, we got back into the truck without a word. He drove to a hotel not too far from where we were. Pulling up, he glanced at me as he spoke. “Is this fine?”
“Sure,” I replied, not sure what I expected. I was relieved Makari didn’t take me to his house. A hotel room felt less personal, as this was a one-time deal. He jumped out and came around to open my door. As I got out, I noticed he was parked in a ‘Reserved’ spot. Heading in, Makari once again took my hand.
He appeared to already have a key, as we didn’t stop at the reception desk. We went straight past, moving towards the elevators. He raised his hand as we passed, greeting the clerk.
“You come here regularly?” I asked, wondering how often he did things like this.
“When on business trips,” he replied hastily.
The elevator doors had barely closed when he pulled me into his muscular arms. Makari turned, pinning me against the side as he came in hard for the first kiss. His lips were soft and thick. Even though the kiss was hard, it drove my lust higher.
We had just pulled back to take a breath when the doors opened. Makari lightly pulled me with him as he headed down the hallway. He pulled a keycard from his back pocket and swiped it over the lock. The door made a clicking noise and opened.
Stepping in, he pulled me back into his arms. Makari lifted me as he kicked the door shut. Our lips met once again with a fierce passion as I flung my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist. His hands moved down, grabbing hold of my ass.
I moaned into his mouth as I felt my pussy starting to pulse. My heart was racing, and my blood ran like raging rivers through my veins. I was lost in the intensity of his kiss. Raking my hands through his dark brown hair, I lightly gripped it, pulling back softly.
Breaking the connection, I gasped, trying to fill my lungs with air once again. Makari kissed my cheek before looking over my shoulder as he moved down the passage. “To the bedroom,” he whispered.
Holding him tight, I felt his muscles move under me as he walked. His embrace was warm and comforting. Not something I expected would turn me on, but it did. I could feel the bulge in his pants growing against me, and I smiled.
He walked straight to the bed and gently flung me onto it. The mood between us was light and refreshing. As I started laughing, feeling a bit nervous suddenly, he was on top of me. I still wanted to tease him about throwing women around, but there was no time. His lips claimed mine. Makari lightly squeezed one nipple with his thumb and index finger.
I shivered, moaning softly as pleasure surged through me. I could feel the smile on his lips as Makari kissed down my neck. Pushing my hands over his shoulders, I tugged at his shirt. I wanted it off. I had to feel his warm skin and ripped muscles. He didn’t need any persuasion, though.
Makari sat up, stripping off his shirt before pulling me up into a seated position. He pulled my top up over my head and tossed it to the ground. He tenderly pushed me back. His fingers danced down my sides as he moved to unbutton my pants. Makari pulled them off without any issue.
I watched as he stood and swiftly removed his as well. He stood for a moment, studying my body. Unexpectedly, I felt shy and blushed as I lifted my hands into the air, waving him to come closer.
His chest boasted a tattoo of a large snake. It ran from his neck across his chest, and down to the opposite side hip. “Interesting,” I mumbled, smiling.
He stood on his hands and knees over me. I could feel the heat he was producing. Leaning in, he kissed me. But this time, it was soft and slow. Holding himself up with one arm, his other hand slowly made its way down my body. I breathed in sharply as he pushed his hand down my panties.
His finger slipped between my pussy lips. He moved softly up and down and then in circles. I arched as lust surged within me. “Oh, yes,” I breathed out into his mouth. He pulled his hand out and placed his finger in his mouth, licking it.
“Can I taste you?” he asked, his voice husky.
I simply nodded. I was overrun with lust that speaking wasn’t an option. Makari laid tender kisses down my chest, nibbling on each breast before moving down. It felt like I had stepped into a sauna with the amount of heat coming off me.
I wiggled as he kissed my stomach. Reaching my panty line, he moved off the bed and pulled them down. His movement was quick but affectionate. Picking up my legs, he placed them to the sides, opening me up.
I heaved as he came in strong, taking my flower into his mouth and sucking. A small scream of pleasure escaped my lips as he stuck his tongue into me. “Oh, yes,” I moaned, feeling my body shaking.
Pushing my hands into his hair, I gripped them hard. I had lost all control as his tongue danced with my pleasure spot. My arms moved at their own will as I pushed him into me and then pulled him back up.
Overtaken by pleasure, I let go and became his woman for one night. The things he could do were mind-blowing. I had never experienced sex like that before.
Makari moved back up, kissing my cheek before whispering into my ear. “Did you enjoy that?”
“Yes,” I replied in a barely audible tone.
Carefully, he rolled off and lay down next to me.
Shifting up, I lay my head on the pillow, breathing out hard. This was an amazing night. I was too tired to bother going back to the dorm. Closing my eyes, I smiled as I felt my body going numb. Sleep hugged me like a long-lost friend.
My head pounded lightly as I opened my eyes. The light coming in through the curtains fell on my face, and I had to blink a few times. I had one too many drinks last night.
Looking over my shoulder, I saw he was still fast asleep. I was relieved as I wasn’t sure how I was going to face him. Moving like a snail, I slid out of bed.
Carefully, I collected my clothing and got dressed. I didn’t dare make any noise and wake him. I had to get out before he noticed. Once done, I slowly tore a page out of a notebook on the table to leave him a note thanking him for the evening out.
I left the note under his jacket. This way, he would surely find it. Grabbing my small bag, I headed out. I was relieved to find the hotel was quiet so early. Why had I been so reckless, I thought, wanting to slap myself. I haven’t slept with many men and never before on a first date.
Except for his astonishing build, something about him just drew me in. It was like I had no control over my mind or body. This has never happened before. Walking back to the dorms, I couldn’t stop smiling. I felt light and the day was going to be bright.