Hotel of Seduction

Book 2: David and Grace

by Marina Anderson

Genres: Erotic & Steamy Romance

Synopsis

Are you ready for a weekend away at the Hotel of Seduction? Grace has won the man of her dreams - and her fantasies. Brooding, sensual, wealthy and handsome, their days and nights are filled with pleasure. But can this enigmatic man truly love her? Together they have set up a secret, exclusive hotel for adventurous couples, designed to open their guests' eyes to the darker, deeper side of desire. But one of the visitors has an agenda, and David is becoming distracted by a new arrival. As they explore the delights on offer, Grace realises this is a test: if she fails, she will lose David to his next passing fancy. If she succeeds, she will secure his love for ever, and he will finally invite her into his world . . . Take some time away and allow yourself to be seduced by the Hotel of Seduction.

Release date: June 18, 2015

Publisher: Sphere

Print pages: 416

Sample

‘Grace, she’s flirting with Crofts,’ whispered Fran, from her seat beside Grace at the back of the rehearsal room. ‘Isn’t she meant to be repelled by what he’s just suggested?’

Grace, whose mind was miles away, quickly stopped checking her watch in the semi-darkness and brought her attention back to the scene in front of her. Fran was right. Emily Kelly, all tousled blonde hair and provocative curves, was most definitely flirting with the silver-haired actor sitting next to her, even though his words were meant to shock and repel her. ‘Emily darling, gorgeous as John might be in real life, he is nearly three times your age and his character has just made an outrageous suggestion to you.’

‘I know,’ replied the young blonde sulkily.

‘Well, do you think you could manage to look a little bit shocked? This is a very important moment in the play, and girlish giggles aren’t quite how your character is meant to respond.’

‘I was playing embarrassed,’ explained Emily, pouting prettily. She clearly expected Grace to fall under her spell as easily as young men all over the country had fallen for her in her most recent TV series.

‘Right, well, it’s nearly four o’clock and I think it’s time to call it a day,’ said Grace, suppressing a sigh. ‘We’re all tired, and although I won’t be here tomorrow, Fran is going to —’

‘I won’t be here either,’ said Emily. ‘I told you that I’ve got this voice-over to do and you said —’

‘Yes, sorry, I forgot. That’s fine, it means Fran can concentrate on working with Suzie and John, but by the time you’re back on Friday do you think you could get over the embarrassment and —’

‘I wasn’t really embarrassed!’ replied Emily. ‘God, it would take more than that to embarrass me. I thought that my character would be embarrassed, because she wouldn’t understand what he’s suggesting? I mean, I realise she’s clever and all that, but you know what the Victorians were like about sex. They even covered up the legs of tables and things, didn’t they?’

Grace counted to ten under her breath. ‘Vivie is an intellectual, a Cambridge Maths graduate. Do you realise what an achievement that was for a woman in Victorian times? And now she’s learnt that her mother was once a prostitute and owns a brothel with John’s character, which paid for her education. What’s more, he’s just propositioned her. Trust me, she would definitely be shocked and repulsed.’

Emily sighed. ‘I know all that, but it’s difficult to realise what a big deal it was back then. They made sex so complicated!’ With that she grabbed her bag from the corner of the room, waved and smiled at John and within seconds was out of the door.

‘I did warn you,’ said Fran as Grace sighed with frustration. ‘John, fancy a coffee somewhere? You can flirt with me any time and Grace has to dash now.’

John, who was one of the most charming and accomplished actors Grace had ever worked with, smiled. ‘That sounds like a good idea. Are you sure you can’t join us, Grace?’

‘Sorry, I’ve got a busy few days coming up, but I’d love to another time. I hope you and Suzie are coping all right with Emily. She’ll get there in the end; I think she’s probably a bit overawed. Theatre’s so different from television, and you and Suzie —’

‘Have been doing it since before she was born!’ John said with a laugh. ‘It will be fine, Grace. For me, simply being able to reprise the role of Crofts in Mrs Warren’s Profession is fantastic. Shaw’s often considered too wordy these days.’

‘Isn’t he lovely?’ whispered Fran as Grace gathered up her things and passed her notes to her friend. ‘That voice makes me go weak at the knees.’

‘Really? Have fun then, and I’ll see you on Friday morning.’

‘Yep. What exactly is it you’re doing this time with that rich lover of yours? Front of house at the boutique hotel you’ve been busy decorating?’

‘You make it sound as though I’ve been stripping wallpaper and painting doors,’ laughed Grace. ‘The hotel is opening tomorrow, and I want to be there with David when it does.’

‘He’s back from Hong Kong then?’

Grace nodded, feeling a growing excitement at the prospect of finally seeing David after their three-month separation. She wondered what he had planned for them this evening, after so many weeks when her only satisfaction had been the phone sex they’d indulged in when their free time coincided. Her body ached with desire, a desire that only he could satisfy. He understood her needs even better than she did, having watched over her as she’d progressed through the challenges set for her at his secret club, The Dining Club.

She would never forget those months – months when he and his companions had tutored her body, teaching her more pathways to pleasure than she’d ever realised existed – but now their life together was moving forward and she was certain that once the small boutique hotel was open the two of them would become even closer emotionally, as well as providing lots of opportunities to experiment with their bodies even more… He loved her, she knew that, but she sometimes found herself thinking of her old rival Amber, the woman who had been the centre of David’s world for so many years, only to find herself displaced by Grace. In her quiet moments, Grace would recall Amber’s parting words to her: At the moment, you’re a novelty, but one day you’ll be in my position. No one can hold his interest for ever. Now, with their new venture opening, Grace was determined to prove Amber wrong.

The small hotel, with its four suites, each one carefully themed and decorated by Grace, would be open once a month for four couples to rotate around each suite. They would be able to enjoy a three-day break living out their most private fantasies in an exclusive and secure environment, with everything they might need and more, and their anonymity ensured. Grace was sure that no one had ever offered anything like it before. She was also sure that these sensual mini-breaks were destined to be both highly successful from a business point of view and hugely exciting for her lover.

Fran sighed. ‘You might as well leave now; you’re already with him mentally if not physically. I wish I understood your passion for him. He’s so not your type of man.’

Taking her denim jacket from the back of the hard wooden chair where she’d been sitting for the past three hours, Grace laughed. ‘And how would you know what my type of man is?’

‘Clearly I don’t, but I know the type you used to fall for and they weren’t at all like David. Anyway, you love him, and if you’re happy I’m happy.’

‘Talking of you being happy, are you still seeing Andrew?’ asked Grace.

Grace had introduced Andrew to Fran after getting to know him at The Dining Club last year. She sometimes wondered if it had been a wise move, given that Fran was still oblivious to Andrew’s ‘other’ interests, but they seemed to be happy.

‘On and off; more off than on right now. He’s busy with his work, and he’s been helping out with the renovation of the hotel, hasn’t he?’

‘Yes; lucky for me he’s so fit. Make sure you keep him that way!’

‘I will, given half a chance. He’s busy again at the moment, so if John invites me out this evening I think I’ll go. From what I’ve heard he’s quite a lothario and you know what they say…’

‘What?’ asked Grace, as she turned to leave.

‘Older men make better lovers.’

‘Yes, but older than what?’

Smiling to herself, Grace opened the door onto the London street, blinking in the bright sunlight. She would need to get a move on if she was going to be changed and ready to greet David when he arrived back. Luckily a cab dropped someone off right by her so she grabbed it, then settled back in her seat, letting her mind wander to their imminent reunion.

 

By the time they arrived at the four-storey building in West London – Grace’s project for the last year – Grace realised that she was moist between her thighs. She and David hadn’t been apart this long before, and her body craved the pleasure that only he had ever been able to give her. Paying the driver she hurried in through the smart black front door, which contrasted with the cream brickwork on each side. The mews consisted of a row of identical terraced houses, with black railings at the front and also beneath the windows on the first floor. There was a parking area for taxis on the far side of the narrow road, but no through traffic was allowed to disturb the peace. Putting her key in the lock of number 12 she thought how surprised the other residents would be if they knew what would soon be taking place behind its matching and tasteful façade.

Once inside the small cream and pale green entrance hall, her eyes took in the stunning displays of fresh cream roses and green day lilies set on either side of the small curved-back sofa that sat beside the winding staircase. To the right of the staircase an open door showed a glimpse of the only lounge, where two comfortable sofas and four armchairs were positioned around a low carved table with a recessed centre that held ornaments David had collected on his travels and a crystal vase containing a single red rose. Over the fireplace an ornate mirror with gilt edging reflected the light back from the entrance hall, making the room look larger than it actually was. The overall feel was comfortable and safe, exactly the look Grace had wanted. It would make people’s first visit all the more of a surprise.

‘Excited?’ asked a male voice, and she jumped with surprise.

‘Andrew! I thought you’d have gone home by now.’

‘I wanted to wait until you were back. It’s looking fantastic. You must be very pleased.’

‘I am,’ she admitted. ‘I hope David likes it too.’

‘He’ll love it. Do you know any of the guests?’ Andrew asked. The first eight would be arriving in the morning.

‘Only Lucien, and I don’t really know him. I mean…’ Grace felt herself beginning to blush. ‘He was there, that last day at The Dining Club, but I can’t remember what he looked like.’

‘Don’t worry, Grace, this is a completely new venture. You’re very different from when you arrived at the Club – you’ve moved on.’

She nodded. ‘You’re right. It was an amazing experience, but I’m ready to move forward and I’ve loved getting the look of each of the four suites right. Some of them were quite a challenge, but I’m pleased with them all.’

‘And will that give you the answers you’re looking for?’ he asked quietly.

Grace began to untie her long, dark hair, which she’d scraped back off her face for the rehearsal, shaking her head until it fell into waves that ended halfway down her back. ‘What answers do you think I’m looking for?

‘You’re wondering if David can be the kind of man you want him to be; if he’ll be able to offer you love and support as well as brilliant sex.’

Grace’s body became very still, and she gazed into the mirror where she could see Andrew’s expression reflected back at her. ‘I think it’s time you left,’ she said quietly. ‘David asked if you could be here around ten thirty tomorrow morning, so that you can help settle the guests in.’

‘Still avoiding awkward truths, Grace? Right, tell David I’ll be here, and have a great reunion tonight.’

After Andrew left, Grace ran up the stairs to the bedroom on the top floor, the one that was for her and David, and stripping off her jeans and jumper turned on the shower. She knew exactly what she was going to be wearing when David returned.

 

As his chauffeur drove the metallic-grey Mercedes-Benz from the airport towards the hotel, David put away his papers and looked out of the window, allowing his mind to turn from business to pleasure. He had every confidence in Grace’s ability to transform the house he’d bought into a hidden hotel, where guests could indulge in three-day fantasy breaks, and was looking forward to seeing how she’d incorporated the chosen fantasies into the décor of the various suites. More than that, though, he was simply looking forward to seeing Grace.

He was surprised by how much he’d missed her while he’d been away. In the past he’d found it easy to compartmentalise his life. When he was working abroad, he’d always left the club and all personal relationships behind him with relative ease. The long hours spent in conference rooms helped, and without deep emotional ties to anyone there had always been sexual opportunities if he felt the need.

This time it had been different. If he was honest with himself, he’d missed Grace far more than he’d anticipated. He’d missed the soft look in her eyes after they made love, the way she looked naked as she waited for him to touch her, and the expression in her eyes when she was being pleasured. He realised that he had allowed her to get closer to him than any other woman, but he didn’t like it. It made him vulnerable, and that was something he couldn’t cope with. He knew, from watching his warring parents, that if you allowed a woman into your heart you could be badly hurt. They made you an emotional hostage, and before you knew it you were their prisoner. It had happened to his father, but it wasn’t going to happen to him. All the same, his heart rate quickened as the car pulled up outside the front door of number 12. ‘I’ll park round the back, sir. Will you be wanting me tomorrow?’ his driver asked, getting David’s suitcases out of the boot.

‘No thanks, I’ll be driving myself for the next three days. Someone will phone you when you’re wanted.’

Although he had a key to the front door, he decided not to use it, wanting, needing, to see Grace’s expression when she saw him again, and to his surprise he felt himself harden in anticipation of what was to come. Taking a deep breath he reached out and pressed the bell.

Grace was checking herself in the long bedroom mirror when she heard the bell ring. Her heart seemed to jump into her throat, making it difficult for her to breathe. It had to be David, even though she’d expected him to let himself in, and she hurried down the four flights of stairs. When she opened the front door he was standing back slightly, his cases by his side, the light tan he’d acquired while away only emphasising the brilliant blue of his eyes. Grace swallowed hard. ‘Welcome home,’ she said with a smile, knowing he wouldn’t want any extreme expression of emotion from her.

His eyes moved slowly over her, and she could tell by the look on his face that the tight-fitting, coral-coloured lace dress with a keyhole cut-out that revealed just a hint of her breasts had been the right choice. ‘I always think that homecomings are horribly awkward,’ he said, picking up his cases and dropping them by the door. ‘You look stunning,’ he added, kissing her lightly before walking through into the reception area.

Grace wasn’t sure how to react. Having longed for this moment for weeks and weeks, she didn’t know what to say, and wondered what it was about him that could turn her into a tongue-tied schoolgirl when in reality she was a highly successful theatre director. She knew that Fran would be horrified, but despite everything that had happened at The Dining Club, and the fact that she’d banished Amber from David’s life, she still didn’t feel entirely secure in their relationship.

‘It’s all finished, then?’ he asked, glancing through the lounge door.

‘Yes. Do you want to look round?’

‘I think we should have some champagne first,’ he replied, slipping an arm round her waist.

‘I’ve got some on ice.’

‘Then let’s take it up to our room. I assume we do have a room of our own somewhere in this hotel?’

She knew he was teasing her, and began to shake with increasing desire at the prospect of them going to their bedroom. ‘Yes, but it’s at the top of the house.’

His eyes swept over her. ‘I don’t know if I can wait that long.’

Quickly she went into the kitchen, opened the champagne, collected two glasses and brought it all out to him. Gently he took the glasses away from her and put them on the ground. ‘We won’t be needing those,’ he murmured, his right hand sweeping her long dark hair behind her left ear so that he could kiss the side of her neck. Shivers ran down her spine, and then she felt him take the champagne bottle away from her too before he began kissing her throat and the soft skin in the gap at the front of the dress.

Swiftly his hands found the concealed zip at the side of the dress, and she could hear his rapid breathing as he peeled it down her body and then lifted her out of it, so that she was totally naked beneath his hands. Next he laid her down halfway up the first flight of stairs, her legs draping downwards on the deep piled carpet. ‘Did you miss me?’ he asked quietly, his eyes fixed on hers.

‘You know I did.’ Her voice trembled with anticipation.

‘And did you miss this?’ he murmured, before lowering his head to her aching breasts and licking her rapidly stiffening nipples.

Grace moaned with pleasure, but immediately he stopped. ‘You didn’t answer,’ he said softly. ‘You have to answer.’

‘Yes, I missed that,’ she gasped, her hips moving upwards as the ache between her thighs increased.

‘Keep still, my darling. We mustn’t rush.’

Grace wanted to rush, longing for the sweet release of pleasure, but she knew better than to try to control their lovemaking. David was taking off his own clothes now, but he still managed to keep her body aroused by letting his clothes brush against her naked flesh as he removed them, and then his fingers encased both her breasts and he gently squeezed and released the swelling globes as she moaned with a mixture of desire and delight.

‘Close your eyes,’ he whispered, and when she obeyed she felt his hands move beneath her thighs as he lifted the lower part of her body up and then he began to pour the champagne over her belly, making her jerk when the liquid splashed on her warm flesh. As it ran down into her pubic hair and between her thighs he licked it, and lapped at drops in her belly button while she twisted and groaned at the blissful sensations.

By the time his head moved between her thighs she was almost out of her mind with excitement, so that when he finally licked and sucked at the area around her clitoris she screamed aloud. ‘Yes! Please, please don’t stop. I’m coming!’

‘Very soon, my darling,’ he assured her, lifting his head so that the wonderful build-up was stopped in its tracks. Then he raised her arms above her head, poured some more champagne into her armpits and drank that. The delicious sensations drove her out of her mind, increasing the heavy feeling between her thighs without satisfying it.

‘Open your eyes, I want to look into them when you come,’ he said softly.

Gasping for breath, she did as he’d asked, and the expression in his eyes was more tender than anything she’d seen there before. Slowly, very slowly, he moved a finger around the swollen bud, lightly pressing on the side of the stem until her head moved from side to side with excitement.

‘Keep looking at me,’ he reminded her, ‘you must be looking at me when you come.’

She wanted to ask him to hurry, but she knew better. Obediently she made herself keep her head still, gazing into his eyes as his knowing fingers played between her thighs until finally he allowed them to skim lightly over the opening to her urethra and Grace screamed with ecstasy as the hot rush of release flooded through her and all the time her body was in spasm their eyes were locked onto each other’s.

Only when the very last tremors had died away did he enter her. Positioning his arms above hers he thrust upwards, and the angle of their bodies on the stairs meant that he was able to penetrate more deeply than usual. She felt herself tightening around him and when he groaned deeply as his own pleasure spilled, her internal muscles contracted with a second orgasm and she milked him while he shuddered above her.

When it was over, he remained on top of her, and the weight of his body was wonderfully reassuring. ‘God, I missed you,’ he murmured almost to himself and for that brief moment, Grace was completely happy.

After they’d showered they sat side by side on the sofa in the hotel’s lounge, David’s arm draped along the back so that his fingers could play idly with Grace’s hair. He listened intently as she outlined what she’d done while he was away, and some of the closeness that she’d felt while they were making love began to slip away, as so often happened with David. Although she could feel his fingers in her hair, she knew that his mind was no longer on the two of them. It was on the excitement that the coming days would bring.

‘Do we know everyone who’s booked this month’s three-day break?’ he asked.

‘We know one out of each pair, from the Club, just to be sure that they know what they’ve signed up for. Andrew’s been in charge of the bookings.’

‘And every suite is booked?’

‘Yes, we could have double booked them, if we were in this for money alone.’

‘Interesting,’ murmured David, running the fingers of one hand gently over the back of her scalp in a soft, sensuous massaging movement. ‘How many additional people are we going to provide in order to make these fantasy breaks work? I assume most of the guests will want a few extra characters. . .