Sappho Intl (Songs of Silk Book 1) Page 10

  We collectively collapsed in unison as we’d arrived at our final destination. We’d exploded together and now basked within our own luminescent aftermath.

  And although we flailed upon one another, a shared current still ran through our bodies with the sealed voltage that still flickered from our cooling engines.

  I had entered their own edition of the Bermuda Triangle, released the Trio’s torpedo and returned unscathed. And although I had spontaneously flipped their perfected system on its axis in the process, they smiled and gushed with utter glee. It’d been a rough landing—but a thorough landing just the same.

  Each of the Trio kissed me and exhaustedly rested randomly against my chest and stomach. My angels’ praises became harmonious hymnals leading each of them to a deep and dormant sleep. All became silent and still while only the final embers of a waning fire stirred. Their beautiful and angelic smiles left a subtle indication, despite their heavy slumber, that they were all humbly honored and grateful of my presence.

  I peered at the stars, engulfed with appreciation, as my eyelids began to feel heavy and my body shut down for the night.

  This was exactly where I belonged.

  6

  “Pancakes and pink pussies!”

  A pair of intense brown eyes that’d been peering at me had quickly disappeared, as I uttered the password. And the metal sliding peephole that framed these eyes had quickly slid shut. A piercing silence followed—save for the old, heavy moan and creaking of the un-assuming cast iron door that provided the back entrance way to an un-assuming brick warehouse in North Miami.

  As the full moon shone over us, my team and I proceeded to get ready to walk into the discreet entrance that would lead us into the grand opening of the newest SocialClub9. This would be my very first visit and beneath the surface I was as anxious as a virgin on prom night.

  I straightened my candy-apple red tie in a slick attempt to calm the butterflies that were fluttering deep in my belly. My mind drifted and I couldn’t help but reflect on the last few weeks that served to assist me in preparation for this moment.

  It’d been a grueling three weeks filled with intense daily activity. I had been taught knowledge within a limited amount of time that the other two stallions had learned throughout their privileged lives.

  But it wasn’t as hard as what everyone initially expected. I caught onto all of the lessons rather easily, as I quickly found that much of what I learned as a child and teenager were relevant concepts that simply required a jogging of my memory to provide for a reference point.

  Flourish was given the task of taking me through this “orientation” period, as Sappho Intl had instituted an allegiance to the “Four P’s” of the Sapphic Trust: presentation, protection, pleasure and preservation. Flourish decided to focus mostly on presentation and protection, since I obviously had a natural handle on the art of pleasure and the preservation of the organization would be something that Sappho Intl would cultivate within me over time.

  A daily dose of fitness and weight training, in addition to my usual Pilates and three-mile run, encouraged me to build on my lean muscle and increase my stamina to be in prime physical condition for my initial presentation. We reviewed my nutrition requirements as being one filled with plenty of protein, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables to supplement my vitamins. Flourish even took me to an indoor wall-climbing facility within West Miami on the weekends so that I was able to further accentuate my ripped physique with flexibility and nimble agility.

  My presentation also included dining and communications etiquette as well as full-body grooming and maintenance. I was not used to regular grooming and was more of a roll-out-of-bed-and-go type of stud; especially since it was my natural preference to participate in a more organic and athletic lifestyle. However, Flourish insisted on at least a regular manicure and pedicure. She felt that everything else, such as skin, hair, and hygiene was already immaculately maintained.

  They also emphasized the need for me to gain a sense of protection. Although I’d spent my teenage years growing up in one of the rougher parts of Miami, I amazingly never actually got into an altercation. Generally, I was a lover and not a fighter and simply had the intuition to keep to myself—unless I was kickin’ it with many of my aunt’s friends or my teammates. But I did agree with the necessity to know how to protect myself, as a stud, and for the added benefit of any woman whom might’ve had my company.

  I’d written the book on the art of pleasure, but lacked the experience to understand the art of battle. It was suggested that I read “The Art of War” so that I would not only understand the dynamics of many social, corporate, and battlefield tactics and mentalities, but to also become a better leader and manager. Reading it would build the fighter in me’s mental muscles.

  And whereas “The Art of War” had prepared my mind for my own personal protection, Flourish decided that my love for jiu-jitsu could be used to continue to build my physical protective skills. After looking into it, she thought that it was a perfect combination of martial art and combat sport that would carry on the progression of grappling and ground fighting techniques for me. I was overjoyed to get back to it and found out that I could enjoy my enrollment in the local Brazilian jiu-jitsu class immediately. I attended as instructed twice weekly.

  I’d never been to a gun range, but always wanted to go just for kicks. And coincidentally it was required for me to also be able to handle a gun. Suez was used to going to the gun range, as well as handling various other weapons, and was obliged to take me to an indoor shooting range in Hialeah twice weekly, in addition to teaching me some tricks with daggers in our own time. This is where I ultimately found that the long, gangsta braids that she wore were just not for show but a handsome display of her own branded lifestyle. While Suez was handling rifles and Uzi’s, I was only handling a 9mm handgun. So I was appreciative of the fact that she would take the time to teach and advise me.

  When I wasn’t sore or tired from my training, I was hanging out with my team. It seemed that I’d instantly bonded with Midi and Suez after kicking their asses in Madden football, dominoes and billiards a few times. They were both laid back like myself, just as the Trio had said, and we loved many of the same things—which included money, women, cars and music.

  I let them read some of my writings and lyrics and they let me peep some of their mixes, songs, audio clips and videos. We got to be so tight that they were like the two amigos and I was the lost amigo that made the circle complete. And since in the past, I’d never gotten close to any other studs, it was kinda refreshing to be kicking it with them—without having it feel like senseless competition.

  Likewise, the Trio had immediately welcomed me into the family. Since the first night that we’d all smoked and got blowed, they all agreed that I was the only individual to have survived the Bermuda Triangle standing and that they’d never experienced a simultaneous orgasm—which impressed them immensely.

  And since I passed their test with flying colors, I was instantly rewarded with their respect and admiration as their fearless leader.

  Sometimes Lourdes would come over and we would all play spades, pool, and games of chess and discuss the various strategies that I could use within this organization, as well as what we would present for our leg of Cloud9. We were more than just a team, we’d gelled to become a family and that was something I hadn’t felt a part of since leaving my Aunt’s house for college.

  Now Flourish—she was a different story altogether. Although Flourish was training me, I had to ensure that sex-capades with her remained at a bare minimum. Since fucking, Flourish had been lulled into a false assumption of endless gratification with me. So, I had to take a step back for the sake of both of us, before she would be the end of both of us.

  At first, Flourish was fiending for some face time like a cokehead in solitary, but I wouldn’t give in to her advances and I wouldn’t yield to her desires by giving away a mis-guided hit. I’d learned my lesson the first time a
nd wasn’t about to slip too soon.

  Don’t get me wrong, I still found her as sexy as the first day that I met her and it was hard for me to turn down the passion that I’d experienced with her; but it was absolutely vital to allow her to experience a cool off period by standing firm in my convictions. From my experiences this was the best way to nip an instant infatuation in the bud. And there was no way I could afford her getting even more attached by free-fucking my way to getting kicked out of Sappho Intl. This was nothing but a test and was ultimately for the best.

  Besides, I had my sights on PrimaDonna and on acquiring as much money as possible. I hadn’t seen PrimaDonna since moving into the Playhouse but decided not to sweat her technique; and also decided not to tell Flourish about my hidden desire for PrimaDonna.

  Instead, I committed myself to learning as much as I could, without any distractions. I was like a boxer with the intent to win the purse before fight night—I was focused. I was on a serious hustle for the Cloud9 bonus that would be mine in a few weeks and I would not get caught up in any games that could have me forfeit both the bonus and PrimaDonna.

  I would not let Flourish’s games play me.

  I remained centered within myself and Flourish could see how serious that I was about rising to everyone’s expectations of me, as well as my own expectations of myself. She eventually backed off and respected my growth because she genuinely cared about my overall success within Sappho Intl—despite her slight infatuation.

  On Valentine’s Day, however, we did talk about how we could be just friends with benefits, after I’d invited her over to party with us. She talked about how she’d been trippin’ because I had given her the best head ever and all she wanted was a simple encore from time to time. We both had had one too many drinks and I finally decided to get me some and give her a release at the same time—after all, it was Valentine’s Day.

  She was a woman about it and kept it professional the next day, as we continued our training. After that, we would only enjoy a few small quickies throughout the weeks whenever my craving for a little love and attention kicked in and got the best of me.

  At the end of orientation, I’d been in the best physical, spiritual, and mental shape that I had been in a long time. Flourish and my team had given me the seal of approval and let me know that I looked like I was ready for what I was about to experience. I looked in the mirror at the ripped and freshly groomed and polished reflection of myself. And I was amazed at my own graduated appearance.

  I’d transcended into my higher self and I was ready to rise to the occasion.

  And finally here we were.

  After three intense weeks of “orientation” at the Playhouse, I now stood in the warm yet breezy night with my team in cool anticipation of what I’d been prepped and groomed for—SocialClub9: Miami.

  The first day on any job was always one filled with nervousness for me, and tonight was no different. It seemed that I always kept a cool composure on the surface, but I was the only one within my team that’d never bared witness to any of the semi-secretive cigar clubs, let alone managed one.

  Yet, here I was standing in front of the massive, rusted black iron door that served as the gateway to my present future as a patron and a manager.

  Despite my transformation, I was still human and still nervous. But I continued to summon calm, as I looked over my whole team. And as the butterflies began to subside, I became as cool as a cucumber.

  My team had helped to sustain my confidence by dressing in similar fabrics and colors in order to make a show of their solidarity and support for my first appearance.

  It was a joint effort. The Torpedo Trio championed candy-apple red one-shoulder corset dresses courtesy of NinaStarr’s burlesque Femme Fatale collection; while Midi and Suez agreed upon white seersucker cargo Miami beach shorts and red Armani tees. I decided to dress a tad bit more formal, so as to stand out and make my presence felt among the patrons and staff that I would be presented to for the first time. After going through various outfits that would fit the occasion, I elected to rock the moment with cool, casual white and charcoal grey striped seersucker pants with a matching vest and my own deep, candy-apple red tie tucked into a white long-sleeve slim fitted dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up. We felt that we would be cool enough for a warm spring night out and also match the décor of the club.

  We were all more than ready for this moment.

  I took a deep breath to straighten my posture and maintain my cool, as the massive door creaked open.

  And it would seem like the swinging door took an eternity, as I could feel the building excitement of those last few weeks release as miniscule drops of sweat through the pores of my palms.

  A head of a young woman finally popped out, as she waved us through the opened doorway. The countless nights of dreaming of walking into the graduated world that I’d been promoted into had finally become a reality. And I was determined to make a magnificent first impression, as I made my entrance.

  My hair lightly fluttered in the breeze as I took my first steps into the small receiving room of SocialClub9. I could hear the limousine pull off slowly as the door closed behind us and a pair of twins greeted us into the club’s receiving area.

  One of the twins began scanning an area on the neck and behind the ear of Lolita with a small UV black-light scanner. It seemed peculiar that she would be scanning an area that looked like nothing more than bare skin to an ordinary onlooker. But as soon as she began swiping with the black light, a neon blue image that was etched on her skin began to glow and show itself. It was the image that PrimaDonna and Flourish were speaking of that represented a power of a woman. And, coincidentally, it was the same symbol that I held within my tribal tattoo. Each member of my team held the tattoo and was successfully scanned.

  When it was Kendra’s turn to be swiped, she hugged one of the twins and began to squeal.

  “Chai, I didn’t know that you were going to be working here!”

  “Yes, ma’am…it was time to get up out of Manhattan. It was getting to be a little too stiff for me.”

  “I didn’t even know that you had a twin! How utterly swank!”

  “Double the pleasure, double the fun…”

  “Right! Oh yeah, go ahead and swipe me.” She placed her arm in mine and began to announce me. ”This is our new boss and the newest Stallion who will be overseeing the managerial functions here at the club. This is Silk.”

  “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. My name is Chai and this is my identical twin, Thai.”

  “Chai and Thai…that sounds easy to remember. Those are very beautiful names.”

  “I like you already, boss.” She declared with a West Indian accent as she peered up at me and smiled.

  “Ladies, I’m sure you guys’ll probably get more acquainted. Silk, hasn’t gone through her coronation so she doesn’t hold the Sapphian’s mark just yet.”

  “Yeah, PrimaDonna gave us a heads up, so you guys can go on in.”

  “They’re both from the Islands of Turks and Caicos and extensively trained in jeet kune do and firearms. That’s why they’re manning the doors.”

  Chai headed to the front of the group and opened the second massive door, which instantly blew cool air onto my skin. Arm in arm, Kendra and I began to lead our team through a maze of sheer red curtains flowing from the high ceilings and gently swaying in the clean and cooled air of the club’s main hallway. We lightly dashed the curtains aside and began to walk the plush red carpet that absorbed our footsteps, as we glided down the long and richly lit hallway. The tapestry that adorned our brand new shoes held that new-carpet smell despite the various mixes of fragrances that each one of us had lightly dashed and dabbed on our skin before leaving.

  I confidently pressed us forward, into the light of the hall, and was instantaneously greeted by the room’s warm sensuality and broad beauty. An alluring shade of champagne was intimately flourished with an elegant and intricate black, Baroque flower pattern,
as it gift-wrapped the walls that surrounded our group, like a French lace corset on a Parisian burlesque dancer. Elaborate golden candleholders lighted and lined the wall to illuminate the essence of sophistication and luxury of the colossal, Spanish Cabaret paintings, which had been also framed in gold. The dancing Spanish women, within the paintings, commanded our attention as they were adorned with swift and oiled brushstrokes of gold, reds, greens, and beiges—and seemed as if they’d begun to show motion as we passed by them. Their painted hips swirled hypnotically and served as appetizers, to give us a taste of things to come. And the sound of salsa music reverberated through a pair of large, red double doors; which further encouraged us to come and join the festivities, as the doors slightly shook.

  “Mano, you ready to enter the main room? Midi’ll probably join us after she finishes deejaying tonight…” Suez paused before opening the large red, door that shook before us.

  I invited NinaStarr to take my other arm and Suez took Lolita’s arm as we prepared to make our grand entrance. I took a deep breath as Suez was about to open the door.