Free The Darker Side of Pleasure by Eden Bradley

like that, in a constant state of falling apart.”
    “I know, honey. I tried to buffer you here at work as much as I could.”
    “I know you did. But the thing was, no matter what anyone else did, I still had to deal with what had happened. And it drove such a wedge between Cam and me. I couldn’t seem to stop it. And now things seem to be getting better, but I don’t know how real it all is.”
    “If it seems to be getting better, than it just is, Jillie.”
    “No, I don’t think so. I mean, maybe. But maybe it’s all on the surface.”
    “Let me ask you something. You don’t have to answer if it makes you uncomfortable, okay?”
    Jillian nodded for Briana to continue.
    “When you two are having sex, do you ever have one of those moments when you look into his eyes and feel totally and utterly connected?”
    “Yes. It’s been happening a lot lately.”
    “Well, I don’t think you can fake that. I don’t mean fake as in pretending. But that just does not happen unless it’s real.”
    “I know you’re right. I think I know it. Maybe I just worry too much. And this last week has been out of control with Alvina always on my back. Maybe after tonight I’ll feel better.”
    “I know I will. Lord, that woman is a nightmare!”
    “She is.” Jillian had to smile. It was always so much better to suffer with a friend, and poor Briana had been putting up with “La Kramer’s” crap as much as she had.
    Briana grinned and grabbed the clipboard out of Jillian’s hand. “Okay, chicks, let’s get this party started. You brought that hot little red dress with you, didn’t you?”
     

     
    The lighting was flawless. The crowd was beautiful. The music was muted, filtering over the hushed conversation as people walked around looking at the enormous bronze sculptures set throughout the gallery.
    “La Kramer” was dressed in a flowing golden robe, like ancient royalty, her long flaming red curls a sharp contrast against her pale and overly made-up face. She held court in one corner, alternately laughing and glowering at the crowd of admirers surrounding her.
    It seemed to be going well. Only an hour into the show and the small red “Sold” stickers were already posted on almost half of the pieces. The artist would be pleased.
    By the time Cam arrived she was able to relax a little, knowing the show was a success. He stood just inside the doors of the gallery, looking around. For her, probably. God, he looked good, she thought as she made her way across the crowded room toward him. In his black pants, black shirt, and black leather jacket, he was all dark, mysterious male beauty. Always a little bit of the bad boy about him, which she loved. Finally he spotted her, and his killer smile made her go warm all over.
    She swung into his arms and kissed him. His lips were cool from being outside in the chilly evening air.
    “Hi.”
    “Hi, baby.”
    She leaned in and whispered into his ear, “I’m sorry if I’ve been a little tense lately with this show coming up.”
    “That’s okay. I’ll make you pay for it later.”
    When she pulled her head back he had a perfectly wicked smile on his face, and she had no doubt he meant it. A small thrill went through her.
    “Come on. Let’s get you a glass of champagne and come say hi to Briana.”
    For the next couple of hours Jillian was kept busy playing hostess, flitting from group to group, occasionally checking on her artist. The evening was a huge success and even “La Kramer” couldn’t find anything to complain about.
    Finally Gianni, one of her assistants, sidled up next to Jillian and whispered, “The last piece just sold. It’s all socializing for the rest of the night.”
    “Thanks, Gianni. That’s wonderful.”
    Jillian grabbed her first glass of champagne from a passing waiter. She could relax now. Her staff was good; they’d make sure everyone was kept happy and had whatever they needed.
    She looked around the room for Cam. Now that her duties were