Rules 36 - Ferosha

Sage held her breath.

The zipper on the dress slid shut with a soft, final sound, and she stepped back from the mirror, heels clicking faintly against the bedroom floor. Her fingers traced along the sides of her waist, smoothing fabric that didn’t need smoothing, her palms pressing against the dark, high-slit gown she’d already examined a dozen times.

Black silk, tight at the hips, plunging just low enough in front to feel like a risk. A dress made for being looked at. Sage found that fact humorous.

She studied herself in the mirror. Re-examining every aspect that enhanced her beauty. Dress cut and fit, makeup, hair, necklaces, and earrings. She had put on her best gold pieces. The kind she only wore for weddings or galas.

She felt too put-together. And somehow, still not put together enough.

Her lips parted for a breath she didn’t realize she was holding, as reality hit her.

She was going Ferosha.

Just thinking the name of the restaurant made her exhale sharply. Nobody got in there. It was something she saw on social media or in a restaurant documentary. Yet somehow, she had been invited.

By Calden, her boss.

The same boss who believed she would cave and ask to be with him. A personal challenge she couldn’t turn away from.

A soft creak behind Sage caught her attention. She looked up and caught Jeremy's reflection in the mirror, leaning against the doorframe. His tie was undone, shirt sleeves rolled to the elbows, eyes locked on her like he had never seen her before.

She always did like it when he looked at her that way.

“Hey,” she said softly.

“Hey,” Jeremy replied. He stood there a moment longer. “You look beautiful.”

Sage tried to smile. “Thank you. I’m a little worried I’m not done up enough.”

Jeremy moved from the doorway and stepped behind her, his hands light on her shoulders.

“Impossible,” he said.

She turned, slowly. They stood close now, toe to toe. The overhead light caught the glint of her earrings. He didn’t look away. Sage looped her arms around his neck and closed her eyes.

"You smell nice," She said.

"You do too," Jeremy replied.

Then he kissed her.

The sudden wave of euphoria disarmed Sage.

Since his return, Jeremy’s affection had been cautious, tentative. This was no different. His kiss was slow, careful… and she found herself reaching for him inside it.

Things had been better lately. Softer. But he was still sleeping in the other room. And aside from their intense make-up session, they hadn’t touched each other since. So now, she kissed with intention. With hunger. A need to bridge the quiet distance between them. Her lips moved against his with a quiet ache .

She searched for closeness.

For forgiveness.

For her husband.

She pulled back slightly.

“You’re okay with all this?” She asked.

Subtle pain trickled through Jeremy’s smile as he let her go.

“Yes,” he said.

The word was soft, but Sage felt the weight behind it. She wanted to ask again, an instinctual desire to make sure everything was ok.

Jeremy sighed and changed the subject before she could find the right words.

“You hear from David by any chance?” he asked.

Sage blinked. “David?”

Jeremy gave a small nod.

“Yeah, that David,” he confirmed.

She was quiet a moment longer than she should’ve been.

“No. Nothing. Still quiet, as hard as it is to believe, I think he finally gave up."

Jeremy shook his head. "No, it's weirder than that. He went cold on several projects we were working on together."

Sage paused.

"What?"

"It's like he disappeared off the face of the planet. Fucking annoying if I'm being honest. Definitely hasn't made the return to work any smoother, and now my partners are refusing to use freelancers ever again," he said, walking over to the dresser.

"Do you think something happened?" Sage asked, watching as Jeremy effortlessly slid off his tie in one smooth motion.

Sage bit her lip as her eyes trailed down the width of his back. God, he had gotten so much hotter since his return. But it wasn't just his lean physique. Jeremy's entire aura had changed since coming home. The once uptight and rigid man had given way to someone far more smooth and confident. She watched as he pulled a folded poster from his trousers and placed it on the dresser.

"What's that?" She asked. Jeremy looked down.

"Oh, this? They're having a grunge concert in the downtown hall in a few weeks. I'm debating going."

Sage scrunched her brow in amusement.

"Since when do you go to concerts?" She asked. He looked over and smiled.

"It came with me from Maine," He said. Sage nodded slowly, knowing she shouldn’t answer the question she was about to.

"Did she like music?" Sage asked. The question was playful, but her jealousy was impossible to hide.

Jeremy shrugged, the smile never leaving his face.

"Maybe. I've always liked music, you know."

Sage stared, inspired by his passive confidence.

"You thinking about starting up the old college band?" She asked with a smile. He laughed.

"At least start playing guitar again. I'm realizing I sort of stopped learning how to live somewhere along the way."

Sage nodded.

"Well, I'm in full support." She said. Jeremy gave her a wink.

"Thanks babe."

She had never wanted him more. But she waited. Because this time, it had to be on his terms. His permission. His invitation. And somehow, that restraint made Jeremy all the more unbearable to resist.​

"Anyways," Jeremy continued. "I was hoping David had told you something. I really need to know if he's coming back or not. Just seems strange to drop everything over a fling, you know? That’s not really his style, is it?”

“No,” she said carefully, “at least up to this point it hasn't been.”

She walked toward the edge of the bed and sat, her fingers idly adjusting the strap on her heel.

“He always finds a way to make himself known,” she continued, her tone quieter now.

"Yeah, that's what I mean. I would've anticipated some kind of crashout by now… another threat, another bit of blackmail, something." Jeremy said. He moved to the other side of the bed and sat, elbows on his knees.

"Maybe he's just finally done," Sage said. Her heart sank at that reality. Would David really have left without so much as a goodbye? Sage chewed the inside of her cheek nervously.

"It's not like it matters one way or the other," She continued, speaking more to herself than to Jeremy. He laughed.

“Come on, I know you care,” Jeremy said.

She met his gaze, relieved to find no judgment there. Only his newfound, unshaken composure.

“I don’t want to,” Sage replied softly.

Jeremy let out a breath and reached for her hand. He held it gently.

"He was a lot of firsts for you, for us. It's ok to worry about him, even if he is an asshole," Jeremy admitted.

"He really was a lot of firsts," Sage confirmed, sounding relieved. "But he is absolutely a fucking asshole, for the record."

Jeremy laughed and squeezed her hand. “You think he’s just trying to prove a point?”

Sage gave a small shrug. “I don’t know what game he’s playing this time. I just… I’d feel better if I knew.”

"You and me both…" Jeremy said.

They sat in silence for a moment. Jeremy's thumb gently caressed the back of her hand. The sensation was overwhelming. Sage gazed into his eyes, hungry to feel his lips again. He smiled, she looked away.

"You alright?" Jeremy asked. Sage took a slow, steady breath.

“I don’t know if I should be doing this,” she said.

Jeremy squeezed her hand and turned.

“Are you talking about Calden?" He asked.

She nodded.

“I just don't want it to turn into another David situation."

"It won't," Jeremy said calmly. Sage shook her head.

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because Calden isn't David, and we aren't who we once were."

"True… but... I don't know Jeremy. You've met him, what do you think?"

Jeremy smirked slightly. “I’ve seen him. I don’t know if I’ve met him.”

Sage smiled, but it didn’t last. Jeremy looked at her curiously.

"What is it?"

Sage shook her head. “Calden. He's… different.”

“Is that a good thing?” Jeremy asked.

“I don’t know,” she said honestly. “And I think it scares me that I want to find out.”

Jeremy didn’t flinch. Instead, he looked at her with a newfound softness she was still growing familiar with.

“We’ve been through worse, right?” he said after a beat.

She looked at him. His smile started a swelling fire in her chest.

“Yes, we have," She said, smiling back.

They sat for a long moment. Sage’s dress shimmered with every breath. Jeremy continued tracing lazy circles over the back of her hand.

Sage parted her lips, a soft invitation. A wordless plea for Jeremy to meet her there.

Quietly, he leaned in and kissed her again. Longer this time. Deeper. Just enough to remind her exactly where she was and who she was with. She kissed him back eagerly, needing the connection, hungry for more.

But Jeremy pulled away before the kiss could catch fire.

When they broke apart, his voice was barely a whisper.

“I support you. No matter what. You know that.”

“I know,” Sage said. She knew better than anyone. She knew the kind of man Jeremy was. She could see the kind of man he was becoming.

And she wanted him desperately.

Her hands moved without thinking, gliding up his thighs with slow, wicked intent. But just as they reached his bulge, Jeremy gently caught her wrists and pulled them away. He held them between his palms, then kissed her cheek with quiet affection.

“Sorry,” she murmured, cheeks flushed.

“It’s alright,” he said. “I’m just… not ready yet.”

She nodded. “I know. I know…”

A tense moment passed between them.

“Hey,” he said softly.

She looked up at him.

“If you do go,” he said, “you’ll have to tell me if Ferosha’s caviar lives up to the hype.”

Sage laughed, caught off guard. “Really? That’s what you’re thinking about?”

“Hey, I’m just saying,” he grinned.

They both laughed.

“Will you?” he asked.

Sage smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I will.”

He kissed her one last time tenderly, then stood and stepped away, leaving Sage alone with her breath and the slow-burning desire building inside her.

​

–

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Ferosha was less a restaurant and more a performance, and Sage had no idea what part she was playing.

Every inch of the place was designed to impress. Black marble steps veined in silver, a door without a handle, opened only by a host in a midnight-blue tuxedo who greeted Calden like royalty.

She clung to his arm, both her hands holding her clutch tightly as she tried to steady her breathing. Her preparation wasn't wasted. The moment they entered, all eyes turned on them.

Sage had worn one of the finest dresses she owned, and yet she still felt like an imposter next to him. Calden’s charcoal-gray suit was perfectly fitted, open just enough at the collar to accent his broad chest. Every step Calden took brought action from others. People stood to shake his hand. Businessmen, patrons, even a few of the staff. One woman at the bar audibly sighed after he passed.

Sage floundered, swallowing hard as she did her best to act the part as his…

What was she to him, exactly? Arm candy?

For the longest time, that role had given her great pleasure. But now, contrasted against a man who commanded the room, it made her feel like little more than an accessory. It was strange not being the center of attention for once. A feeling she didn't like.

Calden led them to their table. It was elevated, slightly back, but with a perfect view of the glittering atrium. Calden stopped at the illuminated steps leading to their private dining area.

"After you," He said calmly, leading her past him by the hand.

"Thank you," Sage said. Flowers lined the railing in bursts of blood-red and gold. A live quartet played something slow in the corner, the notes barely audible beneath the hush of conversation. As they reached their table, Calden pulled out her chair.

"So, what do you think?" He asked.

Sage sat without answering, still caught in the glow of the chandeliers, fine glass sculptures, and the sight of a bottle of wine being poured into a glass the moment they sat down.

“I…” she blinked as her words faded into thin air. “Yes. It’s very nice.”

Calden glanced with interest, chuckling softly as he sat across from her.

"Just nice?" He asked.

Sage raised an eyebrow. “What do you want me to say?”

He leaned back, one arm draped lazily along the back of his seat. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe… breathtaking, for starters.”

Sage smelled an opportunity. If she was going to wrap Calden around her finger, she would need to pull every trick she had.

She leaned in, folding her arms gently across the table. “I think you’re supposed to be the one calling me breathtaking.”

He tilted his head slightly, smiling softly.

"Do you need me to tell you such things?" He asked.

Their eyes held for a moment too long.

The wine was crisp and cold. Sage took a sip and let it calm her. She wasn’t going to lose her footing tonight. She had danced circles around David. Tamed Theo into falling in love with her. Men weren’t hard to handle when you knew what they wanted.

But Calden didn’t look at her like a man who wanted anything. He looked like a man who already had everything. And already her usual tricks were falling flat.

“So,” Sage said after a moment, “tell me something real about you.”

“Real?” Calden smiled like the request was a test he’d seen a hundred times.

“Yeah. Like… what do you do when you’re not working? Guilty pleasure? Favorite movie? Favorite… anything.”

Even as she said it, Sage felt a flicker of embarrassment. The questions sounded too eager, too scattered. And Calden’s slight smile told her he knew exactly what she was trying to do.

He took a sip of his champagne. “That’s a rather long list.”

“Then pick one.”

Calden's finger slid across the rim of his glass, his eyes not leaving hers. “I enjoy music. Classical, particularly.”

"Such as?"

"Vivaldi."

“Mmm. Good taste. That’s one point for you.”

“Just one?” he asked.

“I don't hand them out easily," Sage replied.

Another flicker of amusement swam across Calden's smile. He leaned forward slightly. “And what about you? What’s something real about Sage?”

There it was, mutual engagement. Now was her chance to catch him off guard.

“I like it when powerful men squirm.”

Calden laughed. A low, genuine sound that made Sage blush.

“Then I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed.”

The waiter appeared beside them with a plate of hors d'oeuvres Sage hadn’t ordered. She recognized maybe two ingredients. The rest looked like edible art.

“You really don’t have to impress me with all this,” she said, glancing at the plate.

“But I’m not trying to impress you,” Calden said, brushing off the waiter with a small nod. “I eat here because I like it. You’re simply joining me.”

Sage tilted her head. “So this is just another Wednesday for you.”

“No,” Calden replied. “It’s Friday.”

She laughed despite herself. “You’re impossible.”

“I’ve been told worse.”

Another round of drinks came. Sage still hadn’t placed an order. She didn’t even see the menus arrive. The service orbited them as if Calden’s presence was a gravitational force.

With another sip of her champagne, Sage tried to corner him again.

“You know, people look at you like they know you. Like you’re someone famous.”

Calden gave a small shrug. “Some people know me. Some think they do.”

Sage frowned. “Are you always this vague?”

“Only when I’m being asked vague questions.”

Sage narrowed her eyes, smiling through her sip. “You’re very good at this.”

“At what?”

“Control.”

There was a pause. The soft music floated between them on rays of desire. Then Calden leaned back slightly, letting his eyes scan the room as he tapped the table softly with his fingers.

“Control is easy,” he said. “I find most people give it away without realizing.”

That made Sage go still for a moment.

“And you don’t?”

Calden looked at her with cold confidence.

“Never.”

She wanted to ask more. To push. But something in the way he looked at her told her not to. Instead, she reached for another bite from one of the many assortments placed before her. Despite her having no idea what it was, it tasted like heaven. Her eyes bulged as the swirl of savory and sweet flavors, and her expression seemed to amuse Calden.

"I take it you're a fan of the caviar spread then," He said, grabbing one himself.

"Is that what that is?" She asked, remembering Jeremy’s request for a personal rating.

The caviar was absolutely not overrated.

"Oh yes…" He placed a morsel into his mouth, licking his thumb while staring at her. A gaze so strong that it made Sage's heart race.

Jeremy left her mind as quickly as he entered it.

"What?" She asked.

Calden smiled. "Come, let's eat. Enjoy the evening."

Reluctantly, Sage obeyed. Dinner went on without her needing to utter a word. One by one, small plates of art found their way in front of the pair. Each dish tasted better than the last. Their conversation lingering around the dining experience. Truthfully, Sage found herself enraptured by Ferosha. She found herself asking countless questions, enjoying each new dish as it appeared. It wasn't until dessert was served that Sage found herself focusing on Calden once again.

He looked insatiable in the warm light. And now that man looked at her with hunger in his eyes.

There it was, another opportunity. All it would take is a few suggestive words, a subtle hint at how badly she wanted him, and he would fold. But something held her back. A desire which she had never felt before and couldn't name.

As she slowly melted in his gaze, Sage smiled.

"What?" She asked bashfully.

"You're naivety to all of this, it's surprising," He said.

"Why would it be surprising? Most people don't go to places like this."

Calden nodded. "Yes… But you are not most people. You know this."

Sage blushed. "Do I?"

"Well, your husband should know, at least. I'm surprised he has not taken you to fine dining more." Calden's words were perfectly delivered. Sage cleared her throat and took a drink of her champagne.

“You know,” she said, changing the tone, “I’m still waiting for you to make an actual move.”

Calden raised an eyebrow. “I told you. I will never demand anything from you.”

“Women like to be chased, Calden," Sage countered. Calden glanced around the restaurant.

"Is this not chasing?" He asked. Sage laughed warmly.

"So what, you flaunt your money and you think I’ll just fall into your lap?”

“I think,” Calden said, finishing the last sip of his champagne, “that you’ll come to me when you’re ready.”

She tried to read him. Tried to find a weakness in his words. But, there was none.

“Why do you always assume that will happen?” she asked playfully.

He stood.

The suddenness of it caught her off guard. He didn’t speak until he’d straightened his jacket and reached out a hand toward her.

“Because,” he said calmly, “You already want what I offer, you just haven't admitted it to yourself yet."

The arrogance in the line would’ve repelled her from anyone else. But from Calden, it made her pause and question herself.

“You really think that line works?” Sage said, trying to find her footing.

Calden answered by offering his hand and waiting for her to take it.

And slowly, reluctantly, Sage did. Slipping her fingers into his. He helped her up, his hand lingering lightly at her lower back. Just enough to guide her. They strode through a crowd of searching eyes, slowly making their way out to the car valet.

"So where are you taking me?" She asked.

"To my penthouse," He said. Sage's heart raced at the words.

"Why, exactly?" She asked cautiously.

They reached a limo idling outside, black and gleaming beneath the streetlights. Calden opened the door but didn’t let her in yet. He leaned closer, voice low and warm against her ear.

"For a surprise," He said.

Sage blinked, unsure how to interpret that.

A surprise?

A trap?

The limo door remained open. Calden made no effort to force her inside. He relaxed against the limo's side.

"You can always head home, of course."

Sage shifted her weight onto one hip. "You don't think I will."

Calden shrugged. "I am no prophet."

Sage hesitated.

"What is the surprise?" She asked.

"Well, if I told you, it would tarnish the allure. But, I can assure you…" He looked her up and down. "You will enjoy it."

Sage’s breath caught; Calden smiled.

"You are quite beautiful when you are flustered,” he said. Holding the door open like nothing had happened.

There was no way she could walk away now. Doing so would admit defeat. It didn't matter what surprise Calden had in store; she wasn't going to cave into him. She would find his weakness, and she would beat him.

Sage stepped in without a word. Her body tingled the second she sat on the cool leather seat. Calden slipped in beside her, calm as ever, closing the door behind him and motioning to the driver with a wave.

The car lurched forward, and the city lights blurred past the tinted windows.

Sage adjusted her dress and crossed her legs slowly.

This wasn’t just a fantasy anymore.

And for the first time since she started playing this game, Sage wasn’t sure who the rules belonged to.

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