Coloured wristbands are sorted by their purpose, and I pick up a red one forobserving only.
“The bar is through the door behind the curtains,” she says as she gestures to the back wall beside us. “The main floor is for flirting only. All heavy sexual activity is restricted to the privaterooms and the daybeds. Only the private rooms are soundproof. Once you venture past the blue markers on the floor, you will be exposed to any activities taking place in the daybeds or the special rooms that specifically cater to voyeurism. Follow any of the white paths marked out for observation, and if you wish to switch your band at any time, you can do so at the bar.”
I hand in my purse, and she gives me a keychain to collect my valuables on my way out.
“We hope you enjoy your visit, Miss Henry.”
I offer her a tight-lipped smile and head towards the bar. As I draw closer to the wall of curtains, they must be on a sensor and suddenly slide open, revealing an ornate gold door. I push against one side and find myself in a narrow hallway. Strip lights run up one side of the wall and stretch over the ceiling. I can’t hear anything but the sound of my heartbeat pulsing in my ears as I step through the hallway to the door at the other end.
My hand lingers for a moment over the brass handle. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, readying myself for what might be on the other side.
Never in my wildest dreams could I have imaginedthis.
Chapter sixteen
“Appreciate you coming out, mate,” Tuck says, as we both nurse an untouched beer in front of us.
I bob my head in response. “Whenever you need me, you know I’m there.”
“Seeing Raven just brought up so many memories of Camille. She looks so much like her. I wasn’t ready for it.” Tuck’s niece just moved to Heart City. He and Riley were helping her get settled into her apartment, and all night, he was struck by moments where she resembled his late wife.
“Will you be okay?” I ask, looking over at my friend. Both arms are full of ink, but unlike mine, they’re full of colour. His black and grey hair is styled off his face, beard neatly trimmed. Even when Tuck feels like shit, he always looks sharp. It’s part of his routine. When he was in the early stages of grief, he’d tell himself to keep waking up and start the day. You’d never go to Tuck’s house and find his bed unmade. That just invited you to get back in and wallow, he once told me. Plus, his wife always called him her beautiful man, so he keeps it up for her.
“Yeah. I’m happy Raven’s here. Who knows, maybe it’ll be good for me.”
I clap my hand on his back. “If you need me, just call.”
Tuck nods, then steps off the stool, and I do the same. We step outside, say our goodbyes, and start to head in oppositedirections when a bright yellow car rolls down the street. I know someone who drives a car like that, but what would she be doing here at this time?
I watch Isabelle slow down and then pull to a stop in front of Nella Notte. She checks her phone, then pulls down the driveway that leads to the main entrance behind the club. I’m almost running down the street to get to where my car is parked, and retrieving a bag that’s stowed under the passenger seat to grab my mask before backtracking to the club.
My mind is spinning with all the reasons she could be here. I’ve never seen her here before. I never thought I’d see her here, of all places.
I check in with Anja, leaving my keys and phone, and pick a red wristband. Making my way to the curtains, I pull the sleeves of my Henley down, covering my tattoos as best I can. I wonder if she’ll recognise me? My heart thumps at the prospect, not knowing if I’m more intrigued by her knowing it’s me or having a moment where I can play pretend. Let myself be someone that she’d talk to with any kind of real interest. That still makes me wonder what the hell brought her here tonight.
As I draw nearer to the bar, the sounds gradually change from sultry music to the gentle hum of laughter and seductive conversations. The occasional moans of ecstasy filter from behind the curtains of the daybeds that line the bar floor, everything happening behind them only visible if you venture into the observation halls. Just the sounds of pleasure act as an aphrodisiac meant to entice those still mingling on this side of the curtains.
I stop the second I reach the end of the hallway, watching as Isabelle sits on a stool at the end of the bar. No one’s sitting next to her, which I’m relieved about, but the red band that sits on her wrist could be why.Observing Only.
Her hair is straight, those beautiful curls gone, and her black dress is different from her usual style—the cute, whimsical patterns she favours and the soft, but bright colours. She’s soenticing, and I’m sure she has no idea of the power it holds. It’s a quiet kind of confidence that she possesses.
As I pass behind her, the scent of spicy citrus and soft rose muddies my senses. My thoughts spin in a daze, almost making me forget what I’m doing. I manage to sit on a stool, leaving one free in between us. From the corner of my eye, I see her freeze as she notices me.
“Lemon, lime, and bitters,” I say to the bartender, keeping my eyes straight ahead.
I can see Isabelle’s reflection in the mirror behind the bar. I stare transfixed as she tilts her head, studying me straight back.
“Observed anything interesting tonight?” I say, loud enough for Isabelle to know I’m talking to her.
I see her flinch, then whip her head around, only now, she’s looking straight at me through the mirror. I smirk, the look appearing even more menacing with my mask. The eyes and hollowed out cheeks look pronounced as the light reflects from where they’re lined with neon green paint.
“Sorry,” she says, almost breathless.
“Don’t be. That’s what we’re here for.” I hold up my wrist, showing her my own red band. “Right?”
She looks down at her wrist. “Right.”
“I haven’t noticed you here before.”
