“Who? Ethan? No, he doesn’t even know I work here. Plus, he’s busy taking care of this chick we met at a dance club a couple of months ago. She had to have surgery, and he’s pretty much in love with her. He’s got his hands full.”
“Good,” I exhale as I try to calm my breathing while I take in the space. “This isn’t how I thought it would be. This just looks like a moody bedroom. And why is everything black?”
“You gotta problem with black?” he teases, crossing his arms in mock annoyance.
“Oh gosh, no, I wasn’t being racist. I meant the walls, and the bed, and?—”
“Relax, Em, I’m just fucking with you. Take a deep breath. It’s not too late to back out. I haven’t told my guy you’re here yet.”
He fixes me with his big brown eyes, concern etched in his brows. I will my heart to calm its rhythm, but it feels fruitless. I’m standing on a precipice, and while I know I could turn back, I force myself to look down and convince myself that the jump isn’t scary, that the journey to the bottom could be fun.
“And he knows about my… problem?” I lower my voice to a whisper on the last word, even though we’re alone.
“He’s aware.”
I twist my fingers. “And he’s okay with it?”
“He’s dealt with a brat before. He can handle anything you throw at him.”
“A brat?”
“It’s a submissive who enjoys giving their dom a hard time.”
“I don’t want to give anyone a hard time,” I say. “You’re sure Ethan won’t find out about any of this?”
“Emma, what’s really going on here? There’s something you’re not telling me.”
“I just don’t want to disappoint him. Not that being in a schmex club is disappointing. I’m not saying you’re a disappointment. He just doesn’t expect this kind of behavior from me, like he does with you. He knows you like to keep your options open, you know? I’m not saying you sleep around, but you know what I mean, you’ve been with more people than I have. Biscuits. I’m messing this up and being a crappy friend.”
“Breathe before you word vomit again.” He pulls me into a hug and soothes a hand up and down my spine. “It’s okay. I like sex and I’m not ashamed of that, but I understand not broadcasting everything to everyone, hence the reason I don’t share my second job with most people.”
I get that. Alyx and my sister Ella are the only two people I’ve ever told about my problem, and even they don’t knoweverything.
He steps back, grabbing me by the shoulders. “I know you want to explore that side of yourself, and I think you should. And even if your brother never understands my reasoning, I brought you here so you can do that safely. Everyone has been thoroughly tested and had background checks performed. I’ll be nearby, but not in the room with you.”
“Okay,” I say on a shaky exhale. “And you’re confident this will help?”
“All you can do is try. If you want to stop, give your safe word, and he’ll stop.”
“Safe word, got it. I read about that.”
“And for fuck’s sake, don’t tell him about all your research. Just get out of your head and let him lead the scene.”
I nod my agreement, and he squeezes my shoulder before letting go. “So what happens next?”
“I’ll text him, and he’ll take you back to his room. It’s a few doors down, and I have no plans tonight, so I can wait around for you after to make sure you feel okay about everything. You ready?”
“As I’ll ever be. I mean, yes. I want to do this.” Throwing my shoulders back, I try to strike a confident pose, hoping my emotions will catch up.
Alyx taps out a text on his phone, and a few seconds later, there’s a knock on the door. A bead of sweat glides down my spine and my breathing stutters when Alyx opens the door.
He’s tall, his body nearly filling the doorway, with broad shoulders and large biceps covered in tattoos that stop just above his elbows. His bare chest and abs are on full display, also covered in tattoos, and he has those V lines on his hips that disappear into his black pants. But the most alluring part is the black skull mask that covers his entire face. I can’t even see his eyes.
“Follow me,” a deep voice growls from under the mask. It almost sounds like there’s a voice modulator built in.
Alyx gives me a thumbs-up and a crooked smile, and I follow the masked man into the hall. I notice the muscles on his back rippling with each step he takes, his backside perfectly framed in his pants. I don’t think I’ve ever checked out a man’s butt like this before, but he has the most perfect behind I’ve ever seen, and I have to stop myself from grabbing it. He ushers me into a room down the hall, and once the door clicks, the noise from the club is silenced.
“Is it soundproof in here?” I ask nervously.
