He ushers me into the lobby, a standard security guard waiting with a smile for my companion.
“Hey, Ryder. Here is the NDA you requested.” The guard then turns his attention to me. “Miss, I need your driver’s license.”
I look to Chef Stevens, and he gives a curt nod before gesturing to a table and chairs on the other side of the lobby.
“Take your time to read it over. It’s virtually identical to the one you signed with me, but it’s club protocol.”
As I take a seat and pull a pen from my purse, I can’t help but ask—observe.
“The guard called you Ryder. You know each other well.”
“Read the contract.” He leaves no room for further conversation on the fact that he’s clearly a member of this kink club.
My mind is racing as I read over the agreement, sign and date it. I hate to admit it, but I’m turned on at the thought of what goes on here. I have no idea, but just the knowledge that people are here having sex and doing all kinds of kinky things—I feel naughty.
“Let’s go.” I hand the NDA to the security guard, who returns my license and hands me a visitor’s pass.
“I need a badge for a kink club?” I say with a nervous chuckle as the elevator doors close.
“Why is that funny?” His tone is flat. Harsh. Nothing like the dynamic chef I’m used to seeing at Dulip.
“It’s not. I guess I just assumed anyone could walk in.”
“It is not a standard dance club or cocktail bar in the city. The NDA isn’t a joke.”
“I didn’t—” He cuts me off.
“Venom is the most elite club in the country. It is members only. Invitation only. Domination and submission aren’t to be taken lightly. Everything that happens here is about mutual consent.”
“You sound like you know a lot about it.”
“Stop fishing with questions you don’t want the answers to. We are here to look at the rooftop, and that is exactly what we’re doing. If you can’t take that seriously, we’re done here.”
My stomach lurches as the elevator heaves upward, opening on the next level. “I wasn’t making fun. I’m just… nervous.”
The furrow of his brow slowly dissipates as I wring my hands, unsure what to do in this enclosed space. Suddenly, his presence is choking the air from my lungs. He’s so beautiful, but there’s a sadness behind his ice-blue gaze.
“There’s nothing to be nervous about. We will walk around, I’ll explain my vision, and we’ll leave. No kink involved.” A pang of disappointment strikes in the pit of my stomach, but I shove it aside. I can unpack whatever fucked-up idea I’m having later.
When the doors ping open on the rooftop, there’s an insanely handsome man waiting to greet us. Holy mother of God. Being in the presence of two of the best-looking men I’ve ever seen is—hot. Really hot.
Be professional.
This guy is probably a member here, which means he does all kinds of dark, wicked things to women. Or men. Or both.
He and Ryder embrace, clapping each other on the back. “Hey, bro. How’s it hanging?”
“I’m good, man. Who is this beautiful creature? Aren’t you going to introduce us?”
“Flex, this is Aspen Struthers. Aspen, meet Felix Navarro. He’s one of the owners here at Venom.”
I extend my hand in greeting. “Hello, Mr. Navarro. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
He and Ryder exchange glances. “I like her already.”
“Don’t start, Flex. We’re doing a simple walk around. No flirting. No innuendo. Just business.”
“How do you work with this guy? He’s all work and no play tonight.”
