“And the guys, they’re the same,” I add with a smile, eager to change the subject. My cheeks burn red-hot. “Asher, the Stag?—”
“Oh, wow.” She laughs quietly.
“Wait, there are four more, hold on, give me a second.” I pause again to remember their names while Vivian keeps laughing. “Roderick, the Bear; Magnus, the Wolf; Sylvan, the Snake; and Marco, the Raven.”
“And the guests actually dig this stuff?”
I hum an answer, then let my free hand rest on the doorknob. Something about this room beckons me to enter. I’m not sure what it is, but I won’t know unless I turn the knob and go it. Technically speaking, it’s not off-limits to members of the staff, though Matty did say to avoid it because it’s the bosses’ turf.
That’s what he called it: their turf.
“They love it,” I tell Vivian. “Fantasy scenarios are played out. Creative dates. Relaxation sessions. And the décor, the services, my God, Viv, they’re something else. I mean, Alex and the guys spare no expense with this place. You walk in here on a Monday and you leave one, two, three weeks later a completely changed man—or woman. I’ve read some of the marketing brochures. They describe Haus of Sin as transformative.”
“Transformative? That actually sounds hot!”
“I suppose it is, if you’re into bondage, submission, that sort of thing.”
“You’ll have to come out of your shell eventually, Raina,” Vivian says, her tone suddenly serious. “Don’t give Jeremy another thought. Holding yourself back like this isn’t fair to you.”
I let a heavy sigh roll from my chest, wishing this ache would fizzle away sooner rather than later. “Jeremy doesn’t deserve me, period. But it’s only been a week since he basically ruined me. Well, almost ruined me. I bounced back. It hurts, though.”
“I know, and I completely understand. He was just the worst. I’m sorry I ever introduced you to him,” Vivianreplied. “Had I known what kind of a prick he was, I never would’ve?—”
“It’s okay, Viv. You had a co-worker at your law firm who was single and attractive. I get it. You wanted to do something nice for me,” I reply. “It wasn’t your fault that I settled for that man’s gaslighting and breadcrumbs. I stayed despite the red flags. I kept hoping he’d change.”
But he just got worse, and then he went out of his way to hurt me even more.
“He’s not doing well, by the way,” Vivian says.
“What do you mean? How come?”
As I speak, I turn the knob. My curious itch intensifies, and I push the door open. Instantly, I catch my breath at the sight unraveling before me. It triggers every shadow lurking beneath my surface, every want and need, every secret desire and dirty fantasy. It all makes me shudder as I walk into what has to be the most enticing, most elaborate playroom I’ve ever seen.
“Well, Jeremy’s always had an affinity for hard liquor and, you know, substances,” Vivian says.
I do remember a few times when I questioned his choices, but all I got in return were insults and demeaning remarks. Yet I didn’t walk away. I was so eager to be wanted.
“Yes, I know.”
“Apparently, his personal problems have been bleeding into his professional life,” Vivian says. “I’m still a junior partner here, but I hear the gossip between our fellow lawyers. They don’t trust him. He comes in late, looking like something the cat dragged in, after boning and drinking and snorting hisway through Old Town. He’s been missing client calls and court appearances. They’re worried he might lose the Dandelion Inc. case. Mr. Bancroft called him into his office the other day, and Jeremy did not look happy when he walked out of there.”
“Which is surprising, considering what a rising star he was supposed to be,” I mutter.
I’m still talking to Viv, but my focus is on every little detail of this playroom: the sleek, black walls; the luscious, lacquered black furniture with artful curves; the plush cream-colored carpet that covers the entire floor and makes me want to take my shoes and socks off, so I sink my bare feet into it.
“Honestly, I think he was always more talk and less action. He just got away with it long enough for Mr. Bancroft to actually think he was good at his job,” Vivian replies. “Corporate law isn’t that complex once you figure out that both parties usually seek an out-of-court resolution. Someone needs to give more to avoid a bigger payout later down the road. And given that most of our clients are filthy rich, it’s not like they don’t have the cash for a settlement that could save them millions or billions in court, not to mention our fees?—”
Suddenly, I notice something. “Viv, I’m so sorry, can I call you back later? I need to check something.”
“Sure. Are you okay?”
“Yes, absolutely. Just remember?—”
“Don’t tell Kaleb, I know, I know.” She laughs and hangs up.
I walk deeper into the room and take my time inspecting the details: the wooden cross with leather straps, the weirdly shaped lounger that I can already see myself straddling whileAlex takes me from behind. I shake that thought away with a gasp.
“Get a hold of yourself,” I whisper and walk over to an ornate, beautifully painted cabinet. It’s bold red with gold-brushed handles. I pull one drawer open and discover a multitude of sex toys—dildos, vibrators, plugs in all shapes and sizes, each one more inviting and tempting than the other.
