“Just as we expected.He fell back in line.What the fuck is up with Point Ops, though?They usually aren’t so brazen about poaching our clients.”
“They’ve wanted Dumond and Kerrick for a long time.”
“I guess.”Something about it bothers me more than usual, though.Maybe because this is the first time Point Ops nearly succeeded.Losing Dumond and Kerrick wouldn’t decimate Nove International Operations, but it would set us back considerably.And I can’t lose Nove.This company and its goals kept me sane while I was mourning Kyle.It’s no substitute for my brother, but losing Nove would feel like losing Kyle all over again.
“So,” Damiano says in an obvious subject and tone change, “I’m having a mask commissioned for Low Vice tomorrow.It’ll match Madison’s.This is your last chance for me to order one for you as well.”
“I won’t be going to the masquerade,” I snap.Why the hell does he keep pushing this?It’s difficult enough to resist Madison without him waving her in front of me like a tempting treat every five minutes.“Stop asking.”
“Okay, okay.I just thought?—”
I end the call.
* * *
DAMIANO
When she shrugs off her coat in Low Vice, Madison emerges as a goddess.Her sheer, purple dress has a crisscross of fabric cinching across her delectable breasts.The fabric meets up with a matching skirt which has ribbons at her hips holding long rectangles of fabric that cover her front and back—but it really doesn’t cover much at all.The same fabric encases her arms, from bicep to wrist.Her shoes are dainty, matching slippers.Her mask matches as well.
I find myself tongue-tied at the sight of her.
Through the holes of her mask, her green eyes watch me expectantly.“Is it okay?I found it on the site you sent me?—”
“It’s perfect.Madison, you take my breath away.”
“Hopefully not too much of it.”Her generous lips curve in a smile.“You might need your stamina.”
I raise my eyebrows, affronted.“You think I cannot handle you, little dancer?”
She gives me a delicate spin.“I don’t know—can you?”
Sheisa brat.I have to bite back a smile, because I love the challenge.As I lead her to Fouad’s table to sign in as my guest, I say, “You will stay at my side the entire night, unless I give you other direction.”
“Yes, Sir.”For once, there’s no attitude behind her agreement.
I stroke the bare skin along her spine, and she nearly drops Fouad’s pen.
“You’ve already signed our regular permissions paperwork,” Fouad comments with a smile.“I recognize you, Miss M.So please sign here, and Mr.Romano, you’ll sign next to her name.”
After we sign in, we step further into the club.Madison’s eyes, not quite concealed by her mask, are wide as she takes in the scene before us.
Everyone has on a mask—that is the one requirement of the masquerade.Other than that, however, anything goes.Costumes are optional; indeed, clothing is optional.This is a den of intricate power play and sin.
Several couples lounge by the bar, soaking in the sexy atmosphere.Other people are dancing, swaying and grinding to the low music coming out of the speakers.Others sit at tables, chatting and laughing, sipping their drinks.
Even though everyone is in masks, I recognize Missy, a woman Seth and I have played with in the past.She’s dancing with another woman, their arms wrapped around each other, nuzzling each other’s necks.The contented way they hold each other gives me hope for love, for romance.I squeeze Madison against me, desiring more contact.With enough trust between us, that could be us someday.
Now if only I could convince Seth.
Across from Missy and her partner, another couple plays at the St.Andrew’s cross.A man is splayed out in bikini underwear while his Domme flogs him.He whimpers and smiles with every stroke.
Low Vice has several rooms built off the main room, with large windows that allow viewers to watch the sometimes depraved, sometimes sweet acts happening within.Two of the rooms have their curtains drawn, but the one nearest us is open to view.I gently guide Madison toward it.Will my little exhibitionist get off on watching others?Will she mentally put herself in their position, feel what it is to fuck in front of an audience?
Her reaction to masturbating in front of Seth in Mirarosa couldn’t have pleased me more.
It looks as if the couple in the viewing room is just getting started.Despite his mask, I recognize Parker, one of the Low Vice bouncers.His partner, a woman, is draped over a spanking bench and tied up in rope.The intricate knots make patterns over her nude form.
Parker warms up his rope bunny by spanking her a few times with his bare hand.He leans forward to say something in her ear.She nods, smiles.
