If I were being completely honest, I didn’t like anything he was showing me. I may have been living under a rock for sixty-five years, but that didn’t make me desperate. Despite his thin frame, he had a noticeable protruding stomach, and his small, shriveled penis hung limply between his legs. I shook my head and pointed straight ahead. “Nah, I’m heading to the Executive Lounge.”
“Ah, the Executive Lounge, you don’t look like a dirty boy.” He opened the door with a horny smirk and raised an eyebrow. “If you change your mind, you know where to find me.”
Fat chance, buddy.
I moved along the hallway, consciously resisting the temptation to glance into the rooms. What I originally found exciting was starting to become irritating as more and more people kept asking me to join them. I kept my eyes fixed straight ahead, where a looming black metal door marked the end of the hallway. The chaotic energy emanating from it was strangely alluring, pulling me closer. My hand grasped the handle, but it didn’t move—the door was locked.
Suddenly, a beep came from inside, and a man emerged, freezing in his tracks once he saw me. “You coming in? Maybe I’ll stay.”
I swayed on my feet to catch a glimpse inside, where people in tuxedos were surrounded by naked men and women. Situated around the stage, plush lounge sets provided a comfortable view of the woman spinning around the pole. The room was filled with crystal decanters, their contents a mix of blood and liquor that they were drinking straight from the source. My breath caught in my throat as I realized all of these men were employed by my father. I put on my most innocent smile and casually ran my fingers through my hair, feeling the strands slip between my fingertips. “I think I got turned around. Do you know where the Diamond Bar is?”
Raising an eyebrow, he pointed down the hallway. “It’s straight ahead, you won’t be able to miss it.” With a mischievous grin, he bit his bottom lip and winked. “But would you rather join me downstairs in the playroom?”
I fanned myself before responding. “I just left and needed to refresh myself.” Playing coy seemed to be working well, judging by how the man’s eyes lit up with interest. I was in control of this situation.
“Come find me when you’re finished.” Before departing, he winked at me one last time.
As I turned down the hallway, a surge of newfound confidence rushed through me with each step. The allure of The Carlton finally made sense to me: in here, you can be whoever you want.
It was also an ego boost knowing he was staring at my ass as I walked away.
Turning the corner, I felt like I stepped directly into the glistening jewels of a chandelier as I neared the Diamond Bar. Looking up, I was surrounded by twinkling lights and intricate jeweled decorations cascading from the ceiling to the floor. The bar in the middle, where all the stringed tassels gathered, created a dazzling display of rainbows on the floor as light refracted through them. On the mirrored shelves behind it, various liquor bottles were arranged, each shimmering with its own distinct glow.
I found a spot at the bar, crossing one leg over the other as I settled into the seat. The bartenders were busy, creating intricate cocktails with freshly muddled fruit. The sound of ice being thrashed around in a cocktail shaker was music to my ears.
Using his arms as a brace, an elderly man with a bow tie and a mustache leaned over the bar. “What would you like tonight?”
Ruffling my hair, I aimed for a carefree, relaxed look, which drove men wild. “Dirty martini, rocks on the side.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a man take a seat beside me, his broad stance almost brushing against my leg. With a quick glance, I noticed his average physique, overshadowed by a dense layer of chest hair peeking out from the white robe. His small eyes squinted as his full lips curved into a smile. He wasn’t unattractive, but not someone I’d typically go for.
But who cares? I can be anyone I want.
The bartender returned, tipping the contents of the shaker into a martini glass in front of me. The red pits within the sage colored olives stood out like beacons as the liquid poured over them, creating a stunning visual contrast.
“Martini, nice,” the man beside me acknowledged and dropped a few coins atop the bar. “I’ll take a Manhattan.” The bartender nodded in acknowledgement before disappearing to mix the alcohol. “My name’s Trent, how ‘bout yours, handsome?”
Taking a sip of my martini, I racked my brain, trying to come up with a suitable name to give him. His voice sounded familiar, making it difficult for me to concentrate. “Jacob.” As the name forced itself out of my mouth, it took everything in my power not to chuckle, as it was similar to Gabe’s middle name.
“Jacob,” Trent repeated, letting it sit in his mouth as he raised his glass to take a sip. “Is it your first time here?”
I shook my head and shrugged. “I’ve been here a few times, although not as often as everyone else, it seems.”
He licked the liquor off his lips, a knowing smile playing on his face. “It breaks up the monotony of our day-to-day. Reminds us what it’s like to be human, you know?” He took another sip before turning back to me with a smile, his fangs glistening in the light. “I saw you coming out of the Executive Lounge. Do they pay you to be here?”
They wish.
My cheeks flushed. “I wasn’t coming out of the lounge. I was curious about what was inside.”
“You know, I’ve heard that The Carlton is the headquarters to all security within Elysium. They monitor the cameras and can even open the wall outside from somewhere within this hotel.”
“Interesting,” I responded, not remotely attentive to the conversation. “You can’t believe every rumor you hear. I mean,youthoughtIwas working in the Executive Lounge.”
“Forgive me for that.” His slight lean towards me allowed his large hand to softly stroke my leg. My conscience continued vollying my morals. Playing along with this man wasn’t cheating, right? “The reason I made that mistake is because you’re so handsome. Can you blame me?”
With a slight movement to readjust his palm, I felt my body tense as his thumb brushed against my thigh. “Um…thank you,” I answered, shifting uncomfortably in my seat. “You-you’re a good-looking man yourself.” My facade was beginning to crumble, and the unexpected sensation of a physical touch caught me off guard.
“You think so?” He put his free hand on my other leg. “Would you like to pay me back for getting you in here tonight?”
