My animal desperately wants to come out to play, but my heart aches at the reminder of her absence.
It’s time to let her go. Put her in the past, where she belongs.
“Pick your poison,” Tristan says, his voice echoing in the eerie glow.
CHAPTER 5
TRISTAN
Dominik and Aaron are waiting for me to pick out my mask. As if this is some sort of monumental decision, but considering how seriously they’re taking it, perhaps I should give it some thought too. Is that why I’m standing here, looking over all the options? Hiding my face has never really been a huge concern for me, especially not at my own playhouse. Besides, I’ve never been much into mask play. But who knows? Tonight could be the night the demon inside me comes out to play.
He’s always there, lurking in the background. Hardly amused.
That’s what happens when you become desensitized and have a complicated relationship with sex.
It's no surprise the hockey player chose the classic goalie mask, featuring two large eye holes for optimal visibility and a multitude of smaller vents covering the rest. His mask is entirely black, adorned with three striking red markings—one above the eyes and the other two around the mouth. The simple design compliments Dom’s all-black attire. It will certainly help him blend seamlessly into the night should there be any chasinginvolved, which I know he’s a huge fan of. Dominik is a primal dominant to his core.
I’m so tempted to push his buttons, say something that will remind him of Zoe or at least make it known that I’m aware of his past hobbies involving Aaron’s little sister. Fortunately for him, I’m not in the mood to fuck up a lifelong friendship tonight.
Instead, I’m going to get to know them individually and together. Find out things that aren’t buried in the dark web.
I know it’ll get under Dominik’s skin, me knowing his dirty little secret. Maybe it’ll distract him enough to allow me to have some alone time with my new business partner. He must be entirely devoted to this friendship if he isn’t willing to sacrifice hurting Aaron to go after the girl he’s been in love with since high school.
But why?
Men are entirely driven by love—or lust, rather.
Maybe it’s not love. Maybe it’s a sick, twisted fantasy he needs to forget about. Probably an obsession he can’t control. Which will weaken him over time.
As for Aaron, he picked a mask I was likely going to choose.
The onyx wolf.
Its metallic black finish and detailed texture perfectly mimics the wild animal. With deep grooves and ridges that catch the light, even in total darkness the mask will draw attention. That’s why I wanted it. The ears are pointed and alert, making you feel powerful.
It’s also mysterious, fitting for Aaron. But he doesn’t strike me as the wild card.
He’s too calculated. Too focused on having control.
I hope tonight a different part of him reveals itself.
“Any day now, Suits,” Dominik mutters from behind me.
Ignoring Dominik, I scan the rows of options before me, only stopping when my eyes land on a black skeletal mask. Its shapeand sleek, almost robotic appearance immediately grabs my attention. Large eye sockets covered with transparent material give it a hauntingly vacant look, while the nose and mouth areas are sharply defined. Mesh detailing along the sides of the jawline makes it look more intricate. It's both terrifying and charming—cold with a touch of calculated menace.
Exactly my vibe.
“I had a feeling you were going to pick that one,” Aaron snickers.
“Gold star for you. I’ll be sure to reward you later,” I wink at him, relishing when the smile on his face instantly evaporates.
The power dynamic with this one will be so much fun.
I wonder what it takes to break Aaron into submission. I’ve never done that in this type of setting before. Every person, no matter how dominant, has a breaking point, and I plan on finding his.
“You mentioned there is a different kind of adventure here. Is that fancy verbiage for a secret BDSM club?” Dominik asks as I secure the mask over my face.
“What makes you think that?” I reply, arching an eyebrow.
