Page 74
The song fades, leaving only the sound of my own heartbeat in my ears. The crushing weight on my shoulders feels just a little bit lighter. There’s no way I can say no to her.
I’m not that strong–or maybe I’m just that desperate.
“Okay,” I whisper. “We’ll try it your way, just let me know when you’re ready.”
A small grin lifts the corners of her mouth. “How about now?”
20
Damon
Easing up to the black mahogony bar, I nod at the bartender, getting his attention. It’s my first time in the club under the Maddox hotel, and the place is everything I expected and more.
The lighting is low and gothic–deep reds and purples casting long shadows across velvet drapes and dark wooden beams. The air is thick with the scent of leather, musk, perfume, and sex. Moans and whispered commands blend with the heavy, pulsing bass of the music.
When Ari told me about Sarah’s suggestions about how she and Hunter can move forward, I thought we’d tackle it in our bedroom. Maybe push the beds together for more space and tie Hunter’s hands behind his back to keep him under control.
My girl had other ideas: Noir Sanctum.
They’d had some success here before–with the King controlling from behind the scenes. I don’t give a fuck where it happens. I just need the tension to ease up. Hunter’s sex-repressed shame cycle is making us all crazy. And Ari? She just wants her man to fuck her.
Leaning against the bar, I scan the room out of habit, tracking every movement. Everyone, including the three of us, wears the masks handed out at the door. These aren’t like the ones we wear for ceremonies. They’re softer. More about the pretense of anonymity than any sort of ritual. One couple fucks against a pillar, the woman’s leg hooked high around her partner’s waist. Nearby, a throuple is lost in pleasure on a wide leather couch–kissing one another in a slick, tangled rhythm. Further back, another scene unfolds with a woman on her knees servicing two men, their hands in her hair as they take turns. It’s pure sensory overload, raw and unapologetic.
My gaze finally lands on her.
Arianette sits in a private booth, looking like sin wrapped in innocence. She’s wearing one of those short school girl plaid skirts that barely cover the tops of her black thigh-high fishnets, paired with heavy boots and a tight black cardigan that hugs her curves. Her mask is black satin with scalloped laced edges that meet the curve of her cheeks. She looks sexy as hell, but also calm. Comfortable.
Hunter sits across from her in black jeans and a dark button-down, his posture rigid, but he’s comfortable. This is his haunt, but tonight’s different.
When the bartender approaches, his eyes drop instantly to the heavy ring on my finger. He straightens, looking nervous.
“Sir,” he says quickly. “What can I get for you? Champagne, whiskey–whatever you please.”
“Suprise me,” I say, feeling uncomfortable with the admiration. He probably thinks I’m his boss, but my leadership doesn’t expand to the hotel or any of Maddox’s other assets. No reason for him to know that.
He heads to the back, leaving me alone with a masked man drinking beside me.
“Lots of options tonight,” he says casually, eyes darting over the room. When his gaze reaches Arianette he groans under his breath. “Fuck, she’s sexy.”
Yep. She is. Every soft inch of her.
“Wonder if she’s up for playing tonight?” His voice drops lower. “Bet those lips would look real good wrapped around—”
“They do,” I cut in, voice cold and flat. “They look perfect wrapped around my cock. Especially when they’re parted just a little while she’s coming. Or all puffy and swollen after I’ve kissed her for hours.” I turn my head, staring him down. My hand tightens around the edge of the bar until the wood creaks. “But no. She’s not up for playing. She’s here with me. And him.”
“I didn’t know…”
“Well, then let me explain.” I lean in closer, letting the full weight of the Baron ring catch the low light as my voice drops to a lethal tone that carries across the nearby area. “This is my territory now. Mine. And if you look at her again, I’ll burn your eyes out with a flaming hot poker and then shove it down your throat for even thinking about her lips. Then I’ll leave you writhing on this floor while everyone watches. Do you understand me?”
The entire section of the bar goes quiet. Heads turn. Masks shift as people take notice. Good. Let them see. Let them all fucking see.
“Understood,” he says quietly and turns away.
The bartender returns moments later, unaware of what just happened, carrying a chilled bottle of champagne and three glasses. I take them without a word and cross the room toward the booth.
Arianette’s eyes brighten when she sees me. “Oh, champagne!”
“Perk of being Royal, apparently.” I gesture for her to stand. The second she does, I slide into her seat and pull her close, her side pressed against mine. Lifting her leg, I hike it over my thigh, her short skirt riding up her fishnet-covered thighs.
