by Clara Bayard
“I hope so. I’m looking for someone who works here. Maybe you know her?”
His eyes widened. “No, Miss. I don’t know anything about anyone.”
“What? I didn’t even tell you her name yet. Please…”
He shook his head hard. “No. Sorry, no.” He looked at me for a long time, but didn’t say anything else.
I didn’t have any other ideas at the moment. “Please, I need your help.”
He turned back to his dishes, but didn’t start washing again.
“Don’t just ignore me,” I pleaded.
His whole body tensed up and I thought he might actually say something, but just then the door swung open and a man stumbled into the room. It was the one with the blue eyes I’d encountered earlier.
“Well, well, well. Don’t you know you’re not supposed to touch the merchandise, Juan?”
The dishwasher tensed again but then turned around, smiling broadly. “Mr. Alexander. What a pleasure to see you, Sir.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Save me the bullshit. You know what I want.”
The guy – Juan – glanced over at me.
“Don’t worry about her,” Alexander said. “She’s with my girls.”
I tried to smile, hoping I wasn’t being terribly obvious.
“Darling, you should head back up front. The show’s going to start in a little while.”
Not having a good reason to argue, I went, casting one last look at Juan. He wouldn’t meet my gaze, and as soon as I opened the door he went back to talking to Alexander the creep.
But instead of following his directions, I made my way up to the second floor of the house, having located the back stairs next to the kitchen.
Upstairs I made sure to only check rooms with wide open doors. I heard what sounded like a television somewhere and headed in that direction. There were live voices too, laughing and talking. More casual than the party downstairs, I wondered if it was more members of the staff, and hoped they might be a little more open to conversation than Juan.
I turned a corner and found myself in a small theater or media room. The people in it were definitely partygoers, but they weren’t watching television. At least, nothing you could get without Pay-Per-View. The screen flashed with scenes of sex. I didn’t see enough to get a good sense, but it seemed like a lot of naked people.
“My god, what kind of party is this,” I muttered before turning to run away. Again.
But this time I collided with a tall, muscular body. My heart leapt into my throat.
Strong hands gripped my shoulders, but I shoved blindly, averting my face. The man, clearly surprised, stumbled, and I shot past him at full speed, not looking back to see if he was following me.
My brain was screaming, “Get out, get out,” and I listened. I pelted down the stairs and around corners, rushing back to the sounds of the party, back to the front door that would lead me out of there.
Kat would get a kick out of this story, for sure. How I went to find her and ended up being chased by security at a private sex pervert party.
Kat.
Thinking of her strengthened my resolve. I needed to get out of there and get to the police station. Make someone there listen to me. Believe that I needed help. I’d been stupid to try and do this alone.
I was halfway to the door when a hand grabbed mine and tugged me into a room. I looked up, holding my breath. But it wasn’t the security guard. It was Alexander. I wasn’t sure if I should be relieved or not.
“What?”
“There you are,” he drawled. “Been looking for you. Show’s starting and I saved you a seat right next to me.”
“Oh. I…uh…”
He chuckled. “Not the most eloquent little thing are you?” He leaned over close and I could smell the strong stench of hard liquor on his breath. “But I guess with a pair of tits like that you don’t need to talk, do you?”
I gasped.
From behind me there was a laugh that was familiar. The popular man from earlier. “Can’t you play dirty old man somewhere else, Alexander?”
I turned around, happy for the momentary distraction.
In movies when a beautiful woman enters the room everything goes into slow-motion and her hair is ruffled by a gentle breeze as a halo of light surrounds her and music swells. Watching him walk towards me was pretty much exactly like that except there was no slow-motion so he was standing right in front of me while my mouth was still hanging open and my brain was too busy staring at all the amazingly perfect and sexy parts of his face and body to realize I looked like a total idiot.
I should have been ashamed that all thoughts of looking for my sister or suspicion about the club disappeared in the deep dark pools of his eyes, but there was no room for shame or memories or thoughts. Just a lusty beast uncoiling deep within me for what seemed like the first time, searching for its only possible meal: the over six feet of tanned, muscular awesomeness currently smirking at me.
“Are you going to introduce me?”
I was still standing there unable to speak.
“Not at all. Get your own,” Alexander said, wrapping an arm around my waist.
That was enough to reboot my brain. I stepped away.
The new man grinned broadly. “Don’t think she’s yours, my friend.”
“I’m not!” I blurted thoughtlessly. My ears burned and I knew I had to be bright red.
The new man laughed again. “Good. Then you won’t mind joining me for a drink. You ran away so fast upstairs I didn’t get a chance to ask you.”
I blinked quickly a few times. It was him upstairs, not the guard. That was excellent news. Kind of. I eyed him again, this time able to keep my libido under control. Mostly.
He was tall and broad, with a sculpted face and body, from what the perfectly tailored suit revealed. Handsome in a classic way, but with a hint of something…different that I found incredibly appealing. Danger or humor, or something there wasn’t even a word for. Whatever it was, I craved it in a way I’d never experienced before.
But, of course, I wasn’t here to meet a new guy. I needed to find Kat and maybe he could help. If nothing else, he was offering an easy way to get away from Alexander’s leering gaze and grabby hands.
“Sounds wonderful,” I said, smiling. “Let’s go.”
He tucked my arm in his and we left the room. While we walked, I whispered, “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Rescuing me.”
He chuckled. “Alexander is mostly harmless, but the more he drinks the more insistent he gets that every woman in the room is his personal property.”
“Well, I appreciate it, either way.”
“Good.” He led me back into the large room I’d first seen him in, but now it was almost deserted. We walked over to the window and he snagged two glasses of champagne.
“I had one of those,” I said, musing. “But I left it somewhere.”
“Don’t worry. There’s always plenty of champagne.”
“Okay.” I snuck a glance up at him and felt my insides go liquid again. He was hot, sure, but no one had ever had this strong and effect on me. It was interesting, but rather embarrassing. I hoped I wasn’t staring at him like a lovesick puppy.
He caught me looking and met my gaze, and then held it. Mesmerizing was a word that suddenly made a lot more sense to me. “So, tell me, what are you doing here?”
“Me?” I squeaked. “Same as you, I suppose. Enjoying the party.”
“Mmhmm. And it’s your first time at the club?”
“I…why do you think that?”
He grinned, flashing a row of perfectly even white teeth. “I’m here all the time and I’ve never seen you before.” His eyes swept over me from head to toe, slowly, and then back up again. “And I’m sure I’d remember you.”
I swallowed hard and started fidgeting with my stem of my glass. “Well, you know how it is…” I said, trying to sound vague without seeming clueless.
“Hmm.”
He leaned over, sliding his face next to mine to whisper in my ear. “I know your secret.”
The silky, sensual tone of his voice almost made me miss the meaning behind the words. But I got it, eventually, and stiffened.
He stood back and raised a hand. “Relax. I’m not turning you in. I’m intrigued.”
I stared at him hard, trying to see beyond the sexy. Could I trust this stranger? Did I have a choice?
“What do you want?”
“Nothing. I’m just curious.”
“About what?”
“You. I’ve seen a little bit of everything in my life, but I can’t quite figure you out.”
I rolled my eyes. He looked barely older than me, and clearly well-off, so I couldn’t imagine he’d seen much but the inside of fancy cars and vacation homes. “There’s nothing to figure. I’m just here.”
Something crashed behind us and I jumped, almost colliding with him. After spinning around, I saw it was just an empty tray clattering to the floor. The waiter apologized and picked it up before disappearing behind I door I hadn’t even noticed in the room.
“You’re very jumpy.”
I turned back to look at him again. “And you’re very nosy.”
He performed a quick bow. “Guilty as charged. Forgive me… I don’t believe I know your name.”
“Amanda,” I said before thinking. “I…” It was too late. “I’m Amanda.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Amanda.” He held out his hand and I shook it weakly. “I’m Trey.”
“Um…hi,” I said pathetically. I’m no genius but I could usually manage to keep from sounding like an idiot. But the combination of my stress and worry, and Trey’s overwhelming aura had completely thrown me.
“Tell me something, Amanda…” he began before a woman in a long black gown appeared and interrupted.
“Trey, they’re about to begin. Will you and your friend be joining us?” At the word ‘friend’ she looked at me like I was a piece of dog shit stuck to the bottom of her shoe.
“Of course, Celeste. We’ll be right in. Amanda and I were just getting hydrated for the festivities.”
I gawked at him and he winked.
“Yes, well, fine.” The woman tossed her head once, letting her long golden hair shimmer across her bare back before walking away. “I’ll catch you later.”
Once she was gone, Trey took a drink from his glass and smiled. “We should probably get in there.”
“Of course,” I replied, lamely.
“Up or down?”
“I…” I had no idea what he was talking about, but figured this was an easy one. “You pick.”
He arched an eyebrow. “For you? Down, I think.”
“Great.”
“Yes. Great.” Trey took my arm again and we went back the way we’d came, across the entrance hall and back to the room where we’d left Alexander.
Trey opened the door and let me enter in front of him. Inside, the space was packed full of people. Or rather, full of men. The room was smaller than the last one, but still bigger than my sister’s whole apartment. Men sat on chairs and leaned against walls and the furniture. There was an empty space on the far side of the room. The heavy, velvet curtains were closed and a lamp hanging from the ceiling gave the impression of a stage.
A door to the left of the empty space opened and a woman walked in, flanked by men in suits. One of them was the security guard I’d seen earlier. The men in the room applauded as she entered and Trey joined in, though his eyes were locked on me.
I tried to play it cool, but I didn’t know what was about to happen and it frightened me. Probably because deep inside I really did. I had a feeling. A sense. Nothing I could have put into words. But when more women entered the room, clad only in expensive lingerie, I wasn’t nearly as shocked as I should have been.
It was every man’s dream, and every insecure girl’s nightmare. Each woman as beautiful as the last, they paraded by in satins and lace, a few were skimpier than others, but all gorgeous. They glided in on five inch heels until the ‘stage’ area was full. The two guards stayed to the sides of the room, eyes roaming intently over the crowd.
The other woman, the one in clothes, stepped forward and raised her hands for silence. She was beautiful. As stunning as any of the others behind her, if not more so. “Good evening, gentlemen,” she said. Her voice was throaty and cultured. Not exactly accented, but close enough that I suspected she’d spent a lot of time outside of the country.
“Tonight we have something very special for you, our cherished members. Each of the ladies behind me is wearing lingerie exclusively designed for her. Each piece hand crafted and fitted to every delicious curve.” She smiled seductively. “Everything, from fabric to color to cut was specifically developed to make the woman wearing these pieces to look perfect. I think we can all agree it worked. Yes?”
There was a loud chorus of agreement and the murmuring continued as she spoke.
“If you’ll check your phones, you’ll see you’ve all been sent a text message with a number.”
I held my breath, trying not to freak out. I knew what was coming next but I couldn’t believe it.
“Ladies, please display your numbers.”
Each of the women behind her flipped a pendant that had been hanging behind their necks to the front. They were gold numbers hanging from delicate chains.
“Gentlemen, the lovely young woman wearing your number is your date for the evening. Come and collect them.”
The men rushed the front of the room so fast I was afraid they’d shove right through the wall.
I noticed a few men didn’t move. Ones already accompanied by women. Celeste, the snooty blonde was draped all over a short bald man in front of me. I glanced up at Trey, trying not to panic.
He sighed. “What a boring game. Let’s get out of here before it turns into an orgy.”
I gasped.
Trey laughed and put his arm around my shoulder. “You know, the innocent act isn’t something I’m usually into, but I have to say, you’re really good at it.”
I yanked my arm from him and exited the room, heading towards the front door. But Trey was right behind me and caught up quickly.
“Come on, don’t be mad. I like it, even though I shouldn’t. Take that as a compliment.”
This day had officially gotten too crazy for me. I wasn’t able to process anything anymore. Hours ago I was getting off a plane and feeling wonderful. Now my sister was missing and I was in a house full of weird sex stuff with a really gorgeous guy who seemed to think I was in on it all.
Too much.
I kept walking, and he kept following. Right up to the door. But before I could open it, Trey boxed me in with his body, forcing me to shove the side of my face and front of my body against the door or be pressed tight against him.
“Get away from me. You’re sick.”
He laughed. “Goddamn. You just don’t stop, do you? I appreciate the dedication to the act. But come on. Enough already.”
I turned around and looked up. “Please. Just let me go. I need to get out of here.”
“Not a chance,” he said, leaning in close again until we were almost nose to nose.
I could feel every inch of his strong frame against me and everything inside me heated up. My mind was full of fear and confusion but my treasonous body was ripe with need.
“Please,” I breathed. “I’m not even sure what this place is. I don’t understand what’s going on.”
“I saw you.” He lifted a hand and ran it over my hair. “Saw you sneak in with that group. Pretend you belonged. I don’t know why you’re here, but I aim to find out. I’ve always thought I preferred my women brazen, but you’re changing my mind. If you want to play the scared little mouse I’m happy to chase you. And when I catch you, oh, the games we’ll play.”
By the time he finished speaking I was panting and my eyes were hooded. I suddenly didn’t care that he mistook me for some kind of slut playi
ng coy with him. Because I wanted what he was offering. Needed it. And just as his fingers moved over to lightly trace my lips, I was so close to giving in. Letting everything else fall away and going wherever Trey wanted to take me.
Then we were interrupted by a parade of couples heading upstairs. Women in their underwear and men chortling and groping.
Trey grumbled something and then pulled me away down another hallway. But the moment had passed. For me at least. I tugged free of him and crossed my arms in front of me.
“Stop it.”
“Why?” he purred.
“Because I don’t belong here. I’m not what you think I am.”
He cocked his head to the side and frowned as if finally hearing what I was saying. “Then what are you, Amanda?”
My throat went dry at the coldness in his voice. As my head cleared I began to put pieces together. “In trouble is what I am. In a lot of trouble, I think.”
Chapter Four
Now that I’d begun to tell the truth, there was no going back. Part of me wanted to tell him everything. Unburden myself and hopefully gain an ally. But I didn’t know Trey. And as much as I wanted to believe he’d help me, I couldn’t be sure.
“I…I’m looking for a friend of mine.”
“What kind of friend?”
“Um…just a girl I used to hang out with. We lost touch and I remembered her mentioning this place so I figured I’d try to catch up with her. No big deal.”
The look Trey gave me was chilling. He wasn’t buying my story for a second. “Uh-huh. And what is this friend’s name?”
“Katherine.”
“I’ve been coming here for a couple of years and don’t know of any Katherine.”
“Oh.”
“But a lot of the girls use fake names. Describe her to me.”
“Um…she’s taller than me. Long straight blond hair. She’s got blue eyes and a really cute nose. People used to tell her she should be a model.”
Trey sighed. “That could be any one of a dozen girls.”
“I’m thinking. Oh, wait. She’s got a tattoo. On the inside of her wrist.” She’d gotten it on her eighteenth birthday, to remember our parents by. I didn’t tell him that, of course. “It’s an M and a J, entwined.”
