CHAPTER ONE
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TRINITY
The lobby of Element was everything I hoped it would be. Glossy, dark woods, navy blue velvet, low lighting, and a perfectly blended scent canceller that made the air smell like pure luxury. Then again, as Sunset City’s most exclusive kink club, luxury was expected.
“Just read through the rules,” the woman at the front desk said. “Make sure you understand them before you sign. We are strict, and most of the rules have a no-tolerance policy.”
I glanced up. “Meaning?”
“Meaning you’ll be asked to leave the club for the evening. There are a couple of exceptions, but not many.”
The list of bullet-pointed rules swam in front of me, my eyes having a hard time focusing on reading each individual thing. Too much energy clung to my limbs, ready togo. I looked over my shoulder at where Cade and Isolde waited. “There’s nothing in here that’s going to sign my life away, right?”
All he did was raise an eyebrow. “Read the rules, Trinity.”
“Read the rules, Trinity,”I sang back, rolling my eyes but smiling. “Fine.”
I tried. It was still hard to focus, but I managed to get the gist. No touching anything or anyone who wasn’t yours. Don’t be a dick. Respect the club rules and safe words. Got it.
Grabbing the pen, I signed the papers and slid them back across the desk. The receptionist looked them over and nodded. “Perfect. The locker room is through there, though I’m sure your friends will show you. And Mistress Amber will meet you at the main bar shortly.”
“Thanks.”
I turned back to my friends to find them wrapped up in each other. Rather, Cade had Isolde exactly where he wanted her. His hand tangled in her hair, and the way his other arm banded around her, there was no way for her to move as he kissed the hell out of her.
The pang of jealousy punched me in the chest.Breathe through it, Rin. I couldn’t control my reactions, but I also didn’t want to be jealous of my friends’ happiness. It wasn’t their fault I was alone. That being said, I didn’t want to watch them revel in that happiness either.
“Earth to the lovebirds,” I said, stretching. “Don’t know if I should remind you that you’re not alone.”
Cade laughed but didn’t pull away from Isolde. “Put your things away and meet me inside,” he said quietly. “Don’t take too long.”
Isolde blushed before I grabbed her hand and tugged her away from Cade. “Don’t worry, I’ll have her back in an hour or so.”
Isolde laughed and shook her head, pushing her way into the feminine locker room. The locker rooms here weren’t split purely by gender, but by where someone was more comfortable. Cade could come in if he wanted, but he let Isolde have this space to herself when they were here.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to find someone to be your guide?” Isolde asked. “I know some people who?—”
“I’m good, girl. Amber will give me a tour, and then I’m going to become more of a voyeur than Hawk ever dreamed of being.” One of Isolde’s Alphas liked to watch.
“I never should have told you guys that,” she muttered, putting her bag into a locker and quickly stripping off the long coat she had on to reveal the modest lingerie she wore.
As excited as I was to see the inside of the club and sate my curiosity, I was even more excited to be here as a reporter. Ever since I’d been promoted, I’d barely been able to write anything, let alone do any kind of in-person interviews or investigating. Which was what I loved.
So when the powers that be at the magazine wanted to do a series of features on exciting destinations around the region, Ijumpedat the chance to do something real that wasn’t managing schedules or reading other people’s articles.
Mistress Amber responded to my inquiry about doing a piece on Element, the higher-ups loved the edginess mixed with human interest that would be a piece about a kink club, and Cade and Isolde offered to come with me.
It was like I could breathe for the first time inmonths.
But I also wasn’t going to stand around and watch while my best friend got railed. We were close, but not that close.
I stored my own coat and bag, leaving my phone in the locker as well. My dress was dark green, short, and flouncy. Some little cut-outs in the front made it a bit more daring. It looked just enough like a babydoll to fit in with the vibes, but also wasn’t fully lingerie. I wasn’t here to play.
Not that I wouldn’t if the opportunity presented itself, but I was here to relax, observe, and put together the piece about Element while being blissfully anonymous. “Got your mask?”
“Yup.” Isolde’s mask was a delicate gold that complemented her red hair. Mine was silver and filigree, covering the top half of my face.
