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The club feels different tonight. There are members and staff floating throughout, the music is the same, and the lights are just as bright. But it feels empty somehow. Hollow.

It’s been two weeks. Fourteen days since Max’s jet landed, and I returned here without him. 336 hours since I felt Max’s heart beating against mine. And his silence is thunderous.

I’m standing by the railing of the second level, my fingers tracing the tiny scars on my arm through my sleeve. I’ve checked over my shoulder at the VIP section so many times I’m starting to develop a crick in my neck.

Nothing. No all-business can I get your help today requests. No sheepish apology for ghosting me. Nada. Okay, I can’t say he ghosted me. He did warn he might be off the grid for a bit. But two weeks? Somehow this feels like more than a trip to visit Mom and Dad.

“You okay?” Lala asks, sliding a club soda toward me as I pass the bar.

“Sure. Why?”

Lala gives me a playful glare. “C’mon, Cassidy. You look like your dog died. Did something happen with Max?”

Her earlier words come front and center. Hurt people hurt people. “No. Why?”

“I dunno. Maybe because the last time we spoke, you admitted you found him attractive.”

I place the glass of club soda down, giving her a deadpan expression. “Who wouldn’t find him attractive?” She doesn’t need to know more. It was obviously a mistake. On his part anyway. My only mistake was believing this could be real. That all the risks associated with being with him were worth it.

“Just be careful, babe. Men are stupid. Especially the ones who think they’re business smart.”

My eyes fly wide. Is she referring to someone we know?

“They don’t realize what they need until it’s gone.”

It’s none of my business, but she left the door open. “You going somewhere, Lala?”

“One day. How about you?”

I think about her question. I might’ve answered the same way until these last two weeks occurred. But opening up to a man I thought had feelings for me, only to feel the same way I did when Henry ghosted me, has toughened my resolve. “Yes. I think it may happen sooner than I planned. Don’t fire me just yet though.” I wink, trying to keep the conversation light.

Lala gives me a knowing smile. “Your secret’s safe with me.” Her dark eyes twinkle with that perceptive glint I’ve detected before. I’d bet money this girl knows everyone’s secrets.

I look out over the main floor, watching the members move like shadows through the haze of The Devil’s Playground. Normally, I’m able to push my personal issues aside and focus on my job. But I can’t help feeling detached now.

My mind wanders as I watch the activity down below. I think about the way Max looked when I shared my past. The vulnerability, the pained expression he couldn’t hide. But I refuse to believe his disappearing act is about what I shared. He’s not Henry. Everything about this man screams that he’d move heaven and earth to protect the people he cares about. And there’s no doubt he cares. Not after he kissed each of my scars with such reverence.

However, his cryptic words about being off the grid were unsettling. I didn’t think to press for more information at the time. He’d said he was visiting his parents. I mean, what was puzzling about that?

“Hey, girl, hey.” Fern giggles as she slides up beside me. “My shift is over in about ten minutes. You too?”

“Yeah, why?” Does she have another hot date planned?

She leans into my side and drops her voice. “I’m feeling a little mischievous.”

My brows jump to my hairline. “Meaning what?” I whisper back.

“C’mon, Cassidy. You never think about what might be happening up there?” She points up the stairs.

“Well, of course.” I have to admit, I’d love to know exactly what’s happening, if only to settle my selfish curiosity. I’ve never been sexually adventurous. Heck, my mind was only on my career until I met Henry. And he was equally career-focused. Our sex life wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t anything the likes of what I experienced with Max. I honestly had no idea it could be like that. Didn’t have any reason to suspect I’d like it rough. Especially after what I’d experienced.

Yet it was freeing to have someone take control. I probably wouldn’t have been able to relax and let go with anyone but him. But I knew he wouldn’t hurt me. I bite my lower lip, recalling how hot that night was. It’s clear Max enjoys it wild and rough. But third and fourth floor wild and rough?

“Is there another way upstairs other than these stairs?”

Fern glances at me. “I’m sure there is. I bet some of these high rollers get on a special elevator that takes them straight to all the spice.”

My face falls, and my heart clenches. Maybe I mistakenly assumed Max wasn’t into all of that. He always seemed more interested in socializing with his friends than chasing women like a few of his billionaire buddies.