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“Listen, this whole working-girl look you’re going for…I get what you’re doing. The security detail and the need to get away. Mine is sitting across the street in SUVs. I have my stories. Working here isn’t exactly looked upon nicely by the three men in my life. But boundaries, ya know.”
She didn’t look old enough to have stories. But, whoa! Pump the brakes. Men? Questions pop into my head but I shove them away because I don’t have time for girl talk right now. But still…men? The idea isn’t new to me. My brother shared a wife with his two partners for a couple of years. They looked happy for a while.
I nod, glancing over her shoulder for any sign of the men coming to check in on me. “My brother hasn’t learned what boundaries are yet. Any suggestions on how to get outta here without them knowing? They already know all my moves; I need fresh inspiration.” I keep the panic out of my voice, but if I don’t get out of here, I’ll miss the one chance I have at freedom.
With a crook of a glossy, black-tipped finger Nyx says, “Follow me.”
Caught up in the idea this chick has more than one sugar daddy to please, I stumble a bit trying to keep up with her quick moves.
“Careful, that wig won’t go on twice the same way.” She takes my hand and we quietly slide out a side exit that leads into a short alley.
She jerks her chin toward the north entrance. “You can grab a cab that way fairly quickly. But you’ll need cash.” Bills are shoved into my hand and I close my fingers over the tightly rolled money.
“Wow, I don’t need all this.” My heart literally squeezes from her kindness. I might actually pull this crazy idea off after all. Water wets my lashes and I have to fight them back before I ruin my stupid makeup. “Thank you. I’ll pay you back.” I pull her in for a quick hug, my new hair sliding over my shoulder to tangle in her fingers. We share a quick laugh but she gently pushes me on my way.
“I’ll hold them off for you. Come back when you can and I’ll collect in the form of a girls' afternoon. I could use girl company.”
A wink and my new friend slips back inside the boutique. I look at the roll of bills in my hand. There has to be at least a grand here. “Count on it,” I affirm to myself.
Fifteen minutes and a hair-raising cab drive through Chicago at lunch hour later, I stand outside Club Sin, newspaper glued to my hand like a permission slip to be in such a forbidden establishment.
The converted hotel from days gone by reminds me of the Waldorf Astoria with its limestone and brick in various shades of gray, weathered by time and the changing seasons of Chicago’s brutal climate.
A canopied entryway leads to a luxurious interior. Cool, floral-scented air wraps around my heated skin and I sigh with welcomed relief when the wide, polished doors snick closed behind me, shutting out the late summer heat. Gone are the blaring horns, shouts, and revving motors.
It’s just me and my plan which has the potential to be a great idea. Or my undoing in a not-so-good way.
Tendrils of adrenaline cause my fingers to tremble and my knees are having a rough time keeping steady. Both wobble as though I did a relay race in heels and somehow survived.
The entrance is barren of people so I take a moment, close my eyes and catch my breath. My brother expected me at Club Genesis almost forty-five minutes ago. I’m sure my detail is already freaking out over not being able to find me.
My heart seizes and my eyes fly open.
Crap.Nyx.
He’ll find her and question her left and right then demand to see the surveillance. My new friend will dump me before I get a chance to even know her.
Deep breathes.
I go to reach for my phone but, on second thought. I give in this easily, my brother will think he owns me like he does this city.
Soft music and the scent of expensive cigar smoke override the aroma of fresh flowers as I walk deeper into the entrance, my heels clicking on the black and gold marble. An elegant crystal chandelier hangs overhead, throwing a warm, welcoming glow over the soothing black interior. It’s a little after one in the afternoon so I am surprised to see members of the club lounging on expensively upholstered settees.
But I guess there’s no set time to enjoy the company of another. Sex sells twenty-four hours a day.
It doesn’t hit me full force that I managed the first part of my plan until a fully nude woman walks past me. No, she’s not simply walking. The redhead practically glides on clouds. Light catches off the multi-facets of diamonds lining a thick black collar around her neck. Behind her are three men, one of them holding a studded leash. Possession glints in all their gazes and the way they show her off has my breath hitching in my chest. Her men adore her, there’s no doubt about it.
Fuck, that is hot.
I catch her eye and see nothing but pure bliss glittering behind thick lashes. My insides quiver with envy as she continues toward the back where the words Mirror Room hang over black doors. To the side of the door is a solo number two in silver.
I want to know that feeling so badly.
Once they are gone, I’m left alone again.
I have to do this. I can’t turn back. My brother will be pissed, but Harlon needs to learn I’m not a schoolgirl in need of protection anymore.
I slide the newspaper from beneath my arm and turn to the half-page ad to read it over again.
