I couldn’t believe I was here. Last night, I tossed and turned until I finally passed out at two in the morning. Killian Thorne starred in every distracting thought I had and kept me awake. Even the pinging of Rhys’s special ringtone wasn’t enough to stop me from drifting off to a space where his thumb wasn’t just on my lip.

When I arrived at the address on the card I looked out the window, then triple checked that I was in the correct place. It looked like a normal office building. Disappointment cratered in my stomach. But a small white sign with black lettering caught my eye. The sign read ‘Members Only’ in the same script that was on the card that Killian had given me.

My feet felt like lead as I put one foot in front of the other and walked down the steps. Anyone watching would have thought I was insane. Every time I got the courage to knock, I’d scurry back up to the street before talking myself into walking back down again. The hospital wing, the children’s books. All those people. I could do this. I could do this. It was my mantra as I descended the staircase the final time.

I glanced around to see if there were any other options before knocking. An imposing man, dressed in all black with a white tie, opened the door, looking me up and down before stepping out of the way to let me in. I took a deep breath and took a step back.

“In or out?” he asked, gruffly, looking over my shoulder. My stomach flip flopped. I straightened my spine and followed him in.

When the bouncer told me I had to take my clothes off I nearly passed out. I must have stood there for a solid five minutes, my mouth opening and closing with only a wheezing sound escaping, before I decided this was another test. I couldn’t fail. I needed to do this.

When the bouncer slid the white half face mask across the desk, I almost kissed him full on the mouth in thanks. At least no one would see my face. The green wristband made less sense to me.

“What’s this for?”

“You need it to get in,” he said, pushing everything toward me. I went to the changing room and sat on the dark wooden bench inside. My hair flopped into my face as I stuck my head between my knees, my breath coming out all wheezy and unsteady. I whipped my head back and hit it against the wall of the changing room. That hurt! I rubbed my hand on the throbbing spot on my head. There was a knock on the door.

“Are you okay?” came the muffled voice of the security guy.

“I’m okay. I’ll be right out.” My voice came out high and squeaky. Get it together. Get the answers you need.

My hands trembled as I undid each button and zipper. What would he have me do? I squeezed my thighs together and a surge of courage shot through me when my mind drifted away from my nakedness and to the man who invited me here. Was I really doing this?

I glanced up at myself in the mirror in the dim changing room. Recessed blue lights ran along the ceiling, basking the room in a calming light. It did nothing for my mood. I adjusted the white mask on my face, my eyelashes hitting against the eye cut outs. I breathed deeply, turned the polished brass doorknob, and entered the club, putting one foot in front of the other, doing my best not to keel over.

As my eyes adjusted to the darker interior, it was a lot different than I expected. Not seedy at all. It looked like any upscale bar, except for everyone was practically nude. Leather, chrome, and glass made up most of the furniture and decor. People sat in booths and at the bar, talking, touching, but looking pretty much like you’d find them in any bar. It was probably because of the rules I’d been briefed on before I came in.

No sex in the bar.

No sex in areas not designated as play areas.

No sex with anyone who doesn’t consent to sexual contact.

I had on a green band. I didn’t know what it meant. He’d said that was what I needed to get in, but I saw a rainbow of colored bands when I made it inside.

The white mask meant it was my first time. I didn’t even know why I’d been allowed in. It seemed this place had strict rules and I thought for sure I’d be turned away at the door. I’d prayed I’d be turned away at the door, but just my luck, I wasn’t. Killian got what Killian wanted. As I stepped farther into the room I felt the eyes on me. On my skin, attempting to peel off the little bit of clothing I had left on.

And then I felt his stare. I knew it was him. Nothing had ever felt like when he looked at me. With my mask, I had a bit of cover and I glanced in his direction. Sure enough, he was sitting in a booth, like he owned the place. His tanned bare chest glowing in the dim light. I didn’t know if he had pants on or not, but I wasn’t brave enough to look. The intense look on his face was unmistakable, as well as the tiny smirk. He thought this would shake me. He thought he’d be able to get away from me, if he freaked me out by coming here. Well he had another thing coming.

I squared my shoulders and sat on a bar stool and ordered a drink. I’d need as much liquid courage as I could muster. Once I showed him I wasn’t afraid, maybe then we could have a conversation. A real conversation about what the hell he had against Mr. Thayer. The cold, fruity, refreshing taste of my drink helped to quell my nerves. Warm tingles raced through my body. I didn’t know if the cause was the alcohol or the intense mental gymnastics going on in my head to keep me from running out of this place.

A few guys approached me, and some women introduced themselves as well. I let them all know I was waiting for someone, but one glance over my shoulder at Killian and I saw a woman approach his table. She had on a bright pink corset, complete with thigh highs and heels that would rival any of mine at home. She walked on them with no problem, like she lived in those things as she slid into the booth beside him. His gaze slid from me to her and jealousy soured my gut. I was pissed at myself for even thinking like that.

The next guy who came up was nice, cute even. He had a wide smile and a hot body. He was only a little taller than me, but his muscles were the kind women always wanted to squeeze. I introduced myself. If Killian could talk to someone else, then why shouldn’t I? Maybe this would get his attention.

“It’s nice to meet you, Rachel,” he said, extending his hand. “I’m Giles.”

“Hi, Giles. So, what brings you here?” I said, grimacing. Immediately wanting to slap myself in the forehead. What the hell would bring someone to a sex club? Tasty bar snacks? He chuckled at my idiocy.

“Before I wasn’t sure, but right now I can say, I was hoping to find a beauty like you,” he said, turning the charm up to panty melting territory. If I weren’t on a mission, completely out of my element, and, you know, sitting on a bar stool in my underwear and at least a little afraid of what might be going on in those back rooms, I might have been more than just flattered.

“Thanks,” I said, an uncontrollable blush turning my skin beet red.

“Since it’s your first time, I’ll give you a bit of advice,” he said, leaning forward. I leaned in too. I needed to hear this. “If you’re really waiting for someone, you’ll want to get a red band. It will stop the questions and approaches.” He pointed to the band on my wrist. And my eyebrows furrowed under the mask.

“I didn’t know there were other colors. The bouncer only gave me this one, said I needed it to get in,” I said, toying with it.

“In that case, whoever invited you certainly wanted to make sure you had an eventful first visit,” he said, spinning his own green band around his wrist.

“It would seem he did. Listen, Giles, you’re really nice. Super cute, even, but I’m here for work.”

His eyebrows furrowed and he looked at me with his eyebrows shooting sky high. “You’re a hooker?” he whispered. I couldn’t hold back my laugh. I threw my head back and laughed so hard tears gathered in the corners of my eyes.

“No!” I practically shouted at him. Wiping at the corners of my eyes under the mask with a cocktail napkin, I snapped the mask back in place. “No, definitely not a hooker. But thanks for the compliment I guess. Wow, a hooker.” I took a sip of my drink. Relief washed over Giles’s face, if not a little embarrassment.

“Sorry,” he said, the tips of his ears turning pink.

“It’s fine. Don’t worry about it. I’m sure there are all types that come through this place,” I said, glancing around and making sure my eyes didn’t settle on the dark figure taking up his own booth and seeming to suck all the air out of the room. I chatted with Giles a bit longer and downed another drink. My leg bounced up and down on the bar stool.

“Do you know where the bathroom is?” I asked, pushing my hands under my legs on the stool.

“Sure, follow me, I’ll show you the way and make sure no one bothers you,” he said, offering his arm.

“Thanks very much,” I said, taking his arm. I don’t know if it was the booze or the fact that no one else was wearing much, but I’d almost forgotten I was sitting at a bar in nothing more than my bra and panties. We were almost to the hallway with the sign to the restroom illuminated overhead when a shadow fell over us. I glanced up to meet the furious gaze of Killian. His eyes darted to my arm on Giles’ and I shrank back, whipping my hand off Giles’ arm.

Giles turned back to me, missing the exchange, and smiled at Killian. Even I could see that probably wasn’t the best course of action right now. Killian seemed downright pissed.

“Hey, Kill. How are you?” Giles said, extending his hand. Killian looked at it like Giles offered him a dead fish swarming with flies before turning his gaze back on me.

“Let’s go,” he said, grabbing my arm and pulling me toward a different hallway. Giles took a step toward us, like he was going to follow. I shook my head. I didn’t need him getting mixed up in my mess.

“It’s okay. Everything is fine. Nice meeting you,” I said, before Killian dragged me down the hall. We reached the end of the hall and were up a set of stairs before he stepped into a dark room, pulling me inside and closing the door.

A small light in the corner barely illuminated the room. There was a bed, a large black curtain along one wall, and another door, which I hoped went to a bathroom.

“What games are you playing, Rachel?” Killian asked, rounding on me. He was the one playing games. I was only having a little fun. More fun than I’d had since—well, ever.

“I could ask you the same thing,” I said, my hands on my hips. The liquor making me a bit bolder. Standing here with him, in this room, I didn’t feel naked. I felt something else. I couldn’t place my finger on it. He made me feel something else. Something I hadn’t felt before, but I liked it. Something slowly unfurled in me. The tightness in my chest and stomach travelled lower. I wasn’t sure what else he’d be able to do.

He dangled something in front of me I couldn’t even see, but it was tempting. Made me forget all the rules I’d ever lived by. I didn’t know if I should take the risk, but I didn’t know if I could afford not to. It was like the clothes coming off peeled away more than my department store wear. As they hit the floor, they took years of built up insecurities and fears.

“If you want to play, we’ll play. But we’re going to play by my rules.” He stepped closer to me, his chest brushing against mine and his cock pushing against my stomach through his boxers. There was no mistaking it. He wasn’t trying to hide it. He wanted me to run. He wanted me to be scared. I don’t know who was more shocked that I wasn’t ready to bolt from the room. Him or me.

“What do you want me to do?” I asked, feeling like I was barely speaking over the hammering of my heart.

Game on.