I kept my palm on the small of Emily’s back as we headed for the staircase, fresh drinks in hand. There were a few men and women scattered along the way—some engrossed in conversation, some busy watching the events on the dance floor.

As for me, I had come to the conclusion that if you’ve seen the dance floor once, you’ve seen it a thousand times, and I felt I wasn’t missing out on anything taking her away from it.

I knew this was her first time at the Gathering, but Emily seemed to be enjoying herself, in spite of the nerves she must be feeling. I had to hand it to her, she did manage to fit in with the rest of the guests, though it was evident she hadn’t done anything of this sort before. I could feel a slight tremble in each step she took as we mounted the stairs, and I added gentle pressure to my palm on her back.

There was no doubt in my mind that she was going to be fun in bed, but I didn’t want her to feel nervous taking this next step in her night. She was so beautiful, and though I could believe the fortune I’d had in winning her over the other bidders, I still found it amazing that she was the one who was spending the evening with me.

The winding staircase continued to rise in front of us, and Emily managed to ascend each step perfectly, even in her incredibly high heels. I did my best to keep my eye on the top of the stairs, though it was difficult not to watch the delicious sway of her hips with every step she took.

Emily reached the top of the steps with her hand on the banister and my hand at the small of her back, and she took a second to turn and look back at me.

I extended my arm to her, and she quickly slid her hand in the crook of my elbow. We meandered down the carpeted hall toward a large set of doors at the end, where a sliver of warm, amber light met the gloomy shadows. I glanced down at her as we continued to walk together, and I could see excitement and anticipation glittering in her eyes.

I could tell that she wanted to be with me as badly as I wanted to have her, and I was pleased.

Perhaps it was the way we had danced together that had caused her to want to take things further; perhaps there was something between us that she could feel as well. Regardless of the reason, I was thrilled that she was the person I had by my side as we made our way toward the doors.

Emily stopped suddenly, waiting for me to open the doors for her. I knew that it wasn’t often in the real world that women waited to have doors opened for them these days, but this wasn’t the real world. For someone as spirited as Emily, I could imagine that it was difficult to conform to the standard rules of doing things. Yet, rules were rules, and everyone in the Gathering was required to abide by them if they wished to remain.

“I think you’re really going to like what you see on the other side,” I said as I put my hands on the polished wood. I gave a deliberate shove to both doors at the same time, adding drama to the unveiling. I wanted to give this girl a night she wouldn’t forget, and I knew as soon as she saw what was on the other side, she would remember the moment for the rest of her life.

The open doors revealed the very sight I was expecting to see, but I could clearly see that Emily was shocked at the view.

Rather than a private room in which the two of us could get away from the crowd and enjoy some time to ourselves, the room beyond the doors was quite large—and full of people. Men and women filled the space, some fully clothed, some partially, and some not wearing any clothing at all.

There was music playing in this room as well, though the music here was far softer than the downstairs beat.

I could feel arousal beginning in my pants, and I looked forward to the ways my date might join in on the fun alongside me. However, when I turned to look at her, I found Emily looking rather hesitant, standing nearer to the doors than the group, clearly unable to decide where to look.

Feeling a slight twinge in my chest as I looked from the people gathered on the beds and carpet in front of me, then back to her, I sighed. There was a compelling force inside me that told me I needed to pay attention to her wants.

I was a firm believer in stepping outside of the boundaries and pushing the comfort zone to the absolute limit, but at the same time, I didn’t want this woman to think that I only cared to do something wild. I put on my most reassuring smile and held out my hand, which she grasped quickly with her own.

“Don’t worry; you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do,” I told her.

Emily looked at me once more before she turned her attention to the group of people on the king-sized bed. The more they moved, the more clothing fell from their bodies, and the more sensual their actions became.

I could see by the look on Emily’s face she worried that we were going to join in next, and part of me felt bad. The only thing I really wanted from this woman was to have a carefree evening that ended in us both going our separate ways. But before then, I wanted to get her into bed, and I knew the only way I would be able to do that would be to make her feel comfortable without feeling pressured.

I noticed that Emily’s eyes kept wandering from one person to another’s, though it appeared as though she didn’t focus on any one person in particular. I didn’t feel like she was admiring individuals, but rather like she were taking in the entire scene at once.

“Do you care to join in?” I asked after a few seconds of silence.

Emily looked up at me with wide eyes, clearly uncertain of how to answer. I could see in her eyes that she wanted to do something bold and adventurous, but at the same time, this situation as pushing her beyond what she was comfortable with. After a pause, she shook her head.

“I don’t think this is really my cup of tea,” she replied gracefully.

She put her hand around the back of her neck coquettishly, and I smiled.

“Sure thing. How about we watch instead?” I asked, and she grinned.

Yes, that was more like it.

I allowed my fingers to fall on her shoulder, then I slowly and deliberately slid my hand down to rest on her hip. I took my place behind her and settled in to watch. The fever in the room was growing into nearly a frenzy, and illicit passion hung in the air.

It was difficult for me to hide my arousal at the sight of what was taking place before me, and I couldn’t help but notice that there was a bit of rigidity to Emily’s body—as though she herself were feeling the arousal and excitement of what was happening in front of us, but she wasn’t certain how to handle it.

I had been in this kind of situation before, and I knew exactly how to handle it. Gently, purposefully, I moved my hand around the small of her back, where I lightly slid my fingers back and forth, feeling her tremble beneath my touch.

Her dress was thin, and I could feel the heat of her skin just beneath my fingers. I desperately wanted to push her against the wall and tear her free of her clothes, but I held back.

Emily moved slightly beneath my touch, and I could sense a burning desire coming forth. A sly grin slowly spread across my face, and I knew I had her.

I leaned forward and put my hands on her shoulders, then slowly began kissing her neck. I felt her writhe in front of me, and I knew she was intensely aroused.

I teased her for a few more seconds, then I leaned forward and whispered in her ear, “Do you want to go see one of the private rooms? I know where the empty ones are.”

Emily turned and looked at me, and as soon as our eyes met, I gave her my most charming smile.

With a slight, nervous smile on her face, she gave a slow, shallow nod.

“I’d…I’d love to,” she murmured, holding tightly onto her clutch.

I took a step back and gestured toward the door.

“Then, after you,” I said suavely.

Emily said nothing as she stood for a moment, as though there was a conflict in her mind she needed to erase. Then, with a sudden surge of confidence, she squared her shoulders and walked out of the room with all the power of a movie star. I felt my pants grow tighter, and I had to suppress a groan.

I couldn’t wait to have her.