Page 21 of Double Take

And the slit…. It goes so far up you could see my panties if I was climbing stairs. I bite my bottom lip. If I were wearing anything more than a black strip with an open crotch. I’d have worn my white cotton panties, except the pseudo underwear has straps that are attached to the stockings or whatever you call them. I’ve never worn a garter belt before, so I’m not positive I even have it on right.

This outfit would look sexy as fuck on Sage. While I look like an imposter trying to play dress up.

I bend down and slip on the black stilettos she also sent and instantly have to shove my nipples back under the fabric. I straighten and stare into the mirror. Sage, what have you gotten me into? I would call and turn her down, but she’s already warned me not to disappoint her after all the work she did to get approval for me to attend the party. And then brought up everything Axel and Oliver have done to help me.

Seriously, the woman understands the art of emotional warfare. I apply a dark coating of red lipstick and brush my hair until it shines. I tilt my head sideways. Actually, I look pretty damn good.

The doorbell rings, and my opportunities to cancel and hide at home diminish. I rush through the living room and swing open the door to a black-capped chauffeur, snowflakes falling to the ground, and a limo parked in my driveway. Talk about overkill, but I’m not going to deny I feel like a certain fairytale princess going to a ball.

“Ma’am.” The man nods and sweeps his hand in front of him. “After you.”

“Thank you.” I choke out while wrapping the flimsy chiffon shawl tighter on my shoulders. This thing isn’t going to keep me warm.

Once he opens the door, I settle into the leather cushions, finding champagne on ice, a box of decadent chocolates, and a small rectangular box. This is crazy. Why is Sage going so far out of her way to treat me like a queen? It’s not like we’ve been friends for years.

I flip open the box lid to find a silver and gold choker with an imprinted vine and floral design and a diamond-encased padlock hanging down. The note beside it says:

Wear this in case we’re late so that you don’t have to turn anyone down. Sage

My fingers shake as I fasten the collar around my neck. I’m not about to question her edict. I’ve never been to a sex club, so I have no idea what I’m walking into. The pseudo necklace fits snuggly, but I can breathe.

Once I snap it on, my heart skips a beat. Where’s the key to remove the two locking devices? I lift the cushion the choker laid on, but there’s nothing below it. Shit. The key to remove the small padlocks isn’t included. Stop fretting. Sage will know how to get it off.

The longer we drive, the more my stomach churns, making me glad I opted not to eat anything today. I pour a glass of champagne to settle my nerves.

The rest of the week was as uneventful as the beginning. Neither Axel nor Oliver was in the office, and I was stuck feeling sorry for myself. I slug down half the bubbly liquid and sigh. No more. I’m done feeling sorry for myself. I’m going to have a good time tonight and see what happens.

I swallow the remaining champagne and set the glass on a tray. This is surreal. I’ve never been in a limo, and certainly not while wearing a dress made for sin. I snatch up a chocolate-covered strawberry, devour it, and moan of the delicious flavor. I’m going to have a fabulous time if it kills me.

My phone dings. It’s Axel. My heart lurches into my throat.

Axel: I’m sorry we haven’t seen you this week. We had something to take care of.

Me: It’s fine. I took care of the office.

Axel: Thank you, love. We’ll be seeing you soon with some good news.

Love? Like love, love? Or love, as in if I was a dude, he’d say, thank you, bro? Good news? What good news? See you soon? Like tonight at the club? Or Monday?

Me: Are you still out of town?

Axel: No.

Nothing. My phone remains blank as no other messages are received. Damn it. I drop the phone on my lap, and the desire to go back home overwhelms me. I’m tired, and I want to see them again. Moments later, my phone chirps, sending another wave of adrenaline through my body. It feels like I’m on a roller coaster.

Oliver: Hey, doll, can’t wait to see you. We’ve got some big news.

Me: When?

Oliver: Monday.

Monday. Arg. I slump into my seat. This sucks. I straighten in my seat.

Me: Why don’t you come over tonight and tell me the news?

Oliver: We can’t. We have something going on tonight. It’s a big bash at a club we frequent.

My eyes narrow. They’re going to a club. Ten to one odds, they’re going to Club N9ne with the intent of hooking up with some girl. Who’s not me.

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