Page 48 of Don't Fall For Your Best Friend

I glance down at Hartford as we walk down the hallway to the sign-in desk. I’ve been here countless times, but never while it’s been open. It’s a different feeling now. The music vibrates through me. There’s sexual tension in the air. The cacophony of the crowd is overwhelming, yet enticing.

“Welcome to Club Greed. Name, please,” the receptionist, or whatever her title is, asks from the desk.

“Atwood. Paxton Atwood.”

She taps at her computer screen and smiles. “Paxton Atwood and guest. Got it.” She peeks up at us and smiles. “You can go in. Enjoy yourselves.”

I place my hand on the small of Hartford’s back and lead her into the bar area of the club. This is where I talk to Ledger and handle all my business. Yet, again, it feels completely different. The place is packed with a sea of bodies. Some are at the bar, some are sitting at the high-top tables, some are dancing seductively on the dance floor.

“Wow, this is so different from any club I’ve ever been to.”

I smile at Hartford and nod. “Yeah, me too. You can smell the sex and money.”

Her cheeks flush and it’s more of a turn on than it should be. Just the mention of sex has her blushing, and I find it sexy as hell.

“Do you want to get a drink before we go explore? I happen to know they have the best beer around.”

She grins, looking over at the bar. “Yeah, that seems like a good idea. Something familiar might calm my nerves.”

“They’ve got your favorite on tap.”

“Triple P?”

I nod and we step up to the bar. Within minutes, we have our beers, and I lead her to a high-top table. I’m not nervous, but I feel a bit out of place here. These are high rollers in every aspect of the word. They possess wealth beyond my reach and live a lifestyle that Hartford and I have been trying to explore but continue to fail at miserably. These people are like professionals.

It’s a little intimidating, but I’ll never let her know.

“What’s up the marble stairs?”

I swallow down my beer. “The offices. Nobody but staff are allowed up there.”

Her eyes sweep over the club, toward the back hallway leading to the rooms. “You ready?”

“As I’ll ever be. I reach over and place my hand on hers. “We’ll explore together. We did the community munch with no experience. I’m here by your side every step of the way. That’s why tonight there will be no overthinking, no rules. Let’s just relax and enjoy this experience.” I squeeze her hand lightly. “No one here knows us. No one here will judge us. We’re not going to see the Biddies Book Club come walking around the corner.”

She tilts her head as her eyes dance with amusement. “Wouldn’t that be funny? Seeing Claire and Helena walking around here.”

I smile at the thought, then I focus back on her. “Let’s take advantage of this. For one night, let’s not focus on our friendship or the lines that are drawn. Do what feels natural. Do what feels good. Do whatever your body wants. Whatever happens is between us.”

Her eyes lock with mine, and my dick hardens. She finally looks relaxed and I don’t know if it’s the beer or my words. “I like that idea, Pax.”

“Good.” I finish my beer and nod toward the hallway. “Let’s go.”

We cross through the crowd, and I link my fingers with hers as we enter the hallway. It’s dimly lit, setting the mood for what’s about to happen. We pass the first door and it has a small sign on the door that reads The Dark Room.

I glance at Hartford and she shakes her head. “The dark is too scary.”

We continue down the corridor, passing door after door. Each is labeled with what happens behind it. Voyeurism, Couple Play, Stranger Play, Bondage, Exhibition. The door we are staring at now seems to be the one we are both interested in—Mingling.

“What do you think?”

She bites her lip, looking from the door to me. “Yes.”

I squeeze her fingers, and she keeps her eyes on me. “Remember, this is supposed to be fun. If you get uncomfortable, just tell me and we’ll leave.”

“I’m not nervous.” She lowers her voice to a hush. “I was actually wondering if we’ll walk in and see Rigsby Collins again.”

I chuckle and kiss her temple and breathe in her intoxicating scent. Fresh raspberries and cream. I linger a bit too long and realize the mood between us has changed. I shake my head and step away. “That would be a surprise. Ready?”

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