Prologue

“Let’s go, man, why aren’t you dressed yet?” my buddy Eli asks as he strolls through the elevator door. Note to self: take away his keycard privileges. Now that he has a spot just a few blocks over, there’s no need for him to have full access to my place.

“You told me nine o’clock,” I say, peering up at him from my book, completely unphased by his annoyance.

“Uber will be here in fifteen minutes. I don’t want to be late.”

I casually slide a bookmark between the pages and place it on the coffee table.

“Be ready in ten. Beers are in the fridge,” I say and make my way down the hall.

Honestly, I could probably be ready in five, but I want him to sweat it out a little. He’s desperately hoping to see Quinn tonight, and I'm hoping for the distractions only opening night at an exclusive club can offer.

Eli’s sister is the proud owner of New York’s newest exclusive club, Masqued. Where its members have access to endless possibilities, most of which are of the…more risqué nature.

It’s been a long week of countless meetings and dealing with people’s bullshit. I could certainly use some distractions tonight, particularly one with long legs, a nice ass, and a gorgeous face.

A pounding fist on my bedroom door sounds as I'm finishing up the last few buttons on my signature black collared shirt. Grabbing my belt off the end of my bed, I stroll to the impatient Eli.

“Alright, you ready?” Eli asks with a huff.

I respond with a grin as I lace my belt through the loops of my black pants, fastening the blacked-out buckle.

Eli eyes my all-black outfit. “Have you ever considered adding some color to your wardrobe? Might make you more approachable.”

“I'm good. Thanks, though.” Smirking, I grab my wallet from the table in my entryway. Being approachable is the last thing I want to be.

I’ve already lost Eli within a minute after the quick tour the Masqued hostess gave us. She pointed out the different areas within the club, and what to expect on each floor and down each hallway. To say my interest is piqued would be an understatement. I'm ready for anything and everything tonight might have in store for me.

With my black mask securely in place, I make my way to the bar and take in my surroundings in finer detail. I'm quite impressed by the design and finishes. Which is saying a lot coming from me, considering I eat, sleep, and breathe this shit. Unique lighting fixtures adorn the space, blanketing the main room in sensually dim light. Deep red velvet curtains line tall walls leading up to the two open upper, the color matching the bar seating and surrounding booths. The fixtures throughout are a blend of metal and wood, which only accentuate the overall vibe this place gives off. It's dark, seductive, and intriguing.

I'm greeted by a warm smile when I step up to the long bar top. The lace mask covering half of her face surrounds big brown eyes. “What can I get you?” she asks while placing down a cocktail napkin in preparation.

“Johnnie Walker Blue neat, please.”

“Sure thing, be right back.”

Turning around, I lean on the counter to see if I can spot Eli or anyone else I might know, for that matter. Eli and Wes tower over the crowd, and I spot them easily from across the room. Once I pay for my drink, I head their way.

Sloan is nestled in their little circle, and I lean in to kiss her cheek. Her velvet burgundy mask emphasizes her sparkling bright blue eyes.

“Place looks amazing, Lo. You did a great job.”

“Thank you so much. I can't take all the credit. I had a vision, and Ava ran with it,” she gushes.

“Ahh, yes. I should have assumed it was Ava behind this.”

“Yes, you should’ve…” She smiles as her eyebrow quirks above her mask, but before she can continue, a male employee wearing a tailored suit pulls her attention. I must admit, the employees are all impeccably dressed and good-looking. Their uniforms match the feel of this place perfectly—the men in their suits and women in sheer backless dresses that exude sex appeal and exclusivity.

“How’s it going, Wes?” I turn to him.

“Hey, man. Going great. Thanks for coming out tonight.”

“You think I’d miss this?” I say with a smirk and raise my glass.

He chuckles and clinks his glass to mine. I look to Eli, who adds his already empty cup to our cheers.

My eyes dart back to Wes, who subtly shakes his head. Well, shit. I guess Quinn is not here like he had hoped.