Page 9 of Salacious Desires

Shit. Fuck. She’s not my girl. What the hell is wrong with me?

“I’m going to leave you two to it. Lily, I’ll be in my office on the third floor. If you need anything, feel free to come up anytime. Shelly will give you your keycard that will give you access to all floors.”

I don’t want to leave her, but I need to create some space. I can’t think clearly when she’s near me.

“Drake,” she says as I stride toward the door. When I turn around, she studies me for a second before she gives me a soft smile. “Thank you. For taking a chance on me. I won’t let you down.”

My cock strains painfully against my zipper. Yeah, I need to get the hell out of here. I give her a quick nod and stride into the hall before I do or say something I might regret.

CHAPTER 5

LILY

“I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Hannah stares at me, her eyes bugging out. She invited me to have afternoon tea with her so I could tell her all about my new job. At first, I was hesitant for fear she’d judge me, but then I remembered we’d both escaped the same cult because we were tired of hiding from real life. However, now, with her looking at me like I’ve lost my mind, I’m wondering if I should have kept all of this to myself.

I had a lot of fun working last night. I was completely out of my comfort zone, but it was an adrenaline rush. By the time I got home, I barely got my teeth brushed before I fell asleep. There was so much to see at Edge. Some of it I wasn’t even a little bit prepared for, but I couldn’t look away.

“That sounds,” Hannah sits up straight and clears her throat, “really freaking awesome. I’ve read about clubs like that in some of the books Max got me, but I wasn’t sure if they were real.”

Almost choking on my tea, I set my cup down before I drop it. “What? You think it’s awesome?”

She nods, a wide smile on her face. “Yes. It will be so good for you. What was it like watching people have sex? Weird? Hot, though, right? Was it hot?”

I giggle. “Am I going to regret telling you?”

“Of course not. But I need more details. The owner guy, you said he’s good looking? How good are we talking? Is he creepy?”

My shoulders relax as Drake’s face pops into my head. He was so kind last night. It seemed like at least once an hour, he came down to check in on me. Part of me wanted to ask if he does that with all his employees, but deep down, I already knew the answer. What I don’t know, though, is why.

I’m chalking it up to him making sure I could actually do the job. My first impression hadn’t been great.

“He’s not creepy. Not at all.”

“Hmm. Do you think he’s a Dom?”

The thought has crossed my mind at least a hundred times. I don’t know a lot about BDSM other than what I read on the sheets he provided me with, but I’m pretty sure the answer is yes. He has a commanding presence about him. But it’s not the kind I’m used to. I feel safe around Drake. I never felt that way around Jack, my ex-husband.

“I assume so, but it’s not like I asked him.”

Hannah grins. “You should totally ask him.”

Heat spreads through my body. “Yeah, right. Anyway, I need to go. I have to get another dress from the thrift store before work .”

Hannah waggles her eyebrows. “Maybe one that shows you off a little more than the last one? Drive him crazy.”

The fire inside me intensifies all the way down to my core. Last night, wearing that dress, showing off my legs and every curve of my body, was the sexiest I’ve ever felt in my life. It was unnerving. Yet, I felt beautiful. Seen. Not like the doormat my ex always expected me to be. I felt powerful.

Maybe Hannah is right. Maybe I should try a dress that’s even sexier tonight.

While I was rummaging through the racks of dresses at the thrift store, my mind kept drifting back to Drake. The way his eyes held a spark of genuine interest when he looked at me, how his touch felt both gentle and possessive at the same time. It was intoxicating yet terrifying in its intensity.

But then there was Jack and my past haunting me like a shadow. His controlling behavior, his manipulation that left scars on my heart, the way he treated me like a maid. It whispered doubts in my mind. Could I truly let myself fall for someone new when the wounds from before are still so raw and tender?

I finally settle on a deep crimson dress that hugs my figure in all the right places. When I get to the club and change into it, I can’t help but wonder if he’ll approve, if his gaze will linger a little longer when he sees me in it.

I’m a mix of nerves and excitement. The pulsating beat of the music reverberates through my body as I make my way to the bar. Drake is already there, leaning against the counter with a drink in his hand, his gaze locks onto me the moment I enter.

---