Page 2 of Mark & Don't Tell

“I’d like to talk to you.”

Shit. Did I take it too far? Nerves swim in my stomach as everyone makes a quick exit. Jane shoots me a questioning look, which I return with a shrug. She twists her mouth to the side but slips away, leaving me alone with Mandy.

My boss is a beta with long, glossy brunette hair and a clear complexion. She wears just enough makeup to highlight the pretty streaks of green in her hazel eyes, and her outfit is banging—a tight black-and-white pencil skirt with a sheer white button-up top over a silky black camisole.

“So,” she begins, gently setting the mask on the table, “you seem to already have a feel for what Good Vibes wants. We were invited to a special event featuring their line of products.”

“What, like an orgy?” I ask before I can bite my tongue.

She chuckles. “Not exactly. Have you heard of After Dark?”

“You mean, the exclusive, incredibly expensive sex club that opened in the bottom levels of TowneBank? The building where the rich come to buy mansions on the upper floors, then go to play on the lower floors?”

“That’s the one,” she says with a grin. “The club is partnering with Good Vibes for a month to help promote the launch of the new line. The same line we’re pitching.”

My eyebrows rise. It’s smart to court the sex club clientele. “Okay. What does this have to do with me?”

“I wanted to see if you were interested in going to see the products in action.”

My jaw drops open, and I fumble for words for a second. “Sorry, are you asking me to go to a sex club? For work?”

She pulls a face. “Well, when you say it like that, it sounds creepy, but essentially, yes. I’m offering you an opportunity to research the product and how it’s used. If you aren’t comfortable, I could ask Arnold?—”

“I’ll do it,” I say quickly. Fuck that guy.

He’d probably try to find someone to try a butt plug on, and I have a feeling he wouldn’t be nice about it.

Mandy tips her head. “You really don’t like him, do you?”

I press my lips together, unsure of what to say. Mandy is cool, but she’s still my boss.

“Right,” she says after a moment. “Well, we’ve secured two spots for our firm tomorrow night. You can invite someone to go with you, and so you’re at ease—whatever happens at After Dark, stays at After Dark. There are confidentiality agreements in place. Of course, it would be good to see how experiencing the line influences your pitch, but there’s no need to come back and brief the team.”

Oh, thank fuck. I should have asked before agreeing, but I was too set on Arnold not getting the fun assignment. “Uh, do you know how it works? I’ve never been to one.”

She shrugs. “Me either, but they sent over an informational packet and some paperwork.” Studying my face, she grabs the sleek crimson zip-up binder on the table. “I want you to know you can say no. There’s no pressure here. I only wanted to offer it to you, since you seem to understand what the client wants. A more intimate knowledge of the products will only strengthen your pitch.”

One thing I love about Moon & Rock is that, after onboarding and a few months of mentoring, the entry-level team can pitch ideas to prospective clients, but only if they’ve proven themselves capable. There were fifteen people in the cohort I was hired with, and only four of us have gotten to that point.

There’s a real opportunity for me here.

I hold my hand out for the binder. “Guess I better get started.”

Mandy smiles and hands over the binder, and as the cool leather glides over my fingers, my heart flutters.

What did I just agree to?

Jane descends upon me as soon as my ass hits my chair. “Did you get in trouble for telling Arnold to fuck off?”

I scoff. “Of course not. Even Mandy knows he was being a dick.”

“What’s with the binder?” Jane tickles my neck and sits on my desk.

Where I’m thick and curvy—big tits, flared hips, thick thighs, and plump ass—Jane is lithe. Small tits, little hips, and a cute little butt. She reminds me of my other best friend, Quinn, only more outgoing and single, like me.

I lean back in my chair and check to make sure no one is eavesdropping before spilling the details. Jane’s eyes are wide by the time I finish explaining what Mandy offered.

“You said yes?” she asks with a delighted grin. “Can I be your plus one?”

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