Page 13 of Sweet Venom

All I had to do was get through the day. Ten hours. That was it. That was my workday. I would go in and catch up on all that I had missed this week, which included countless shipments and order delays because I wasn't there to sign off, which no doubt put us behind schedule on a few things. I knew getting caught up and finding the time to put my plans in place for tonight wouldn't be easy, but I hadn't planned on Tatum Carroway. Of course, he would have to show up being overly nice, thoughtful, and concerned. I went through my texts. They had already been read, but they were still there nonetheless.

Tate tried to get a hold of me this week. Coincidentally, his last text was sent today of all days and read, 'If you don't come out, I'm coming in.’ After the shit week I had, I was like putty in his hands. I tried to push him away, and it worked most of the day, until it didn't. Ellis and I still aren't talking, and I can't decide if that's because he's letting me lead or if there's more to Sebastian's claims that he is done. Ellis wouldn't dare be cruel to a woman, but he could very well be leading me along, unsure of how to let me down easy. However, when I texted him this morning telling him I planned on going to war with his brother, he said, 'Do what you need to do, baby.' I've pondered that response all day.

The fact that he hasn't come home, knowing that I'm back and his brother is still living at his place, hasn't been lost on me. I've wondered if his extended leave hasn't been purposeful. I know Ellis is a smart man; while I never came out and said I didn't care for Sebastian, it was apparent. So I've considered that maybe he's staying away so we can work it out because the man will not choose.

With all the drama surrounding our relationship and Sebastian's sexual torture, I've been wound tight. I needed release, and fuck if an orgasm wasn't the exact kind of release I needed. But I’ll be damned if my kitty doesn't always get me into trouble.

I brought Pink Petey with me to let off some steam. I had zero plans of dressing up for Tate. My outfit was every bit a part of my revenge plan for Sebastian. I told Tate to lock up on his way out, but of course, he couldn't just leave. He would have to be the dutiful big brother and check on me before he left. By the time he slipped into my office, I was too far gone to give a fuck, and I wasn't lying when I told him I was thinking about him. After he’d lifted me on his shoulders to get my phone earlier, I was done.

I went straight to my office and started getting ready. I wanted nothing more than his head buried between my thighs. He works out more than me, and I've spent more than enough time wondering what the tattoos beneath the waistband of his gym shorts look like. The parts of his body I have snagged glances at are covered in intricate designs, all of which I know mean something to him. The man is purposeful to a fault, which is why I'm kicking myself now.

For me, our tryst was just a quick release of built-up sexual frustration, which I know was mutual. I'm not blind. I know when a man is checking me out, and while Tate had been friend-zoned, I know he'd love to be out of it, and for a few stolen moments, he was. Tate is not going to let this go, and that's not something I'm looking forward to dealing with. I don't want to hurt him.

Today was a mistake. Today I let Sebastian win. I'm well aware that what I did with Tate is shitty girlfriend behavior, but I'm not sure I still have that title, and if I'm honest, I'm a little pissed that I've been back an entire week, and Ellis has yet to make an appearance. Was I reckless? Yes. I wouldn't blame Ellis for seeing other women while I was gone, especially after how I behaved today. It doesn't mean it doesn't hurt. When I'm hurting, I act out. But no more. Sebastian's trying to push me out, and I know now I will have to fight for what I want, and that's Ellis. Tonight, Sebastian Lykos gets his payback.

* * *

Slipping in through the hotel entrance, I plan on getting into the first level of Covet undetected. While Covet is a gentlemen's club, the first level operates as an upscale bar with an obscene cover charge for entry to help keep its secrets and exclusivity. When I reach the entrance, Levi, the head bouncer, spots me. I expected to be noticed entering the club. My reasoning for not walking right through the front doors was to skate security cams in the event Sebastian has them pulled up in the office.

Before I left, I was helping Ellis manage the girls until he could find a new manager after his old one quit somewhat unexpectedly. She’d just finished her master's degree and landed a job immediately that took her across the country for work. Needless to say, I know almost everyone on the payroll.

"Vivi, get over here," Levi announces as he comes in for a hug. "How've you been, girl? It's been too long." Then, pulling out of our embrace, he looks me up and down before adding, "Still fine as hell, I see."

I swat his chest before saying, "Stop it, Levi. You know the rules." His job is to ensure the safety of both patrons and workers. However, it's expected that he doesn't let his attention wander. Ellis has fired bouncers for checking out the women. He says it's in poor taste, and I have to agree, but I can't fault Levi. I'm technically not an employee, and he and I became friends as I helped address concerns and issues the girls had as it related to how things were being managed.

Overall, there were not too many issues. Ellis honestly thought of everything when he started this place, but a few girls wanted more bouncers frequenting the hallway outside of the rooms on the VIP floor, and that's how I got close to Levi.

Throwing his hands up, his face gets serious and maybe even a little worried, and that's when I say, "You know I'm just fucking with you." Replaying my words in my head, my tone may not have conveyed the sarcasm. I'm too strung out on making sure my plan lands its mark tonight, but Levi and the rest of the staff are very much a part of this plan, so I need to get my act together to not raise any suspicions.

To save face, I ask, "How is Kara? Ready to pop?"

See, this is another reason I know Levi meant no harm with his comment. The man is happily married to his high school sweetheart with baby number two on the way.

"She's doing great. The baby is due next month. She thinks it's a boy this time since nothing has been the same with this pregnancy. I told her she better hope it's a boy because if it's not, we're going again."

I roll my eyes at his antics. What is with men and wanting to have boys so bad? I have never put much thought into having children myself, but I can't imagine caring either way what the gender is. As long as it's a happy, healthy child, who cares? But I digress. Subtly, I attempt to redirect the conversation to my own selfish needs and ask, "Is Sebastian in tonight?"

"Yeah, I believe he's up in his office. You want me to let him know you are on your way up?"

Yes! I can feel it in my bones. This is going to be epic. "No, I have a surprise for him, so I'd very much appreciate it if you didn't mention that you saw me."

He rubs his chin, thinking it over for a second before narrowing his eyes and saying, "Sure, but I swear if you get me in trouble—"

I cut him off before he can finish. “I wouldn’t dream of getting you in trouble. It’s all good. I promise." While I may have just lied my ass off in a bad way, one that I'm sure could implicate him, I'll do right by him and hire him on at my gym if Sebastian takes things too far with the staff tonight. Hell, by the end of the night, I might have my entire fucking gym staffed.

Levi nods for the other bouncer to lift the stanchion so I can pass through. I smile sweetly as I pass, not wanting to get dragged into further small talk. I need to meet up with Lana. I told her I would be in tonight and needed a huge favor. I'm supposed to meet her in the girls' locker room in ten minutes. Before entering the main part of the bar, I fix my little black beret with a short veil that I added to my outfit and angle it to ensure that my face is partially covered for the cameras. Luckily, it's Friday night, so the lower level is jam-packed, making me harder to detect.

As I reach the elevators, I quickly close the doors behind me so that no one has the chance to ride up with me and further deter me from my mission. When the doors open to the VIP lounge, I'm grateful for the dim lighting. You don't have to be seen on this floor unless you want to be.

The VIP floor is designed with low-lighting sconces that direct light upwards and downwards, illuminating the walls in deep shades of indigo. Throughout the room, tables are adorned with candles that emit a soft glow, creating an illusion of seclusion for guests. There is a bar situated at the center of the room. The bar's lighting imitates the blue tones of the walls, but it is illuminated from below. As a result, you only get a good look at people when they are near. This floor is very much a modern take on the speakeasy vibe.

The women on the VIP floor sign up for a certain level of service, which is listed on a tablet that patrons can scroll through and make their selections. For all intents and purposes, they are on the menu. Their profile shows their picture and a list of services they are willing to provide. They can remove or add options at any time, as well as refuse a customer altogether for any reason, no questions asked. When you select a woman, they are notified that they have been chosen for a particular service. It's then their choice to move forward or not. The girls can refuse any member for any reason without fear of retribution. Depending on the offense and if the female found it worthy to note, the patron gets a mark against their name in the system. If or when a member accrues three warnings, they’re out.

The girls on this floor walk around in black booty shorts, four-inch heels, and a sheer white scarf that covers their breasts. They may as well be topless, but that’s the point. Technically, none of this is legal. Women can't walk around topless for a uniform, but they aren't. You also can't legally accept money for sexual acts, but again they're not. A membership to Covet gets you in the door and covers the cost of drinks, food, and looking, but anything else has a price. The girls get a flat rate for working this floor, but the services listed on the tablet come at an extra cost not covered by the membership fee. Yet another way to skate the technicalities of what's being paid for. As for the rest, whatever happens between two consenting adults behind closed doors is their business.

When I reach the women's locker room, a sense of victory starts to settle over me, and I haven't even won yet, but because I haven't been caught either, I know I will be victorious. I spot Lana putting on her wig as I enter. "Lana!" I screech as I hurry over to give her a big hug.

"Oh my god, Vivi. When you texted that you were coming in today, I half thought you were fucking with me. I can't believe you're here. How have you been?"

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