Page 13 of Pretty Little Thing

The Red Brick Road lives up to its name. The entryway is a closed off room with one very large red door and a reception desk that looks way too innocent, not unlike the counter at the DMV. A path made of red bricks curls from the door to the counter, branching in the middle to lead toward the red door.

Even the woman sitting behind the counter seems out of place for some sadistic sex dungeon. She’s middle-aged and round as a blueberry with thin, wire-rimmed glasses hanging from a chain about her neck and tiny earbud headphones in her ears. My gaze lingers on her neck and the large, leather collar just beneath her chin with a thick, silver padlock.

Melanie throws up her arms. “Yo, Judy!”

The woman flinches in her chair and pulls the earbuds out of her ears, quickly popping her hanging glasses up over her nose. She gasps, her wide, red-painted lips instantly cracking a grin.

“Mel Rose, is that you?” she asks.

“The one and only.” Melanie leans into the counter on her elbow. “You’re looking well. How’s business?”

“As pleasurable as ever,” she answers, glancing over Melanie’s shoulder at me. “And this must be the friend you mentioned.”

Melanie reaches back to grab my wrist and yanks me closer. “Yes. This is my BFF, Nora, and we’re here to play.”

“Well, not play play,” I say, clearing my throat. “I mean... we don’t... I mean, she and I don’t play...” I shut my trap.

Judy smirks at Melanie. “A virgin, huh?”

Melanie snorts. “Might as well be.”

“Well, go on in. Should be pretty quiet in there for you.”

“Thank you, Judy.”

Melanie grabs my hand and lays it flat on the counter. She picks up an ink stamp and presses into the back of my hand, leaving behind a curvy, womanly shape on my skin.

“What’s this for?” I ask.

“Just giving you the full experience,” she says with a wink at Judy. “Come on.” Melanie hooks my arm and draws me to the door with her.

We pause outside until Judy taps a button and the lock flicks open with a dull thud. Melanie pushes it with her free arm and shoves me forward with the other. My breath catches but I force myself to keep my balance as I walk into the main room.

I glance around, once again surprised by the reality of my situation. I’m not sure what I expected, to be honest. Something closer to a strip club with cages and flashing fluorescent lights with a pit for the pervs to throw out money.

Not Victorian furniture.

It’s one large room with a staircase leading upward at its center. Hardwood floors with plenty of seating scattered around every wall from gorgeous loveseats to comfortable benches for multiple people. I can easily picture old ladies sitting around drinking tea — and I would if it weren’t for the occasional leather leash left hanging from a hook along the walls.

It looks… nice.

“You’re straight-up flabbergasted right now, aren’t you?” Melanie asks, smiling at my face.

“Okay.” I clear my throat. “You have my attention.”

“Good.” She hooks my arm. “Because the fun stuff is upstairs. This is just the quiet room.”

“The quiet room?”

We move forward, the gentle clack of our heels echoing off the floor.

“Yeah, you come in, grab a bottle of water from upfront, and hang out,” she says, waving a whimsical arm. “Casual, nonjudgmental atmosphere. Everyone is always so friendly and welcoming.”

“Well, yeah, they want to get laid,” I say with a laugh.

“Not necessarily. I mean, sure, some people use the space to pick people up, but others just like to talk. I haven’t been here for a while, but I’ve gotten some great info on kinks and limits and all that. I should come back soon. Might help my writer’s block.”

“Limits?” I ask.

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