Page 15 of Tempting God

“I was thinking of going for an innocent vibe.” I give her a cheeky smile. “Short plaid skirt. White blouse. Knee-high socks. And definitely braids. You?

“I knew you were a badass, Greer.” She thinks. “Either the Ghostface mask with the black leather mini-dress or the red leather dress and collar.”

“I vote the red dress. The devil to my good girl.”

“Love it.” She taps the doorframe twice. “Tonight is going to be epic.”

Felicity glances at her phone as we head to an old warehouse in Queens that’s been transformed into something else. I’m sure there’s some dead relative spinning in their grave right now because this is definitely not the place a Blanc should be. Especially for the third time.

Because we’re heading to Unfortunate Souls—an underground sex club owned by Kieran Van der Zee. He’s known as the Sea Warlock because he can make all your dreams come true…for a price. He has ties to the Mafia, if rumors are to be believed. And I believe them. I mean, it’s just as out there as saying your family is involved with a secret society.

If this visit were to get out, I’d be ruined. Heck, Charles might be ruined, too. Honestly, knowing that makes this twice as fun.

Felicity says, “Right on time.”

She walks up to the front door, which is painted a bold shade of purple, and knocks three times. The door swings open, revealing a mountain of a man.

“Yes?”

Felicity says, “We are two lost souls looking for a haven from the storm.”

“Then enter, unfortunate souls, and know that many delights will be found this night.”

He steps aside, letting us pass. I grab Felicity’s hand as we enter the building. Even though we’ve been here before, I can’t stop the nerves that course through my body.

We’re in a foyer, the walls a dark shade of black. Edison bulbs light the path we’re supposed to take that leads us to the heart of Unfortunate Souls. The ground level of the club is where we are meant to gather and get to know each other. There are seven levels in total. A nod to Dante’s Inferno. It’s poetic if you ask me, though I’m not sure that’s what Kieran Van der Zee would call it.

We were lucky enough to meet the owner on our first visit. He vets every person who comes to Unfortunate Souls seeking pleasure…or pain. While I can see the appeal he holds, I also know he is a man not to be trifled with. The interview process was intense, but I must have made a good impression because I was asked back for a second time. And then a third. And this visit is why I really wanted to go to Unfortunate Souls.

Felicity says, “I still can’t believe we’re doing this.”

“Girl, don’t act like this wasn’t your plan all along.”

She stops, spinning to face me. “If I haven’t said it before, I’m saying it now. I’m so thankful to know you, Greer. I feel like fate brought us together as roommates.”

Well, that and the Brotherhood, but I don’t mention it. Her uncle is a member, so it stands to reason that someone pulled a few strings to ensure we were housed together. But fuck them and their meddling, because Felicity is my best friend in the world, and that’s something the Brotherhood can’t claim or take away from us, especially since I’m not sure she even knows her uncle is a member.

“I’m glad we’re friends, too, Felicity. Now, stop being so sappy.”

She snorts. “Yes, ma’am.”

We make our way to the main room. There are already others here and we go up to a group that we met at our last visit, making idle chitchat until our guide enters the room. She’s beautiful. Her style reminds me of a pinup girl and she’s just so dang cool that I find myself wanting to be like her. She winks at me, as if she knows what I’m thinking. Heat makes my cheeks warm.

“Good evening. I’m glad to see so many of you tonight.”

We murmur our replies, each of us ready to hear how tonight is going to play out.

“As you know, tonight is a special event that only happens a few times a year. Tonight, those seeking a Dominant will be paired up.” She pauses. “Mr. Van der Zee has selected a counterpart that will give you exactly what you’re seeking.”

Felicity’s hand finds mine, squeezing.

“Behind you, you will find a shelf with masks. I ask that you select one. It’s up to you how little or how much of your face is covered.” She continues, “Once you have chosen your mask, I will take you to the next room where you will meet your potential Dom.”

Felicity touches a mask meant to look like the devil.

“Why masks? Do they mean something?”

“They are only meant to inspire.” She gestures to Felicity’s red dress. “The devil would suit you, little seductress.”

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