Page 16 of Tempting God

Felicity actually titters in response. Looks like I’m not the only one with a small crush on our guide. I’m not surprised when Felicity selects the devil mask.

We were told to wear something that reveals who we are inside. I chose an innocent schoolgirl because, deep down, I’m still that girl who longs to be nurtured and appreciated. Browsing, I spot a mask that makes my breath hitch. It’s a black tassel mask that will cover most of my face. Sparkling rhinestones will enhance my green eyes, while remaining mysterious. The black tassels are made of small chains that will cover my mouth and even my chin.

I’m reaching for it before I can stop myself.

Felicity spins to me, mask in place. Her voice is muffled as she says, “Oh, Greer! That’s going to look stunning on you!”

Carefully, I slip it around my head, securing it over my ears. There’s a small handheld mirror on the shelf, and I reach for it. The woman looking back at me is a stranger. Good. That’s what I need tonight.

Once everyone has picked a mask, our guide leads us through a curtain, into a room full of people. Kieran Van der Zee sits on a throne, a woman perched on his lap. He taps her hip, and she stands, not seeming to care that she’s naked in front of a room full of strangers. Good for her. I hope to be that confident in my skin one day.

Mr. Van der Zee stands, and the room goes silent.

“I welcome you all to Unfortunate Souls. Tonight, you will be paired up with your counterpart. If you feel the match has been made by mistake, please let your guide know. Otherwise, have fun.”

There are chuckles throughout the room, and an energy that wasn’t there before crackles like electricity.

Our guide says, “Your match shares the number you were given last weekend. It will be on display so that you may find them with ease.”

My chest is tight as I look around, trying to spot my match. Lucky number thirteen.

Felicity grabs my hand. “I see him!”

I swear my pulse kicks up several notches, but when I look, I spot a man wearing number ten.

“Good luck!”

Since she’s wearing a mask, I can’t be certain, but I bet she’s smiling. She hurries toward the man, who grins down at her. Good for her.

Skimming the room, I hope to spot my match, but don’t see anyone. Since I said I was open to both male and female partners, it means I have to look at everyone. Sadly for me, I think it also means I’m going to have to venture further into the room.

Others don’t seem to have the same dilemma as me, pairing up left and right. I’m almost to the middle of the room when a terrible thought crosses my mind. What if my match didn’t show up tonight? Would the club even let me know? Surely they would. My gaze darts around the room. If I spot my guide, I’m going to voice my fears. Panic makes it hard to think as I push through the crowd. I’m almost to the wall when a tall man steps in front of me.

“There you are,” he says in a voice so deep I can’t help but take notice.

“Pardon?”

He touches the lapel of his black suit jacket. “Lucky number thirteen. I was starting to think you weren’t here.”

I take in the man before me, or what I can see of him. He towers over me by at least a foot. His shoulders are broad, and he carries himself in a manner that demands attention. His face is mostly hidden by a mask, but a brown beard covers the lower half of his face.

I smile.

“A black cat?”

He grins, giving me a glimpse of white teeth.

“It’s my favorite animal.”

I hum. “I’m not sure this is going to work out. I’m more of a dog person, myself.”

He presses his hand over his heart. “You’re wounding me.”

“Well, even if we are as opposite as cats and dogs, Mr. Van der Zee must have seen something that makes us compatible.”

“Indeed.” He gestures. “Shall we go to my table to get to know each other a bit more?”

I nod and follow him from the main room to a less noisy room. This room has a relaxed vibe, even though a couple is having sex onstage.

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