Page 8 of The Masquerade: Room 2

“Two French Martinis, please.” I need some liquid courage if I’m going to get through tonight. I’ve wanted to attend a club for years, but being here is overwhelming. When our drinks are set before us, my friend and I lift our glasses, clinking them together.

“Here’s to a great night,” I say with trepidation.

“Welcome to Venom, Freya. Indulge your desires, my friend. There is no judgment here.”

Raising the cocktail glass to my lips, I drink the entire thing before asking for another. My stomach is doing somersaults as I watch everyone interact, missing whatever my friend is saying. I can’t look away. Everyone seems so free. I don’t know how to explain it, but I want a taste of that feeling.

“Come on, it’s time to go upstairs.” Celest grabs my hand, dragging me toward a grand staircase on the other side of the bar. I try to take in every detail. Walking past a dark hallway, I wonder what’s down there.

“Where are we going?” I don’t want to leave.

“They added a new level a few months ago. That’s where the ball is.”

“Is it like this?” Picking up the bottom of my gown, I make my way up the dark spiraling staircase. It’s beautiful down to the last detail, with ornate carvings adorning the balustrade.

“Yes and no. There’s a bar up there, but it’s a communal gathering space.”

“What do you mean? There were lots of people downstairs.” As we take the last few steps, it opens up into a lavish ballroom, the décor perfect for an elegant masquerade.

“Not that kind of communal. This area was added for those who enjoy being watched or watching others.”

“While they have sex?” My voice comes out an octave higher than usual.

“Oh, my sweet, innocent friend.” She links her arm with mine, pulling me into the crowd.

“What about that hallway?”

“The voyeur hall. Private rooms for patrons but with viewing windows. You wouldn’t know if people are watching or not.” Heat pools at the apex of my thighs. I’ve never considered anything like this, and I’m a little ashamed to think it might be something I’d enjoy.

“And out here?”

“Patrons can engage with one partner or several at a time. Before now, the club has only had one room downstairs for orgies and one for voyeurs. Any kind of sexual contact is strictly prohibited in the bar downstairs.”

“So they must have a lot of members who enjoy that.”

“You can say it, Freya,” she coaxes.

“People who enjoy orgies.” I trip over the words, wondering if I made the right decision by coming here tonight. Celest picks up on my unease.

“It’s all about consent here, Freya. Relax. No one will have their wicked way with you unless you expressly tell them otherwise.”

I breathe out a sigh of relief, but it’s mixed with a hint of disappointment. I’m not sure if I can push myself to ask for what I want. It feels like it would be easier just to let it happen. To have someone else take the reins.

The music stops, and all eyes go to the stage where a ridiculously handsome man stands at the microphone, his mask in one hand and a drink in the other.

“Hello, everyone. I’m Dalton Callaghan, one of the club owners. Most of you know me, but I’m aware we have many new and hidden faces tonight. Please enjoy the facilities, respect the rules, and welcome to Venom. Let the masquerade begin.”

He fixes his mask in place and walks off stage into the arms of a beautiful woman. Her mask obscures most of her face, but I can tell she’s gorgeous. There’s something in the way he gazes at her with complete adoration.

The music starts up again, and a buzz of excitement ripples through the crowd as people start chatting, drinking, and dancing. It’s like a fairy tale if Cinderella wanted to be chained up and whipped.

“Is your Dom here tonight?” I ask Celest.

“Yes, but I told him I won’t be leaving you to the wolves, so don’t worry. I’ll be by your side as long as you want me.”

“Thanks. I’m a little overwhelmed.”

Everyone around me seems so confident and carefree. I’m not used to having doubts. I am a self-assured woman in every other aspect of my life, but when it comes to sex, I’ve always known I’m different and what I want from a man.

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