Page 22 of Doubling Down

Chapter Twelve

Whitewood is like a different place when we arrive in the early evening. There are people there, but they’re in more causal outfits, and the atmosphere is more relaxed and informal. I follow the twins into the foyer, where Chloe greets us with a warm smile.

“I’m so glad you decided to return, Sarah.”

My cheeks heat, and I nod. “I’m sorry about last night. I was just so surprised to see the twins again. I guess I didn’t react well.”

“It’s important that everyone’s comfortable when they’re here. Please don’t hesitate to call a timeout whenever you need. You’re not obligated to stay if you’re unhappy.”

“Thank you, but I really am curious. And since Jude and Simon asked me to help them with their meeting this evening, I thought I ought to get acquainted with the place.”

Chloe raises both eyebrows and glances at the twins. “Are you sure she’s ready?”

“It’s a private show, and we’ll be there to coach her through it,” Jude says, resting his hand against my lower back.

Looking at me again, she asks, “You’ve seen their machine, right?”

Oddly, this question doesn’t embarrass me. I share a knowing look with Jude and Simon. Simon nods and smiles.

“The machine wouldn’t exist if not for Sarah, actually. It was made for her.”

The confession seems to please Chloe, and she waves us farther in. “You three enjoy your evening. Good luck tonight.”

I have butterflies in my belly when the twins lead me to an antique elevator that takes us to the second floor. We’re greeted by a gorgeous, curvaceous woman named Olivia, who looks like a pin-up model wearing satin lingerie. She explains the Whitewood rules and shows me a colorful list of kinks that resembles a fancy restaurant menu.

“Sarah’s sticking with us tonight, so we can skip the bands. We have a private meeting.”

Olivia glances at me with eyebrows raised. I shake my head. “I want the full experience. I think that means I should wear a white velvet band and a dark gray band on my right arm, right?”

“She’s paying attention,” Olivia says with a nod of approval. “You two shouldn’t let her out of your sight, if you want to hold onto her. Here, let me get you all set up.”

She grabs three ribbons of each color, then rounds the counter to affix each one to our arms. Mine go on my right arm and the twins’ go on their left arms, the different sides signifying givers versus receivers of the designated kinks. White means we’re giving a show. Gray means we’re into bondage.

“They should come up with a new color for sex machines,” I suggest as Olivia finishes securing my ribbon. “Silver lamé, maybe?”

Olivia shakes her head. “That color’s for celebrities and star-fuckers. But maybe something striped. I’ll have to see what I can come up with.”

“Sheridan Keene should be arriving in about an hour. Can you direct him to the private suite when he gets here?” Simon says.

“You got it.” Olivia gives us a little wave as we head to the right, down one wing of the second floor.

The hallway is lined with elaborately framed windows that display closed curtains on the opposite side. Three men and a pair of women are gathered by one, chatting like old friends about mundane topics. It’s all so normal and unassuming, it’s easy to relax.

One of the women smiles brightly at me. “A new face! Welcome to Whitewood. You’re just in time to see one of the best shows here.”

My heartbeat stutters and I glance at the wide, curtained window, then at the twins. “Can we watch?”

“If you want. Just… don’t run away, okay?” Simon says.

“Why would I run away?”

The curtains start to move, and sultry, bump-and-grind music begins to play. Jude tilts his chin at the window and slips closer, hooking his hand around my waist. Simon takes up position on my other side, as if they’re guarding me with their bodies, or making sure they can trap me from running away again. But I am committed, at least for the rest of my visit.

Then I catch the eye of the girl on the other side of the glass, and my eyes widen. It’s Casey.

“Holy shit!”

“Are you okay with this?” Jude asks.

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