Page 6 of Room One Hundred and Five

Outside of the hospital staff, no one cared for me when I got sick because there was no other person. It’s just been me and her for so long. I don’t want to do anything that will cause Luna more stress.

Luna’s laughter fades, and she’s back to being serious. “Don’t let William and what happened with him keep you from finding your happiness. Erase him from your mind and heart as best you can. Not every man out there is a douche face twat. Let tonight be your ground zero.”

Sting.

I knew she was going to say that bastard’s name at some point, but still. Ick.

I take in a deep breath and square my shoulders. I refuse to fall down that black hole of doom and despair.

Luna changes the topic and rattles on about all the fun activities Club Sin offers. I pretend to listen but my mind wanders back to the days I spent at the hospital with mom and then my health battles. I didn’t beat death back to let my shyness keep me glued to this bar stool. Or worse. Running for the elevator. I have a backbone. It’s time I use it. We are literally sitting in the swankiest and sexiest club in Seattle. Everyone wants an invitation to this place, and I scored one free. Luna hooked us up, and I didn’t ask questions. It was fun getting dressed up and poured into a dress that hugs my every curve. Not my daily go to, but it sure the hell beats ass-baring hospital gowns any day of the week.

And the shoes? Whoa.

Dream. Come. True.

I have never worn a pair of stilettos made of sex appeal, but every glance I get from the bartender to the Club Sin Members says the black satin on my feet were a good pick.

I wet my parched lips and take a chance at picking up my drink—sweaty palms be damned.

One good swallow and my inner voice of reason is replaced with a fun girl attitude. I take another and pop an olive into my mouth, loving the bitter burst of juiciness that hits my tongue, waiting for Luna to finish her spiel.

I nod like I’ve been following along this whole time. “Yeah. okay. You know what? I’m sold. Love all of it. So, we’re talking about no clothes, no names and goodbye come sunrise? Sounds kinky.” I wiggle my brows. “How do I put in an order for me?” I ask, only half joking.

If my sister could beam any brighter, they could spot her from outer space. “YES! That’s my girl!” A sultry laugh places an exclamation point at the end of my words, erasing any lingering doubt I entertained about tonight.

“I’ve got you covered. You won’t believe the guys I have lined up for you.”

Okay, that is weird, but I don't interrupt when she turns to the side and rummages in a bag for something.

As silly as it sounds, the virgin in me sits up and purrs when my sister slides a piece of paper in front of me with a photo of three handsome men clipped to the front a moment later.

I pull the picture from the clip holding it in place. “Whoa. Damn. I’ve won the hot men lottery.”

All three of the Club Sin members have dark brown eyes, smiles made of fantasies coming true and look like triplet brothers with their matching square jaws and angular noses. Aristocrats to the very last drop of blood.

Luna taps the top paper. “Sign this, and when you are ready, I have the complete package all set for you.”

My nerve endings tingle. “Okay, so this is truly happening.” Stating the obvious, but my nerves are trying to get the better of me. I move my drink to the side and pick up the contract, flipping the pages. “Does every member have to sign this?”

Luna nods, swallowing the remnants of her neon green appletini.

“Yes. Club rules. Everyone’s safety is our top priority before all the fun can happen.”

A woman with a serene smile, kind eyes and a pen steps up to the bar, answering my question.

“Luna.” She greets my sister with a soft hug before extending her hand to me. “I’m Lavender, your hostess for the evening and your sister’s friend. Luna, thanks for standing in for me.”

“No prob. Did you get your issue sorted?”

A silent conversation passes between my sister and the club’s hostess with glossy flame red hair and electric blue eyes before they both turn to me. The tight pull between the other woman’s brows and the worry lines at the corner of her eyes says something is wrong in the romance department. I want to ask what is going on, but I have my own problems to keep me busy for the moment.

Like getting this V-card of mine punched.

Okay, that’s so damn crass to even think. But it’s true. I spent a lot of time thinking what if I kicked off this world and died a virgin? It’s not the worst that could happen to a woman, but it’s something I have the chance to change. That thought alonemakes me feel superhuman when everything else stayed out of my control for so long.

Through high school and the two years I got in for college before I became sick, I was never the party girl. I didn’t fit in with the ‘in crowd’. Books were my thing. If I wanted to experience it, I dove between the pages and found my adventures in words.

“What do you say, Stella? Are you down for a night you won’t forget?”

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