Page 1 of Room One Hundred and Eleven

CHAPTER 1

Poppy

“Wakey wakey.”

Someone shakes my shoulder. Though they do it gently, my guilty conscience spurs me to bolt upright from where I slumped over on one of the tufted leather couches in the staff area. “Oh no! I’m sorry. Please don’t tell Gunner I fell asleep on the job.”

“Why not?” From where she stands in front of me, Riley flips her long dark hair over her shoulder.

“He may be one of your fiancés, but he’s my boss.” Yeah, she’s pretty and about to marry three smoking-hot billionaires—one of whom owns the sex club we’re in right now. Some girls have all the luck, am I right? “People’s safety depends on me staying alert.”

What kind of medic would I be if someone got injured because I was out cold?

“The club closed ten minutes ago. Kane ushered the last guests out already.” He’s another of her lovers, who manages security. The third, Fitch, does pretty much everything else around this place. “You’re all good.”

“Seriously, Riley. I can’t afford to disappoint them.”

Our friend Melody—who’s married to Riley’s big brother and their other two husbands—is curled up on a matching armchair nearby. She adds, “You’re running yourself ragged. If you ask, I’m sure Gunner will give you some time off. You could use a break.”

“Sure, relaxing would be nice, but Ineedthis paycheck.” I scrub my eyes then stare up at the ornate stamped metal ceiling as if that will force my peepers open. “Besides, I’m not about to weasel extra perks out of him because I’m friends with you two.”

“No one’s going to fire you for being human, Poppy. I swear.” Riley sighs. “I only realized you dozed off because you didn’t answer after I tried to invite you over. However, I’m rescinding that offer now that I see how thin you’re stretching yourself.”

Dang it!My friendships with Riley and Melody have been a complete surprise and a way bigger benefit to having taken this position than the cash flow it provides. Their comradery does more to keep me going than basic rest.

Still, it’s hard to focus on what the two of them chatter about in rapid-fire exchanges after working my night shift. Especially since I spent the day in nursing school and the early morning hours after I got off duty last night studying for an exam.

The gist of it is they’re flipping out over the zillions of proposals coming in from couture designers vying for the privilege of custom-making Riley’s wedding gown and the dresses for her bridal party.

Witnessing a fairytale come true like that isn’t something I’ve ever had the chance to do. Even if I’m just peering in from the fringes, it’s so much fun. Maybe worth doing even if it means another sleepless night, zombiying my way through classes tomorrow, then chugging an entire case of energy drinks to survive my next shift here.

Don’t get me wrong. I love my job.

Even though I never imagined I’d be the medical support at a sex club when I got my paramedic license. Hey, it pays well, and it lets me pursue my degree during the day. Win-win.

So what if it also makes me very aware of things I never dreamed possible before?

Wealthy lifestyles and the desires of the people living them.

And how I might enjoy some of those taboo fantasies if I were in their designer shoes.

“Poppyyyyyyyy…” Melody shakes her head softly.

“What?” I blink a few times, hoping that will clear the sleepy sand away. Considering Riley is now perched on the arm of Melody’s chair, I’m sure I blanked out for a bit again.

“I said we’re going to hang out at Riley’s and look through the sketches.” Melody repeats herself. “We really want you to check them out with us, but I think Riley’s right. You should go home and sleep instead.”

Dang it, she’s probably on to something. “I’d love to see some of the options. Maybe you could text me the top picks so I can drool over them in the morning. You’re going to be such a beautiful bride no matter what you decide on.”

My three bosses adore her.

They treat her like she was made just for them.

Truth be told, that’s what I envy most of everything I’ve witnessed here at the club—their devotion to one another, their unwavering love, and the sexy glances winging between them nonstop.

“Girl, for real. When’s the last time you crashed for a full night?” Riley’s looking at me like she’s about to escort me to one of the bedrooms upstairs and lock me in.

“You’re a straight-A student. What do your textbooks have to say about this? You know it’s not healthy. Burning the candle at both ends isn’t sustainable.” Melody’s frowning now too. “How can we help?”

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