Page 3 of Reckless King

I raise one brow. “That’s all you have to say about it?”

“Well…” She shoots me a sly smile. “I don’t want to give too much away, because I think you should experience it yourself.”

My stomach swoops, and I bobble my coffee, righting it just before it spills. “You want me to go to a… asexclub?” I whisper that last part. “I’m sorry, have you met me? That’s a terrible idea.”

She pouts, even as her dark eyes sparkle with amusement. “You promised to hear me out.”

Pressing my teeth into my lower lip, I nod. I did, though I’m not sure I want to know where she’s going with this.

“I know what you’re thinking. I thought the same thing when Richard suggested it. But this place isn’t seedy at all. It’s super exclusive because it caters to a lot of very rich, very famous people. Members are vetted, and masks are required to enter, so everyone is anonymous.”

She scrutinizes my expression, then grimaces. Probably because it’s obvious she isn’t selling me on the idea. “Look. They take security seriously there. Background checks are mandatory, even for guests. The masks are to ensure anonymity, but I promise it’s not freaky.” She grins a little. “Actually, it’s pretty damn sexy. Just think, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to mingle with the rich and famous while they’re getting their sexy on.And…” she pauses for effect, “if you decide you want to, it’s perfect for some no-strings attached, anonymous, safe, stress relief. Which you, my friend,” she points at me dramatically, “desperately need after everything you’ve gone through the last couple of years.”

I try to wrap my mind around what she’s suggesting. I know she’s not just talking about True Brew, or even my grief over Dad and my guilt for not being here when he died, although I’ve struggled with both those things. She’s also talking about my cheating ex, Eric. Anna’s the only person I told about what happened with him, since I didn’t want to burden Mark with the fallout from my bad choice in men. Not when I only have myself to blame for being so blind to all Eric’s red flags. That meansAnna’s the only one who knows why I’ve been so reluctant to open myself up to another relationship.

That doesn’t mean I haven’t missed a man’s touch. I might have my trusty battery-operated boyfriend at home, but there’s no replacing that human interaction and skin-on-skin connection. Could this be the answer? One night with no names, no expectations, no numbers exchanged. No hurt feelings because the question doesn’t even get asked. And no awkward morning after.

Anna studies me, a crease between her brows. “I don’t want to push you or make you uncomfortable. But it would be good for you to let go, even if only for one night. A little distraction from everything you’ve got going on.” She puts her hand over the top of mine on the table and squeezes. “And there’s no pressure at all. You can do as little or as much as you want. The front area is almost like a normal nightclub, so when we get there, we can just drink and dance. It doesn’t have to go beyond that. But if you do meet someone you like, then, you know, you can explore that.”

My heart rate ratchets up. Could I do it? At the very least, it could be an item I can cross off my bucket list. Not thatgo to a sex clubis on there. But who hasn’t added a task to a list just so they can have the satisfaction of crossing it off? And the prospect of doing something so out of character, so wild, is oddly appealing. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt carefree or acted in a way that even resembles spontaneous. Maybe it’s crazy, but a night of pure escapism actually sounds… good.

Not to mention it would be a bigfuck youto Eric.

I take a deep breath. “Okay, let’s say I’m considering it. Richard invited you, right? How would we get in if he’s not around?”

Anna’s eyes light up, and she sits a little straighter. “Before he left, he paid for a membership for me. Called it a parting gift. But to be honest, I haven’t been interested in going backwithout him.” She brings her coffee to her lips and takes a small sip before continuing. “The membership is due to expire in a couple of weeks. It would be a shame not to use it at least once. Especially since they’re not cheap. And because I’m a member, I can bring you as a guest. We’d just have to submit your details for a background check first. Once it’s processed, you’ll be allowed in with me.” She leans forward. “But you don’t have to decide now. Think about it and let me know.”

I could think about it.OrI could put on my big girl panties, give myself permission to have a night off from being Violet, struggling coffee shop owner, and do something bold for the first time in a long time.

I finish my coffee, put the cup down and give Anna a grin—one that probably looks far more confident than I actually feel. “So what should I wear?”

CHAPTER TWO

TATE

The polished wood of the bar gleams under the glitter of chandeliers, and the air is a little too heavy with the mingled scents of cologne and perfume, courtesy of New York City’s elite filling the ballroom behind me.

I tap my finger on the rim of my now-empty glass. The bartender gives me a knowing look and reaches for the Macallan 25.

“Are you trying to break a record with this one, Tate?” he jokes. It’s a testament to how many of these events I’ve been to recently that I’m now friends with the bar staff. This is the fourth charity gala I’ve been to in six weeks.

“Just trying for a personal best.” I bring the lowball glass to my lips, inhaling the warm, oaky aroma before swallowing. The whiskey’s smoky burn is a welcome respite as it courses down my throat.

I’ve completed my networking duty as chief of marketing for my family’s company, the King Group, and mingled for what feels like several monotonous hours talking up all our latest real estate developments. Now I’m taking a well-earned break at the bar. At least,Ithink I’ve earned it.

The Blue Planet Benefit is a high-profile event for environmental conservation, meaning the ballroom is full of power players and social climbers, all pretending to care deeply about the cause while eyeing each other’s net worth. And since my net worth is one of the largest here, there are a lot of eyes on me.

“How much longer before we can leave?” my older brother Cole asks in a low voice from next to me, echoing my own thoughts.

Blowing out a relieved breath, I turn to him, only to discover he isn’t talking to me at all. He’s addressing the pretty dark-haired woman he has tucked into his side.

Delilah, his fiancée, looks up at him, her green eyes bright with amusement. “We’ve only been here for an hour.”

Fuck. I could have sworn it was longer than that.

Even with that unpleasant revelation, I have to suppress a grin as Cole dips his head so his mouth is near her ear and grumbles that he’d rather be at home making her scream his name.

“Cole,” she hisses, slapping him lightly on his tuxedo-clad chest as a faint blush tints her cheekbones. My gaze lingers on the two of them for a moment. I never thought I’d see my brother in love. Surprisingly enough, it suits him. Since being with Delilah, his smiles are more easily earned and his laughs more frequent. He’s constantly touching her, or she’s touching him. From subtle caresses to the possessive way his arm circles her waist—Cole seems to soak it all in. As if he can’t get enough of it. As if he can’t get enough ofher.

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