Page 24 of When Hearts Awaken

She purses her lips before extending her hand. “I’m Olivia, by the way. Olivia Lin. My practice specializes in anxiety disorders and addiction. Of which, a common one is sex addiction. I have a few patients who frequent establishments such as these and I want to better understand them. So,” she motions to the dark space, “field trip.”

Olivia looks up at me imploringly. She’s tiny and I feel like a giant next to her. “Please? Help me, yeah?”

She reminds me a little of Belle and Millie combined—sweet, sassy, intelligent. I relent, her plea giving me the small amount of confidence boost I need to do this.

I’m not here for me this time. I’m here for a new friend.And you’re a badass. Let’s not forget that.

Swallowing, I shake her hand. “Taylor, but friends call me Tay.”

Olivia beams and we head over to the receptionist, who gives us the lay of the land behind the closed doors. Consent is paramount. We’re one hundred percent safe in there. There’s a two drink maximum policy. There are open group spaces and private quarters. Protection is required unless we have signed waivers and health consents. Security will patrol the place and if we feel threatened, we can press a small button on the silver bracelet she gave each of us, and help will be on the way.

I feel a little better—it sounds like I’ll be safe in there. My palms grow sweaty.

“Ready?” Olivia whispers as we pause in front of the double doors.

“Never.” I take a deep breath, my pulse kicking up. “But here goes.”

We push through and step into a large, modern room lit up with soft recessed lighting, highlighting the circular tables with wraparound black leather sofas spaced throughout. At a quick glance, one wouldalmostthink they’re at a run-of-the-mill high-end lounge.

But then I notice the groups sitting in the leather booths. One table has a scantily clad woman in leather lingerie, her mouth gagged with a black ball, and three men in suits flanking her. Another corner has a man tied to the table, his ass exposed, and he’s writhing as another man stuffs something up his backside.

Heat blooms on my face and nausea appears violently in my stomach again.

Sounds of skin slapping against skin. Harsh groans and lewd moans.

“Look at that slut, asking for it,”that voice whispers in my mind.

I push the thought out of my mind.Leave me the fuck alone!

“Whoa, this is um. Interesting. Hey,” someone snaps her finger at me, “hey, Tay! You okay?”

Dazed, I glance at a flushed Olivia who is frowning at me with obvious concern.

I force out a smile, but I have a feeling it doesn’t work on her because she just cocks her head to the side, her eyes sharpening. Damn my luck for making a new friend who is a psychiatrist.

“You want to leave? You know, you don’t need to do this until you’re ready,” she says. She doesn’t ask me what’s wrong, which I appreciate. Her voice is soothing, and I try to focus on it.

I have a feeling she’s using her doctor voice on me.

“N-No. I can do this.” I give her a shaky nod.

She stares at me for a few more beats and then nods. “Stay here. I’ll get some water for you. That can help.” She leaves before I can stop her and tell her I don’t accept drinks I haven’t gotten for myself.

“Hey beautiful, looking for a Dom for the night?” a low voice rasps in my ear a few seconds later.

I jump in place and stifle a scream. Turning toward the man, I blanch when I take in his towering frame clad in a suit. He’s too close—standing way too close to me. His eyes gleam with nefarious intent.

“You’re gorgeous. I’ll take good care of you,” he murmurs, his voice dripping with fake charm I’m sure will work on other women.

Not me. Not anymore.

I back away, shaking my head vigorously. My heart beats violently and I curse myself for trembling in his presence.

“S-Stay away from me. Stay away, asshole.”

He holds his hands up, his eyes narrowing. “No need to go crazy, you frigid bitch. You should be lucky—”

I don’t stay for the rest of his words as I walk away, as fast as my legs can carry me, not paying attention to where I’m going. The sounds of moaning and screams of pleasure burrow into my ears the farther I go—shit, I’m heading in the wrong direction.

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