Page 9 of Tempted By Eden

“Thank you. I’ll speak to you soon.” I’m a little choked up so I end the call before she can hear it in my voice.

For the past ten months, that fucker has been wreaking havoc on my career and my life. He deserves every bit of what’s coming to him.

“I’m booored, Momma,” Leo whines, tugging on my sleeve. I run my hand gently over his soft hair and plant a kiss on his forehead.

“I know, baby, I’m nearly done.” I continue pushing the cart through the aisles, thoughts racing with the possibility of finally moving forward, free from the shadow of his influence.

Thank fuck.

Chapter six

Cora

“I’m super pumped fortonight! I’m so glad you decided to come back. I just know we’re going to be BFFs.” Hailee loops her arm through mine, practically vibrating with energy as she pulls me into the marble foyer of Eden.

Unlike last night, she’s a whirlwind of chatter, ready to talk my ear off. There’s a warmth about her, a friendliness that instantly puts me at ease. As an introvert and single mom, I’ve found making new friends as an adult tough, but I like Hailee’s vibe. She’s easy to be around, and I can see us getting close.

“I can guarantee, one night and you’ll be hooked!”she declares with a grin.

That’s what I’m afraid of.

I hand her my paperwork, and we make a quick stop at the front desk, where I’m introduced to Rob, the head of security. He’s tall, with a no-nonsense demeanor, but the flash of his smile tells me he’s not as hard-ass as he appears. I hand over my phone, feeling a strange sense of surrender as it leaves my hand, and follow Hailee into the heart of Eden.

She leads me through an imposing door into a large room buzzing with chaos and excitement. The air smells faintly of hairspray and expensive perfume, accompanied by the soft, constant hum of hairdryers. Some women are in various stages of undress, while others sit in front of brightly lit mirrors, makeup artists hovering around them. It’s what I imagine being backstage at a Victoria’s Secret fashion show would be like, minus the feathers, wings, and glitter. The women here are incredibly beautiful in their own unique ways. They’re all different shapes, sizes, and backgrounds, but they all have one thing in common: a kind of effortless glamour.

“Welcome to the dressing room!” Hailee exclaims, with jazz hands. “Not that we end up wearing much,” she adds with a laugh.

At the back of the room is the wardrobe department, where racks of the same black gown Hailee wore last night stand beside a basket of black ribbon collars, and rows of costumes and fetish gear. I linger for a moment, eyes drawn to the more elaborate costumes, but Hailee is quick to reassure me.

“Don’t worry. It’s actually fun dressing up, and Edward, our resident stylist, will make you feel like a queen no matter what you’re wearing.”

Somehow, I doubt that.

She points to the back wall near the wardrobe. “The lockers are over there. You can leave your clothes and belongings inside.”

Hailee leads me to the hair and makeup station, and we settle into the remaining empty chairs. Two brunettes, one with long, perfectly styled hair and the other with a sharp bob, are deeply engrossed in conversation.

“… he will never leave his wife for you, Sarah,” the woman with the bob is saying, shaking her head.

Hailee interrupts, “Ladies, this is Cora. She’s one of our new goddesses, and tonight is her first night, so please make her feel welcome. Cora, this is Sarah, who’s in love with one of the clients. Let’s just hope he doesn’t notice you tonight. She’s like a bear with a sore paw whenever he turns his attention to a new goddess.” Hailee gives an exaggerated eye roll.

“Bullshit! He only does that when I’m shitty at him. He knows it makes me crazy jealous,” Sarah protests. She turns to me with a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. “Just stay away from him and we’ll be fine.”

Great, staying away from this bitch, then.

“God, give it a rest, Sarah,” groans the woman with the short bob.

“And this is Jess,” Hailee says, introducing her to me.

Jess leans over to offer her hand, which I promptly shake. “Nice to meet you, Cora. Don’t mind Sarah; she’s just a bitch. Every workplace has one.”

“Fuck off, Jess.” Sarah sticks her tongue out.

“Nice to meet you both,” I reply with a smile, doing my best to look sincere.

The stylists finish with Sarah and Jess, and as they walk away, Jess glances over her shoulder.

“Good luck tonight, Cora. I really hope Sarah’s man picks you to serve him.” She bursts into laughter, dodging an elbow from Sarah as they exit the room.

---