Page 14 of Gilded Dreams

The driver is right where he promised to be, and I breathe a sigh of relief. “There’s my car. Thanks for the company.” But Joshuais not getting the message and crosses the last few yards to where the SUV is parked against the curb.

“This man bothering you?”

My driver opens the back door, ushering me inside and steps between Joshua and me, blocking his approach.

“Just helping.”

“The lady doesn’t need your help.” I can hear the ice in my driver’s voice and there’s a hint of danger there too. Whoa. How much is Justice paying this guy?

The younger man snorts and says something I can’t hear. I turn to look out the back window only to see Joshua walking off, a look of hurt and disappointment on his face when he looks back at me. Damn. The last thing I need is to make enemies.

My phone pings, and it’s Justice.

Forgot to tell you, take a pen. You’ll need to sign a ledger or contract when you get there. Have fun,

- Love J

What the hell have I gotten myself into?

Four

Kandy

Ihad every intention of refusing my friend’s offer. Truly, I did.

And then a to-die-for dress Justice promised arrived with matching stilettos and my fate was sealed. I marvel at the creamy white number that is buttery to the touch and softer than clouds against my skin. A sexy dip in the front showcases miles of cleavage while slits up the sides reveal more thigh than I’ve ever shown. Every soul in my small Texas town would slap a slut label on my ass.

I glide my palms over the smooth material. I can do this. I swallow thickly as the car rolls to a stop and ease from the opened door. Snow flurries float across my vision and I hug my thick shawl tighter around my shoulders.

Unlike other clubs I’ve seen, this one has no line of waiting patrons anxious to get inside. And why would they? This is a members-only club. There is no bouncer or flashing lights either, I notice. Just a door with bronze handles and a subtle sign overhead with the locale’s name and an air of money about the place.

“Thank you, Mr. Mackay.” I turn every shade of red when my driver swings my door open and offers me a stiff hand. I slide from the warmth into the cold night. He looks uneasy and I feel bad for him having to sit out here the entire time I’m inside. And a little embarrassed, honestly.

“Is this the main entrance? It looks sort of empty, don’t you think?”

The man’s deep blue gaze lifts to the Society’s name pinned to the large cement building.

“The red door. It is where I’ve been instructed to leave you.” Judgment splashes across his face and all the warning bells I spent all day quieting in my head at this being a bad idea ring off all at once. My cheeks scorch hotter and I start to panic. My hand goes to the butterfly. I can do this.

“Or you can leave with me. You have choices. I told you I would protect you.”

Despite the coloring of his icy tone which is downright insulting, I almost jump at the chance to back out. Have him drop me off at my apartment no one the wiser. But I wrestle my inner hermit back into her corner so the more social side of me stands a chance at getting laid tonight.

No, Kandy. You need this. Everyone can keep their opinions to themselves. You don’t need protecting.

In my heart of hearts, I know this is my chance to move on. I hold that thought at the front of my mind and clutch the ends of my dress. A light snowfall covers the cement and at another point I would admire the clean white sheet of fluff.

Instead, I swallow my fear and climb the few steps leading to The Gilded Key Society. Red carpet lines the small-covered entryway and I’m taken aback by the supplant elegance of the place. Sconces mark either side of the door, their golden light mixing with the deep red coloring of the door to give it a glowing effect. Off to the sides, twinkle lights hug ornamental shrubs offering welcoming energy. If the doorway looked this opulent, the inside must be off the rails.

No sooner do I step in front of the door does an elegantly dressed gentleman welcome me with a warm smile and a small bow. Nothing too fancy. Just a small tip of the body, but it makes me feel like royalty, so I offer him a smile in return.

“Good evening.”

I step into a small room, and I notice immediately this is not the normal entryway for arriving guests. It’s secluded and the carpet is barely trodden upon.

“Is there a special event tonight keeping everyone else entertained?”

My finely dressed greeter steps behind a raised podium, an open book in front of him. He scrawls something quickly before warm, brown eyes rise to meet mine. “No, ma’am.”

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