Page 194 of If Our Hearts Collide

I am safe. I am fierce. I am loved.

My gaze looks out the window as the building comes into view. Instantly—and despite my self-initiated pep talk—my nerves multiply and wreak havoc on my system before the car even pulls into the drop-off lane at Limit-X.

How is it possible that I’m more nervous tonight than I was my first time here? I thought knowing what to expect would have its benefits. However, it’s just adding to my apprehension.

Like a flood of emotions, all my fears come barreling through me.

What if I go inside and no one wants to hang out? It’s not like I made any real friends while I was here the last time. Nope. Instead I probably painted a self-portrait for everyone of myself titled “Freak.”

What if someone touches me and I spaz out? What if I can’t recover as quickly as I’d like?

My driver slowly pulls along the damp asphalt, his headlights casting a golden glow in the darkness of the night. The mansion is lit up only at the door and the path leading up to it. I know they want to appear nondescript, and I think they’ve mastered that objective.

“Have fun in the dungeon,” the driver jokes, making me cringe.

If he only knew how true his teasing really is. “Thank you,” I say, handing him a bunch of bills to pay for my ride.

He stares at the money. “Thanks, hun! If you need a ride back home”—he hands me a business card—“consider it done.”

“Thank you. Have a good night.”

Closing the door, I take a step back and scan over the cars. A shiver creeps up my spine.

The last time I was here, I ended the night being accosted in the parking lot. Here’s to hoping that doesn’t happen at the start of it.

Michael greets me with a big smile when he sees me trekking up the long pathway. He really does have the ideal view of the parking lot.

“What a pleasant and unexpected surprise,” he says, meeting me halfway and taking my hand in his. His dwarfs mine, makingme feel petite and feminine. “I’m so glad you decided to give this place another chance.”

I can’t hide my smirk. “Hi.”

“I’mreallyglad, Penny.”

“You remembered my name,” I mutter, not knowing if that is a good or bad thing. Being memorable could have double meanings. Was it because I had a monumental freakout moment the last time I was here, catching Collins doing wicked acts with Daphne?

“Of course, little dove. Come,” he coaxes, as we ascend the stairway. “And at least you chose a fun night, with Testing Your Limits.”

“Yeah, about that, the website description was vague.”

Michael tilts his head back and laughs. “That’s exactly what Master Yuri was going for. He’s such a mysterious bastard.”

I bite my bottom lip and rock on my ridiculously too high glass heels. “Is it going to be as scary as it sounds?”

His eyes soften and level with mine. “No one should scare you here, and if they do, they are at fault. Unless, of course, being scared is your kink…”

“It’s definitely not.”

“Well, then…” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a white bracelet. “This should help keep you safe, but you have to not lose it this time.”

Motioning for my hand, I watch as he snaps the bracelet onto my wrist and then hits a side switch that makes the bracelet change colors. Red, green, and yellow.

“What do the colors mean?”

Michael smiles. “Each color represents a limit preference. Tonight in the upstairs rooms, there will be many scenes going on. I know you got yourself acquainted with the vibe happening up there the last time you were here.”

Air catches in my throat. “I, um…”

“I’m not here to reprimand you, little one. I am just stating the obvious.”

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