Page 183 of Sinning for Santa

I’ve never worn any other colour than white to Cloud 9. I don’t know why.

Was I aiming for innocent?

I don’t feel innocent anymore. Not that I dislike that. I rather enjoy the idea that I can be naughty. A little depraved.

I considered wearing red. Men like red which is why I have the red heels on. But my mood is too dark to wear a colour on the rest of me, so I chose black.

Taking the black mask off the bed, I slip it on and examine the full picture.

Is this what I want to do on my first New Year’s Eve as a free woman?

I could just stay in and watch the fireworks from the balcony, but the idea of being alone feels almost suffocating.

Perhaps I should have gone with Presley.

“Oh, come on Jaxcen. Make up your damn mind,” I snap at myself, and huff, tearing off the mask before moving to my wardrobe.

Fuck it. I can always leave if the Cloud 9 atmosphere doesn’t bring me out of my funk.

Throwing on a dress over my lingerie, I order an uber, and with my mask in hand, I leave the apartment.

It’s time to see if I’m ready to stop watching from the sidelines and finally join in.

Chapter forty

Devon

Standing, staring at the entrance door of Cloud 9, Jaxcen hovers. She’s debating. Wondering if she should go inside. Wondering if it’s what she wants.

Just step forward, little mouse. You can do it.

As if she can hear my thoughts, she moves, opening the door and slipping in.

I grin.

Atta girl.

Sighing from the shadows across the street, I watch Eddie, the person I’m actually following, as he hurries to the door. He studies the name and business information printed on the door before he takes his phone out.

I can imagine he’s doing a search on Cloud 9, and as he stiffens, I gather he’s just realised what sort of establishment it is.

I grin again.

“Go on in, Eddie. I dare you.”

Taking the cap off his head, he rakes his fingers through his hair as if to tame it before he shoves the cap in the back pocket of his pants and enters.

I wait about thirty seconds before attempting to cross the busy street, nodding to the far corner where Lenny is standing casually wearing a disguise.

He nods back, and I open the door of the sex club, entering the darkened space.

“Welcometo Cloud 9.” A tall blonde woman wearing a gold mesh dress that leaves little to the imagination, smiles at me from behind a counter. “Are you new here or a returning guest?”

“He knows the ropes.” The deep voice comes from the side, and I turn to see Marco, club owner and an old friend. “If it isn’t the one and only devil.”

“Shut up.” I snicker as he steps up to me and we bro hug, slapping each other’s backs.

“It’s been a long time since you’ve graced us with your presence.”

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