Page 2 of Bluff

I look over at the bartender. I can’t hear what she’s saying, but I know she’s talking to Selene. My gut clenches because I’m about to get an I told you so. Selene warned me that if I went through with my plan, I’d only end up hurting those I love. Proof of my self-sabotage. I push my sisters away with my attitude. I can’t stop myself, but Selene has been trying to help me with that.

“Ainsy,” a soft Southern accent says, and I turn to see Chloe walking toward me.

She’s dressed in a long black dress with high slits that run from just below her cleavage to the floor on both sides. Macramé ties hold the back and front together at her hips. Tattoos line her body, and her pixie-cut blond hair is wild around her face. Her platform heels lift her up, making her taller than my five and a half feet.

The woman is walking sex personified.

“Chlo,” I say, and she pulls me in for a hug.

I want to sink into it, but I know she’s going to be mad at me soon.

“You look beautiful.” She takes in my red dress that I wore to fit in with the party. She pauses, and I see the moment it hits her. “Son of a bitch,” she exclaims and shakes her head. “You didn’t.” She looks at the drink sitting in front of me.

“She didn’t what?” Selene asks as she walks up.

She’s dressed in an outfit almost identical to Chloe’s, making it clear they’re both playing at the club tonight instead of being on duty. Patrons of the club follow a strict dress code. This isn’t a dance club but a private sex club for the elite and a select clientele.

I only get in because of Chloe. She’s on the board, and she pays my membership. I didn’t want to accept it, but she insists she’s doing it to help me. Both of them know I quit drinking before I became a member. I’ll still come hang out here at the bar side and order water or virgin drinks.

Selene reaches for my drink and brings it to her nose. “Come on.” She sets the glass down. “Make her a cranberry and Sprite.” She changes my order before motioning me toward a booth in the corner.

I walk over with both of them following behind me. Chloe isn’t going to ream me, but Selene might. Even though she’s my counselor, she’s also my friend.

I slide in, and Chloe slips in next to me, blocking me from getting out. Selene reminds me of a young Linda Carter—all curves and long dark hair. Her legs are on full display beneath the slit of her gown. At five foot eight, she towers over us in her heels. She slides into the other side and adjusts her skirt so that she’s still completely covered.

Only the club officers and the owner are allowed to wear their outfits on the bar side. Rune owns the club, but she runs it alongside these two and two other women. They’re all close friends, and they work together outside the club as well.

“So, what happened?” Selene asks as she leans back in the booth. Her manicured hands rest casually on the tabletop. Her nails are painted a deep, rich red.

“How do you know something happened? I could have gone there and nothing happened.” I try to defend myself, but even I don’t believe the lie. I know better. When I plan something like this, there’s always a problem.

I shake my head and drop it, my long hair slipping loose from the bun. Stray strands brush against my face as I bite down on my lip, trying to hold in the emotion. When I finally look up, my eyes are swimming with tears.

Chloe reaches for me. “Oh, girl… it can’t be that bad.”

I nod at her. “It is. As soon as we stepped out of the kitchen, I saw Lennon heading for the bathroom. I thought it was perfect timing, but something kept telling me to turn around and get out of there. I didn’t listen. I fucking should have.”

I can’t stop the tears, and Selene hands me a napkin. I dab at my eyes, trying to keep my makeup from running.

“And?” Selene asks.

“Lennon was puking. She’s pregnant.”

“Fuck,” Chloe exclaims, and I watch as she and Selene exchange a look before Chloe gets up. “I’ll be back.” She turns and heads toward the entrance of the club.

I watch her walk away before turning back to Selene. “She didn’t have to tell me. I just knew. She ended up fainting. If Lyric hadn’t caught her…” I wave my hands around, and Selene reaches out, gently clasping them to steady me.

“Is she okay?” she asks.

I shake my head. “I don’t know. She was taken away in an ambulance, I think. I heard it coming as I ran. I left Lyric there to face the consequences.”

Selene sighs deeply. Her eyes drift upward as though she’s contemplating something. “I can get a hold of someone. You need to go into hiding. Chloe is arranging a place for you.”

“No. I need to go to the hospital and turn myself in.”

“Not yet,” she says, raising her voice. People glance our way. “Ainsley, this isn’t a world where you can do that. Dmitri will be looking for blood. Lyric will be safe, but you won’t.”

“How do you know that?” I ask as Chloe returns.

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