Page 7 of Smoke After Hours

The lounge was decorated with leather and wood embellishments, each dimly lit corner inviting you to indulge in the relaxing environment. Tables were adorned with bowls of dried jerky steak or nuts, jars of aromatic herbs, and bottles of premium spirits, ready to enhance the flavors of the cigars.

At the heart of the room, a large display showcased an impressive array of flavored cigars, each meticulously crafted to tantalize the taste buds and ignite the senses. From creamy vanilla and rich chocolate to fresh citrus and bold espresso, or whether you preferred a smooth and creamy Connecticut wrapper or a bold and robust Nicaraguan blend, the extensive selection had something to satisfy every palate and preference.

Undefined Sanctum had become my own personal refuge. My older brother, LaCross Paul, was head of security and he often took credit for getting me the job here before I migrated to Elevated Express with Bentley. I let him think that, mainly because he didn’t know about my other job working for Crowne Security.

I leaned against the bar, nursing my drink while stealing glances at Bentley weaving through the crowd. She moved with a grace that commanded attention, effortlessly ensuring that every guest was catered to.

LaCross sidled up beside me, a knowing smirk playing on his lips as he followed my gaze.

“Well, well, little brother.” Cross chuckled, nudging me playfully. “I’d tell you not to make your crush so obvious, but after all these years, I doubt you give a shit.”

I shot him a half-hearted glare but couldn’t hide the slight smirk that crept up on my lips. “Don’t start, bruh,” I muttered, taking a sip of my Old Fashioned. “She’s not just some crush. She’s … different.”

Cross laughed, giving my shoulders a slight shake and forcing my eyes away from her. “No shit, nigga. I know she’s different. You’ve barely dated anyone in a decade because if she ain’t Bentley, you ain’t interested. I just don’t understand what the fuck you’re waiting on. Why not finally make a move?”

My gaze flickered back to the woman across the room in time to catch her watching me, a playful glint in her eyes that sent a shiver down my spine. Unable to tear my gaze away, I found myself captivated by her every movement.

“Umepata mbaya,” Cross muttered in Swahili, indicating that I had it bad for her.

“I know,” I agreed. “Ni ngumu.” I’d told him it was complicated before, but Cross always acted like he didn’t hear shit I was saying.

“Acha kuwa mwoga,” he teased.

Stop being a coward.

Little did he know that up until now, I hadn’t been allowed to act on my feelings for Bentley. My own personal vow to put her safety first above everything. Technically, I was still her personal security guard until the end of the month. After that, I wasn’t sure where my next assignment would be, which left us in limbo.And you still haven’t told her why you can’t refuse your next duty.

Cross opened his mouth to undoubtedly tease me some more, but Bentley broke eye contact and grabbed the microphone at the front of the lounge.

“Welcome, aficionados, and thank you for joining Elevated Express for Toasted, a taste and tease smoke hop,” Bentley announced to the room. “The idea of this kick-off event is for youto not just smoke a variety of flavored cigars, but to pair each cigar with one of the combinations on your table and allow all the flavors to sit on your tongue.”

“Should we take notes of the pairings we like?” a patron asked.

“Yes,” Bentley answered. “Everyone present tonight has enrolled in our High Hoppers program. You’re either a local member, or you plan on traveling from one destination to the next with us over the course of two weeks. A few days ago, you should have received your welcome box in the mail containing everything you’ll need along your journey, including a High Hoppers Blunts and Blends journal. We encourage you to treat that journal as if it’s your best friend. For our digital users, a version was emailed to you as well, so pull it up on your phone. Also, get to know one another tonight. High Hoppers currently have local memberships in New York, Michigan, Las Vegas, and Illinois, with more locations to come. However, the traveling Hoppers will join my partner, V, and I on our cannabis delivery tour and get a chance to mingle with all of the local groups.”

“Could we upgrade to be a traveling Hopper if we wanted?” someone asked from the audience.

“Of course,” Bentley answered. “If at any point you want to upgrade your membership, just come see me and I will let you know if we have room to accommodate you during this Toasted round, or if you’ll need to wait until the next event. But trust me, no matter the level of your membership, you’re in for some amazingly elevated and delicious memories.”

Some of the room clapped, while others catcalled. It was no secret that part of the smoke hop included sex lounges and fantasy clubs.

High Hoppers was a haven for men and women alike, providing a refined and luxurious smoke retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In addition to the curated box,each membership came with a personalized cigar humidor, meticulously crafted from the finest Spanish cedar.

Members also received exclusive access to our private Elevated Express lounge, a secret venue adorned with plush leather furnishings, elegant décor, and state-of-the-art air purification systems to ensure the perfect smoking environment.

But the luxurious amenities and perks of membership didn’t stop there. Members were able to enjoy special rewards and discounts on premium weed and cigars, handpicked by our cannabis connoisseurs and expert tobacconists from the world’s most renowned cigar makers and weed farmers.

“As a member of High Hoppers, you’ll also gain access to a calendar of exclusive events and experiences designed to elevate your passion for cannabis and cigars to new heights,” Bentley added. “From cigar pairing dinners featuring gourmet cuisine and fine wines to blunt rolling masterclasses led by industry experts, each event promises to be a memorable and enriching experience.”

She went on to explain that our hands-on workshops at community forum for like-minded individuals who shared our unique passion and the belief that smoking with purpose was more than just a hobby, it was a lifestyle.

Undefined Sanctum was always a welcome environment, but tonight, the air was thick with anticipation as the lounge transformed into a haven for indulgence.

Soon after Bentley’s speech, guests mingled and chatted animatedly, eagerly sampling the diverse selection of cigars Crayson had chosen to spotlight for Sensory Smoke Revelry.

As the night went on and people let their guard down, some reclined in luxurious leather armchairs, puffing leisurely on their cigars as they sipped on expertly crafted cocktails. Othersgathered around the bar, engaging in spirited discussions with Crayson’s staff about the nuances of flavor and aroma.

The lounge continued to come alive with the sounds of laughter and conversation, as guests shared their experiences and discoveries with one another. Eventually, our Pot Palace crew arrived as well. I was never much for crowds, but I loved seeing Bentley float around the place. She made eager enthusiasts even more excited with her vibrant energy.

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