Page 22 of Slick

I blush, because as much as I moan about the direction of my career, I’ve hoarded a few of the sexier costumes over the years. There’s a lot of lace amongst the linen and leather, but Diana makes a small sound in the back of her throat as she pulls out my highway patrol uniform, complete with tight pants and long, gleaming boots. “I’d like to see you inthis.”

My softening cock springs back to life as she strokes the black leather, her tongue peeking out to wet the corner of her lip. Images of roadside fantasies flash through my mind and I bite back a groan. “I guess it qualifies as ‘essential’.”

I can’t help but smirk at the eager way she adds it to the pile.

Once we’re done and have hefted my suitcase to my front door, Kennedy ducks outside to check if the coast is clear. “There’s a bit of security around, but nothing we can’t handle.” She gives my bulging luggage an exasperated glance, but she’s all business as she turns to Diana. “I’ve parked right out front, so no one should be able to see you if you stay low and climb straight in. There’s plenty of room in the back, and I’ve got a protective tarp you can hide under. It doesn’t smell that great, but it will keep you safe until we’re off the lot.”

“Hold up.” I grab the cashmere blanket off the sofa and drape it around her shoulders, my fingers lingering as I smooth out her hair. “Does that feel better?”

She gives me a grateful smile as she nuzzles into it. “Perfect.”

Kennedy is watching us closely, but I avoid her gaze as she leads us out to the car. I’ve given Diana a pair of dark sunglasses, but I look around boldly, because I want any stray eyes to focus on me. I keep to myself when I’m not on set, but everyone is used to seeing me in Kennedy’s company. When the trailer gets too claustrophobic, we go for a drive down the coast, or for a meal at one of her favorite hole-in-the-wall haunts in the city. If anyone recognizes me, my sister is quick to warn them off, although most people are too embarrassed to admit they can spot a porn star with his clothes on.

Diana settles under the heavy tarp without complaint, while I climb into the passenger seat and roll down my window, my scent thick in the air. I’ve applied a few more scent-enhancing products than usual, and I notice the security guard’s eyes dilate when we pull up to the side gate. Another stipulation of my contract is access to a private entrance no more than fifty feet from my trailer, but I’ve noticed a lot of the studio execs and security guys use it, too. Thankfully, we’re the only ones in the vicinity right now, so we don’t have to linger for long.

“Heading out for a meal, Mr. Vale?” the beta guard asks as he raises the security boom.

“Hey, Cooper. We’re having drinks with friends and might be a little late.”

As pleasant as this particular guard is, he’s still eyes and ears for Luscious and her minions, and will no doubt alert her that we’ve headed out.

But his smile is genuine as he waves us through. “Have fun, Mr. Vale.” He gives Kennedy a respectful nod and I let out a slow breath as we put the lot in the rearview mirror.

“Everything okay back there, Diana?” Kennedy asks as soon as we’re out of earshot.

“I’m fine,” she replies, her voice muffled by the protective layers.

“Let us know if it gets too uncomfortable. We’re about twenty minutes from the hotel.”

I try to settle into my seat, but the quiet drive gives my room anger to grow. I’m gnawing on my nails and plotting Luscious’ downfall when I hear a soft whimper from the back. “I’m okay,” Diana says in a broken whisper, and my anger turns to full-blown rage. Whatever happens, Luscious and her disgusting suppliers are going to pay for putting Diana through this.

“You need help, Ro,” Kennedy says quietly, no doubt sensing my murderous plotting. “I’ll do my best to track down Diana’s mates, but you can’t let her suffer through her heat in the meantime.” She nods at the discreet building in front of us and I feel a wave of shame that I didn’t think of this myself. I packed a selection of kinky costumes, but didn’t think to grab any sex toys.

So much for being the ultimate porn star.

“I should’ve called ahead and explained the situation,” I mutter, doubly annoyed at myself.

“Already done,” Kennedy replies, driving around to the rear parking lot. “There are no alphas on the premises right now, and Maggie has a private room waiting.”

I lean over to give my sister a peck on the cheek, my mood instantly restored. When I jump out of the car, Diana’s scent hits me full force. It’s sweet and sticky – like peaches soaked in the finest honey – but as I peel back the tarp, my heart pinches at the sight of her pale, strained face. She’s like a battered butterfly in the cocoon of my cashmere blanket, and for a moment I consider running inside and getting what we need. But this is a rite of passage for most omegas, and I don’t want Diana to miss out on this, too. And getting to choose her own heat aids might go some small way to balancing the bullshit they fed her at the slick factory. “Can you come inside with me for a bit? There’s something I want to show you.”

It's a testament to the trust she’s gifted me that she nods without hesitation, her hand small and warm in mine as I draw her from the car. Kennedy has practically parked on the doorstep, and I wrap my arm around Diana’s shoulder as I usher her inside.

I’m relieved to find Maggie, the owner of The Heat Emporium, waiting just inside the back door. She’s a beta in her mid-fifties with a sleek black bob and kind brown eyes. They briefly flick over Diana before giving me a professional smile. “Would you like to browse first, Mr. Vale, or go straight to your room?”

“Our room please, Maggie.” It’s a little rude to not introduce Diana, but Maggie’s clients pay a premium price for privacy, and she doesn’t look fazed as I ask, “Do you still have refreshments available?”

“Of course. We also have an intercom that connects me directly to your room. You can make an order via the intercom,through the digital menu, or I can come in and help, if you prefer.”

While I’ve been plenty of times over the years, I’ve never brought company, and never when I was so close to a heat. I glance down at Diana, whose eyes are starting to glaze over, her pupils swamping her pretty irises. We call this first phase the glow, when an omega’s skin starts to heat up and our perfume increases in potency. It’s a biological lure to attract strong partners before we progress into the next phase, known as the haze. I’ve been through heats before, but they were always my own, and always minutely managed. IthinkDiana has a few hours before she’ll enter the phase known as the burn, but I can’t be sure. “We don’t have a lot of time, so we’ll probably grab a few things now and get some others delivered.”

“Of course. I already have a selection of items ready for you. Shall we go and have a look?”

I nod, and she leads us down an elegant hallway to the premium suite. It’s reserved for VIPs and celebrity functions, and the bill for booking it would be eye-watering if I wasn’t the public face of The Heat Emporium. Not only will I get all the products at below cost, but Maggie will comp me the room in exchange for a review, which will be glowing - and ninety percent fiction to preserve Diana’s privacy.

“Oh, Rowan.” It’s an awe-filled gasp, and the first sound Diana has made since she got out of the car. She steps into the suite with wide eyes, her fingers twitching as she takes in the cherry leather loveseats, polished rosewood floors, and antique chandeliers. There are plenty of soft furnishings on offer, including silky ottomans, fluffy blankets, and velvet drapes that can section off different spaces, but the room is mainly built for pleasure. Soft music is piped from hidden speakers, and the lighting is subtle, giving the room a sultry glow. There’s also a full bar for the drinkers, booths for the voyeurs, and asmall stage for the exhibitionists. While Maggie pays me well to promote the place, it’s never been hard to sell The Heat Emporium to wealthy omegas and their indulgent mates.

“It’s always an honor to have you here, Mr. Vale.” I can see the pride in Maggie’s eyes as Diana wanders around the room, her fingers trailing over every surface, but there’s also a flicker of concern. “Is her heat very close?”

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