Page 25 of Meet Me In The Dark
“Good evening, Ms. Morgan.” There’s a calmness to her voice that makes me feel instantly inferior. “Welcome.”
Welcome? Welcome to what?
I’m beginning to think this place doesn’t have a name and is only recognized by what people choose to call it.
“Thank you?” I stammer, trying to untangle my tongue in my mouth.
“You received everything we sent you?”
I nod, but my thoughts lag a step behind.
Yesterday evening, an email landed in my inbox. No subject line, just a logoless address and a short message:
Please review the attached document before tomorrow evening. If you do not agree with the terms outlined, we kindly ask that you refrain from attending.
Attached was a single PDF—a non-disclosure agreement. I read every word twice. The NDA said you could discuss your experience here, but you couldn’t disclose names or locations.
You could confess the sin; you just couldn’t name the sinners.
I swallow hard and nod again.
She slides a clipboard with a printed copy of the NDA over to me.
“You’ll need to sign here, and I’ll also need your phone.”
My fingers tremble as I sign my name and hand over my phone before I can talk myself out of it.
Looking around isn’t illegal. I can see what all the fuss is about and leave.
Simple, Celeste. Keep it simple.
She retrieves the clipboard and nods, then reaches for a black velvet tray behind her. “Would you like to wear a mask?”
My first choice of the evening.
She lifts one between her manicured fingers. It’s black lace and elegant, designed to cover only around your eyes.
Reaching for it with trembling hands, I press it to my face and tie it behind my head as the young woman takes my coat.
“One last thing,” she says. “No sex in the main lounge.”
I nearly choke.
“There are rooms and designated areas for specific tastes,” she continues smoothly. “All are catered for. You’re free to leave anytime. No pressure, no expectations. You set your boundaries. You’re in control tonight.”
I exhale a breath of pent-up nerves lodged in my lungs.
“This way, Ms. Morgan.”
She guides me down a dim hallway to a heavy steel door. With practiced ease, she types a code into a small keypad.
The door clicks open, and my breath catches.
The first thing I notice is the warm, golden lighting with shadows flickering in every corner.
The second thing is the music. It’s loud and hypnotic, with slow drumbeats and a sultry piano. The kind of music you’d play if you wanted to seduce someone with just eye contact and three inches of space.
The third thing is the people. They’re everywhere. Some are wearing masks. Some not. Some in suits and gowns. Others pressed against walls while hands and mouths explore each other.
