Page 5 of Don't Run
They’d convinced themselves the house was haunted, and the rumor was all the proof I needed to keep my distance. That and the graveyard a few yards away from the back door.
Who in their right mind is comfortable with a graveyard as their backyard?
A rueful smile touches my lips at the irony of me being here now.
I’d never met them, but the people who used to live here were referred to as the Black Addams family.
Until they disappeared in the mid 90s without explanation, leaving all their belongings and cars behind.
Some speculated about witness protection. Others let their imagination run rampant and said they were vampires fleeing to their next post. For the longest time, it sat untouched, a true time capsule of 90s dark gothic elegance.
Until two years ago when it was rumored to be bought by a secret society. The Lost Petal or Lost Rose or something.
Shaking the thoughts away, I text my sister that I’ve arrived and make sure my location is set to share even if my battery dies at some point tonight. Then I let the valet who opens my door help me out of my Honda and onto the walkway.
There’s a black velvet carpet rolled out from the porch down the walkway leading to the house, and I step onto it with a small smile.
“This isnice,” I mutter under my breath as I reach the end, eyeing the black and red rose petals scattered along the carpet. I was expecting fake cobwebs or pumpkins, but the grown and sexy vibes are dope too.
“I’m glad you like it.”
A shiver runs through me as I stare at the woman who materialized out of thin air. She’s about five-three, at least six inches shorter than me and dressed in all black, holding an iPad as a smile flirts with her matte black lips.
“Shit.” I clutch my chest. “You scared me, I didn’t see you.”
“My apologies.” She inclines her head, studying me with a placid expression until my hand falls away from my chest.
Her smile blooms before she greets me again. “Welcome to Midnight Manor, Ms. Shaw. My name is Ladasia. We hope you’ll enjoy your stay with us.”
“How do you know my name?”
A quiet laugh shakes her shoulders. “The moment you showed your invitation at the gate, I was notified.”
Oh.
Stop acting scary, Micah.
Right there in front of the house, I let her walk me through all the basics. She confirms my STI results and tells me I’m cleared to participate in all the rooms the manor has to offer.
“The first floor is simply for mingling. The second and third floors are for play. There are a few scare actors walking around, but if you’d like a no jump scare bracelet, I can give you one for your left wrist.”
“No, that’s okay.”
“Very good.” She reaches under the podium she’s behind and lifts three different wristbands. One black, one white and one red. “Now let me walk you through the differences and you tell me which one you’d like tonight.”
I listen as she tells me black means I’m open to all in attendance— singles, couples and polycules. White means I only want to watch. And red means I’m only open to engage with the other singles.
Knowing damn well I want whoever I end up with tonight focused solely on me, I request red and hold out my arm while Ladasia secures it around my right wrist.
A shiver sneaks up on me at the feel of her soft hands on my skin, but I tell myself it’s only because it’s been so long since someone else touched me.
I’m so damn starved for affection a routine interaction feels like foreplay.
Clearing my throat, I cut off my self deprecating thoughts. “I’m not a member of Midnight Social, which means someone else invited me,” I hedge.
Ladasia returns to her post behind the black podium, beaming at me.
“That’s right.” Her eyes flick down to her tablet. “Would you like to know which of our platinum members invited you?”
