Page 9 of Daniil
It’s relatively quiet tonight.It’s some kind of beginners’ event for those who are interested in learning about the world of BDSM.I’ve dabbled a little but I’m not into anything hard-core, so I keep my head down as I roam the floor.Things are pretty low-key, with a dance floor that’s not being utilized tonight, two bars, lots of high-top tables for people to sit and relax—or not—and then an area with a stage where the demonstrations are happening.
Someone is currently being spanked and her tears and whimpers make me want to roll my eyes.If something that tame makes you cry, this life probably isn’t for you.Personally, I like a little spanking, some roughness, being restrained, but most guys don’t understand how to do it right.
Most.
Daniil knew how to press every single one of my sexual buttons.
Too bad he’s going to hate me once he finds out what I’ve done.The massive secret I’ve kept from him.Because I know, eventually, heisgoing to find out.
With nothing interesting going on to speak of, I take the stairs up to the second floor.That’s for members-only and is literally a sexual playground for kink-lovers.There are scening rooms, all kinds of equipment, and lots of extra security.That’s one thing about Club Inferno—they take consent, safety, and privacy extremely seriously.One unauthorized photo or action and you’re out, forfeiting your six-figure membership fee.
They don’t mess around and I respect that.
I catch Jamie Teller’s eye—he’s one of the owners as well as an assistant coach for the local professional hockey team, the Las Vegas Sidewinders—and he winks.He’s tall, good-looking, and soft-spoken.I really like him.Too bad he’s married.
I stroll past one of the scening rooms and suddenly freeze.
There’s a man on stage having sex with one of the regulars here, a submissive who likes it rough and isn’t in a relationship from what I’ve heard.She’s been making the rounds with all the staff doms, and she’s supposedly hard to please.
Except the sound she’s making reflects a woman who’s deeply satisfied.
And as I stare at a familiar cascade of tattoos down his bare back, my blood runs cold.I recognize the broad shoulders, and tattoo of a raven’s wing on his right shoulder blade.I’ve never had sex with him, but I’ve watched him have sex with others—and he’s watched me.
Dammit.
Of all the bad luck.
If Marcus is here, that means Daniil is too.
Marcus is one of Daniil’s bodyguards when he travels—another Royal Protector from Limaj.Also a retired marine.I didn’t serve with him but know him by reputation.And of course, we partied together multiple times when I was visiting Lennox in Limaj.
I whirl, making a beeline for Jamie, who’s talking to Emilie.She’s Chains’ wife as well as a co-owner of the club, and they look up curiously.
“Everything okay, hon?”Jamie asks carefully.
“No.Yes.”I close my eyes and take a moment to collect my thoughts.“I’m… I just saw Marcus in one of the rooms, which means Prince Daniil is here too, right?”
Emilie nods, confusion on her face.
“He’s an ex of sorts.We didn’t end amicably.I can’t…I don’t want to see him or start anything.I’m sorry, I know this is unprofessional, but?—”
“Hey, relax.”Emilie squeezes my arm.“No worries at all.The prince is here as a guest, and he was roaming around up here, so you can go back downstairs and we’ll try to keep him entertained.When he’s done for the evening, Jamie or I can escort him out the back entrance.It’s safer for him anyway, and that way you two won’t necessarily cross paths.”
“Thank you.I appreciate it.”I don’t dare look back as I practically run down the stairs back to the first floor and head straight for the restroom.
Of all the places to run into Daniil.
But maybe getting it over with in a public place like this is a blessing in disguise.
No way for him to find out about Micah just from a conversation here at the club.I’m working, so he won’t be able to talk to me for long.I’ll tell him I’ve moved on, I’m dating someone, and am not interested in him.That’s all.He’s powerful and a bit intimidating, but I know him well enough to know he wouldn’t hurt me physically.Not even professionally.He has nothing to gain by getting me fired or something, and Lennox would definitely be mad if he did something so petty.
I’m sure his appearance here is nothing but Lennox being worried and him having an excuse to see me.Women rarely turn him down, so me walking away probably stung a little.Once I explain that it wasn’t personal, I’m just not interested in dating an Eastern European prince, that will hopefully send him on his way.
Pulling in a deep, cleansing breath, I walk back out to the main room and steel myself.I know what’s coming because there’s no way I’m getting out of here without seeing him.And I’m going to have to put on the performance of a lifetime if I want to protect my son.
“You need a drink, Courtney?”The pretty bartender smiles at me.
“No, but I need a favor.”
