Page 42 of Honey, Honey
For the second time that night I turned the light off and walked towards the suite’s door. The gold key Connie had given me was hanging on a hook beside the door and I took it, looping the leather string it hung on around my wrist for safekeeping. I stared at the polished gold of it, my reflection dully visible in the smooth surface. I could see my outline, the shape of a woman that was, at this angle, unafraid and standing with her shoulders back and head high.
I could be that woman, even if it was a lie.
I lifted my head and reached for the door. I could pull this off and enjoy myself.
“No, youwillenjoy yourself,” I corrected myself aloud. I reached for the door and opened it. The hallway was empty when I left and locked my door, which was both a blessing and a curse. I had never spent much time in this wing and I was unsure of which way to go, but I more or less remembered the direction Connie had brought me from and turned left, setting out that way.
I only had to walk for a minute or two before I heard the familiar din of laughter and voices echoing from up ahead. Adrenaline flooded my veins but I kept my gait slow and smooth. I would not panic. I would not fucking do it and give Christian the satisfaction of knowing he still had a hold on me. I exited the hallway and turned to the right, grateful to see that I was now standing in the Great Room which served as the heart of the club. Here there was a wide open space, the room dark like the rest of it.
High above us was a massive chandelier that bathed the room in a wash of golden light. It softened the hard edges of the room and gave it a romantic touch that instantly enticed you into wanting to explore. I stepped up out of the hallway I was in and into the room and walked slowly around the perimeter of it, glancing towards the bar at the left side of the room. There was a series of hallways from the other guest suites and all of them emptied into a longer passageway that circled the Great Room that rose above it. I could see people milling about in the lower corridor, their curious eyes on who had already claimed space within the Great Room. All around the room there were groups of couches and seats for people and couples to enjoy, and at the center of the room was a small raised platform which told me there would be an exhibition of some kind tonight.
That would be fun. It would also be perfect for blending in with the rest of the crowd. No one would be looking my way if they were all focused on the stage. I tried to be discreet in my search for Christian, but when I saw that I had caught more than one person’s eyes in my quest, I stopped and took a seat on a plush pouffe looking thing at once.
I would stay here and regroup, then make for the bar and order myself a drink. Something to hold and an opportunity to do another scan of the room. I was sure Connie would find me soon, but I wanted to get my bearings as quickly as possible. Best to not be surprised if I could help it. I took in a deep calming breath and lifted my head, taking care to meet the eyes of anyone that looked my way. I gave them a slight smile and turned away again, hoping it came across as pleasant. I did want to meet people tonight, but given the circumstances…
It was going to be rough.
After a minute more, I rose from my seat and made my way towards the bar. When I got there it was busy and I stepped to the side preparing to wait my turn for a drink when Connie’s voice was suddenly in my ear.
“Why do you look nervous?”
I jumped with a jerk. “I’m not nervous.”
She snorted and gave me an assessing look. “Then why did you jump just then?”
My hands went to my hips and I tossed my hair over my shoulder. “Because that’s what any reasonable person does when someone is suddenly talking in their ear. You surprised me is all.”
She grinned. “Good. I meant to.”
It took everything in me not to roll my eyes at her. “Gee, thanks.”
“Why are you waiting in line?” She asked, brushing past me and towards the bar. “I gave clear instructions that you were not to wait tonight.”
“Well, I mean, I don’t know. I just sort of-” I began, but Connie was already at the bar with people stepping quickly to the side and a bartender hurrying towards her. She bent close to them, a finger motioning in my direction. The bartender’s eyes flicked towards me and they gave a slight nod at whatever order she was giving. Then Connie looked back at me and hit me with a dazzling smile, gesturing for me to step forward.
“Honey, come here, won’t you?”
A hush fell around us as other club members noticed me. I came forward, feeling the weight of every person’s eyes on me as I did so. Shit, shit, shit. My plans to stay out of view and not attract attention were out the goddamn window now. Not with Connie’s smile on me like that. It was like a spotlight, and now, now she had me at the bar and was introducing me to the bartender as if we were long lost friends.
“This is Stephan, you’ll take care of my lovely Honey, won’t you?” She asked.
“Of course, anything.” He met my eyes and winked at me. “Anything,” he said again, and there was a heat in his eyes that hit me square between my thighs.
“Ohhh, I don’t think he just means drinks,” Connie purred, leaning towards me. I flushed but said nothing and nodded my hello to Stephan with a quick ‘thank you.’
“What will you have?” He asked.
“He definitely doesn’t mean to drink,” Connie informed me, but for all her commentary she was leaning against the bar looking bored as anything. That is until she was looking at me. Then it was the full strength of her smile and attention. Jesus, this woman could knock you off your feet and you would thank her for it.
“A Cosmo, please,” I ordered quickly, because it was the only thing that I could think of with Connie staring at me like she was.
“Coming right up,” Stephan said, and he looked away then, making the drink for me. I was grateful he did, because I wasn't entirely sure how I was supposed to manage both his and Connie’s attention at once and remain upright.
“Did you get my letter?” Connie asked.
I nodded. “I did. Thank you.”
“And did you have champagne?” She wanted to know.
