Page 24 of Reign

CHAPTER NINE

The drive to the club is surprisingly shorter than I thought. Either that or I’m so overcome with my own thoughts that it feels that way. A half-hour or so later, we arrive at the monstrosity of a building that never fails to make my body quake with fear. The last time I was here, I was being kicked out of it, and depending on Milton’s mood, that could very well happen again if all goes to shit.

He told me to stay put. I haven’t. All to make sure he isn’t screwing someone else. I want to know what comes with him wanting me and being a member of this club. I deserve that explanation, at least. To see if it’s just sex whenever he wants…or if it’s more.

As we curve around the circular driveway, my heart rate spikes. My fingers grip the car’s leather seat as doubt clouds my thoughts. Like I’ve suddenly got a shot of humanity in my game of jealousy and desperation, I shed a moment of guilt as I glance at Cole. I know he doesn’t deserve Milton’s anger for breaking protocol and bringing me here without real confirmation. The guy was probably looking for an uncomplicated night. I’m hoping Milton will be too furious and distracted with me that he’ll forget about how I got here.

Cole doesn’t so much as glance at me as he opens my door, and I don’t blame him. The dogs jump to the ground next to me as I get out. They stay by me as I ascend the stairs after taking a deep breath, wondering if anyone will tell me that no dogs are allowed as the door opens and I walk inside.

No one does, and I relax, glad I don’t have to walk in alone. I might’ve lost my nerve.

Maxim’s part of the club seems busy as I glance in that direction. Beyond the pulsating beat of the music, a whip hitting flesh and the unmerciful howl of a woman has the hairs on my neck rising.

With a shudder, I turn in the direction of Milton’s side. Every step I take, my heart thuds harder until it’s vibrating in my ears. I’m unable to stop imagining Milton’s fury at my unplanned arrival. The doors open automatically, and Bea growls as we walk past two guards.

“Miss Adams,” one of them greets me, and I almost lose my footing, wondering how he knows me. “Welcome back.”

Frowning at him with suspicion, I go over to the bar where a large group of men and women wearing suits and beautiful gowns are gathered. They turn to stare, and I wonder what I must look like walking in with Milton’s dogs at my side.

As I sit, the barman comes over to me. “Would you like a drink, Miss Adams?”

“Please,” I reply, my nerves making my throat dry. Was a picture of me passed around the staff, and that’s how everyone knows me?

“What would you like?”

“Oh…Surprise me.”

Smiling, the barman walks away to make my drink. No one approaches me to talk, and Milton’s not here, even though I sense his presence. Enough to have me glancing over my shoulder once or twice to see if he’s actually there, which he isn’t.

When the barman returns, he puts my drink on a coaster. “When you’re ready, proceed to room thirteen downstairs. Enjoy your night.”

“Thank you,” I say as he walks away. Picking up my drink, I sip it, tasting bittersweet apples.

Room thirteen. Is that where Milton is right now? Does he know I’ve arrived?

The crowd begins moving, heading for the underground tunnels. I glance at the dogs with a deep breath. They’ve been well behaved, sitting next to me as still as the gargoyle statues on Milton’s house.

Standing, they follow as I go toward the long tunnels. As the door opens, I’m greeted by the familiar ruby glare. I can’t believe I’m about to go down here again when last time had been traumatic. But I descend the stairs like the stupid person I am, the dogs going ahead. Desire and need pound through me, wanting to see the man who’s injected into every part of my existence yet refuses to be present.

Bea stops outside a door while Blue scratches the bottom with his paw. Finally joining them, I gaze up at the familiar black door with red accents, guessing from their reaction that this must be room thirteen.

Taking a deep breath, I pull down the handle and step inside.

The room is lit with candles. Large bespoke couches that resemble beds circle the entirety of the room. I stop, eyes widening at the couple smack in the center of the room fucking while a crowd of naked people watches. Some are standing, while others lounge on the couches. There’s so much bare skin it’s hard to know where to look and wherenotto.

I’m absolutely overdressed.

Bea and Blue leave my side, weaving between the crowd. I can’t even open my mouth to call them back, and I don’t know what to do. Leave? Go inside?

Closing the door behind me, my heart slams against my chest as I move further into the room. One by one, people’s heads turn in my direction. Even the couple in the middle of such an intimate act stops fucking to stare. They’re all wearing masks, and I’m the only one who isn’t.

Shit. Maybe it was a mistake coming here. Maybe—

“Hello.” A young, well-groomed man with rich brown skin breaks away from the crowd. My face instantly flushes by his closenessandnakedness, his long penis standing to attention. “Are you here to play or watch?”

“Watch,” I say quickly, and he smiles, his eyes behind his mask a deep brown.

“First time?”

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