Page 45 of Revelation (Love Isn't What It Seems 3)

God, please don’t let anyone recognize me.

I set to work on my eyes, lining them with black eyeliner. I turned them smoky and then applied the mascara brush through my lashes, making them long, and my blue eyes even more striking.

Once satisfied with that, I walked to my large walk-in closet. I dug out a black, lacy thong, and pulled them on. Next was the costume. It hung off the padded satin hanger. It was a black Venetian gown with a matching corset. However, I opted for only one layer of the gown without petticoats. Those would just smother me. I stepped into the gown and adjusted the soft material around me, then tugged on the steel-boned corset. With slightly clumsy fingers, I laced it up in the back, tie after tie.

I can’t imagine wearing this every day, I thought to myself. It was a workout just to put it on for Pete’s sake.

Shoes came next. Since the gown would hide the shoes, I opted for simple black pumps. At least I know for sure I could walk in those. While I’d be able to walk, I wasn’t so positive I’d be able to breathe in this damn corset. It was snug, pushing up my boobs. I wasn’t a fan of it, but I kept comforting myself that it was for one night only.

I stood in front of the mirror, admiring the reflection.Not bad at all!

My décolleté was open, but I opted for no jewelry, not that I had much of it. I didn’t want anything to take away from the gown. My blonde hair was a stark contrast against the dark Venetian gown.

I grabbed the last piece of the costume, the black custom-made lace mask. Gosh, this felt so forbidden, so wrong on so many levels. But I’d be lying to myself if I didn’t also feel excitement flow through my veins. If I told Liberty what I was doing, she’d take on that scolding tone; I was sure of it. Even knowing she’d tell me I shouldn’t do this, I wished she could come along and be my support. She wouldn’t approve of it but she’d support me. That’s how Livy always was. The only thing was I could never explain to her why I was doing this.

One last glance in the mirror and I was ready. The black mask finished the look perfectly. The mask covered the middle of my face, leaving the bottom half and my forehead exposed.

Leaving my townhouse, I descended the stairs outside and my driver was already waiting for me.

“Miss Cambridge,” he greeted me.

“You recognized me?” I asked in disappointment.

He chuckled. “I wouldn’t have but since I’m waiting for you-”

Well, duh. I was just too nervous to think straight. “Right,” I answered him nervously.

“Nobody will recognize you,” he assured me without an ounce of doubt.

“Maybe you should drop me off a block away from the building.”

“That wouldn’t be safe,” he grumbled. “I can drop you off in front of the building. If you are worried someone will recognize me, I can remain in the car.”

“Yes,” I agreed. “That is probably better. Thank you very much, Charles.”

Another shot of excitement traveled through me, the promise of hope and possibilities tonight. I’d spend one night with a stranger, assuming anyone liked what they saw. The best part was that I could say no at any time. But I wouldn’t because I needed the money.

I should be ashamed of myself, selling my body like this but I couldn’t deny there was something exciting about it too. Something was certainly wrong with me.

Instantly, I remembered the way Maxim’s mouth felt on mine, how my body melted for him, and I suddenly doubted whether I could do this. Just thinking about him, I lost capacity for rational thoughts. It would be so easy to ignore everything and just focus on that need for him. I yearned for that man more than anything ever before.

Ugh, I need someone to hit me upside the head.

It was obvious Maxim hadn’t felt the same. He hadn’t brought it up. He hadn’t said a thing since that day. He hadn’t even been around. I only had myself to depend on. I couldn’t wait for Prince Charming. There was no such thing.

This will work. It is like picking up a stranger at the bar.I tried to reason with myself, giving myself a pep talk. Except, someone else would do the picking up and actually paying me for spending a night with them.

I thought back to the email correspondence I’ve had. The bidding started at one million and anything that happened after the deal was made had to be consensual. It stated that the only goal of the entire encounter was to give and receive pleasure. Pleasure for both partners.

Yeah, right. My mind kept whispering reasonable things. I was desperate. I had to get the money somehow.

* * *

Twenty minutes later,I entered the ballroom and my heart skipped a beat. Whether it was because of its magnificence or the fact that I was doing something so scandalous, remained to be seen.

The name of the club was Revelation. Frankly, I was kind of nervous about what kind of revelations would lurk in this building. But at the same time, it was so damn exciting. I had a blackmail payment looming over my head and here I was excited about tonight. There was definitely something wrong with me.

My eyes traveled across the large, elegant venue. It wasn’t exactly what I expected. It was kind of dark and elegant; sinful but also sexy and tasteful. I had no idea how that was even possible. The setting was dark and glittery, with the soft music of a waltz sounding from the speakers. I wanted nothing else but to snap a few photos so I could show Liberty one day, but there were no devices allowed past the front door. Instead, I soaked it all in, committing it to memory.

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