Page 28 of Veil

I roll up my window and ease through the gate. I’d been so lost in my own thoughts over “X” that I hadn’t bothered to notice how different everything looks at night. It’s so dark that I can hardly make out the trees. The only illumination is the landscape lighting lining the driveway.

My stomach knots with nervous anticipation.

Light fills the car as the mansion comes into view. “I can’t believe I’m actually doing this,” I whisper to no one.

I pull into the circular driveway, and a valet moves to open my door.

Climbing out, I tuck my clutch under my arm and brush my shaky hands down the front of my dress. I suck in a deep breath, push my shoulders back, and walk into Veil.

Just inside the door, a woman stands behind a black podium. Her long black hair is pulled back into a high ponytail. Her full lips are painted a deep shade of red.

She greets me with a polite “Good evening.”

“Good evening,” I reply as I approach. “Makayla Hawkins.”

Her gaze drops to the iPad in front of her, and I can’t help but stare at her halter top made of pearls. The multiple strands swoop across her naked chest. It’s probably the sexiest top I’ve ever seen. It’s paired with a high-waisted, leather pencil skirt and sky-high stilettos that wrap around her calves.

“Ah. You’re here for X.” Bending at the waist, she retrieves a black tag holding a key and passes it to me with a knowing look. “X would like you to be in the room and ready by 9:30 p.m. You’ll find everything you need in your room. Until then”—she gestures toward the bar—“have a drink. You look tense.” She gives me a playful wink.

I let out a soft laugh and thank her before heading inside the club.

A woman with short dark hair, slicked back from her face, and full lips painted a deep red greets me with a smile as I slide onto an empty barstool. “Hey, gorgeous. What can I get you to drink?” she asks, placing a black cocktail napkin in front of me. “Veil” is printed in red across the middle.

“A vodka martini, dirty, please.”

With a nod, she spins around and pulls an expensive-looking bottle from the shelf. My gaze lifts to the large metal cage on the platform. I recognize the woman from last time, Ruby, inside as she grinds to a remake of “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” A red leather body harness is fastened around her waist with a pair of angel wings fixed to the back.

“Here you go,” the bartender says as she sets the martini glass on top of the cocktail napkin. I reach into my clutch for some cash, but she stops me by adding, “Drinks and tips are covered.”

“Oh.” I set my clutch on the bar. “Thanks.”

“My pleasure.” She nods once more before she moves down the bar to another waiting member. Turning on the barstool, I sip my martini and watch the couples on the dance floor.

“Good evening, Makayla,” Desiree’s sultry voice greets me before she appears at my side. She sweeps her gaze over my outfit as she slides onto the empty stool beside me. “You look amazing.”

“Thank you.” I start to tell her it was a gift from X, but we never discussed the rules on gifts, so I keep it to myself. I don’t want to get the man in trouble.

“How are you feeling about tonight?” she asks as the bartender places a champagne flute in front of her.

“I’m a little nervous,” I admit before taking a big sip of my drink.

“I promise you’re in safe and very capable hands.” Her smile is warm and reassuring. “X will take excellent care of you.”

No doubt he will. A shiver of excitement runs through me.

“Since this is technically your first time, I’ll escort you to your room and answer any questions before X arrives.”

I breathe a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”

“Are you ready?”

I down the rest of my drink, setting the glass on the bar before sliding off the stool and righting my dress. “I’m ready.”

My cheeks warm, and it’s not from the alcohol.

Desiree leads the way upstairs and pauses outside the same room I’d been in with X the last time. I look over at her, and she gestures to my clutch. “Do you have your key?”

“Oh.” Reaching into my clutch, I fish out the key and shove into the lock. I twist the handle and walk inside. Desiree follows, closing the door behind her.

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