Page 95 of Stars At Dusk

‘Welcome to The Osirian. It seems you have unrestricted access to the club and an open tab at the bar payable to The Sable Group.’

‘I do?’ Harlow ventured with astonishment.

‘Indeed. Cleared by Kage Sable himself.’

Harlow shook her head. ‘Of course,’ she muttered under her breath, secretly pleased.

‘Please go on right ahead,’ the Iccythrian bouncer said with a slight bow.

‘This way, if you will,’ a second voice chimed in.

Harlow turned to see an incredibly gorgeous dark-haired Falasian hostess dressed in a diamond and figure-hugging black gown beckoning at her.

Harlow followed eagerly; her energy amped once more.

‘My name is Silani. I’ll be your hostess this evening,’ the woman said. ‘You’re a guest of Kage Sable?’ the woman continued, swinging her way gracefully through past padded velvet booths and banquette complete with adjustable lighting and plush upholstered seating, deep, cosy and private enough to encourage patrons to linger all night. Her feet moved gracefully, almost dancing across the luxury parquet and tessellated tiles.

‘It would seem so,’ Harlow confirmed.

‘Any guest of Kage Sable is always welcome here.’ Silani smiled, but Harlow noticed the expression didn’t quite hit her stunning black kohl-lined eyes. She’d also emphasised Kage’s name. Harlow sensed history. But not one that had ended well for the woman.

‘How do you know Kage?’ the dark-haired woman went on.

Surprised by the personal probe, Harlow blinked. ‘I work for him.’

‘I see. He’s such a good boss, isn’t he? And even more when he chooses.’

Harlow’s eyes widened at the apparent claim of a current intimacy between this woman and Kage. That didn’t quite gel with the man she thought she knew.

Nonetheless, she wanted to turn round and walk away, but the sprawling bar beckoned to her. Her eyes widened at the sight of the onyx and rare mineral bench top and a mirrored splash back, overflowing with every bottle of delicious sin from Ccyth and back again.

Silani led her to a plush, high-backed bar stool at the bar and summoned the bald bartender.

He sidled over to her with a big smile, cleaning a crystal glass in his hands. ‘What can I get the lovely lady?’

‘I’ve no idea,’ Harlow said. ‘What does Eden II offer in the way of cocktails?’

‘We’ve a wide selection of ingredients and liqueurs from all over the System. Let’s start with fruit. What do you like?’

‘Mangoes,’ Harlow said firmly.

‘Excellent,’ the barman grinned. ‘How about a Misty Mango Daiquiri? The freshest and sweetest honey gold mango nectar from Zanyria, white rum from the hills of Tansinia, yacon sugar syrup and fresh lime juice. Finished with fresh strawberries, lime slices and mint, plus a touch of edible gold and shavings of xentium pearl powder.’

‘Oh my. To die for.’

The bartender gave her a broad smile and then set about making her cocktail with great relish. He manipulated bottles and glasses in a wild dance of outstanding prowess before setting down a work of art on the bar before Harlow.

She took a sip from the gold-flecked glass and sighed with contentment as the warmth of honey, sweet mango, and the tang of lime danced deliciously on her palette.

The cocktail slid into the empty parts of her soul, reviving her spirits.

She was halfway through before she came up for air and got to grips with her surroundings.

Punters dressed in beautiful clothes and sparkling jewels packed the bar. They chatted and laughed as they enjoyed the finest foods and drinks from the exclusive establishment dripping with sophistication and glamour. This was where Eden II’s trendiest came to unwind and socialise, where they could indulge in life’s finest experiences.

The entertainment at the high-end establishment was sophisticated and classy. A live saxophone, piano and drum band played soft jazz music. There were also dancers in rainbow-hued Walia peacock tail feathers artfully placed on their naked bodies performing elegant and graceful routines, captivating the audience with their skill and beauty.

‘Harlow?’

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