Page 21 of Room Nine: For Their Eyes Only

What on earth made me do that?

It was Andrei. His piercing blue gaze and seductive voice made me abandon all reason. I felt alive, seen, heard, and so goddamn hot I thought I’d catch fire whenever he called me his baby girl. No one had ever brought that side out in me, and I was sure no one ever would. Until I met Vadim the following night and realized I’d fallen hard for two men in two days.

And then there’s Viktor. He's more reserved than his brothers. He doesn’t wear his heart—or cock—on his sleeve. I could tell by his blown pupils and the number of times he licked his lips that he’d become aroused during our brief discussion. The longer we spoke, the more he let down his guard and made me want to take things to another level. But the more I flirted, the more he began to pull away.

Is it so wrong if that’s what they want? Who are we hurting?

I can’t believe I’m considering sleeping with three men. Who does that? Me. Vivienne, aka Genevieve, aka Pinky, is the kind of girl who would sleep with three men. And what better place to do it than a private club dedicated to sex?

By the time we reach the center of the room, I’ve convinced myself they’re standing me up. Vadim said he’d be by the bar, but there is more than one, and it’s so dark it’s nearly impossible to make out people’s faces. Too many men are gliding through tight spaces, weaving between couples, dressed to the nine in couture suits, carrying drinks, and searching for potential partners.

I may be out of my league. There’s no way to be the center of attention in a room full of beautiful women. Even if they’re here, how will they ever find me?

Elsa takes my hand and leads me toward a less crowded lounge where people seem more interested in talking and drinking than making out. There is a definite air of sensuality and the potential for hooking up, but it’s far less intimidating. For a moment, I breathe a sigh of relief and try to calm the terror feeding my anxiety. I’m supposed to be having fun.

Tonight was always supposed to be about research and relaxation. Maybe there’s a way to use this club to further my business, setting up meet-and-greets with loyal clients who can pass the club’s extensive background check.

“This area is for mingling and hooking up.” Elsa points to the plush velvet sofas and high-top tables, each crowded with members flirting, drinking, and discreetly exchanging gold keys hanging on number-embossed keychains. “Only members can book rooms, and unless you’re a special case, it’s first come, first serve. Jax booked a room for us. We’ve been experimenting with his handcuffs, and I told him I wanted to try a little bondage,” she whispers, peeking over her shoulder to ensure Jax can’t hear what she’s saying. “He looks serious and sedate, but I swear this man is wild.”

I peer past her and take a good look at her man. She’s right. Although he appears grumpy, he's been nothing but sweet in the little time I've spent with him. In a room full of beautiful women, he only has eyes for Elsa.

I’m happy for her. She deserves a man who adores her.

I smile to myself and think of what I might do or say if I spot the brothers here. What if they’re unhappy with the way I look? Do I present better on camera?

Panic and insecurity strike my heart. My mind spins with memories of awkward teen years, braces, and the unruly eyebrows I tragically inherited from my father. I wrap my arms around my chest, rubbing my biceps as a chill runs up my spine. I suddenly feel eyes on me, and I’m unsure I’m ready. As if the angels heard my silent plea, a passing woman stops inches away to compliment my dress.

“Damn, girl. That dress is on fire. Is that Gucci?” she asks with a drunken smile.

“Yes, it is. You’re so kind,” I beam, staring down at one of the most expensive dresses I’ve ever purchased. It’s not entirely me, but the vision I have in my head, the elegant, sexy woman I’d like to become. It’s called a bandage dress, and it fits like a glove. The tight black fabric holds in and defines my shape. The plunging V-neck with its delicate strappy detail showcases my breasts, held in place by double-sided tape. Elsa gave me that suggestion when I stressed about not wearing a bra. It’s fun and feminine with sheer lace at the neck and sleeves and a ruffled hem that gives it a flirty touch.

Despite my father’s wealth, I wasn’t raised to be extravagant. The sticker price will haunt me for days to come, but it’s not every day a girl loses her V-card.

Holy shit, is that what I’m doing? To three men? That’s much too excessive. One man will do.

The others can watch. They said they like to watch.

“What would you like to drink? The poor servers are so busy. Jax is headed to the bar to grab me a wine. He wants to know what you’d like before he heads there.” Elsa squeezes my hand and gestures to a table to her right, to the handsome men dressed in expensive suits and sipping fluorescent green drinks standing huddled together at a high-top table.

I’m focused on the luxury bar, each swivel chair occupied by men I can’t make out, that I don’t look hard enough to make out their faces and concentrate on their drinks. I tilt my head and squint, unsure why she’s singling them out. But I take a guess. “I think that’s absinthe, Elsa. It’s too strong for my first night at a sex club, and I’m not crazy about the taste of licorice. Just ask Jax to get me a margarita. I’ll Venmo him before we leave.”

She narrows her gaze and leans closer, staring at me like I’ve lost my marbles. “You took so long to decide, I told Jax to bring us wine. Do you suffer from night blindness, ma’am? I wasn’t pointing at drinks. I know it’s dark in here, but there’s enough light to see the three slabs of man meat by the bar. They haven’t stopped staring at you since we walked in.” She huffs, then discreetly shifts her gaze right, urging me to take a closer look.

Three?I scream the word in my mind. Is this a joke? Did they really come?

“For a few seconds, I thought one of them might be looking at me, but when I stood to kiss Jax on the cheek, their eyes remained fixed on you,” she murmurs while adjusting my strap, trying hard to look unassuming. It isn’t working. Her slow, calculated movements bring a smile to their faces, and my mortification forces me to look closer.

“I know them,” I whisper, unsure if I’m imagining the sight before me.

Oh my God, they’re beautiful. Are they really here for me?

“You know them? How? When did you meet three hot guys? And why have you kept them all to yourself?” Elsa slaps my arms, then drops the volume of her voice when she spots Jax returning with our wine.

“It doesn’t matter. I think I need to go.” I swipe the wine from Jax and empty the contents in a messy gulp that makes me dribble droplets down my chin. I wipe away the evidence and jump to my feet, too panicked to explain my sudden need to move somewhere else, away from their prying eyes, until I figure out what to say, do, and if I really intend to have sex with three strange men.

I teased them relentlessly. Will I be expected to put out?

Why am I acting like that isn’t exactly what I want?

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