Page 13 of Elicit (Decadence After Dark)

I nod. Right, the social. This should be interesting.

He holds my face, as if he wants to say more, but only silence clouds around us. Why is he looking at me like that? Like he’s mesmerized. Like he’s captivated.

I don’t say a word. He’s my boss, and I need this job. I need the hideout. So I’ll let him stare at me all goddamn day if he wants.

He finally releases me, my heart fluttering.

“Go.” He sends me on my way with a jerk of his blond head.

I take a few steps backward before I turn and walk out of the lavish room. This house is unbelievable. It reminds me of a life I once knew. When I was innocent. Expensive furnishings, crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and extravagant décor. Ostentatious and over the top is how I would describe it.

I find my way back to my room and disappear inside. It, too, is plush and over the top. Extremely feminine and warm with its white accents and antique-looking furniture. It’s a space I would decorate myself if I ever had such a luxury.

I climb into bed and collapse on the rich comforter with the baroque pattern scrawled across the top.

I close my eyes and wish for sleep, but I know it won’t come. There are too many horrors when I close my eyes, so I just rest my body and try to adjust to my new surroundings. To my new boss and the idea of the new men I’ll meet tonight.

I’m safe,I assure myself.

At this moment, I’m safe. I curl into a ball.

I’m safe.

A knock and someone calling my name startles me awake. Did I actually fall asleep? I look around the strange room disoriented. It takes me a moment to remember where I am.

I’m safe, I remind myself as I look up at the sparkly organza draped over my bed.

“London?” Another knock and a woman’s voice.

“Coming!” I rub my eyes and rush to the door. I open it to find a tall brunette with striking features on the other side.

“Hi.” She smiles warmly. “Sorry to wake you, but Jett said we were supposed to help get you ready for tonight.”

“Tonight? What time is it?”

“Six forty-five.”

Oh no. Shit, I’m late. “I’m sorry.” I stumble out into the hallway. “I fell asleep. Jetlag,” I lie.And insomnia.

“It’s fine.” She grabs me by the arms to steady me. “I figured. But let’s go so we can get you dressed.”

“I didn’t shower,” I confess.

“Don’t worry. You can wash off in the dressing room. Everyone is dying to meet you. I’m Amber.” She puts her hand out.

“Nice to meet you.” We shake.

Before I know it, I’m walking back into the extravagant dressing room. This time, it’s bustling with females. I freeze in the doorway as multiple heads turn in my direction. They’re sizing me up, no doubt. I’m the new girl and that never usually bodes well. New blood, new competition.

“Everyone, this is London,” Amber announces. A moment of silence passes before I’m met with a warm reception. A shockingly warm reception. Several half-naked girls surround me to introduce themselves.

For a second, I’m overwhelmed, scrambling to remember each of their names.

“Hey!” Amber lets out an ear-piercing whistle. “Don’t give her whiplash. One at a time.”

The room goes silent, and then there’s an eruption of giggles.

Amber rolls her eyes before she points at a brunette. “Nadia, you go first.”

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