Page 38 of Such a Good Girl

“Very good,” West nodded, his eyes darkening even more as they raked over my frame, my nipples hardening to attention, as if they, too, were anticipating his next move.

“Come with me,” he said, walking me out of the board room. This time he led me up a discreet set of stairs located in the back of the club.

We began to ascend. When we reached the top, he parted a heavy black curtain.

In that moment, everything changed.

We stood in a small foyer, the walls painted blood red, with red light bathing the entire space. A heavy wooden door, engraved with a huge dragon on the front and a black iron door handle wrought into another elaborate dragon.

In front of the door, a huge man in a black suit stood guard.

“You’ll need this,” West said from behind me.

Opening the heavy wooden armoire behind him, he reached inside and then turned back to me. He offered me a carefully folded pile of heavy black wool like a promise.

With both hands, I took it from him, nodding as I met his smoldering gaze.

I opened it up, its shape revealing itself as it dangled from my loose grip — a thick cloak with a heavy hood.

“Put it on now,” he commanded.

I nodded, wrapping it around my shoulders.

“No.” His brow furrowed with frustration. “Not like that.”

I cocked my head to the side, questioningly.

“Take off your dress first.” His insistence was careful, yet nonchalant. As if I should have justknown.

I complied, averting my eyes and pretending the guard wasn’t there. As I peeled off my thin black cotton dress, I silently praised myself for wearing my good underwear. I hadn’t been sure I’d be getting naked in front of West today. But still, I shed my clothes in front of him like it was no big deal… like he’d seen me naked a million times.

As if it wasn’t a first for both of us.

As if my fingers didn’t tremble when I lifted the hem of my dress.

He watched, his gaze searing my skin, lingering on my hard nipples that were visible through my black lace bra. His scrutiny landed squarely between my thighs, as I let my dress fall to the ground at my feet.

“You’re incredibly beautiful, Little Rose,” he said. “I’ll let you keep your bra and panties on. Eventually, though, I think you’ll be comfortable enough to remove those, too.”

I lifted my chin, boldly catching his eye as I pulled the cloak over my bare shoulders, my fingers trembling with anticipation of what came next.

He stepped forward, his breath hot against my cheek as he reached behind me and grabbed my hood, slowly pulling it up over my head. His fingers lingered on the edge of the fabric, brushing against my cheeks. His eyes peered into mine. He lifted the edges of my cloak. I leaned in and my lace-covered nipples scraped against the lapels of his suit.

“You’re perfect for this place.” The words slid across his lips like a prayer, like a verdict being read, like the door I’d searched for all my life finally opening to me.

Acceptance.

With a shaky breath, I replied, “I can’t believe I’m here. I’m a little nervous, West.”

His smile stretched across his face slowly, tugging up at the corners first, then lighting up his eyes as his cheeks rose. I was mesmerized by the transformation from darkness to light.

“You’re safe now, Rosie. You’re home.”

He pulled me into his arms, pressing me firmly against his chest, his words permeating every cell of my body as I relaxed into him.

Could this be real? I wondered.

Was I finally home?

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