Page 96 of Fearless

I want to agree with her. But if those two creeps at the door are any indication of what we’re about to descend into then I think I might just be on board with the plan.

The way the two of them looked at us made my skin crawl like a million ants suddenly covered every inch of me.

And something tells me that they might be the least dangerous of the men that are about to surround us.

The black metal spiral staircase seems to go on forever. It was clearly designed by a man because there are holes stamped into it that are just the right size to get a heel stuck, and I’m pretty sure it gives anyone beneath us a great view up our dresses.

Unease ripples through me as the lighting dims and the music gets louder.

We’re barely even inside and I’m already getting some very, very bad vibes.

“Wow,” I breathe when we finally get to the bottom and step out into a vast room.

Everything is black, chrome and mirrored. It should be stunning, but it’s already tainted by the ugliness we know is happening here.

There are men everywhere. Most dressed in suits, but there are others slightly more casual. But it’s not them who steal my attention. That’s the girls.

It was hard to appreciate on the hours of footage we’ve trawled through, but there are so many of them. There has to be at least one woman to every four men. And right now, every single one I can see is pandering to some guy.

The men are eating up the women’s attire or lack thereof as they sip on what I’m sure is stupidly expensive whiskey.

I bet most of them have wives and children at home. The majority are certainly old enough for all that. Yet, here they are, lusting after young girls. Most of whom I’m confident didn’t choose this life.

“Well, we stand out like two porn stars at a convent, huh?” Aubrey mutters as we make our way to the bar.

With every set of eyes that land on us, my hackles rise higher.

I haven’t seen a single other woman here who is dressed. Every female is walking around in lingerie of every variety or nothing. I guess it all depends on how much money they’re earning from the men they’re keeping company.

“Not sure I’ve ever felt more overdressed in my life,” she continues as we stop at the bar and she waves at the server.

“That’s not something I thought I’d ever say wearing a dress like this,” I deadpan as a woman in what looks like the world’s most uncomfortable corset totters over to us.

“Good evening, ladies,” she greets. “What’s your poison?”

Turning my back on her, I leave Aubrey to deal with drinks while I focus on the girls.

I have two faces in mind. The girls that Reid, Mav, and JD recognized. They’re the ones I want to find and try to talk to. But there’s always the hope that I’ll find another, more familiar face.

My heart pounds as I search the faces for one that used to light up my days like no other could.

But I don’t find it.

“Here you go,” Aubrey says, stepping in front of me and passing me an almost neon pink cocktail.

“What is that?”

She shrugs one shoulder. “No idea, but Precious recommended it."

“Precious?” I ask.

“Yeah, I don’t see her as a Precious really either. Maybe more of a Crystal.”

A deep groan rumbles in my ear and a full body shudder rips through me.

“Jesus Christ,” Aubrey mutters, seeing my reaction just that innocent noise. “It’s like they’ve taken full control of your pussy and are refusing to let go.”

“Too fucking right we have,” JD agrees happily.

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