Page 44 of Prey Tell
When the movie ends, it’s like coming out of a daze. Jackson is asleep, so I pull a blanket over him and lower the lights before leaving.
My heart is racing as I exit the front of the building, heading into downtown Crestwood and walking toward Ravage Consulting Firm.Will Miles still be there?At this point, he’s my only hope. I’m risking a lot by showing up—possibly outing his own brother. Does he know about Chase and what he does in his free time?
I hesitate in front of the glossy door, glancing inside of the building to see a security guard at the front desk. I curl and uncurl my fists. If I’m going to do this—if I’m going to explore my submissive side—it’s going to have to be with Chase. He told me to educate myself. To do my research. To know my limits. He thinks I’m not serious. But what better way to show him I’m serious than showing up at this event?
Many people have trouble acting on instinct in bed. There are so many protocols and things that are considered taboo or uncouth. That leads people to overthink. Unable to relax. Unable to enjoy themselves. Unable to come…
My thighs squeeze together as my skin tingles.
I want this. And maybe Ineedthis.
I march forward to the desk, quickly smiling at the security guard, who looks entirely disinterested in my presence.
“Here to see Mr. Ravage,” I mumble. “He—uh—is expecting me.”
The guard gives me a glum smile and waves me toward the elevator. “Go on up.”
Hmm.
I thank him and press the button for ‘RCF,’ taking the elevator up five stories. When the doors open, I march straight through the office, though I’ve never been inside. Quickly taking in the modernity and warmth, my eyes adjust and a minute later, I find Miles inside one of the large offices, his feet propped up on his desk as he types on his computer.
“Ms. Parker,” he drawls, giving me a stern look. “To what do I owe the pleasure, for the second time tonight?”
You can do this, Juliet. Just ask.
I clear my throat. “Right. I, um, was wondering if you—if the hunting was—” I stumble over my words and take a deep breath. “If I were to be interested in hunting at Ravage Castle this weekend, how would I go about getting a license?”
There.It’s innocuous enough that I can play it off if he doesn’t know anything about it.
Miles’ eyes twinkle as he removes his feet, leans forward, and reaches into a drawer in his desk. He slides a black envelope toward me, and when I gape up at him, he shrugs, arching a single brow.
“You didn’t get this from me. Got it?”
I nod quickly and grab the invitation before twisting around and walking out of his office.
By the time I get back to my car, I’ve already run through the list of pros and cons five times, and I’m mentally preparing myself for a long weekend at Ravage Castle.
CHAPTERNINE
THE CONTRACT
Juliet
For the second time this month, I’m wondering what in the ever-living-fuck I’ve gotten myself into. Only this time, I’m standing in front of the infamous Ravage Castle after having been dropped off by a taxi. The opulent manor is larger than I remember as a child—not that I’d ever been inside. Since it was considered a private residence, no one was ever allowed inside, but anyone who grew up in Crestwood or the surrounding area was well aware of the looming estate. I knew the general history—we’d done a module on it in school. Built around the first world war, it had passed down from generation to generation, with the current occupant being Miles Ravage.
I gawk up at the ornate monstrosity of a building, visible through the gate. It’sgorgeous.Stone frescos, similar to gothic, European buildings, two towers, built on a hill looking directly over Crestwood… I think I remembered learning that there were over forty bedrooms and hundreds of acres surrounding the building—including the mountains and forest behind the castle.
It feels so out of place in Southern California. Then again, I suspect that’s the point.
I walk up to the small security stand. “Hello,” I say, my voice overly friendly as I show the elderly guard the invitation. “I’m here for the long weekend.”
I glance down at the black envelope in my hand. There were a few additional notes on the back, including the dress code (which is flexible) and conduct policy. It’s all pretty straightforward. Rooms are gratis and available for the long weekend upon check-in for each participant. The limit is ten couples. Anintimateexperience. Single submissives are also allowed, but the limit is three.
I have to quell my racing heart when I think about where that puts me, and if Chase will already have a submissive picked out for the weekend.
It also makes me wonder if he only allows three so that he can have a different girl each night. But I can’t think about that right now, or I’ll never find the courage to walk through this gate.
“Just yourself?” he asks, cross-checking with a list he has before him.
