Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 86322 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86322 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
I held my own stare in the mirror and wondered if I’d recognize myself by the end of the night. The evening loomed with an alluring weight of change—an event that would open my eyes to a new level of pleasure I wouldn’t want to come back from. With one last deep breath, I turned to go, sliding on diamond heels on my way out.
The quiet hum of conversation and soft music drifted up the stairs; guests had started arriving almost an hour ago. I’d wanted to be by his side as he welcomed them, but he’d told me it was all taken care of. The same thing he’d told me all week, each time I asked what I could do to help prepare. He’d explained that Rose had connections from The Berkshire to plan a sex club scene outside of the sex club.
And that’s exactly what greeted me once I made it downstairs. The same combination I’d encountered on my first trip to The Berkshire of couples sitting fully clothed with a drink in hand as they conversed with another, others barely dressed at all, and some already playing. I scanned the crowd until I found Lucian—his eyes already watching me as if he’d been waiting for me. His dark gaze stroked along my skin from across the room and reeled me in. I couldn’t look away as I made my way to him, my breath increasing with each step.
Everyone else faded to the background as I made my way to him—until Rose brushed my arm and smiled, clutching Corbin’s arm.
“Wow. You look incredible. Simple, but stunning.” Her gaze slid to Lucian, one brow lifting. “I assume you picked it out?”
“Of course,” he answered, his gaze locked on me.
“Drink?” a server asked.
I blinked, finally breaking free of Lucian’s hold, and accepted a flute of champagne from the tray.
“They’re employees from the club,” Rose explained, noticing my confusion.
“That makes sense.” Freed from Lucian’s consuming attention, I finally took in my surroundings—and her undeniably sexy outfit. “Damn. Is Corbin responsible for your outfit, or you?”
She wore a cropped black bustier that barely contained her breasts and a thin, black lace maxi skirt with two slits reaching either side of her hips. The material did nothing to hide the fact that she wasn’t wearing any underwear.
“Definitely him. Just the way I like it. Especially since we plan to enjoy our evening,” she said, leaning into his side.
Corbin fed her a strawberry from his plate and eyed her with a gaze so heated I needed to look away. Only to find Lucian watching me with a similar expression.
“Where will you two be tonight?” Corbin asked.
“In the library,” Lucian answered, his eyes promising me that the library held more pleasure than I ever imagined. “You can stay in your usual guest room. I ensured everyone knew which rooms were off-limits and when to leave by.”
“Perfect,” Rose said.
“Maybe we’ll see you later?” Corbin asked.
“Maybe,” Lucian answered.
Then they were gone. Rose might have waved before walking away, but I couldn’t tear my attention from the man who claimed all my senses. From the earthy note of his cologne, threaded with his natural, spicy warmth, to the way his black dress shirt molded to his broad chest before tapering neatly at his waist, disappearing into dark slacks—it was impossible to look anywhere else.
“Come,” he murmured, his deep voice skimming over my skin as his hand settled at my back, guiding me forward.
Without question, I followed, soaking in the erotic atmosphere, the guests progressing from conversation to kissing, groping, and more. The voyeurism building my anticipation for what would come next.
“Everyone here is a vetted member from the club. They know the rules and respect privacy above all else,” he explained, knowing I’d be nervous about finding a familiar face that might end up gossiping about me at the next business function.
But I hadn’t needed his soothing words because I knew Lucian would keep me safe.
The realization hovered unsteadily around my heart, brushing up against the undeniable truth that I trusted him. The muscle in my chest beat erratically, startling me less and less each time that truth surfaced.
Then another realization followed—one that brought my heartbeat to a standstill.
I trusted him, and while that truth carried less fear, what unsettled me now was the other feeling—the one that liked the idea of trusting him. The one that made me want to lean into it, to let go completely, and never look back.
“Is Emily here?” I asked, latching onto the first thought to distract me from the revelation.
His brow furrowed, but his gaze remained steady. “No.”
Asking why sat on the edge of my tongue but fell away once we reached the library—nothing else mattered except what came next.
Despite this being my favorite room in the apartment and knowing every inch, I still marveled at the glass walls showcasing the city lights, opposite the floor-to-ceiling dark wood shelves.