Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 102184 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 511(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102184 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 511(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
My chest expands, my heart beating harder in my chest. “She sounds like everyone loved her.”
“Yeah.” He’s lost a bit of his luster from earlier when he was talking about his mother. “They did.”
“I’m so sorry,” I say, knowing these words aren’t enough. They’re never enough for a person who’s lost someone. “What’s your best memory of her?”
His voice holds a rasp of excitement as he pushes his plate a bit. “When I was younger we used to rule the streets. Roman, Ledger, and I would ride our bikes all day, not caring about a thing in the world. We were always looking for trouble. I was about eleven, or twelve.”
I smile as he tells his story.
“My father was always working. Busy all the time. So, my mother would invite all the kids over to play at our house. She loved a house full of chatter.”
“Our house was always bubbling over with kids too,” I add.
“There was one kid. His father worked for mine, and he was a real asshole.”
I laugh a little under my breath. “You can’t call a kid an asshole.”
“Oh, this one was. My mother once kicked him out of the house. She told him she didn’t want him coming around anymore.” He pulls his wallet out of his pocket, grabbing his card to pay the bill. “My father caught wind of the story and fired the kid’s dad.”
“Where’s that kid now?”
He shrugs as the waitress takes his card. “Still being an asshole, I’m sure.”
Chapter 32
Devereaux
* * *
I pull up to the club like I’m a guest tonight. When I told Swan no one would know us, I meant it. I want her to explore the club without the worry that anyone will recognize her.
Honestly, no one’s paying attention.
When she came downstairs dressed as a goddess in white, I nearly skipped the party in favor of staying home with her all night. I’m dressed in a black Armani suit with a red vest and a devil-style mask that covers three quarters of my face. I want to make sure I’m not recognized.
Even if I am, who cares? Sex isn’t shameful.
It’s why I started a club so people could explore their sexuality in a safe space.
People shouldn’t shy away from wanting pleasure. And I want Swan to fulfill her fantasies. I’m ready to give her anything she asks of me. It’s terrifying because I’ve never felt this way about anyone.
But I can’t stop. There’s something about her that’s pulling me in.
Something I can’t quite identify.
Something I’m not sure I can identify.
People pack the club, something I like to see, and I’m happy the Saints and Sinners Ball is a success.
A soft red glow illuminates the club, and some members are swaying on the dancefloor, others at the bar.
There’s a couple kissing on my left as I lead Swan further into the club.
“Let’s get you a drink,” I say to Swan, who is watching a few people already getting into some action on a plush white sofa.
I can tell she’s nervous by the way she hasn’t really spoken a word since we left the house. Actually, she hasn’t said much since I met her family earlier today. Was she embarrassed to tell them who I was? It’s understandable. I’m sure it’s not thrilling to find out your daughter works at a sex club and is dating her boss.
Something about her sister was so familiar, but I can’t put my finger on how I know her.
We make our way over to the bar where Raven’s pushing drinks.
“Two Tito’s and sodas,” I say over the crowd. If Raven recognizes my voice, she doesn’t let on, and pivots to make our order.
In less than a minute, she’s sliding our glasses across the glossy wood and waits on the next customer. We take the drinks and move away from the crowded bar. Swan takes a gulp of alcohol, and I place my hand on the small of her back, leading her down a hallway toward a back room.
Adele said most of the front rooms would be open to let people do whatever they want and to keep everyone together in one open space to enjoy the festivities.
Even though most people will still slink away to dark corners to handle their naughty desires, mostly there’s a general party-like atmosphere.
I finish my drink in one swallow and set the glass down on an empty nearby table. I want all my attention on Swan tonight, nothing else.
Swan’s nearly finished her drink, and after she takes the last sip, I remove the drink from her fingers and turn around to place it on the table.
When I spin back around, some asshole has his paws on her, bending over to whisper something into her ear.
I can’t hear what he’s saying, and I don’t need to.
She’s mine.
I wrap an arm around Swan’s waist, pulling her closer to me. The man stands to full attention, and I puff out my chest, towering over him.