Inside the condo, my nerves bubble up all over again. I need to make things right. I need to apologize for last night. Rachel was good to me. A better friend than any I’ve ever had before, and what did I do? I snuck out without a word, or even leaving a note. I almost want her to be angry. That’d be easier to approach than more sympathy.
I follow the sound of a cupboard closing, and find her in my kitchen drinking a cup of coffee. Her face brightens with a soft smile. “Hey.”
I exhale the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “Hi.”
“How are you feeling this morning?”
“Better.”
“Good.” She smiles again, giving me an out. She’s not mad, or acting weird, or wanting to bring up last night, which takes me by surprise. “Coffee?”
“Yeah. Thank you.”
She pours two cups and gets out the creamer and sugar.
“Oh, I keep meaning to give you this.” I open a drawer, and retrieve the extra key and security fob I ordered a few days ago. I slide them to her on the counter. “I’m sorry I didn’t get them to you sooner. I want you to be comfortable. To be able to come and go without me.” I should’ve given them to her at the beginning of the week. Selfishly, I wanted all her time. I don’t regret it, either.
“A key?” She lifts her brows and tilts her chin. “But I’m only here two more nights.”
Don’t remind me. “Yeah.”
She opens her mouth as if she wants to ask more questions.
I cut her off before she does. “What are your plans today?”
“Nothing.” She shrugs, her gaze falling to the counter.
“Good.” I lean my hip against the counter, and adopt my best gets-whatever-he-wants smolder. I haven’t used it much on Rachel—I assume she’s immune, because none of my usual tricks and moves work on her. But for this it doesn’t hurt to pull out all the stops. I really don’t want to go alone. “How do you feel about educational tours?”
The start of a smile tugs at her lips. “Is that code for something I don’t want to know?”
Probably. “Down to tag along on a field trip?”
She takes a sip of coffee, setting it down on the counter with a laugh. “Aren’t you sick of me yet?”
Not in the slightest. “I could use the company.”
Her lips press together and she looks as though she might say yes.
“Come with me, Rachel.” I steeple my hands at my chest. I’m not beyond begging. “Please? I need a buddy. I don’t want to do this alone.”
She laughs. “Then why are you going?”
“It’s for a client.”
“Of course it is.” She rolls her eyes playfully. I can’t even be offended. I take my work seriously, and she knows this. “Fine. When do you need to leave?”
“Thirty minutes. I need to shower first.” I take a swig of coffee, then set the mug in the sink. “You can protect my virtue.”
“Jude.” She sets down her drink, a skeptical glint to her stare. “What kind of tour is this?”
I meet her gaze. “A sex club.”
“You’re joking.” Her eyes widen.
“I wish.” I chuckle at the look of shock on her face. I snap my fingers and point at her as I back out of the kitchen. “Be ready to go in thirty.”
She shakes her head, her expression a mixture of repulsion and astonishment. “I’m not going to a sex club with you.”
“Why?” I take a few more backward steps, smiling at the glare she levels my way. “Afraid you won’t be able to control yourself?”
She sputters and I disappear into the guest bathroom for a shower before she can protest any further.
36
Rachel
I don’t consider myself a prude. I’ve always been open-minded when it comes to people, situations, and sex. But spending my Saturday at an exclusive sex club with Jude? Yeah, this sends my comfort zone out the window of a skyscraper. My gut is a ball of nerves and my senses are hyperaware. Even though we are the only two people in the facility besides the owner—I mean, Mistress—I’m nervous. Not that I’m scared of Jude. He wouldn’t do anything without my permission. But everything inside these rooms speaks to depraved sex and animalistic desires, and I’m not sure how I feel about it. The rich, dark colors and thick, heavy fabrics of the decor scream wealth and power. The sexual toys and implements promise kinky pain and pleasure.
“If you’d like, I can guide you with a tour. Answer your questions. Help with any demonstrations?” Mistress addresses Jude, her gaze intense, and there is zero question in my mind that she’d love to play with him. She’s all but ignored my presence since taking the NDAs and insurance forms we were required to sign.
Yeah, this is not the standard field trip. My parents would be horrified. My brother would encourage me to enjoy any hands-on opportunities. Good thing I made Jude promise on the way over we would never speak of this with anyone, ever.
Jude, ever the embodiment of sophistication and composure in his custom-tailored suit, gives me a quick glance before answering her. “I think we’ll just have a look around, if that’s okay? I can follow up with you afterward? Should only take about twenty minutes or so, as we discussed.”
Her lips quirk up with the start of a smile. “That’s agreeable. I’ll be in my office.” She nods at a closed door. “But I will have to take your cell phones. No photography within the facility.”
“Of course.” Jude hands over his cell.
I do the same.
“I’ll have to check your bag.” She eyes my purse.
I’m normally good at small talk and will strike up conversation with anyone, but this woman exudes a level of dominance that is seriously intimidating. I hand over my bag. “You can keep
