Page 33 of Midnight Legacy

Xavier huffed out a laugh. “We’re men, and let’s be honest, pretty shallow at times. Believe me, we can get an erection if the enticement is right.” His fingertip traced the lace stretched over my breast.

Everyone else in the room disappeared except Xavier. The way his eyes left trails of molten heat over my skin, goosebumps rose as if he commanded them. A throat clearing in the background made his lips turn up into a lazy grin.

“Fuck off, Jay. Since she’s my wife, I’m legally allowed to touch her in public,” Xavier snapped, his eyes still on mine. “I put a ring on her finger to make sure everyone knows that.”

“When you’re married, you’re supposed to be boring and have regular sex,” Jordan taunted. “You know, only on your birthday and Christmas?”

Xavier rolled his eyes at him. “You should try being married,” he replied in a dry tone. “I’ve never had so much sex—and the quality’s definitely better, too.”

His lips skimmed my forehead and his arm tugged me closer to his strength.

Charles came into the bar carrying boxes. “Everyone’s masks,” he replied to the unanswered question. “The names are on the boxes.”

Excitement churned in my stomach as Megan handed me my box. I couldn’t remember the last time I had the opportunity to dress up, but everything felt sensual and decadent when Xavier put it over my eyes and tied the ribbon at the back of my head.

His mask had black feathers and reminded me of a bird of prey. Considering that he was a dangerous predator, it suited him and complemented his black hair.

My mask was created from an elaborate lace design that matched my dress. It fanned across my forehead and had an elegant swirl that incorporated a black rose design on each cheek. When I studied it in the shop, it reminded me of a dark butterfly that allowed my eyes and lips only to be seen.

Xavier tipped my face up to peer down at me, and my breath caught at the emotion in his eyes. By taking away all his other features, all that was left was the heat and desire in his eyes. Suddenly, I could see the appeal of wearing masks. It allowed you to see the person’s wants and desires, taking away everything else.

Everything in these clubs was designed with a purpose. The darkness in The Midnight Rooms took away your sight. The cuffs in the dungeons took away your ability to touch your lover. Now, expressions were removed until all that was left was what you could read in their eyes.

Voices flowed from the entrance hall as the first of the guests arrived, breaking us all from our personal reveries. My excitement turned to nerves since this wasn’t my world. My comfort zone had been a quiet office surrounded by legal documents. This was the business empire Xavier had created, his friends coming on board to expand it, but the driving force behind it was definitely the man currently gripping my hand like it was a lifeline.

I squeezed his hand silently and slipped off the stool to stand beside him.

If his role was to protect me, then mine was to comfort him. I fixed a smile on my face and cloaked myself in my new role as hostess in a world of sexual fantasies.

***

Chapter Ten

Xavier

It was only when her fingers squeezed mine that I felt the tension melt from my body. No one knew who was truly behind this chain of exclusive clubs that catered to every sexual fantasy known, hence the masks tonight. Many guessed that we were, but we tended to smile and neither confirm nor deny.

I’d been excited to open this venue, but Dad’s reaction when he discovered we owned The Midnight and Twilight Rooms made me apprehensive. I may have met Cassandra in The Midnight Rooms, but she didn’t share my depraved past. Would what she saw tonight scare her?

Her support allowed me to relax and pretend to be a customer to enjoy the experience. Her fingers clinging to me made my spine straighten. I’d had sex with some of the most gorgeous women in the world, but her beauty started inside and permeated every aspect of her. Everyone else was left in her shade.

I’d discreetly checked which room she’d ordered for tonight. Part of me had worried she’d picked one of the quirky fantasy rooms and expected me to dress up as a werewolf or something weird. I’d made a few additions for tonight, deciding to stay instead of driving home. Hence, my whiskey in my hand since my car would be staying in the private garage.

Our waiters swung into action with trays of champagne for the guests. Excited mutters began to fill the reception hall as people gathered.

“Ready?” Jordan asked, lifting his glass in front of him.

“Always,” I replied.

“To Midnight Manor.” Ash grinned.

Ash, Jordan, and I clinked our glasses together.

With my arm around Cassandra’s waist, we went to join the others in the reception hall. Charles tended to come across as shy when he dealt with people directly, but he was employed for his theatrical training. When we were all gathered, he took his place on a discreet step against the wall beside the entrance to the bar.

“Welcome to Midnight Manor,” he boomed. “Tonight, you will be the first to experience all we have to offer you in the search of pleasure and passion. Leave your inhibitions at the door and collect all your dirtiest desires. As long as it’s consensual between adults, then nothing is taboo behind these doors.”

Deep laughs and giggles echoed around the room.

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