Page 3 of Surrender

Except, in an instant, I know the answer. If it keeps a roof over our heads, and maybe our pantries a little fuller, then yes. I could get over my fear of sex and work there.

Let's hope Madame Kline has an opening.

Chapter two

Serenity

The next afternoon, I look up at the tall building in front of me. It's gorgeous. I don't know what this type of architecture is called, but it's white, ornate and old. It screams old money. Great Gatsby money. And I'm definitely out of my element here. I shove a finger through the hole in my t-shirt and wiggle it. I should have dressed up for the interview. Except I don't have any fancier clothes than what I'm wearing now. Let's pray Madame Kline is forgiving.

I double-check the address on the white envelope of the invitation Ella procured for me. I'm at the right place.

Taking a deep breath in, I walk up the steps to the large wooden doors and knock.

I shift my weight from foot to foot and bounce up on my toes a few times anxiously as I wait. A few tense, stomach-churning moments later, the door opens, and a severe-looking woman appears. I take a small step backward. She's tall and lithe, wearing a tight-fitting black dress, and tall black heels, and her black hair is pulled back into a tight ponytail. She screams elegance and wealth, and I just know I'm screwed. I swallow mylump of nerves and curl my hands into fists. I nervously pick at the cuticle on my thumb, where she can't see.

But then a warm smile spreads across her face and her shoulders relax. "You must be Serenity. Please, come in," she says softly, opening the doors wider. She leads me into a little foyer-type area with dark red carpet and a black reception desk.

"Please, follow me," she says, pushing through dark red velvet curtains and into a large open room beyond. Bars line either side of the room, with mirrored backs and hundreds of expensive and fancy-looking bottles. These aren't the Tito's and Jack that my parents drink.

Several circular tables and chairs are scattered through the room and a stage with similar dark red velvet curtains is at the far end. Madame Kline pulls out a chair at one of the tables and motions for me to sit. I do with a 'thank you' and she settles into the chair next to me, crossing her long legs and turning to look at me. She takes in my body and general appearance in appraisal.

"So, Ella mentioned she discussed what we do here with you?"

I startle. It's supposed to be a secret. Should she not have told me? What if I got her in trouble? What if Jason gets kicked out and they both hate me? "I mean. Not really? Just sort of? I don't want her to get into trouble. She said it was a secret."

Madame shakes her head with a chuckle, laying her warm hand on mine. "No one's in trouble. Mr. Kensington has been a member for years now, and I trust his and Ms. Blackwood's judgment. If they deem you worthy of our little secret, I'm sure that you are. In fact, Mr. Kensington was one of the original investors in The White Envelope. Did you know that?"

I shake my head. "No. I didn't."

"We owe him a great deal."

A frown tugs at my cheeks. "I don't want a job because I know him. I want a job based on my own merits. I'm a hard worker,reliable, and always on time. I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, but I'll try the hardest."

She seems amused at my rant. Shit, I'm so awkward. I'd jumped three trains of thought. She was simply telling me how they know Jason, not implying they'll give me the job because of him. My face flushes in embarrassment. I wish I had half the grace this woman has in her pinky finger.

"Do you know what we do here?"

"No. Not really. I'd never heard of a sex club before yesterday," I admit lamely. I guess I'd always assumed places like this existed. Especially in a city like DC, but I'd never thought hard about it or seen one before.

"We provide the facilities for people to explore their sexuality, whatever that looks like. Some people call them kinks. We simply call them preferences. Dating and sex can be so confusing to navigate out there. But in here, surrounded by other people who aren't afraid to communicate and explore what they like? It's liberating."

I nod. I guess that makes sense. I wouldn't know how to go about dating someone and then asking about their sexual preferences. I shudder at the thought of that conversation.Hey, we just started dating, and I'd like to have sex with you. Do you want me to call you Daddy while we do it?

"On this floor, things remain relatively tame, except on theme nights."

"Theme nights?"

"Yes. A few times a month we host theme nights. Things like BDSM, shibari, impact play, lights out. Things like that."

I nod, a little too much. I have a lot I'm going to have to Google. She must have been able to see the confusion on my face.

"Have you explored any of that?"

"I'm not sure what any of that means, truthfully. I've never had sex, let alone explored kinks."

Madame tilts back in her chair, her shoulders slumping, slightly stunned. "You're a virgin."

I nod but backtrack. "But I'm okay with sex. I'm not going to like freak out if I see it. It's just never been a thing for me."

---