Page 153 of Chandelier Sin
A glint of amusement showed in Aemon’s gaze, but then his eyes turned dark. “You must also realize that no one gets away with what you just did.”
Jewel gestured to the masked man beside her. “Time to face the consequences.”
“Yes,” I said, with a devilish grin. “I’m aware someone dies, but does it have to be me?”
Once out of there, I waited for Christi and Priscilla to turn the corner and disappear out of sight, my heart pounding with panic for what they might do to Atticus.
He hadn’t exactly helped by persuading them to expel me. I considered going back into the High Chamber, but it would be a reckless move. I didn’t believe for one second that he had gone into that room for himself.
He’d done it for me—risked his life for a woman he hardly knew.
Yet he knew me better than anyone ever had.
“Step away from the door, please,” said a tall guard.
Any response from me would put Atticus at greater risk; like me bursting into that room and demanding they let him go. I had to believe he knew what he was doing.
Throat tight, I had no choice but to walk away.
Christi and Priscilla had escorted me out of there for the spectacle but respected me enough not to ask questions. I walked in thedirection they had gone, eager to hear how Atticus had persuaded them to perform with subservience.
I turned the corner after them, but they had vanished.
They’d slipped through one of the many secret doorways and were now making their way down the corridor that encircled the club. It had been designed this way so staff could come and go and not bother the guests.
My doubts about Pendulum rose and fell like a dangerous tide that couldn’t be contained. I came to the realization that I had never been part of this place.
I wanted to leave, but not without knowing Atticus had talked his way out of there. If anything happened to him, I wasn’t sure I could go on.
Once I knew he was okay, I could breathe again.
I didn’t believe his act was pure arrogance—or maybe I just didn’t want to.
Within the lounge, three submissives sat at their respective vanities, dressed in skimpy bodices and readying themselves for the evening as they added the final touches to their makeup.
I approached Inaya, a petite sub who had arrived a few months ago.
She’d thrived within the private sessions Jewel invited her into, rising to the occasion when moments became intense, and never showing signs of nervousness or coercion.
In a low voice, I said, “Inaya, I need to speak with you.”
“Have I done something wrong?” She swapped glances with the others to reassure herself that wasn’t the case.
“Of course not.” I led the way into the pristine bathroom.
The walls were clad in black marble and the fixtures were made of polished gold. The lighting was soft and diffused, creating a calming atmosphere.
I closed the door behind us.
I would focus on her—on anything but what they were doing to Atticus. Guilt raged within me over not being able to help him.
Still, if anyone could talk their way out of the sixth floor, it would be him. He was the first man to stand up to Aemon. A smart man like that would have given serious consideration to breaking the rules and then living to brag about it.
“Everything okay?” Inaya asked nervously.
I reached out to squeeze her shoulder.
Her eyes fluttered as she sunk into subspace. She’d always been the sensual one. The sweet one everyone liked.
