Page 27 of Homewrecker

Squaring her shoulders and lifting her chin, Ashley glanced both ways before crossing the street. No hesitation. No holding herself back. Decision made.

Walking into the Outlands wasn’t quite as exciting as she’d thought it would be. The front door opened into a small antechamber, which served as a teeny lobby. There was a desk with a coat closet behind it. Standing behind the desk was a beautiful black woman with hair that brushed the tops of her shoulders. She was wearing office clothes, tightly fitted, but nothing that stood out as ‘kinky.’

Next to the door that led into the club’s interior was a large white man. Now,hewas wearing leather pants and a leather vest, making him look like he’d be more at home on a motorcycle than in an office setting. Tattoos covered his arms and peeked out on his chest between the opening of his vest.

He was hot, and if she wasn’t there to see someone specific, she might have been tempted to flirt.

“Hello,” said the woman behind the desk, smiling brightly. “Can I help you?”

“Um, hi, yeah.” Nerves settled in again as Ashley approached the desk, fiddling with the thigh-length peacoat she’d put over her corset and skirt. “I’m um, Lincoln Black’s guest?” It came out as more of a question than a statement, and she almost called him Mr. Black instead of giving his full name, but at least she’d gotten the words out.

The other woman’s dark eyes widened, then her smile grew even brighter.

“Of course. So glad you could make it tonight,” she said warmly. “I’m Eben. Let me take your coat. He’s right inside at the bar, waiting for you.”

Okay, well, that was good to hear, as was hearing she was expected. Though she couldn’t help but wonder how much Eben knew about the situation. Surely, she wouldn’t be so welcoming if she had all the details. Or maybe she did know? Mr. Black was a member here, which meant he must have been here with his wife…

Ashley shoved the thoughts aside as she handed her coat over.

“Right through that door, and the bar will be directly in front of you,” Eben said, draping the coat over her arm before pointing at the door next to the big behemoth of a bouncer.

Ashley could have figured out where to go on her own, but there was something reassuring about having the direction.

“Thank you.”

“Have fun!” Eben said cheerfully, turning to hang up Ashley’s coat.

The big guy at the door opened it for Ashley when she reached him, and she thanked him as well, giving him a weak smile. He wasn’t nearly as friendly as Eben was, but he didn’t look too unfriendly, either…

Stepping through the door was like stepping into another world. It wasn’t quite as dimly lit as she’d expected, though it wasn’t bright. The whole place smelled faintly of leather and wood polish. She could see some people standing around a railing in the middle of the space, looking down onto a lower level.

The décor along the walls was dragon-themed, though there were some kinky implements as well and a few swords. There was a lot of gleaming, polished wood, from the beams going across the ceiling to the bar where Mr. Black was sitting. Asif he’d sensed her presence, he turned around. His gaze locked onto her, making her heart leap up in her chest as anticipation and arousal flared in his expression.

Her insides clenched, nipples hardening beneath her corset, and she was suddenly very aware of how much cleavage and thigh she was showing. The protection of her coat was gone, and she hadn’t realized how much she’d miss it.

She felt exposed, despite the clothes she was still wearing. As though he could see right through them to her body underneath. As if he knew at a glance how aroused she was, how much she wanted him.

She could see it in his gaze, too. How much he wanted her.

He crooked his finger at her.

She went.

Glided forward like she was in a dream, barely noticing the others around them, other than to make sure she didn’t trip over or run into any of them. Her tongue flicked out to lick her suddenly dry lips as she approached. Hungry eyes devoured her until she was finally standing directly in front of him, heart pounding so loudly in her chest, she felt sure that he’d be able to hear it over the conversation and music.

“You came.” The pleasure in his voice was evident. Reaching out, he hooked two fingers into the top of her corset and pulled her to him.

Ashley squeaked in surprise as she stumbled forward, her hands coming up to land on his shoulders. Her body was wedged between his thighs, which he closed around her, trapping her against him as his gaze roamed her face, taking in every nuance of her expression.

His fingers were still in her corset, nestled right between her breasts, which suddenly felt hot and swollen against the tight garment.

“I came. I’m sober,” she blurted out, feeling awkward but excited. It was important he know she’d chosen to be here.

She glanced at his glass.

It looked like water.

“It’s water,” he said, a slight smile curving his lips as he confirmed the thought, as if he’d known what had just gone through her head. “Did you do your research, Ashley?”

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