Page 26 of My Playboy Neighbor

The elevator doors opened to reveal a discreet hallway lined with dark wood paneling and subtle lighting.No signs, no obvious indicators of what lay beyond—just a single heavy door guarded by a man in an impeccably tailored suit.

"Mr.Valenti," the guard said with a respectful nod."Welcome back.And this must be your guest."

"She's with me."Dom said, his hand moving to the small of her back in a gesture of casual possession.

The guard's expression remained professionally neutral as he opened the door, but Dom noticed the slight widening of his eyes as he took in Maya's beauty.The reaction sent a spike of possessive satisfaction through Dom's chest—soon, everyone would know exactly who Maya belonged to.

Club Inferno was a study in understated luxury and barely contained darkness.The main floor featured elegant seating areas arranged around a central performance space, all done in rich burgundy and black.Soft lighting created intimate pockets of shadow while ensuring everything remained visible to those who chose to watch.

"It's not what I expected," Maya said quietly, her eyes taking in the well-dressed clientele and expensive décor.

"What did you expect?"Dom asked, guiding her toward the bar.

"Something more obvious, I suppose.This looks like it could be any exclusive club."

"The best secrets are hidden in plain sight," Dom murmured against her ear."The real action happens in the private rooms.But first, I want a drink.And I want people to see you."

Dom ordered them both Jack and Cokes—and positioned them at a high table that offered a clear view of the main floor.Within minutes, he felt the weight of curious stares from other club members.Word would spread quickly that Dominic Valenti had brought a new submissive to Inferno.

"Dom."A familiar voice interrupted his thoughts."I was wondering when you'd surface again."

Dom turned to find Louis Burke approaching their table.Louis owned half of Manhattan's most exclusive restaurants and had been a fixture at Club Inferno for years.The man was Dom's age but carried himself with the confidence of someone who'd never heard the word 'no' applied to anything he wanted.

"Louis," Dom said with a nod."Maya, meet Louis Burke.Louis, this is Maya Sunderly."

Louis's eyes lingered on Maya with obvious appreciation, and Dom fought the urge to step between them.This was part of bringing Maya into his world—letting other dominants see what belonged to him, establishing his claim within the community.

"A pleasure," Louis said, taking Maya's hand and pressing a kiss to her knuckles."Are you new to our little community?"

"Very new," Maya admitted, and Dom heard the slight tremor in her voice.

"Well, you couldn't ask for a better teacher than Dom here."Louis's smile was knowing."He has quite the reputation for training beautiful submissives."

Maya stiffened slightly beside him at the casual reference to his past relationships.He placed a possessive hand on her thigh, his thumb stroking the silk of her dress.

"Maya is special," Dom said, his voice carrying just enough edge to make his point clear."Very special."

Louis raised an eyebrow at Dom's territorial tone but had the wisdom not to push.After a few more minutes of conversation, he excused himself, leaving Dom and Maya alone again.

"Training beautiful submissives?"

"My past," Dom said simply."Not my present."

The lights dimmed slightly and all attention turned to the central performance space.A couple had taken the stage—an elegant woman in her forties and a younger man.What followed was a demonstration of rope bondage that was equal parts artistry and eroticism.

Dom watched Maya's face as she took in the scene, noting the slight parting of her lips as the dominant guided her submissive through increasingly complex positions.There was no fear in Maya's expression, only fascination and a growing hunger that made Dom's cock harden in response.

"Alluring, isn't it?"Dom murmured against her ear.

"Yes," Maya whispered."It's like watching a dance."

"The best dominance always is.A careful choreography of power and surrender."Dom's hand moved higher on her thigh, his fingers tracing patterns on her skin."Would you like to try something like that?"

Maya turned to look at him."Here?In front of everyone?"

"Not here.In private."Dom's smile was slow, dangerous."Unless you're not ready for the real game yet."

Maya's chin lifted in the gesture Dom was learning to recognize as her accepting a challenge."I'm ready."

---