Page 14 of Ravage

"So we have a whole spiel we give, but you seem like the type who'd prefer the bullet point version, rather than the mysterious and provocative version."

I huff out a laugh. "Good call. Lay it on me."

"Right. So you wear whichever colour matches how you feel like participating tonight. Red is for just watching. Gold is a maybe, depending on who approaches you. Green is for one partner only. And black... Well, I think I might leave you to imagine what that one means." He's still grinning, and I can tell he's enjoying all of this just a little too much.

"And what mask did you wear when you went to one of these?" I ask, assuming that just about everyone who works for Sebastian went through the same test as Connell.

David's grin widens, and I know I'm bang on the money. "Black. I wore red to start with, but then once I saw enough, I knew I'd prefer to participate rather than sit back and watch others have all the fun."

"And you were hired, even though your prospective boss saw you were up for anything?"

This is possibly the most bizarre conversation I've ever had.

David shrugs. "Pretty much how we all got hired. Well, except for those who service the clients. He already knows they're up for anything. And to work at Dark Desires... Look, let's just say, I truly can't imagine working anywhere else now."

I cock my head, considering his words for a moment. "So, does that mean Imogen..."

David glances at me in the mirror, the smile becoming a little less friendly. "You've met Imogen?"

"Yeah. Didn't Connell tell you?"

David shrugs. "Sebastian mentioned you'd helped out with the situation at the club last week. You were one of the ambos, right?"

I nod. "Yeah. And I know Connell."

"Ah, okay. So you saw Imogen then? I get it, man, she's a complete stunner. But she doesn't come to these nights, so if you're hoping to see her again, probably not going to happen."

I school my facial expression to hide my disappointment, but I'm pretty sure he doesn't buy it, cause he flicks me a sympathetic look, before changing the subject.

We chat a little more, but the closer we get to the club, the more the anxious feeling in my stomach kicks in. I pull out my phone to doom scroll for a bit, needing to focus on something else.

I hadn't let myself think about it too much, but now that I know Imogen won't be there, I realise she was the only reason I accepted the invitation. Something about the beautiful brunette had pulled me in, which I haven't experienced since I broke up with Peta. I mean, I've slept with women, don't get me wrong. But none that I'd been interested in seeing again. And none that were anywhere near as beautiful as her.

The car pulls off the winding road and comes to a stop at the large wrought-iron gates. If I hadn't seen this place already, I'm sure I'd be intimidated. There's an air of mystery about it, which I guess works in Sebastian's favour. If people think there's something exciting on the other side of those gates, they'll be throwing their money at him to get inside.

The guard in the gatehouse nods at David through the window, and the gates open. I hadn't noticed him there the other day, but I guess he or one of his counterparts had opened the gates when we came roaring up with the siren blaring.

David pulls up in front of the mansion, and I climb out, spying Connell at the top of the stairs. A few people enter ahead of me, but I stop to talk to him, not quite ready to go inside.

"Hey man. You ready for this?" Connell asks, probably sensing my nerves.

"Not entirely sure, to tell you the truth."

He nods towards the masks in my hand. "Better put one of those on before you walk inside, or they're gonna mistake you for staff, and you'll have women climbing all over you. Maybe a few of the guys, too."

I laugh, sliding the red one on. "Not sure that would be a hardship."

Connell smirks. "Well, you did say you were curious, but I didn't realise you were that curious. Maybe wait till you get inside before you make any assumptions."

Well... colour me intrigued.

What the hell am I walking into?

As I make my way to the door, it opens, and a woman in black lingerie smiles at me. She is absolutely gorgeous, all soft curves with long brown hair flowing down her back in waves. The way she's smiling tells me she knows exactly what sort of effect she has on people.

"Good evening, Mr Collins. I'm Annika, and I'll be your hostess for the evening," she purrs, running her eyes over me.

I'd feel objectified if I wasn't doing the same thing to her.

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