Page 6 of Resisting the Temptation
“Jordyyyy. Tell me you have something fun to do to take my mind off of one of the worst interactions I’ve had.”
Jordan chuckles. “Was it that bad?”
“The worst. He wanted me to call him ‘Master.’ Inpublic.”
“Ew. Well, luckily for you, Kiera, Moss, Jaime, and I are all on our way to McGrath’s. Care to join us?”
“Hell yeah. I’m two blocks away, so I’ll meet you there.”
“See you soon.”
I turn in the opposite direction of where I was headed and make my way to McGrath’s, our favorite LGBTQ+ bar. A night out with friends is exactly what I need after the last few days. I haven't even had a chance to tell anyone but Jordan about my new job, and that’s only because I live with them.
From the outside, McGrath’s looks like any other dive bar, even though it’s on a busy street in San Diego. The brick facade is worn, and the windows are framed with wood that’s seen better days. The “c” and the “r” are going out on the red neon McGrath’s sign, but the Pride flag is pristine, like they just switched it out for a new one.
Inside, the floors are a dark oak, matching the long bar top. The neon signs on the wall reflect off of the glass bottles of liquor behind the bar, giving an atmospheric glow to the place. Tim is bartending tonight, and he gives me a chin nod as I walk past.
I find my friends at our regular booth, the worn vinyl sticking to my bare thighs as I slide in next to Kiera.
“Ooo, you look like a totalsnack, babe. Who’s the lucky person who got to see you in this dress?” Kiera coos, running a finger over the spaghetti strap of my hot pink mini dress.
“A douchebag named Carl. I met him on that BDSM dating app I told you about. He said he was an experienced Dom, but I think he just wants to control women. I willnotbe using that app again.”
Kiera works at The Temptation Lounge—a members-only BDSM club—as a client relations manager. She helps submissives find Dominants and vice versa, making sure their preferences match up and they’re compatible kink-wise. She also makes sure everyone is up to date on their STD testing and consent forms.
I can’t afford the membership fee right now, but even if I could, the club has a months-long vetting process, and the waitlist is astronomical.
Kiera was my go-to person when I started researching the kinky side of sex, and she’s been so helpful with answering my billions of questions. She even had me fill out the club’s kink negotiation/interest form so I could get a better idea of what it is I like. It’s been nice to have someone to talk to about it without feeling ashamed or “dirty.”
Kiera frowns. “I’m sorry, babe.” Then she smirks. “I’ll dominate you anytime, though.”
Kiera is stunning. Tall and willowy, with dark brown skin, which contrasts beautifully with her buzzed pink hair. She’s probably a good six inches taller than me. In another lifetime, I’d have jumped on the chance to spend a sweaty night with her, but I don’t mix friendships and pleasure.
That’s how hearts get broken.
I roll my eyes at her shameless flirting. “Babe, you don’t even like ordering your own drinks. I don’t think you could dominate me in the bedroom.”
Jaime, our Latino gay bestie, barks out a laugh. “I agree with Emma, Kiki.I can’t picture you ordering our spicy friend around in the bedroom. You’d be the one on your knees.”
Jordan and Moss nod their agreements, and Kiera shakes her head. “I want to say you’re wrong, but you’re not.” She sighs like she’s defeated. “I might be able to help, though. My boss has implemented a new perk of my job to help people learn more about the club. Each employee can bring one friend a month to the club to get the word out. You’d have to do the STD panel and give proof of birth control if you want to forego condoms and, obviously, sign the NDA. If one of our guests fucks around and breaks the rules, we’re responsible and will therefore be fired, so bear that in mind before you agree.”
“You know I’m a stickler for rules. I’d never do anything to jeopardize your job, either. Are you sure you wantmeto be the guest, though?”
Kiera lifts a dainty shoulder. “Unless Moss wants to get in on the action at the club, you’re the only person I know right now who would be interested.”
Moss shakes their head, their mop of shaggy red curls bouncing at the movement. “No, thanks. I’m good with vanilla.”
“Shocker,” Kiera deadpans. “I’ll email you all the forms you need to fill out, and as long as you don’t have any STDs, we can get you in next Saturday.” She taps her chin. “I have just the guy for you, but I haven’t seen him come in for a while. I’ll email him and see if he’s interested in meeting you.”
“Thanks, babe. I owe you big time.” I wrap my arms around her as best I can and squeeze her in a tight hug.
I don’t know why it feels like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders, but it does. If I can get into the club next Saturday, it means I can hopefully start my new job relaxed and satisfied, which will help to calm my nerves.
We spend the rest of the night updating each other on the goings-on in our lives. When I tell them about my new job, Kiera orders us celebratory shots.
Jordan and I Uber home together, and I go to sleep feeling more hopeful about my future than I have in a long time.
On Wednesday the following week, Kiera texts me to let me know I’ve been cleared to come to the club, and the man she mentioned has agreed to meet me. She sent me his list of kink negotiations, and other than one ortwo things I’m not sure about, it seems our preferences align pretty well.
