Page 13 of Desire

“Your boldness suits you, Red,” Dante murmured, their bodies swaying in perfect accord.

She tipped her head back, meeting his intense gaze. “Maybe it’s your influence,” she confessed, feeling the words pour out of her like a libation offered at an altar of temptation.

“Or maybe it’s been there all along, waiting for the right moment to surface.” His hand slid down her spine, anchoring her against him, and a shiver raced up her back—a thrilling mix of fear and desire.

Emma let herself be carried by the tide of the dance, her hips pressed against Dante’s, their movements growing more suggestive with each passing beat. The bass line reverberated through her bones, a drumbeat echoing the wild cadence of her heartbeat.

But just when she thought the dance would take a more erotic turn, the song was over.

“Thank you,” Dante said, his voice sounding forced. And with a small bow, he turned and left her on the dance floor. Alone.

Chapter Four

DANTE

Halloween. The Devil’s Night. The air was heavy with lust and anticipation. Club Inferno had been transformed into a scene out of a gothic horror story. Black and crimson silk draped from the walls, casting eerie shadows on the faces of the ornate statues that loomed over the guests. The scent of incense and leather filled the air, mingling with the sultry beats of music. This was a night of decadence and desire, where fantasies were brought to life under the watchful gaze of masked revelers.

Dante had grown cynical of these parties over the years. He knew all too well the type of people who would attend, playing at dominance and submission without any true understanding or commitment to the lifestyle. It was an exhausting charade, one he had little patience for, but it was also a part of Club Inferno’s allure. Tonight, like every other night, he would play his role and guide those seeking a taste of the darker side.

For his costume, Dante had allowed his longtime subs, Jana and Leo, to dress him. They had been with him for five years. They were a married couple who lived to serve him when they were in Club Inferno. He enjoyed that they let him do whatever he wanted with them and that they were willing to explore other kinks where they could watch and share each other with whomever Dante ordered.

Tonight he allowed them to choose his outfit. It was a great honor, if a little over-the-top. They styled him as a vampire. Leo was a costume designer outside of Club Inferno, so Dante found himself encased in form-fitting black leather pants and a matching vest. The leather hugged his body like a second skin, emphasizing every curve and sinew.

A heavy silver chain hung around his neck. His dark hair was slicked back, and his eyes were lined with kohl to enhance their piercing intensity. Jana was a makeup artist. He drew the line at the colored contacts and the realistic fangs.

“I don’t want to be rubbing my eyes all night and no one is going to take me seriously in the dungeon if I’m lisping around my teeth.”

“As you wish, Master,” Jana said, bowing her head.

He could tell she was disappointed, so he ordered her to dress Leo up as a vampire with full-body paint and makeup. That would keep them busy for a while and allow him to concentrate on any newcomers.

“Nice cape,” Colleen said, gliding by with Chance on a gilded leash. He wore a leather mask and walked two steps behind her with his eyes downcast. Colleen was dressed up as a succubus with a red bustier that was somehow defying gravity.

“Another Halloween.” Dante shrugged, his voice dripping with boredom. And because they were alone he allowed himself to bitch slightly. “Looking forward to the parade of would-be subs, each trying to outdo the other with their provocative costumes and flirtations.”

“I’m sure you can handle it.”