Page 11 of The Grand Duel

I should probably think about this. Take a couple of days to figure out if the money will be enough to set me up somewhere new. Maybe call Jovie and ask her, talk it over.

I peer up the stairs that lead to the club, my shoulders sinking further as I let out a weighted sigh. Ishouldthink it over, but with the need to be anywhere but my childhood bedroom, festering in wait for an apology I know won’t ever come, I know that I’ll take the job.

Truth be told, I could work the bar for free if it wasn’t for my pride.

When I reach the top of the stairs, I take a better look around the level of the club I entered. It really isn’t like anything I thought it would be. There’s a dance floor and bar, and above me, I can see at least two more levels.

Intrigue stirs in my gut as movement catches my eye on the third level. I squint my eyes to get a better look. The lighting is different up there, warmer. I walk to the steps and place my hand on the railing, the metal cool against my warm palm.

Bronwyn didn’t mention a tour of the place. But she also only gave me two minutes of her day, and considering the bar is located on this level, I suppose there isn’t a need to go upstairs.

I peer over my shoulder.

With no one paying me any attention, and the champagne still warming my stomach, I make my way up the steps to the next level as if I’ve climbed them a million times before.

There’s got to be some whips and chains around here somewhere.

I smile to myself, a little giddy and adrenaline rushed. I already know I’m going to have a tale to tell Jovie later.

As I reach the top step, I slow, not expecting so many people to be occupying the upper level. They litter the space in clusters, some sat in the lounge chairs, some in the moon-shaped booths, and some stand, chatting, watching on. The decor is a mirror of downstairs, the dark green, all-black metal with gold accents giving the club a rich feel.

I wonder how much memberships go for around here?

I continue to survey the area as I walk the length of the back wall. This level looks like another space to socialise in.

I can see the bar at the far end of the club, and four rooms spread out across the entire left wall, but nothing is screaming sex to me.

Because let’s face it, I totally just got a job in a sex club.

I’m not sure why I feel compelled to prove that fact, especially after Edna and Christian made it more than obvious what happens around here at night, but I do. I guess you could say I’ve always been a little bit curious when it comes to sex. Even from a young age I was rewatching scenes inLove Actuallyof when John and Judy were rehearsing for their porno. My parents weren’t around to tell me how inappropriate it would have been for a twelve-year-old.

I spot another set of stairs and head for them, knowing the last thing I want today is someone asking me questions and getting me in trouble.

When I reach the next level, I enter onto a large landing area. Beyond is a dimly lit corridor with the only light coming fromthe skirting boards, giving it a darker, more seductive feel than downstairs.

With my interest well and truly piqued, I make my way down the corridor.

As I near the first room, I notice the large floor-to-ceiling windows attached to it. I’m not so innocent that I don’t know they are viewing windows.

I smile, biting my bottom lip.

With a little trepidation and excitement stirring in my gut and with the room clearly not being occupied, I try the handle.

It’s locked.

“Hm.” I cup my hands and lean into the glass window, trying to get a better look inside.

“What are you expecting to find?”

THREE

Lissie

My heart jolts. “Holy shit.” I whirl around and find Christian behind me. “Nothing. I got lost.”

He smirks and nods. “We’re all lost, Shoes. But you’re just being nosy.”

I blow out a breath, my heart still thumping.