Big thanks to my girls!

Isabella

"Jesus fuck!" I'm ready to tear my hair out or to jump straight out of my skin. Traffic is immense, making me later than I already am. I hate to be late, and I promised Jasper I'd be there tonight. On time.

I look down at my outfit, cringing at the jeans and silk blouse I'm still wearing. At this hour, I should've been dressed in my leather and velvet. My uniform. My mask. My confidence booster. Instead, I'm in the same clothes I wore to Whole Foods to do my groceries. Ugh.

I grab one of the last available spots in the lot, noticing everybody's already here. Of course, they are. I hurriedly grab my bag from the backseat, bundle up in my black trenchcoat, and make my way to the back entrance where I punch in my personal passcode. It's truly a perk to be the best friend of Jasper Hale's sister. No fuss with weekly changing passwords.

Ending up in the hallway of Jasper's office, I walk the glossy floor until I'm in the staff bathroom. It's nothing short of amazing, with shiny black tiles and silver accents that give the space an air of relaxation and luxury. I don't even bother taking a stall and unzipping my pants, folding them before I whip my shirt over my head. I swap out my bra and underwear for a velvet bodysuit with lace panels and trimmings, and my tightest pair of vinyl pants that lace up at the front. They're high-waisted and cinch me in, showcasing my narrow waist and wide hips.

I don't bother with a jacket, since the club is always kept nice and warm, and kick off my Converse. I carefully unwrap my knee-high boots from their silk bag, the ones adorned with buckles—my favorites—and zip them all the way up. I stand tall in my boots, confident, and fluff up my hair. It's still curled, but messier than this morning: a voluminous, dark halo around my alabaster skin. Another layer of deep-red lipstick later, I stuff my clothing in my bag and store it in one of the lockers in the bathroom. There's no stealing here; there never is. Because everybody knows you don't touch what's someone else's. Whether that's people, clothes, or a thousand-dollar watch.

Jasper's doing a scene tonight with Pins, so I make my way downstairs to the dungeon level and find out where all the people are. A few visitors sit by the bar, but that's not where the fun is, where the regulars are, the invitees. They're all right here. Stage three.

"Mistress, good evening." Alice meets me by the hallway, head bowed down low, chin meeting her chest. The heavy, iron door to stage three is swung open, music and lights swirling around the brick walls. It's remarkably colder in here, something Jasper insists on.

I pat Alice's head, revel in how she leans into my touch, the bell around her neck dinging softly.

"Ally-cat, how are you? You can speak freely; you're not my pet, sweetheart." I have one finger underneath her chin, making her look up at me. I know she's after Jasper, that she's been lusting over him for ages, trying to get in his good graces.

"Very good, Mistress. Master J agreed to see me tonight." Her brown eyes blaze fire, pure enthusiasm swirling into a wide smile.

"That's wonderful. I know you've been looking forward to that. Now, where is Master J, pet?"

"He's preparing for his scene, Mistress. But Lady Viper is waiting for you in the front row." I smile and thank her, making my way through the crowd until I spot a blonde crown and her signature, red latex. It's a dress tonight, stretched taut over luscious curves, her posture perfect as it always is.

"Damn, I thought you'd never make it tonight." She rolls icy blue eyes, her nude glossy lips curling into a smile.

"Yeah, Rose, I know. I lost track of time and then got stuck in traffic. But I thought you wouldn't make it tonight?"

"Mom's flight got canceled. She's coming tomorrow instead, so I figured I'd pull an old dress out of my closet and enjoy the party." I'm glad she's here. Rose is not only my business partner, but she's also my best friend. She looks ecstatic herself, totally in her element.

"Where's Emm?" I wonder.

"Working late. He's stopping by later." Rose's husband is also her sub, and the owner of his own custom car garage. He's always busy, always working, and incredibly in love with his Lady Viper. They're truly adorable together, sharing the type of relationship I hope to have myself at some point in time.

I look around the dungeon room, waving at the familiar faces. Tonight is invite-only, so most of us know each other. That is, until I spot him. My eyes trace unruly, auburn locks that seem to glow in the red lighting. Several strands hang forward onto a perfectly carved forehead, a strong nose and lead me to full, pouty lips. His sharp, angular jawline is covered in scruff, and he looks delicious in all black. Damn. Fresh meat.