Chapter 3
3
Greer
Age 24
“What do you mean, you’re not coming home this weekend? Your stepfather and I need you to house sit while we’re out of town.”
I hold the phone away from my ear. Mother is practically screaming, and I just can’t deal with it.
Not today.
My god. Does she even remember?
Probably not.
“Mother, I have finals next week. I need to study.”
She scoffs. “As if it matters.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“You’re a Blanc, Greer. Your name is what will get you through life. Once cousin Charles finds a suitable match for you, you can put aside this nonsense.”
Only she would consider going to college at Columbia ‘nonsense’. There are so many things wrong with what she’s saying, but I don’t dare point them out. No, my best bet is getting off the phone. Now.
“Mother, I’ll speak to you soon. Goodbye.”
Ending the call, I drop my phone on my bed.
I graduate in the spring, and then I’ll never have to speak to that woman again. As much as I want to end all contact with her right now, I know that she can still make my life a living hell, so I have to play nice until I’m certain she can’t ruin what I’ve worked so hard to build.
“That bad?”
I turn and find my roommate, Felicity, standing in the doorway. Her red hair is piled high on her head in a messy bun with two pencils poking out.
“You know it.”
“Well, I guess it’s a good thing we’ve got plans tonight, isn’t it?”
Felicity doesn’t know what today is. No one that knows me now knows that I lost my Dad and Grandfather eight years ago. They don’t know because it still hurts too much to think about, let alone speak about. Besides, it’s hard to mention that your father and grandfather died on the same day without having to go into details that can lead back to the Brotherhood.
I smile at her. “I can’t wait. God knows I need to get laid.”
“That’s the spirit. Did you ever decide what you’re wearing?”
“I was thinking of going for an innocent vibe.” I give her a cheeky smile. “Short plaid skirt. White blouse. Knee-high socks. And definitely braids. You?
“I knew you were a badass, Greer.” She thinks. “Either the Ghostface mask with the black leather mini-dress or the red leather dress and collar.”
“I vote the red dress. The devil to my good girl.”
“Love it.” She taps the doorframe twice. “Tonight is going to be epic.”
Felicity glances at her phone as we head to an old warehouse in Queens that’s been transformed into something else. I’m sure there’s some dead relative spinning in their grave right now because this is definitely not the place a Blanc should be. Especially for the third time.
Because we’re heading to Unfortunate Souls —an underground sex club owned by Kieran Van der Zee. He’s known as the Sea Warlock because he can make all your dreams come true…for a price. He has ties to the Mafia, if rumors are to be believed. And I believe them. I mean, it’s just as out there as saying your family is involved with a secret society.
If this visit were to get out, I’d be ruined. Heck, Charles might be ruined, too. Honestly, knowing that makes this twice as fun.
Felicity says, “Right on time.”
She walks up to the front door, which is painted a bold shade of purple, and knocks three times. The door swings open, revealing a mountain of a man.
“Yes?”
Felicity says, “We are two lost souls looking for a haven from the storm.”
“Then enter, unfortunate souls, and know that many delights will be found this night.”
He steps aside, letting us pass. I grab Felicity’s hand as we enter the building. Even though we’ve been here before, I can’t stop the nerves that course through my body.
We’re in a foyer, the walls a dark shade of black. Edison bulbs light the path we’re supposed to take that leads us to the heart of Unfortunate Souls . The ground level of the club is where we are meant to gather and get to know each other. There are seven levels in total. A nod to Dante’s Inferno . It’s poetic if you ask me, though I’m not sure that’s what Kieran Van der Zee would call it.
We were lucky enough to meet the owner on our first visit. He vets every person who comes to Unfortunate Souls seeking pleasure…or pain. While I can see the appeal he holds, I also know he is a man not to be trifled with. The interview process was intense, but I must have made a good impression because I was asked back for a second time. And then a third. And this visit is why I really wanted to go to Unfortunate Souls .
Felicity says, “I still can’t believe we’re doing this.”
“Girl, don’t act like this wasn’t your plan all along.”
She stops, spinning to face me. “If I haven’t said it before, I’m saying it now. I’m so thankful to know you, Greer. I feel like fate brought us together as roommates.”
Well, that and the Brotherhood, but I don’t mention it. Her uncle is a member, so it stands to reason that someone pulled a few strings to ensure we were housed together. But fuck them and their meddling, because Felicity is my best friend in the world, and that’s something the Brotherhood can’t claim or take away from us, especially since I’m not sure she even knows her uncle is a member.
“I’m glad we’re friends, too, Felicity. Now, stop being so sappy.”
She snorts. “Yes, ma’am.”
We make our way to the main room. There are already others here and we go up to a group that we met at our last visit, making idle chitchat until our guide enters the room. She’s beautiful. Her style reminds me of a pinup girl and she’s just so dang cool that I find myself wanting to be like her. She winks at me, as if she knows what I’m thinking. Heat makes my cheeks warm.
“Good evening. I’m glad to see so many of you tonight.”
We murmur our replies, each of us ready to hear how tonight is going to play out.
“As you know, tonight is a special event that only happens a few times a year. Tonight, those seeking a Dominant will be paired up.” She pauses. “Mr. Van der Zee has selected a counterpart that will give you exactly what you’re seeking.”
Felicity’s hand finds mine, squeezing.
“Behind you, you will find a shelf with masks. I ask that you select one. It’s up to you how little or how much of your face is covered.” She continues, “Once you have chosen your mask, I will take you to the next room where you will meet your potential Dom.”
Felicity touches a mask meant to look like the devil.
“Why masks? Do they mean something?”
“They are only meant to inspire.” She gestures to Felicity’s red dress. “The devil would suit you, little seductress.”
Felicity actually titters in response. Looks like I’m not the only one with a small crush on our guide. I’m not surprised when Felicity selects the devil mask.
We were told to wear something that reveals who we are inside. I chose an innocent schoolgirl because, deep down, I’m still that girl who longs to be nurtured and appreciated. Browsing, I spot a mask that makes my breath hitch. It’s a black tassel mask that will cover most of my face. Sparkling rhinestones will enhance my green eyes, while remaining mysterious. The black tassels are made of small chains that will cover my mouth and even my chin.
I’m reaching for it before I can stop myself.
Felicity spins to me, mask in place. Her voice is muffled as she says, “Oh, Greer! That’s going to look stunning on you!”
Carefully, I slip it around my head, securing it over my ears. There’s a small handheld mirror on the shelf, and I reach for it. The woman looking back at me is a stranger. Good. That’s what I need tonight.
Once everyone has picked a mask, our guide leads us through a curtain, into a room full of people. Kieran Van der Zee sits on a throne, a woman perched on his lap. He taps her hip, and she stands, not seeming to care that she’s naked in front of a room full of strangers. Good for her. I hope to be that confident in my skin one day.
Mr. Van der Zee stands, and the room goes silent.
“I welcome you all to Unfortunate Souls . Tonight, you will be paired up with your counterpart. If you feel the match has been made by mistake, please let your guide know. Otherwise, have fun.”
There are chuckles throughout the room, and an energy that wasn’t there before crackles like electricity.
Our guide says, “Your match shares the number you were given last weekend. It will be on display so that you may find them with ease.”
My chest is tight as I look around, trying to spot my match. Lucky number thirteen.
Felicity grabs my hand. “I see him!”
I swear my pulse kicks up several notches, but when I look, I spot a man wearing number ten.
“Good luck!”
Since she’s wearing a mask, I can’t be certain, but I bet she’s smiling. She hurries toward the man, who grins down at her. Good for her.
Skimming the room, I hope to spot my match, but don’t see anyone. Since I said I was open to both male and female partners, it means I have to look at everyone. Sadly for me, I think it also means I’m going to have to venture further into the room.
Others don’t seem to have the same dilemma as me, pairing up left and right. I’m almost to the middle of the room when a terrible thought crosses my mind. What if my match didn’t show up tonight? Would the club even let me know? Surely they would. My gaze darts around the room. If I spot my guide, I’m going to voice my fears. Panic makes it hard to think as I push through the crowd. I’m almost to the wall when a tall man steps in front of me.
“There you are,” he says in a voice so deep I can’t help but take notice.
“Pardon?”
He touches the lapel of his black suit jacket. “Lucky number thirteen. I was starting to think you weren’t here.”
I take in the man before me, or what I can see of him. He towers over me by at least a foot. His shoulders are broad, and he carries himself in a manner that demands attention. His face is mostly hidden by a mask, but a brown beard covers the lower half of his face.
I smile.
“A black cat?”
He grins, giving me a glimpse of white teeth.
“It’s my favorite animal.”
I hum. “I’m not sure this is going to work out. I’m more of a dog person, myself.”
He presses his hand over his heart. “You’re wounding me.”
“Well, even if we are as opposite as cats and dogs, Mr. Van der Zee must have seen something that makes us compatible.”
“Indeed.” He gestures. “Shall we go to my table to get to know each other a bit more?”
I nod and follow him from the main room to a less noisy room. This room has a relaxed vibe, even though a couple is having sex onstage.
My mystery man gestures toward the stage and says, “I hope this is okay?”
“It is.” I pause. “I like to watch.”
His dark eyes are bright. “Thank you for being honest.”
He leads me to a round table with booth seating, sliding in first. I slide in next to him. We’re so close that our thighs touch.
“I’ve read the file on you.”
My eyebrows lift. “You did? And what did it say?”
“That we’re compatible in several areas. Neither of us are local, though we’re both in New York for the moment.”
“I fear you have an advantage. I didn’t get to see a file.”
The smile is back. “I’m an open book. What would you like to know?”
“Your name?”
“My friends call me GC.”
I nod. “Nice to meet you, GC.”
“What about you, my naughty schoolgirl? What shall I call you?”
“Was my name not in the file?”
He shakes his head. “It was not.”
I think. It’s dangerous to give him my real name, but I don’t want to give him initials.
“Britney, after the most famous schoolgirl I know.”
He snorts. “Does that mean you’re into late 90s and early 2000s music?”
“My music tastes are all over the place.”
He flags down a server, ordering us each a drink before saying, “Well, I can’t wait to hear all about them.”
Two hours later, I’m one-hundred percent lusting after GC. We have so much in common that it feels like I’ve known him my entire life. And the chemistry between us is…so, so, so intense. It can’t even be blamed on drinks because we only had one each before switching to water. I can’t speak for him, but I want to make sure nothing is impairing my senses.
His hand is on my thigh, but I wish it would go higher.
I inch toward him, and his grip tightens.
“Tell me what you need.”
Heat rushes to my core at his command.
“I need you to touch me.”
“Where?”
“You know where.”
He says, “I want you to use your words.”
I moisten my lips before I speak. “I want you to touch me between my legs.”
“Good girl. Thank you for being honest with me.”
His gaze holds mine as his big hand moves higher, going under the plaid skirt. I spread my legs to give him access to the place I want him to touch me, and he doesn’t disappoint. His fingers skim over my panties.
“Lace? I would have guessed an innocent schoolgirl would have gone with cotton.”
“I’m not that innocent.”
He hums a laugh under his breath. “Let’s find out. Spread your legs wider.”
I do, and he shoves my panties aside, running his finger through my slit.
“You’re drenched. Is there something you want to share with the class?”
My snort turns into a moan as he presses his finger against my clit.
“Answer me.”
“I’m turned on,” I admit.
“I can tell.” He toys with me as he says, “Does this mean you would like to explore other…activities tonight?”
“Yes.”
“Good. I have a room where we can…play.” He pulls his hand back and says, “Shall we?”
This is why I came to Unfortunate Souls . So I could have an experience with someone who can give me what I crave.
Nodding, I say, “Take me to your room, GC.”
He slides out of the booth first, holding out his hand. I take it, a zap of electricity shooting through me at the contact. He’s silent as he leads me to the elevators. A man dressed in a black suit presses the button, stepping aside so we can enter. There are seven levels in total, and I’m curious to see which one he pushes.
GC asks, “Do you know about the different levels here at the club?”
“A bit. It’s a nod to the seven layers of hell, right?”
“Very good. The higher levels are tamer. The lower levels are full of sin. Tell me, love, are you ready to sin?”
“I am.”
“Good girl.”
He presses level two, and the lift descends.
It’s strange. There’s no nervousness on my end. Only anticipation. I meet GC’s gaze. So much anticipation.
The doors open, and he leads me from the elevator. I pay little attention to where we’re going, because it doesn’t matter. Only our destination matters.
He comes to a stop in front of a door, using his fingerprint to unlock it. The door swings open, and he gestures for me to enter first. I do, loving how I have to brush against him as I pass. His breath fans my hair, letting me know he’s as affected as me.
The room is fairly basic. A large bed sits against one wall. There’s a nightstand next to it with two bottles of water on top. Nothing screams ‘sex dungeon’, but perhaps those secrets are hidden behind one of the two closed doors.
GC closes the door and says, “Undress, my naughty girl, but leave on your mask and panties.”
“Don’t you want to see my face?”
“I do, but not until I’ve had my cock buried deep inside of you. Understand?”
“Yes, I understand.”
I’ve always struggled with my body image, likely because of my traumatic upbringing with my mother. Over time, I’ve come to love my body and all its curves, which is why I have no problem shimmying out of my skirt. Could I do this in a room full of people? Probably not. But I feel safe doing it in front of GC. My shirt and bra are next, leaving me almost completely nude in front of GC.
“Lovely.”
I preen at his praise but remain still.
“Have you ever been with a Pleasure Dom?”
I shake my head. “No.”
“No, sir.” He corrects.
“No, sir.”
“Very good.” He takes off his suit jacket, tossing it aside. “I’m going to give you what you need. Sometimes that will mean pain. Tonight, it will mean pleasure. If things ever become too much, I want you to say ‘red’.”
I love that he’s speaking as if this won’t be a one-time thing. It feels like he’s looking ahead, and that makes me happy.
I nod. “I understand, sir.”
While I’ve never had a Pleasure Dom, I’ve done plenty of research on the dynamics. I knew I was interested in the BDSM lifestyle, but was unsure how to proceed with that curiosity. Seeking a Pleasure Dom seemed like a perfect solution. He can give me everything I’m seeking. I hope. Guess we’re about to find out.
“Would you like to help me undress, or would you rather watch?”
“I’d like to help, sir.”
“I’ll allow it.”
Smiling, I move closer, reaching for his shirt. Slowly, I unbutton it, revealing his firm chest.
“May I touch you, sir?”
“Yes, you may.”
My fingers skim over his chest. There’s a light dusting of hair. I bite my bottom lip. What would that feel like against my breasts?
“Finish undressing me.”
His tone is deeper, making my breath quicken. I do as he says until he’s in nothing but his boxers. His erection tents the material. Holy shit. He’s huge.
“Touch me, love. Show me how hungry you are for my cock.”
A sound somewhere between a whimper and a moan leaves my mouth. But I do as he says, slipping my hand into his boxers. He’s the one making a sound as I fist him. He lets me stroke him a few times before his hand clamps over mine.
“Get on the bed, on your back. Legs spread.”
“Yes, sir.”
I scurry across the room, going to the bed. He watches with his arms crossed as I get on the bed, spreading my legs.
“My, look at that wet spot,” he says, moving closer. “Is that all for me?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Shall I coat my mouth in it or my cock?”
I whimper. “Your cock.”
“I read your file. You’re on birth control, yes?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good. Because I’m going to fuck you bare.”
“Please, sir.”
He smiles, and I wish I could see his entire face.
Slowly, he pulls off his boxers. I groan. God, he’s even bigger than I thought. Fisting his cock, he strokes himself.
“See something you like, love?”
I nod. “Yes, sir.”
“I see something I like, too.”
He moves over me, brushing his lips against my neck. Again, I wish we didn’t have on these masks. Because I really want to kiss him.
His kisses move lower, making me gasp when he pops my nipple between his lips.
“So responsive. I like that.”
“I like it too, sir.”
“As much as I want to taste you, I believe you said you wanted my cock.”
I nod. “I do, sir.”
“Very well.”
He moves over me, and I finally get to feel his chest hairs as they brush against my breasts.
I exhale. “I knew that would feel delicious.”
“What?”
“Your body against mine.”
“We’re just getting started.”
Reaching between us, he pulls my panties to the side. I moan when the tip of his cock presses against my opening. Slowly, he slides into me.
“That’s it. Take all of my cock.”
Groaning, I do as he says. He pulls out, thrusting again. I’ve never felt this full before. It’s freaking perfect. It makes me forget about everything except for him. It’s just what I needed today…
My breath hitches, and he looks down at me.
“What color level are you at, love?”
“Green,” I answer. “Thank you for checking, sir.”
“Care to tell me why you suddenly stilled?”
I shake my head. “Just overwhelmed, sir. In a good way,” I add.
“Elaborate, please.”
It’s hard to think while he’s so deep inside of me, but I say, “Today has been a rough day. Work was difficult, and that was on top of studying for finals. But none of that matters right now.”
His gaze searches mine. “And why is that?”
“Because it feels like you’re consuming me.” I wiggle beneath him and add, “And I like it. A lot.”
“Good.” He rocks into me again. “I like it, too.”
We find our rhythm that has me quickly rushing toward an orgasm.
“Are you close, love?”
“Yes, sir, I am. Please, may I come?”
He hums, thrusting into me with so much force that my eyes roll in the back of my head for a moment.
“Because you asked so nicely, you can come.”
He reaches between us, rubbing my clit. Heat blooms deep in my core. It spreads quickly, stealing my breath as I shatter. My orgasm goes on and on, taking me to levels of pleasure I didn’t know were possible.
“Fuck,” he groans. “Your sweet pussy is milking my cock so good.”
“I want you to come in me,” I pant. “Please fill me with your cum, sir.”
Heat flares in his eyes and his thrusts become deeper, making me gasp.
“You want my cum?” he asks.
“Yes. Please .”
His hand covers mine as he reaches his climax, groaning. The single gesture makes me feel so freaking connected to him.
“Fuck.” The single word is drug out, making me smile.
“Agreed.”
He smiles down at me. “Shall we reveal our faces, love?”
I nod. “I’d like that. And maybe our names, too.”
“I can do that.”
Still deep inside of me, he pulls off his cat mask, tossing it aside. My heart stutters in my chest.
No!
“Love?”
I shake my head. “Get off me.”
“What’s wrong?”
I shake my head again, pushing at his chest. “No! This can’t be happening.”
“You need to tell me what’s going on.” He pauses. “Is it…do you know who I am?”
I bark out a laugh. “Yes.”
“And my status is a problem?”
“No, it’s your connection with the Brotherhood that’s the problem.” I rip off my mask, staring up at him. “Because my cousin isn’t going to be pleased if he finds out that we fucked, Grant Carter.”
Horror fills his face.
“Fuck. Fuck!”
He moves off me.
Off the entire fucking bed.
As far from me as he can get.
“What in the fuck were you thinking, coming to a place like this?”
Hot tears fill my eyes. “Don’t you dare blame this on me. You were just as willing as I was, and it’s my business why I’m here, just as it’s your business why you’re here.”
He runs his fingers through his thick hair. “If the Brotherhood finds out…”
“What? They’ll suddenly decide you aren’t the golden boy because you’re at a sex club?” I snort. “We both know who the blame will fall on.”
“If your fucking cousin finds out what we did, he’ll insist that we get married, Greer.”
Hurt spears me, and I jump to my feet.
I hate that I can feel our juices running out of me.
“And god knows we all know how you feel about that idea!”
Bending, I grab my skirt and look for my shirt. It’s on the other side of the room where I tossed it during my little strip tease earlier. My cheeks flame.
Grant asks, “What are you doing?”
“Getting dressed.”
“Like hell you are.”
I glance up, meeting his heated gaze.
“Let me guess. Because you don’t want anyone to know I was with you?” I laugh so I don’t cry. “Screw you. I’ll wear the mask when I leave.”
He grabs my arm, pulling me to a stop.
“You’re not going out there because I’ll kill any man who looks at you while you’re dressed like a walking wet dream.” He gestures to me. “This is for my eyes only. Understand, Little Fae?”
I hate that his words send a rush of heat through me that has my nipples pebbling. He, of course, notices.
“Fuck. Don’t look at me like that.”
“Or what?”
“Or I’ll throw you back on that bed and fuck you senseless. Understand?”
We stare at each other, both of us breathing heavily.
“How did this happen?” I finally ask. “How did we get matched? Kieran knows my connection to the Brotherhood. He said he would keep it in mind.”
Grant’s eyes are dark. “I don’t know. But I’m going to find out.”
All the heat I felt moments ago leaves, making me shiver.
“If I had known it was you, I wouldn’t have gone through with it,” I say. “Especially not today.”
“Fuck. That’s what you meant when you said today was a hard day, isn’t it?”
“You…you remember what today is?”
“Of course I do. We lost two brilliant men that day. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
Tears fill my eyes, but I blink them away. “Sometimes it doesn’t feel like anyone remembers.”
“I remember, Little Fae. I remember.”
“Thank you.” I pull my shirt over my head. “I should go.”
“Wait. Take this.” He reaches for his suit jacket, handing it to me.
I mean, I guess it’ll cover more of my skin than my current outfit. He’s still gloriously nude. It takes everything in my power not to look him over one last time. I know this was a mistake, but it was also one of the best things to happen to me in a long time and I don’t want to forget.
“Thanks.”
He stops me when I reach for the jacket.
“I don’t regret what we did, Greer, but it can never happen again. The stakes are too high for both of us.” His gaze searches mine. “I’ve worked too hard to let anything ruin my plan.”
I nod. “I understand. Goodbye, Grant.”
“Goodbye, Greer.”
Part of me hopes he will stop me or even come after me when I’m gone. He doesn’t.
So, I keep walking, keeping my head held high. I don’t break until I’m in the safety of my bathroom in my apartment. And then I cry.
That was the moment Grant Carter broke my heart, making me question everything about who I truly was.