Chapter 2
2
R AIN
I grab the bowl of popcorn, shift my phone to my other hand, and exit the kitchen.
“Do you think the stories are true?” I ask, strolling down the hallway.
“Something must be true,” Eve says.
“Why aren’t the women talking then?” I ask, entering my room.
I place the bowl on the nightstand, peel off my robe, and slip under the covers.
“Saying what exactly?”
“I don’t know. Maybe, who these men are and what they look like… What they did to them.”
“My guess is they either blackmailed them, or the women were so in awe when they left their place they just couldn’t talk about it.”
She chuckles.
She sure gets a kick out of it.
“Do you know any of these women?” I ask.
“A friend of mine knows someone who spent a night at the Dark House a couple of years back.”
“And?”
She sighs, weighing her words.
“And, uh… The woman acted strangely after that night.”
She pauses.
“Meaning?” I ask.
“She didn’t want to talk about it, and soon after, she broke up with her boyfriend, moved to Boston, and my friend never heard from her again.”
“That doesn’t mean a thing.”
“No, no… It does. Before leaving, she broke the silence and spilled a few details. That’s how my friend learned about it. Apparently, only a few handpicked women make it to that house. The Kings usually crash at Red’s and only occasionally take their female guests to the Dark House. The mansion is never lighted, or perhaps it is, but only in the back. The side of the house that faces the water. That’s why the light is not visible from the road. Besides, you can’t drive close to their estate since the private route is the only access to the house.”
“Did she say anything about her experience?”
“She kept mumbling something about the... Night of the Kings.”
“What is that?”
“I don’t know, but I’m sure it involves them and the women who spend time with them. It must be a mind-blowing experience. Why else would they act so strangely when they return? Many have broken up with their boyfriends, and some have moved out of state.”
“People do that all the time.”
“Yeah, I know, but they did it after they spent a night with the Kings,” she argues.
She is so invested in the theory that something deliciously sinful happens in that house that it’s impossible to convince her otherwise.
“Who is the woman we’re talking about?”
“Denise Anderson.”
“As in Lehman & Anderson, the financial firm?”
“Yes. You know her?”
“No, not really, but my dad had done business with Eric Lehman.”
“Anyway, that’s how the story goes. At least we’re safe...” she jokes.
We both chuckle.
A soft rap on the door kills my laugh.
I gasp, startled.
“Shit,” I murmur.
“What happened?”
“Miss Rain?”
“Who is that?” Eve hisses in my ear.
“It’s the housekeeper,” I say quietly.
“Jesus, Rain. You scared me.”
I jump out of bed and crack the door open.
“I finished up my work, Miss. Is there anything else you want me to do?”
“No. Thank you. You can leave now. Have a good night.”
I leave the door open and tiptoe back to the bed, listening to the woman’s footsteps as they trail through the house, heading to the exit.
A moment later, I hear the distinct click of the lock, and I pick up the phone.
“Are you alone?” Eve asks.
“Yes.”
“Where’s Daria?”
“I have no idea. She left hours ago and didn’t want to tell me. A fuck–date, I suppose. Some guy picked her up.”
“Too bad you two don’t get along. She sure gets a nice supply of them,” she says, almost choking on a chuckle.
“Stop saying that,” I chide her, laughing. “Oh, speak of the devil,” I murmur, glancing at the incoming call. “What the hell does she want? She never calls me in the middle of the night,” I murmur, mainly to myself. “Okay, I gotta go.”
My sister’s voice grates my nerves right from the get-go.
“Um... Listen... You need to pick me up.”
“What?”
“You need to––”
“Why? Where’s your date?”
“He’s gone. We had an argument over some stupid shit… I don’t want to talk about it,” she says, panting.
Her voice fades in and out from walking briskly.
“I can send Joseph.”
“Keep him out of this.”
“You can get a car.”
“Not at this time, smartass. Besides, I don’t want to get into some creep’s car.”
“He has a dick,” I say, unwilling to stifle my retort.
“Stop wasting my time, Rain. Get off your ass and come pick me up,” she barks.
“Fucking princess,” I growl under my breath, throwing the covers off.
“What was that?”
I dash into my walk-in closet.
“Nothing. You’re a pain in the butt, Daria.” Her laugh fills my ear. “Oh, you think it’s funny? Just so you know, I’m not doing this for you. I’m doing it for Mom and Dad.”
“Whatever you say, warrior princess,” she sneers.
“Stop calling me that.”
No chance in hell.
She keeps yapping.
“Maybe that’s why nobody wants to pop that cherry of yours. They’re afraid a dagger might slip out of your pussy.”
Gritting my teeth, I clutch the phone and pull it to my lips.
“Do you want me to pick you up or not?” I growl through clenched teeth.
“Don’t be late,” she says, condescendence shooting from her voice. “I’m at Red’s.”
“What?? Why?”
The call drops and my questions fall into the ether.
Fucking bitch.
* * *
RAIN
I slip into shorts and a white tank top that fits snugly across my chest, molding tightly on my flat stomach.
I don’t even consider wearing a bra since I'm convinced I’m not getting out of the car.
My fingers comb my hair back before I put my flip-flops on and rush out the door.
I stop by the wall table and search for my car keys before it hits me.
Shit. My car is in the shop.
I look around, groaning in agony and frustration.
Oh, no… I have to take my mom’s car, and that’s not good.
Anyone could easily spot her silver Mercedes, especially in the middle of the night on the well-lit streets downtown. But then again, I don’t expect any of her acquaintances to flock to Red’s.
I climb into her car, start the engine, and carefully steer it away, following the gravel road.
Half an hour later, I spot a parking spot in front of Red’s and claim it immediately.
Pure stupid luck.
The building looks somber in the darkness, the light above the entrance casting a glow over the letters embossed in dark red across the wall.
A few stairs connect the sidewalk to a massive metallic door.
I turn off the engine and wait.
Judging by the luxury rides crammed in the parking lot, the place must be packed.
Even so, the cars keep coming and dropping off patrons. Very few leave with clients.
The main door pulls open a few times, and music mixed with voices drifts outside.
A few drunk patrons step out, heading to a couple of town cars waiting outside, clearly moving the party elsewhere.
More limousines pull up in front of the establishment just as the door swings open again, and several men and scantily clad women saunter out.
Tipsy, giggling and clinging to their men, the women stumble a lot, unsteady on their heels, their shrills ripping into the night as they climb into the cars.
The limos pull away, and the street turns quiet again.
Where the fuck is my sister?
I tap my pockets, front and back, searching for my phone, and cold sweat trickles down my neck.
Shit, I don’t have it. I must’ve left it at home.
Irritated, I glance at the time.
It’s one in the morning, and she’s nowhere in sight. I have no phone and nowhere near enough clothes to walk out of the car and ask around.
Besides, I couldn’t get inside the club even with more clothes on.
They just won’t let me in.
Short on ideas, I roll down the window and suck in some fresh air, trying to come up with a solution.
Crisp air rolls over my shoulders, sending a chill down my spine, reminding me that fall is here.
A whiff of smoke wafts from nearby, the scent of freshly cut grass drifting from the ground.
I crane my neck out and swing my gaze over the parking lot. Other than multiple cars sunk in darkness, I see no one.
The pitch black night surrounds me, dark and silent.
Damn you, Daria.
Running my hand over the backseat, I search for something my mom might’ve left behind, like a jacket or something.
A sweater, maybe? Anything to toss over my top. Sadly, I find nothing.
I take a long breath, and against my better judgment, I climb out of the car.
My heart beats faster, my keys rattling in my hand.
Glancing up and down the street, I can’t detect the slightest movement.
Rushed, I leap up the stairs and almost reach the metallic door when the muffled voices drifting from inside render me motionless.
The door swings open as more patrons leave the place.
Swiftly, I pivot to the side, my back crashing into the wall as they walk by me, drunk, noisy, and oblivious.
I ponder whether to try to get inside or just go home.
She must’ve found a ride by now. And knowing her, I wouldn’t be surprised if she forgot about me.
Making up my mind, I spin around to go home, and just as fast, I hit a wall of muscles.
“Ah!!!” I squeal, terrified.
Startled, I jolt back, slamming into the concrete wall.
Adrenaline surges through my veins, my heart pulsing in my throat, and my lungs crying for more air when I realize I’m stuck.
Boxed in. Caged in.
My eyes land on the broad chest of a tall, athletic man.
“Excuse me,” I mumble, struggling to raise my eyes from the belt setting off his trim waist.
I step to the side, attempting to walk around him, when a man of the same height closes in on me, blocking my retreat.
My gaze drops to the ground, my pulse racing even faster as broken thoughts rush through my head.
I gasp and pant and crush a whimper, shivering as if I face the brunt of winter.
A few moments of silence tick by as I study their boots.
“Are you coming or going, sweetheart?” the man in front of me drawls in a deep smokey voice, a thick rasp threaded through his sultry tone.
Slowly, I drag my gaze up until I meet his magnetic eyes.
Perfect silence flows from my parted lips, my voice muted in my throat.
“Cat ate your tongue, huh? What say you, Lex? Is she coming...?” he asks the man parked at his side, a smile woven in his voice.
“She’s coming,” the other man says.
His voice is deep and raspy, carrying a sexy timbre.
“I... um... I’m sorry,” I stammer, unable to hide my nerves.
“Mmm... She’s got her voice back,” the first man says, amused.
My shoulders sag, my gaze trailing to the ground again.
“Can we see your eyes, sweetie?” the first voice says.
A soft rustle alerts me to his smooth motion as he touches my face and gently grips my chin.
His skin smells like smoke, cologne, and a lot of danger.
He tips my face up.
My gaze drifts up his body for the second time, taking inventory of his dark jeans, fitted T-shirt, hard torso, and sculpted shoulders.
As fuzzy as it is, a memory comes back to me, turning my knees soft and my breaths shallow.
He tilts my face a little more and locks my eyes, the light streaming from above spreading faintly over his face.
My mouth pulls open with a silent gasp.
Dark green bedroom eyes study me intently, beaming with unabashed curiosity.
A few stray bangs of thick dark hair sweep over his high cheekbones, casting shadows over his eyes.
My gaze dips to his perfectly curved lips as he slowly tilts them into a lopsided smile.
I’ve seen this grin before.
Completely swept away, I witness his lips moving again, curving into a softer smile this time.
He stays silent while I move my eyes over his attractive features, every part of him warning me that he is dangerous.
I sense him dark and strong and careless.
I sense him... inescapable.
“I’ll be damned,” he says, his eyes taking a snapshot of my face before descending slowly over my body.
A sharp intake of air raises my chest, making him shift his focus to my perky breasts.
His gaze stalls as they push against the fabric, my nipples pressing hard against the stretchy top.
“Can... Can I go now?” I murmur.
Slowly, he moves his gaze away from my chest and connects it with mine.
His smile makes my insides melt.
“I’m not so sure, honey. Lex? What say you? Do we let her go?”
My eyes dart to the blonde man.
Biting his lip to tone down a lustful grin, he lets his light-blue gaze float over my body.
I look back at the dark-haired man.
He releases my chin, and I can finally relax my neck as they exchange looks.
My eyes move back and forth between them, taking in their beautifully drawn, masculine jaws and stunning features.
Their eyes sparkle in the dark, mysterious smiles curving their lips.
They’re older than me. But they can’t be older than twenty-five.
“It’s up to you, James,” Lex says, narrowing his sky-like eyes at me.
James’ hand comes to my face.
Touching me, he completely erases the space between us and pins me against the wall.
My chest expands against his torso as I desperately try to breathe.
We lock eyes for a moment, and I vaporize under his stare.
“How old are you, darling?” he murmurs, his voice falling through me, smooth and thick like honey, spurring a reaction in my body and making me tingle between my thighs.
His fingers wrap around my neck, sending a rush of panic and pleasure through my bones.
“You lost your voice again?” he purrs, and my surroundings vanish.
For now, it’s only him and me and the hypnotic cadence of my heart reverberating in my ears, my temples, and my chest.
It’s also the overwhelming power of his eyes and knowing smile as the very essence of this man warns me, loud and clear, to stay away from him.
And then, there is this genuine curiosity to learn about me, and for some reason, that’s all that matters to me now.
My head starts spinning as I don’t pull nearly enough air into my lungs. Panicked, I clutch his forearms, my legs shaking.
Smoothly, he wraps his arms around me and pulls me into his chest, making things better and worse at the same time as I get flushed with heat, my blood moving faster through my veins.
Barely breathing, I sink my nails into his skin and lock his eyes, soft gasps falling from my lips.
He tightens his embrace, burying me in his arms.
“Breathe, baby, breathe... You’re okay,” he says softly, holding me tight and touching my hair with his lips.
There is something powerful in his voice, and it courses through me, working its magic.
I hang on to him as the brunt of my apprehension starts to fade, and I progressively relax.
Sliding his hand up and down, he strokes my neck gently, his tender motion warming my body even more.
I get drunk on that feeling as if indulging in hard liquor for the first time.
Palming the back of my head and pushing it toward his torso, he presses my temple against his shoulder while his cologne infuses the air around me.
A few more moments pass before he breaks away.
Shivering, I try to pull myself together.
I glance at Lex, who leans against the wall, his hands tucked in his pockets, a knowing smile tugging at his lips, fueling that hungry heat inside me.
James steps back and slightly widens his stance, folding his arms over his chest.
“So... Are you going to tell us how old you are?”
“I’m… um… eighteen,” I say, my voice faltering.
Head barely tipped to the side, he brings his hand to his chin and slowly rubs it with his forefinger and his thumb.
“Mmm...” he says, crushing a smile. “Eighteen, you say...”
He trades looks with Lex before shifting his eyes back to me.
“You’re not supposed to be here. You know that,” he murmurs in that deep gravely voice of his that makes my skin break out in goosebumps.
“No... no... I’m not here for myself...” I rush to explain as if talking to my mom.
And then I stop as I glimpse their amused grins.
“I’m not...” I say and pause, disappointed that I’m not taken seriously. “I’m looking for someone.”
“Who are you looking for?” Lex asks, both studying me, intrigued.
“My sister.”
“Oh... okay.”
They both chuckle.
That can’t be good.
“No. It’s not what you think... She doesn’t work here,” I say.
“Mmm-hmm,” James rasps. “How old is she?”
“She’s twenty-one.”
“Hmm... Then, it’s exactly what we think,” he comments, still very much entertained.
“Seriously. No. She’d asked me to pick her up and was supposed to be here an hour ago.”
“Are you sure this is the place? Maybe she went somewhere else,” Lex says.
“Yes, this is the place, but I’m not sure if she’s still here. I want to double-check before I go home.”
“All right then,” James says, looping his arm around my shoulders and pulling me to him before Lex swings the door open, and we all walk in.