Wicked Dares (Vale Billionaires #3)

Chapter 1

Chapter One

PIPER

There’s a metallic bite to the cool Manhattan air tonight.

It’s charged with life, sharp and alive against my skin, sending a restless energy through me. Like when something is about to happen.

Not a bad something. Not exactly good either. My Aunt Bess always said that when you got that feeling, the universe was shifting, and sometimes, if you were paying attention, it would grant you a favor that could change your life.

It would be nice if that were true. Maybe it is and I’ve just never been paying enough attention.

But things are different now. Getting better.

And tonight?

Tonight is one of those first steps. A first step into my fresh start.

The low heels of my shoes bite the pavement in a steady click as I cross the street. My best friend, Alexis, falls in step beside me, threading her arm through mine.

We look at each other and smile.

Up ahead, the club we’re going to comes into view. Wicked Dares sits on one of Manhattan’s most coveted blocks. The sleek glass-front building gleams in the moonlight, catching the light in a way that makes it impossible to look anywhere else.

Above the guarded entrance, the name burns in low, silver light, the lettering sharp. Like it’s daring you to come closer.

Music pulses faintly through the walls even from out here, deep enough to vibrate beneath my ribs. The vibrant sound promises bad decisions dressed up as good memories.

A line of people stretches behind velvet ropes while others are waved straight through without a second glance. Everyone’s dressed in their finest, unmistakably New York’s high society.

“God, you’re going to love this place,” Alexis squeals, the end of her long ponytail brushing over her shoulders as she skips.

I giggle. “I hope so.”

“Have I ever let you down?” She shoots me a playful look.

“Never.”

“Then have no fear, my friend.” She puts on her best ESPN sportscaster voice. “You’re in for a real treat.”

I laugh even more when she waves her hands in the air like she’s dancing.

Like me, she’s wearing a black bodycon and red six-inch heels—we thought we’d go out matching tonight like we did in our teens. Because we have the same fiery red hair, we always tried to match in other areas, too. I’m glad that hasn’t changed over the years.

I return my gaze to the door, wondering what kind of night I’m going to have. Of course, I’m excited to see Alexis, even more excited to hang out with her after not seeing each other for almost a year, but I’m nervous. I’ve never been to a club like this before.

“Just trust me.” Alexis squeezes my arm. “All you have to do is follow my lead.”

That’s the part that worries me. I’m not sure if I’m ready to be as adventurous as her just yet.

It’s strange… In another lifetime—not that long ago—I was the friend who was the life of the party. The girl you could count on for a great time.

“I’m just curious about the rules,” I confess, steadying my mind.

Wicked Dares isn’t an ordinary club. It promises a night of adventure. The second you step inside, you’re part of a game—one built entirely on dares.

“Which one? Rule one—no names,” Alexis says, dropping her voice to a sultry whisper. “Rule two—no questions.” She pauses just long enough to make me look at her. “And rule three?” Her lips curve slowly into a smile laced with danger. “If someone says I dare you… you either accept—or you leave.”

I roll my eyes and gaze heavenward. “Lord, what am I getting myself into?” I borrow Aunt Bess’s rich Tennessee accent.

“Nothing more than what we used to get up to in the past.” Alexis laughs and tugs me closer. “Come on, you’ll be fine. I can’t wait until we get inside and see the lounge.”

I chuckle, deciding to relax and allow myself the reprieve of a stress-free night. God knows I need it. Haven’t had one of those in a long time.

We continue down the path and join the fast line when we reach the club. Alexis was fortunate enough to get VIP passes from a friend who works here.

We don’t have to wait long. The doorman's eyes skim us once when we reach the front of the line. One flash of our passes, and the velvet rope lifts without a word.

We climb a set of wide stone steps, and the moment we step into the foyer, we’re wrapped in the electric ambiance of the place.

The walls gleam in glossy black, almost mirror-like, dusted with fine specks that catch the light like scattered diamonds.

The air smells heavily of expensive perfume, liquor, and the earthy scent of money.

People move around us in designer dresses, tailored suits, and masked faces, some laughing, others speaking in low, excited voices that blend with the muted bass of the music.

Alexis guides me forward toward a sleek reception desk. Behind it, attendants dressed in black hand out masquerade masks. Tonight is a Venetian Masquerade-themed night.

When we reach the desk, a tall, willowy woman with a purple pixie cut greets us.

“Welcome to Wicked Dares.” Her gaze flicks between us and her smile widens. “Is it your first time here?”

Alexis answers for both of us, pointing at me. “For her.”

The woman grins, then gestures to the tray in front of her. Sleek black wristbands rest on the velvet surface.

“Once you put this on, you’re part of the game,” she explains, her tone smooth. “Do you accept the club rules?”

“Yes,” Alexis and I answer.

The woman hands us each a wristband.

When we put them on, she holds out two black silk masks with silver feathers on the edges.

We put them on and look at each other, smiling.

“Enjoy,” the woman chants.

“Thanks,” I answer.

We turn and head toward the main room.

Alexis opens the door, and we walk out to the dance floor.

Vibrant music swells as the space opens up into a crowd already lost in it.

The room is huge with multilevel tiers, each ringed by velvet booths. At the corner is a staircase leading to a bar built on a platform with more dancing bodies.

I look around, admiring the décor. The room has a classical-meets-contemporary vibe about it that intrigues me.

“This place is amazing,” I say, taking it all in.

“Told you.” Alexis giggles.

“You certainly did.”

“Let’s grab some drinks.”

She pulls me through the crowd, then past several couples pressed close in the alcoves.

We reach the bar, order ridiculously expensive cocktails, and find a free booth.

We sit, and I sink into the soft leather of the seat.

Alexis raises her drink in toast and stares back at me with a wistful smile. “Here’s to all the years of our friendship and the future.”

I raise my drink, and we clink our glasses. “Hear, hear.”

It’s hard to believe we’ve been friends for so many years. We met when we were twelve. I’d just gone to live with Aunt Bess in San Francisco after my parents died in a car accident. Alexis was like an angel then, too, always saving me, even if that meant saving me from myself.

She crosses her legs at the ankles and takes a sip of her drink, closing her eyes to savor it. I do the same.

I got a Boulevardier. It tastes like heaven. The sweet bourbon mix is exactly what I need to give me the buzz I crave.

Alexis rests her drink on the table after a few sips and regards me with concerned curiosity. “Is your drink good?”

“It’s fantastic.”

“And the club?” She waves her hand around dramatically.

“Yes.” I nod my approval and grin, looking around again as the music changes to an upbeat club classic. “I love it.”

“Yay!” She pumps a fist in the air and rests her hands on her knees. “I’m so thrilled. I really wanted you to have a great time tonight.”

“I know. And I am having a great time.”

And maybe I love the feeling that no one here knows me. No one here can pity me, or whisper about me. There’s no history clinging to my back.

So far everything is going good. I arrived in New York yesterday afternoon after a long flight from San Francisco. I walked into my new home, a dinky apartment on the East Side, that was way smaller than I’m used to but livable and safe.

“Perfect.” Alexis looks pleased. “I also have a little surprise for you.”

Instantly, I perk up. “What is it?”

“I’ve booked time off work, so I’ll be around for the next three months.”

My eyes snap wide. “Oh my gosh. Really?”

“Yes.” She claps.

I squeal. I’m thrilled I’ll have her around, and admittedly relieved. New York suddenly feels a little less enormous and more manageable.

Alexis is a successful yoga instructor. She works for a prolific cruise company that tours the Caribbean and the Mediterranean seas. She’s usually gone for several months at a time. That was the main reason I hadn’t seen her in almost a year.

“I thought you could use the company while you settle in.”

I place a hand to my heart, a pang of gratitude warming my insides. “You booked the time off for me?”

“Of course.”

I place my drink down and move closer to give her a hug. “Thank you so much. You’re the best.”

She gives my shoulders a squeeze before releasing me. “I felt you needed me.”

“Yes. I do need you. A lot.”

“I’m glad my instincts were right. Are you okay otherwise?”

Slowly, I nod, knowing what she’s asking without saying the words.

It’s about Reece, my asshole ex, the man who turned my world upside down and inside out, then ripped it to shreds. It’s a miracle I managed to pick up the pieces of what was left.

It’s taken me a little over a year to get back on my feet. I still feel like a shadow of that girl. But I’m trying, slowly making my way back to who I used to be. And maybe a better version, one who makes better decisions.

At twenty-six, I never thought I’d have to learn life’s toughest lessons about the ugly side of love or that some mistakes don’t just shape you, they rewrite you.

Quickly, I shove his face from my mind, along with all the other terrible memories. I don’t want to think about him tonight. Or ever again.

As long as Reece is locked away in prison where he belongs, I’ll be fine.

At least that’s what I keep telling myself whenever the memories get too loud and I feel them pulling me under.