Chapter 4
Courtney
Club Inferno is a BDSM-themed sex club. I’ve done security here a couple of times since I moved to Las Vegas, but it’s not my typical assignment.
I’ve been working for Westfield & Carruthers Security—owned by Darryl “Chains” Carruthers, thanks to Landon.
He got me the job even though I was pregnant and only able to take the most mundane assignments.
Luckily, my military experience—ten years as a helicopter pilot in the U.S.
Marines—provided me with a skill set that translates well in bodyguard and security services.
Landon was supposed to work here tonight but he’s still recovering from some mysterious mission he went on that was off the books.
He didn’t provide a lot of detail, and I didn’t ask.
It’s our own version of “don’t ask-don’t tell” so that I don’t worry and he doesn’t betray confidences.
But he knows I can use the money, and he offered to stay home with the baby.
Win-win, right?
I’m in no way a prude, so I’m not offended by the naked bodies or sex acts going on, but it does remind me of my own lack of intimacy.
I haven’t had sex since the night Micah was conceived—which was almost sixteen months ago.
I have a vibrator that does a lovely job of getting me off, but it doesn’t compensate for the lack of intimacy. Kissing. Or my own kinks.
Sex isn’t a priority, but I don’t know how much longer I can go without physical touch that goes beyond that of my son or brother. Sometimes, you just need to get fucked. Unfortunately, I have neither the time nor the opportunity for one-night stands, so for now, I’m out of luck.
It’s relatively quiet tonight. It’s some kind of beginners’ event for those who are interested in learning about the world of BDSM.
I’ve dabbled a little but I’m not into anything hard-core, so I keep my head down as I roam the floor.
Things are pretty low-key, with a dance floor that’s not being utilized tonight, two bars, lots of high-top tables for people to sit and relax—or not—and then an area with a stage where the demonstrations are happening.
Someone is currently being spanked and her tears and whimpers make me want to roll my eyes. If something that tame makes you cry, this life probably isn’t for you. Personally, I like a little spanking, some roughness, being restrained, but most guys don’t understand how to do it right.
Most.
Daniil knew how to press every single one of my sexual buttons.
Too bad he’s going to hate me once he finds out what I’ve done. The massive secret I’ve kept from him. Because I know, eventually, he is going to find out.
With nothing interesting going on to speak of, I take the stairs up to the second floor.
That’s for members-only and is literally a sexual playground for kink-lovers.
There are scening rooms, all kinds of equipment, and lots of extra security.
That’s one thing about Club Inferno—they take consent, safety, and privacy extremely seriously.
One unauthorized photo or action and you’re out, forfeiting your six-figure membership fee.
They don’t mess around and I respect that.
I catch Jamie Teller’s eye—he’s one of the owners as well as an assistant coach for the local professional hockey team, the Las Vegas Sidewinders—and he winks. He’s tall, good-looking, and soft-spoken. I really like him. Too bad he’s married.
I stroll past one of the scening rooms and suddenly freeze.
There’s a man on stage having sex with one of the regulars here, a submissive who likes it rough and isn’t in a relationship from what I’ve heard. She’s been making the rounds with all the staff doms, and she’s supposedly hard to please.
Except the sound she’s making reflects a woman who’s deeply satisfied.
And as I stare at a familiar cascade of tattoos down his bare back, my blood runs cold. I recognize the broad shoulders, and tattoo of a raven’s wing on his right shoulder blade. I’ve never had sex with him, but I’ve watched him have sex with others—and he’s watched me.
Dammit.
Of all the bad luck.
If Marcus is here, that means Daniil is too.
Marcus is one of Daniil’s bodyguards when he travels—another Royal Protector from Limaj. Also a retired marine. I didn’t serve with him but know him by reputation. And of course, we partied together multiple times when I was visiting Lennox in Limaj.
I whirl, making a beeline for Jamie, who’s talking to Emilie. She’s Chains’ wife as well as a co-owner of the club, and they look up curiously.
“Everything okay, hon?” Jamie asks carefully.
“No. Yes.” I close my eyes and take a moment to collect my thoughts. “I’m… I just saw Marcus in one of the rooms, which means Prince Daniil is here too, right?”
Emilie nods, confusion on her face.
“He’s an ex of sorts. We didn’t end amicably. I can’t…I don’t want to see him or start anything. I’m sorry, I know this is unprofessional, but—”
“Hey, relax.” Emilie squeezes my arm. “No worries at all. The prince is here as a guest, and he was roaming around up here, so you can go back downstairs and we’ll try to keep him entertained.
When he’s done for the evening, Jamie or I can escort him out the back entrance.
It’s safer for him anyway, and that way you two won’t necessarily cross paths. ”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.” I don’t dare look back as I practically run down the stairs back to the first floor and head straight for the restroom.
Of all the places to run into Daniil.
But maybe getting it over with in a public place like this is a blessing in disguise.
No way for him to find out about Micah just from a conversation here at the club.
I’m working, so he won’t be able to talk to me for long.
I’ll tell him I’ve moved on, I’m dating someone, and am not interested in him.
That’s all. He’s powerful and a bit intimidating, but I know him well enough to know he wouldn’t hurt me physically.
Not even professionally. He has nothing to gain by getting me fired or something, and Lennox would definitely be mad if he did something so petty.
I’m sure his appearance here is nothing but Lennox being worried and him having an excuse to see me.
Women rarely turn him down, so me walking away probably stung a little.
Once I explain that it wasn’t personal, I’m just not interested in dating an Eastern European prince, that will hopefully send him on his way.
Pulling in a deep, cleansing breath, I walk back out to the main room and steel myself. I know what’s coming because there’s no way I’m getting out of here without seeing him. And I’m going to have to put on the performance of a lifetime if I want to protect my son.
“You need a drink, Courtney?” The pretty bartender smiles at me.
“No, but I need a favor.”
“Sure.”
“You know that Prince Daniil is here tonight?”
“Sure.”
“He and I had… a fling a couple of years ago and I really don’t want to talk to him. But he’s here, so if you see us talking, would you buzz Jamie and let him know?”
Her eyes narrow. “If he’s—”
“No, no, he won’t hurt me. It’s just…embarrassing for me.
I screwed a prince.” I wrinkle my nose like I’m actually embarrassed.
“It was a wild weekend. I don’t need or want to be reminded of it, that’s all.
And I’m working, you know?” I hate making it sound like I’m uncomfortable about having a fling with a prince, but I’ll say or do whatever I have to so that Daniil will leave me alone.
“Oh, I get it.” She nods. “Don’t worry—I’ll keep an eye out.”
“Thanks.” I wander over toward the stage, watching as a woman is strapped onto the St. Andrew’s Cross. She looks nervous but excited and I try not to stare as the dom running the demonstration touches her.
That’s probably not for me, but it’s still hot.
The hair on the back of my neck stands up a second before I hear his voice.
“The St. Andrews cross turn you on, Courtney?”
If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have none at all tonight.
Of course he catches me watching people have sex.
But if I can play it cool, like this is no big deal, maybe he’ll believe it.