Chapter 19
Reese
Club Noir.
I pressed my hand against my collar, trying to remember who I was for tonight. Star. A slave eager and ready to please her master.
With the short leash trailing down my back, I could easily be grabbed and held in position when necessary.
Kendrick decided at that moment to tease me, tugging on the thin leather.
“You look beautiful.”
“I look like a whore.”
“Nonsense.” He scanned the sidewalk as we approached, ignoring the line of people vying to gain access. “You are without a doubt the most beautiful woman I’ve seen tonight.”
“You’ve seen two so far. One was a homeless lady we passed on the street.”
He chuckled. “I’ve noticed several others. Look at the women in front of us.”
Unable to help myself, I punched him playfully in the gut even though my stomach was filled with butterflies.
“Ouch,” he growled as he cupped the side of my neck, tugging me closer. “I might need to punish you for that.”
“Only if you catch me.” When I dared break free of his hold, he captured my arm instantly, pulling me against the heat of his body. If only this was a date instead of a stakeout. I wasn’t certain what else to fall it.
“Oh, I will. You ready?”
“Maybe. The club is notorious on the circuit,” I said as I tugged on the leather skirt. Even as a teenager I hadn’t worn one so short. With the high heels and the corset, I was as uncomfortable as hell.
“I can’t say I’ve ever even heard of it.”
“You need to get out more. It’s very exciting both for the dancing and the subversive activities on the top floor. I have a friend down here who told me all about it.”
He laughed and handed me the mask for the evening’s festivities. “A friend, huh?”
“She’s a little on the wild side.”
“So are you.”
“Are you certain we’re going to be safe here?”
“I have a feeling Lucifer selected a more public location so the discussion would be minimal. I doubt they’d consider breaking their veil of secrecy at this point,” he commented softly. “You don’t need to be nervous.”
As he guided me into the club, I realized I was extremely anxious.
We had no idea what to expect. While he was carrying his weapon and his friends were still working diligently on identifying anyone involved, I wasn’t certain that was of any real comfort given I knew what the bastards were capable of.
While the club was neutral ground, the owner seemingly above reproach according to everything Raven Intel had discovered, that didn’t mean we weren’t still in danger.
That much I’d gathered by Kendrick’s continued sullen mood.
The heavy drums of tribal music matched pulsing lights in the walls, the floor, and the ceiling. Bodies were everywhere, all in masks, the night a themed event. My friend had also told me the club was famous for them, allowing club goers to be anyone they wanted to be, the mystery a draw.
“Drake Cavanaugh. I believe I’m expected.” Kendrick was dressed the part of a wealthy businessman, his charcoal suit and black shirt creating the perfect aura of power and influence. He had his wallet in his hand, glancing over the man’s shoulder as he allowed his identification to be inspected.
“Mr. Cavanaugh,” one of two bouncers said in return as he glanced in my direction. Or I should say after he took a few seconds to leer. “Yes, your name is on the list. Please take the elevator to the third floor for the private party. It’s in the corridor behind the bar.”
“Very good,” Kendrick said and as soon as he shoved the wallet into his jacket pocket, he had his hand wrapped around the man’s throat, easily pushing him against the wall. As with almost everything about the man, his action surprised me.
So had the look in his eyes the night before when we’d played a game. His expression had been hardened, but not cold, dominating in a way that he’d faked while at the club.
Last night he hadn’t been faking.
And I’d wanted nothing more than to please him.
The other bouncer bristled as if ready to interfere and all Kendrick needed to do was to give the oversized prick a quick harsh glare for him to back down.
“While I can understand you appreciating beauty, if you dare look at my slave again in any way other than to pay her a nod of respect, you will learn how dangerous it is to dare invade my territory.”
The bouncer opened his eyes wide, but said nothing. Kendrick had his arm twisted in a split second while still keeping his fingers digging into the man’s flesh.
“I have no issue providing you with a lesson you won’t forget if that’s the road you choose, but I suggest you choose wisely.”
“Yes, sir. I’m very sorry.”
“Tell her that.” Kendrick released his hold on the man’s neck, allowing him to turn his head.
“I’m sorry, ma’am. I didn’t mean anything by it.”
“Apology accepted.” Was it wrong of me to be secretly thrilled at his reaction?
Exhaling, Kendrick finally released his hold, adjusting the cuffs on his sleeves while the man coughed. His hardened expression only changed when we were several feet away. “I’m sorry you had to see that.”
“I’m not.”
I did so enjoy his deep baritone laugh. He was enjoying himself.
“We’re being watched,” I told him.
He didn’t bother looking around the club as I was doing, instead heading for the neon lit bar. Everyone was dancing or at least moving to the music. While there were a few garish costumes, most were decked out in D/s attire, both men and women taking the dominant role.
We made it to the elevator without incident, but I sensed eyes on us every step of the way. Once inside, I took a deep breath.
“You remember what you’ll need to do?” he asked while nuzzling into my ear, the whisper soft enough if there were listening devices, no one would hear a word.
“Don’t worry. I’m a good little subbie. Remember?”
He laughed and pinched my nipple through the corset just as the elevator doors opened. A man stood waiting for us just inside, an indication Lucifer had been notified of our arrival.
He said nothing, simply leading us down a corridor. The same vibe of music was playing and as we passed several open-doored rooms, I noticed various ongoing BDSM activities. Butterflies swarmed my stomach as we walked by, a strange sense of unexpected desire swelling.
I was right about being watched, silent glances from the shadows creating an eerie vibe. They were all careful not to provide any opportunity to be recognized or remembered.
The masked man pointed toward another door, backing away almost immediately.
“Ah, Hunter. Very good to see you. And the lovely Miss Star. Welcome.”
There were other slaves inside, several on the floor by the masters’ feet.
All with collars and leashes. While I should be disgusted by the sight as a few rubbed their faces against their master’s leg like a cat, I found myself fascinated.
Two were without clothes, only the collar and a tail held in place by a butt plug.
The other girls were statues in the background, all tethered to their owners, their eyes as haunting as the realization that they’d lost hope in ever finding their way back to their past lives.
And none of them were my sister.
A cold chill drifted down my spine.
There were seven other men besides Lucifer, all in suits and wearing masks. There were others in the shadows, big hulking masses of men just like the ones who’d manhandled the girls.
Kendrick had his fingers wrapped around my leash, keeping a tight enough hold as if daring anyone to touch me.
A waitress approached and as expected, I wasn’t asked if I wanted anything to drink. This wasn’t about me other than one of the reasons I was here.
To take photographs.
The collar idea was brilliant, suggested by Chase, one of Kendrick’s friends and a DEA agent. With various bar height tables and few chairs, the men were standing, studying us while sipping on their drinks. I took the opportunity to take a few photographs by simply touching my collar.
While I felt eyes on me, I fell into the role, acting submissive while still rebellious enough to tug and pull at what I’d been forced to wear. Half the room was blocked off in shadows, the darkness oppressive.
The waitress was quick to bring the drink Kendrick had ordered, immediately disappearing.
“Gentlemen,” Lucifer began, lifting his glass. “Let’s have a toast.”
“What are you toasting to?” another asked.
“To new blood, of course.”
“New blood is always welcome,” another man said, the one who was paying close attention to everything I was doing.
“I appreciate the invitation, gentlemen, but I do have other business to attend to tonight. If there are any questions, I’d be happy to answer them for you.”
“How are you enjoying our beautiful city?” The question seemed far too benign.
“While I’ve been here many times before on business, I must admit I’m enjoying the scenery much more than I was before.
” He fisted a handful of my hair and I hissed, even jerking my head.
His eyes immediately flared, allowing the others to witness his displeasure with me.
“You’ll need to excuse my beautiful Star.
She’s just getting used to her place in my world. ”
“Yes, it does take time. I use a cage at night by my bed. It helps with the anxiety.”
Unable to help myself, I threw the asshole a look.
That prompted Kendrick to wrap his hand around my throat, inching closer. “Be careful, my beautiful slave. Disrespect will not be tolerated.”
I acted as if I was going to rebut then looked away. “Yes, sir.” All an act. Or was it?
His fingers lingering on my skin made me think twice.
“They do well with daily rounds of discipline,” Lucifer suggested.
I was ready to rip his eyeballs out with my bare fingers.
“She is learning. Slowly.” Kendrick shifted his eyes toward me before enjoying a sip of his drink.
“How did you hear about our organization?” The question drew Kendrick’s attention.