Chapter 14 #3
Heaven, the third floor, was where the true indulgence of Blood Lust began. Dancers entertained guests in lavish surroundings, each performance designed to captivate, enthrall, and inspire extravagance. Until a guest reached Heaven, they were nothing—a mere shadow among the privileged.
And at the pinnacle—Elysian Fields. The fourth floor, reserved for the most affluent, offered private retreats and overnight stays, allowing guests to indulge in the full breadth of Blood Lust's offerings.
A hushed exchange caught Mynx's attention.
"So, did you hear what Elanah has planned tonight?" One of the women murmured to her companion, a voice dipped in secrecy.
"No, do tell. That woman is always scheming to pin Raven down. Please tell me this one's going to be entertaining."
"You won't believe me, but I'll spill and let you decide." A pause, a glance over her shoulder, a silent challenge. "I heard she plans on dosing him with ecstasy and getting him alone after her performance on the main stage. And fucking him until he can't remember his own name."
Mynx watched as the woman shot a glare in their direction, daring Destiny—or anyone listening—to interfere.
"It's not like we don't all partake anyway," Wendi scoffed, shaking her head. "And they've had something going on for ages. Why would I find that shocking?"
"Because it's obvious he's been trying to distance himself from her lately?"
"Then she's playing with fire," the woman mused. "Elanah is stunning—I don't see why she doesn't just pick from the dozens of men lining up for her."
"The heart wants what the heart wants," Wendi shrugged as she and her friend stepped off the elevator.
Destiny exhaled slowly, turning to Mynx with an unwavering gaze.
"Listen, don't let the hyenas around here get under your skin.
Those two are Elanah's friends, and I wouldn't put it past them to try and mess with your head before your performance tonight.
" Her tone softened, shifting focus. "Let me introduce you to Ryan.
He's the club's manager—he reports directly to Raven and Stoker.
If you run into any problems, go to him. He'll take care of you."
Mynx gave a slight nod. "Thanks, that makes things easier." Then, after a beat, she asked, "Where does Raven usually hang out when the club is open?"
"How are things with you, too? Have you spent any more time together since Cabo?"
Mynx hesitated, the question catching her off guard. Cabo felt like a lifetime ago—sunlight, salt air, Raven's hand on her waist, the way he'd looked at her like she was the only thing worth watching.
But since they'd been back? Silence. Distance. And now the stolen diary, Elanah's venom, and the ache of not knowing where she stood.
"We haven't really talked," she said finally, keeping her tone light, neutral. "Things have been… complicated."
Destiny gave her a sympathetic look but didn't press.
"I'm sure he's just been busy."
"Ladies," Ryan greeted, extending his hand to Mynx, his touch delicately meeting hers.
His eyes lingered for a moment before he said, "You must be our new addition, Mynx.
" A knowing smile flickered across his lips.
"That outfit is pure perfection—beautiful.
I love the concept. The props you ordered arrived and are waiting backstage.
You'll need to coordinate with our sound and lighting team for your music and their release. "
"Told you my girl would come through," Destiny said, "This is going to be epic."
"Now, darling," Ryan said, smoothing his beautiful silk scarf into place.
"If you haven't met any of the male dancers yet and you need introductions or want a meet-and-greet, you'll want to come to me or my partner, Roman.
" With a graceful gesture, he pointed toward the bare-chested man behind the bar—stunning in his skillfully done makeup, his features illuminated under the soft glow of the lights.
Not only beautiful, but undeniably fit, his presence carried both elegance and sultry masculinity.
The man wiggled his fingers in a small hello as he continued to prep his bar for the evening.
Roman walked down the bar and handed her a drink. She lifted it to her dry lips and took a small sip. The cool pink liquid had a taste reminiscent of coconut and cotton candy, with a hint of sour cherry as a top note. It was dangerously delicious.
"Well, it's clear you have perfected the art of drink making, Roman. This is delicious, your recipe?" Mynx asked.
"It is—," he said," I call it Head in the Clouds; I'm glad you like it. But do keep in mind that too many will have you on your ass in no time. I figured you might need a little something to calm your nerves."
Ryan fidgeted with the rings on his fingers as he looked lovingly at Roman. "Yes, do be careful, darling; his drinks are as alluring as he is but pack quite the punch." He blew him a kiss, and Roman went back to his work.
"You two are cute as can be," Destiny said.
"When you've been together as long as we have, you always keep that slow simmer ready to jump into action," Ryan replied.
"Now, back to business, ladies. Mynx, you're opening the show on the main stage—it's your debut.
We open in about forty-five minutes, so head back to the dressing room for your final outfit and makeup check.
I noticed I didn't receive your extras list. Are you still deciding, or what should I tell our members when they ask about your services? " he continued.
"To be honest, I haven't given it much thought. Other than private dances, I'm not sure I'm willing to engage in much else," Mynx replied.
"Well, that's hardly fun," Ryan said. "Besides, it isn't going to help you clear your debt any faster.
Why not check out the fourth floor tonight and see what some of the others have negotiated for their services?
You might consider adding a few options next week.
Not every act here involves physical intimacy—you know, it's about finding what truly fulfills you.
For some, that might be cuddling, massages, or even bondage. The sky's the limit, really."
"I'm not in a rush to dive into all that. I want it to mean something, you know? With someone who actually feels like mine."
"On that note," Destiny said, lightly nudging her shoulder to get her attention to the fact that Raven was crossing the room, headed for his VIP box with an older man at his side. They looked alike. If Mynx had to guess, she'd say it was his father.
"Set your sights on the elusive unicorn—have you"?
Ryan giggled, watching the brief interaction between the two women play out.
"Good Luck, darling. The woman who bags Raven will not only have to be perfect, but she will also need a spine of steel.
And enough perseverance to get past the castle walls he keeps around himself.
Twenty years, and I still don't know the man well enough to call him a friend. "
Destiny nudged Mynx toward the curb. "Come on, let's move," she said, tossing her hair over one shoulder. "You might be dressed to kill, but I've still got a few last-minute touches to throw on before I'm ready to turn heads."
She smirked. "Can't let you have all the fun tonight." Mynx nodded.
"Ryan, a pleasure; see you later?
"Darling, I'll be available to you all evening should the need arise; break a leg."