After a few seconds she almost walked away. Then the door was opened. For several reasons she anticipated a brawny man or two, hired help to keep the riffraff away. To her surprise, the woman answering her knock was well dressed, older and held an immediate air of self-confidence.

  “And you are?” the woman asked as she gazed down the length of Destiny.

  “Skyler. My name is Skyler.” Destiny resisted flinching. She remained unsettled but an excited anticipation was building.

  “Of course, you are. Why are you here, Skyler?” The woman smiled, her eyes twinkling.

  “I was… I was invited.” She kept her eyes locked on the beautiful woman as she opened her purse, tugging the card from the bottom. “I was told this was where I needed to be.”

  Accepting the offering, the woman didn’t bother to look. “Then if you have this card, you come highly recommended. Come inside. I’m Mistress Jade.”

  The door was opened, and Destiny smiled before walking inside. The hallway was long but well lit. The scent of cinnamon and another exotic substance wafted across her nose. The sounds of laughter, as well as the same music was comforting.

  “Do you know anything about Club Noir?” Mistress Jade purred. She placed her hand on the small of Destiny’s back, guiding her further inside.

  “I only know what I was told.”

  “And that is?”

  “That this is a place of domination and submission, where women can find all the answers they seek.”

  Mistress Jade inched in front, stopped and turned to face her. Leaning closer, she eased a stray strand of hair from Destiny’s cheek. “You’re half right. Very good. This means that you understand. I’m already pleased by your intelligence and direct responses. Perhaps later we can talk, after you’ve engaged with a few of our guests.”

  Destiny shivered yet kept her smile. The words weren’t threatening but there was an edge to the meaning, darkness wrapped in a pretty pink bow. “Engaged?”

  Winking, she held out her arm. “Yes. Go inside. Enjoy chatting, discussing politics or the woes of social media. Have a glass of wine. I’ll be watching. If I like what I see, I’ll ask you to join me in my office. If you don’t hear from me, never come back to this establishment again. Are we clear?”

  “Very.”

  “Excellent.” She gave an additional nudge. “Allow me to take your coat.” She unknotted Destiny’s cloak, her eyes never leaving Destiny’s. She moved in a half circle and dropped both sides of the sash. “I assure you no one will touch you without your permission. I have strict rules of engagement.”

  Strict rules. Destiny’s ultimate desire.

  Long fingers brushed across the base of Destiny’s neck as the Mistress eased the cloak from Destiny’s shoulders.

  “You have a beautiful body and excellent posture. There are many who will find you desirable.”

  Chills rushed down the length of her body. She wasn’t attracted to women, but the Mistress was enticing in a forbidden way, an invitation to visit Pandora’s Box.

  Mistress Jade slid the tips of her fingers down one arm and up the next. “A long neck. A stunning smile. You’re as alluring as you are intelligent.”

  The strapless dress was suddenly far too revealing. Her nipples hardened as she tried to remain unfettered. “Thank you.”

  “Thank you, Mistress. Never forget whom you are talking to. While you’re in my domicile, you belong to me. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, Mistress.” Heat rushed to Destiny’s cheeks.

  “Good girl. Now go and enjoy.”

  She held her breath as she took a long stride further into the room. A myriad of sconces and candles highlighted the expansive space. Two massive bars flanked both ends of the room. The setting was inviting, leather couches and chairs nestled on splendorous rugs. Filled with mostly men, the few women adorning the surroundings were an offering of submission. The powerful aura filtrating the area was oppressive. “I believe I should go.” She shifted, taking a step backward. Mistress Jade had disappeared. For a few seconds she thought about retreating to the safety of her car. Then a small voice reminded her why she was here. The purpose was palpable.

  Oh God. Oh God. Oh God. How could she go through with this? A series of tingling sensations crept down along the back of her neck. He was close. He was watching, forever taunting her. Thirty minutes. Gather information. That’s it then. Leave. Go home. The pep talk did nothing but increase the butterflies in her stomach.

  Her heels clipped against the wooden floor as she walked with purpose toward the closest bar. The echo, a slight ring in her ears, mixed with her ragged heartbeat. As she walked past several groups of men, she could tell she was being studied. Fresh meat. The thought was riveting.

  Destiny gripped the edge of the bar and realized none of the other women in the room had a drink in their hand. She hugged her purse and scanned the perimeter. The shadowed balcony above drew her attention and her mind allowed visions of belts and floggers, spanking benches and nipple clamps. A moan threatened to give her away.

  All eyes seemed to be on her, watching every move as if determining her worth. She purposely turned away, praying to God she could keep up the charade. She walked with quick steps toward an ornate bar. When the bartender acknowledged her presence, she gave a sigh of relief. In the young man’s hand was a hefty glass of red wine.

  He said nothing as he slid the crystal across the top of the bar, yet his eyes told her a story. She was in the looking glass of desire, a subject of interest. Accepting with a nod, she took a sip of cabernet, grateful for the distraction. This was a stage, an event, and she was being tested. There was no way she could do this. Breathe. Just breathe. Hair stood on the back of her neck. This was the same feeling she’d had during her time with Michael. Unsettling. Unnerving. Terrifying.

  “A woman so distinguished seems out of place.”

  The tone of his voice was practiced, smooth with a hint of an accent.

  How in the world was she going to play the submissive when everything screamed for her to pepper the entire room of men with questions? “I am out of place but longing to find myself.” She dared not look in his eyes. His cologne reeked of woods and dirt. She swallowed hard, curtailing the instant nausea. Play the part. What little she knew about the lifestyle meant quiet and reserved.

  He chuckled and touched her cheek with his pinky. “Then you’ve come to the right place. Women who learn their place make fine companions.”

  Destiny bristled, clenching her teeth. “Yes, sir.” The words were stated with disdain.

  “I may come for you later. We will see what the evening brings.” The man left as quickly as he’d come. There was no second glance, no hungry stares. He was bored with her. Test failed.

  Exhaling, she took short steps, advancing into the crowd. When no one attempted to stop her, she made her way to the bank of windows on the opposite side of the room. Stars twinkled in the sky and the sliver of moonlight, as well as a gathering of low-level lighting, illuminated an impressive fenced in back yard. She lost herself in the reflections cast across the pool water and placed her hand on the glass.

  The reflection became muddled as a man moved directly behind her. He remained silent. His scent was exotic, intoxicating.

  Electricity swept through her entire body. Goose bumps popped along her naked skin. She refused to acknowledge his presence, remaining in the same position. Even in the window she could tell he was handsome, his features chiseled. While the lighting only allowed her to see a portion of his face, his eyes penetrated the dimness.

  “When a woman understands the need buried deep within her, she begins to blossom. The very moment she not only accepts but also embraces who she is, the realization is intoxicating and will never be able to be denied. Only then can she flourish. I suspect you’ve found this within yourself.”

  When he started speaking, she closed her eyes. The words tingled her very soul. His breath was hot as it streamed down the side of her neck. His voice was comforting, inviting.

  “Learn and refuse to deny. You are your own destiny. You’ll find your inner strength in the knowing.”

  Shuddering, she opened her eyes. The mystery man was gone. The air around her remained stagnant. She was shaking as she searched the room in the reflection. Finally, her eyes captured him. He lifted his glass in reverence and disappeared.

  Destiny dropped her head, panting. Inner strength. He knew her inside and out. She clawed at the window. The electricity remained and she knew this man, this incredible specimen was the one from her dreams. Finally able to pivot, she darted her eyes back and forth. He was nowhere to be seen. Her skin crawled as she took another sip of her wine. This was no coincidence. He was here for a reason. He had found her, and she would figure out why and what he had in mind. She refused to be a game piece.

  For a few minutes she milled through the crowd, able to engage in conversations with men who had no interest but politely acknowledged. Every one of them kept their distance as if she’d already been chosen. Absolutely she had. She belonged to him.

  She gulped down the rest of her wine and placed the empty glass on the bar. The visit tonight wasn’t going to give her any answers. Keeping her head down, she walked toward the door, chastising what had been a ridiculous decision. She was no detective and had no place being here. Coat or no coat, she was leaving, heading for the sanctity of her home.

  “You’ve made an impression.” Mistress Jade appeared out of the shadows.

  “I’m not certain what that means. I’m nothing but a piece of meat. That’s not who I am.” The edge in Destiny’s voice was evident.

  “Interesting,” she said after a few seconds. “You came here for a reason. I think I know why. If you’d like to find the real woman hidden behind the mask you’ve woven into a mesh of steel, then follow me. If not, I’ll have a member of my staff retrieve your coat. The choice is entirely yours.”

  Destiny held her breath as the Mistress sashayed toward a staircase. Everything about the setting and the evening was wrong. She should go home. She should go… Wiping a single bead of perspiration from her forehead, she took tentative steps toward the stairs. There was no harm in learning more about what was going on behind the scenes.

  Forever mine…

  When she was on the second step, she heard the distinct sound of his voice. She glanced over her shoulder and into the eyes of her mystery lover. He was real. He was alive.

  And so, it begins…

  CHAPTER 9

  Christopher stood still, sadistic thoughts swirling in his mind. Visions attacked his inner sanctum, cascading heightened desires. As she walked, he envisioned tying her wrists and ankles to the steel cross. He could almost taste her apprehension; however, her growing excitement wasn’t something he’d anticipated. He wasn’t surprised she was here. She was, after all, as tenacious as she was intelligent. He breathed in. The scent of her perfume remained tickling his nose.

  Every man in the room was interested in her. They were all playing a game, hunting her in an intricate fashion. He could almost read their minds, the sadistic yet tasty punishment they longed to dole out. Perhaps his web of electricity thwarted their increasing desires. The concept was satisfying indeed.

  I will have you. She turned as if searching for the cause of the extreme current. He sighed and surveyed the room. No one else could see the tethering increasing between the two strangers. Chuckling, he sipped his drink, sucking on a single ice cube. The smooth taste of the bourbon was soothing as the liquid slid down the back of his throat.

  From where he stood, he could see the nervous tick on the right corner of her mouth. She was unsteady in her heels, a telling trait, yet she held her head high as she headed up the long staircase. Mistress Jade had summoned her presence.

  He remained not only intrigued by the lovely woman, but also secured in the knowledge they were indeed destined to be together. Without a doubt, she was the one. She’d come as if offering her very soul. His cock was hard, pushing against his linen pants. An ache burned within. He could take her tonight. Of that he had no doubt. However, she had to come to him of her own free will. He was no monster.

  A smiled crossed his face given he was lying to himself. He was a true heinous savage in every way. He was the epitome of a merciless Master. He polished off his drink, handed the glass to a passing waiter and headed for the exit. He was no longer hungry for the tarts in the club disguised as submissives. No matter how well paid they were, the women were tawdry in comparison. He’d bide his time, find out as much as he could about her and wait. Could he indeed be a patient man? He laughed. Time would tell.

  He’d quickly develop a plan, one that would be executed soon enough. When she disappeared around the corner, he searched the room one last time. Her scent lingered on his hands. He inhaled and called to her once again. She would never forget their meeting.

  Anger had been replaced by a peace he hadn’t experienced in several years. She was his destiny, perhaps his very salvation. His dreams were very much a reality. The thought enthralling, he jerked his keys from his pocket and walked outside. The air was humid, even for a late September evening. There was a slight breeze, and the scent of night creatures was powerful. He loved the darkness, reveling in the security afforded him.

  The weekend certainly hadn’t gone as planned. He was incensed the deal was at a standstill. There had been no explanation other than the Decision Committee needed more time. Now, patience wasn’t one of his virtues. With women or in business. He suspected Stephen was behind the delay.

  As he walked toward his car, pressing the unlock button, he grew restless. His relentless prowess, his very command had been challenged by a group of men and women who had no idea the man they were dealing with.

  He threw open the door to his Mercedes and climbed inside. For a few seconds he remained glaring out into the darkness. Vile and cruel images slithered into the back of his mind. He closed his eyes briefly as a headache settled in. This was no time to lose control. Everything would work in his favor.

  As he started the engine, he glanced up at the second floor. The single lamp burning in the front window highlighted Jade’s office. He smiled as his cock throbbed. Mistress Jade would try and lure the delicious creature into her fold. What an interesting folly this could be. “Soon, my princess.” He placed the gear into drive and hit the gas. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed a young man standing in the shadows, his face tipped toward the house. An eerie thought rushed into his consciousness. Death was all around him.

  “Would you like another glass of wine?” Mistress Jade asked as she held up a dark bottle.

  “I’m fine. Thank you.” Destiny heard the glitch in her voice. The meeting wasn’t necessarily unexpected. Her guard was up, her hackles raised.

  “Mmmm… Excellent. A woman who knows her limits. A cigarette perhaps?”

  “No. I’ve never smoked. I have no need.”

  Mistress Jade flashed her a look of respect. “No need. Excellent.” She poured a glass of wine and tugged a cigarette from a pack on her desk. After lighting she took a long puff, holding the smoke inside her mouth. When she exhaled, she gave Destiny a once over and walked around to the other side of her desk.

  Destiny remained tense. She exhaled and looked around the room. Her skin crawled. She thought about the man and realized her panties were damp. Don’t think about him. Don’t allow him in. After a few seconds she was able to regain her clinical view. This was a fact-finding mission. Her patients were dead. She had to find out the truth. They deserved to have their killer brought to justice. Visions of dripping blood and gore would forever burn into her soul. Dead. They were dead. Jesus Christ, what was she doing here? You have a role to play. You are Skyler.

  Mistress Jade stood stoically.

  Look for anything odd. Remember every detail. She clenched her fist and scanned the perimeter. The gleaming stainless desk was topped with an inch thick plate of glass. The leather chair was bright red, accentuating the animal print rug and erotic art covering two of the walls. There was little indication of the Mistress doing any actual work. While a laptop adorned her desk, there were no files, no paper of any kind. “You have a beautiful office.”

  “Yes. I spend my time split between the club and my office downtown.” Instead of easing into the majestic chair, she sat on the corner of her desk, exposing her long legs in a provocative manner.

  “An enjoyable space.” The two plush chairs for visitors to recline were shorter in comparison to the adorned leather piece. She moved from foot to foot. Her feet were killing her. The various pieces of art were obviously expensive, and the eroticism was meant to entice if not entrance.

  “You’re not what I would have expected.”

  “Meaning?” She dared not look into the woman’s face. There was one additional object nestled beside Mistress Jade’s laptop, a red book. From where she stood, she could see gilded lettering.

  Mistress Jade took another long drag. “Let’s just say you’re unlike my other girls.”

  “You say that as if this is a house of prostitution.” Destiny cocked her head. Intimidation was obviously one of the Mistresses strong suits. She refused to give in. “I thought this was merely a club for rich men with little else to do, a place to stymy their abhorrent and very boring lives. Playtime.”

  Laughing, she held up her glass of wine. “You don’t mince words. Another attribute I admire.”

  “Then why don’t you tell me why you asked me into your office?”

  She rose to her full height and stubbed out her cigarette. “Club Noir is incredibly special to me. I learned a long time ago that men of wealth require a secure location where they can embrace their true calling.”