I take a deep breath.
“I think I am.”
Then, Bruce leans towards me, about to kiss me, but I give him my cheek. OMG, why did I do that? As soon as it happens, I’m embarrassed. I asked him here to be dirty in public in front of my ex, so kissing shouldn’t be a problem. In fact, it should come smooth as ice, otherwise we’re not going to accomplish my mission.
“Sorry,” I apologize in stumbling words. “I don’t know why I did that. I guess it’s just nerves, and I don’t know …”
Bruce grins.
“No worries, honey. I get it because we’re doing something wild and crazy, but if at any time you change your mind or feel uncomfortable, let me know and we’ll stop, or leave. Whatever you want. You’re in charge of what happens here, okay?”
I stare at him for a minute, overwhelmed by his words. How can this kind individual be the same guy who has a reputation as a total man whore? Bruce Wilshire is sweet and caring, and for a moment I see more than a sex fiend doing me a favor. He’s a real human being, with real emotions. I cock my head at him.
“There’s more to you than what most people know, isn’t there?”
He runs a hand through his tousled black hair and laughs easily, but I can tell I’ve hit a nerve. “I don’t think most people would agree.”
I touch his arm and look into his eyes. “That’s probably because you hide that side of yourself from other people. But you let me see it, so now I know. Or at least I’m learning.”
A small smile tilts the corner of his mouth, but it’s enough to tell me I’m right. This man puts on a show as if he doesn’t care. He pretends that sex and parties are all that matters, but I can see that he notices, and he cares. Bruce is a solid individual, even if he tries to keep that side of him hidden in shadow.
But before I can speak, he leans in again, and this time I meet him. His mouth slants over mine, and my body comes to life as soon as his lips caress my plush pout. The handsome male is gentle at first, but I open up willingly, and he seizes the lead, cupping my face and kissing me hard. His tongue dips into my mouth, making me moan, and wetness begins to flow between my thighs as my nipples pebble. Then, Bruce pulls away, his eyes dancing with amusement.
“Well,” he says with a smile, “let’s get you in there so you can knock the socks off your ex before you figure out all my secrets. It’s only our first date, after all.” He winks, and then he brings his arm to my waist, circling it. A hot shiver goes down my spine, and I can feel the solid length of his arm through my dress, the heat searing me. Trying not to melt, I walk with him to the front door of the club, practically plastered to his side.
I give my name to the bouncer and the scarred man nods, expressionless. Then the door opens, and we step into a dark foyer of sorts. A woman with a clipboard double-checks our names, and then pulls back a velvet curtain, granting us admission to the main area of the club.
The inside of Nostradamus is luxurious, and it’s clear this isn’t an abandoned warehouse at all. The walls are painted black with bronze sconces flickering on the walls and an enormous gold chandelier overhead. There are plush leather couches scattered about here and there, and groups of people are already drinking, chatting and having a good time. Quite a few of the women are dressed in scandalous outfits similar to my own, and as we watch, a particularly sassy redhead steps out of her minidress so that she’s wearing only towering high heels and a thong that disappears between her cheeks. Her play partner tugs playfully at the string and she shivers with a giggle before capturing his mouth in a passionate kiss.
Meanwhile, I spot my friends at the back of the large room, occupying a set of couches.
“Are you ready?” I ask Bruce quietly, turning my eyes to his.
He grasps my hand and shoots me a lopsided grin. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
With that, I squeeze his palm and we move towards my friend group. I force myself to keep a calm expression when I see Carl and Cindy together. Of course, the lithe blonde is seated on his lap, and she’s wearing a dress the size of a handkerchief. It’s doing wonders for her breasts though, and I’m sure if the lights in here were brighter, I’d be able to see her sex when she moves her legs.