My shoulders slump. “I traveled all this way for nothing,” I say in a soft voice, tears forming in the corner of my eyes. “I was really, really hoping I could attend just one event. Plus, with me living out of state, it would be hard for me to come on short notice.”
At that moment, Melissa’s phone dings. She looks down at the message, and then back up, her expression measured.
“How long are you in town for, Jemima?”
“I’m supposed to fly back home tomorrow. Why?”
“Can that be changed?”
My eyes widen. OMG, is this an opportunity? “Well, yes, if necessary.”
The older woman nods.
“While I can’t get you an invitation to tonight’s party, there is another party this weekend. It’s a special party that we’ve crafted for a particular member.”
I lean forward and nod enthusiastically.
“Great. I’m there. Can you tell me more?”
Melissa nods.
“Yes of course. Tomorrow night in Westchester, we’ll be hosting a Virgin Hunt.”
The air seems to go still as Melissa pauses for dramatic effect. I furrow my brow as my heart pounds. “Um, what does that mean?”
She nods. “The Virgin Hunt is one of our marquee events, and we’re putting one on tomorrow in response to a member request. Basically, we’ve reserved an empty, secluded field surrounded by woods in Westchester. The women in attendance get a head start on the chase, and then our clients set out on foot after them. Of course, the women are caught, and you can imagine what happens next. The women run nude, you see.”
I’m nodding before Melissa finishes talking. Another woman would be intimidated, but I merely nod with excitement. “That’s exactly what I came to New York for because I want something exciting and sexy to participate in. I want to attend. Just tell me what I need to do.”
Melissa chuckles and nods, pleased. “Well, one of our girls sprained her ankle last night, so she’s out. I’ll tell my assistant that you’ll be taking her spot at the event tomorrow, and we’ll get you all the details.”
My heart pounds.
“This is amazing. Thank you so much, Ms. Watson.”
She winks at me. “Please, call me Melissa. You’re in luck, really because the Virgin Hunt usually takes place during our Summer Bacchanal. You’ve heard of that, right? During the bacchanal, we host a week-long series of parties, hunts, and various sexy games for our clients.”
I nod.
“Yes, but it’s not summer.”
She nods again.
“Exactly. Again, one of our male clients has requested that we hold this event just for him. As a result, it’s going to be thirty women, but only one man. He’ll choose which woman – or women – he likes, and enjoy them to his heart’s content.”
My heart pounds. “Holy cow. It sounds depraved.”
Melissa nods.
“It’s very depraved. But are you up for it?”
I nod enthusiastically. “Absolutely because this is exactly what I came to NYC for. I’m not leaving without attending this, no matter what.”
Melissa nods with approval and types something into her phone. “Then you’ll be receiving a formal invitation soon, Jemima, and it’ll have everything you need to know. It might be cool outside, but rest assured – once the hunt begins, you’ll warm right up.”
I nod.
“I won’t let you down. Thank you so much!”
With that, we stand and shake hands, and then Melissa leads me to the elevator. Even though Sanctum HQ is nothing like I expected décor-wise, they’ve more than delivered in terms of excitement. Hell, I’m hoping that the hunter picks me tomorrow night because it’s going to be fun.
As soon as I step outside of the building, I whip out my phone and dial Corrie.
“You’ll never believe what happened!” I squeal as soon as she answers. My friend’s tone is wry.
“Let me guess: they fell in love with you and you’re Sanctum’s new number one girl?”
I laugh. “No, not quite.” I describe the entire interview in detail as I walk down a crowded city block towards Fifth Avenue, almost bumping into several pedestrians along the way.
“Wow, Jemima, that’s awesome,” my friend says. “I’m happy for you, I really am. But remember what I said: be careful.”
I giggle. “Don’t worry about me, I will. This is what I’ve been dreaming of for ages now. I mean, I saved, used my airline points, and now it’s finally happening!”
Corrie chuckles. “That’s true. Good luck, and keep me in the loop. I can’t wait to hear all about it.”
We hang up and I stop for a moment on the sidewalk, standing still for a moment in a stream of passerby. The sun hits my head, and is warm on my shoulders as I inhale deeply, letting the energy of the city infuse my veins. It’s happening. Tomorrow night, I’ll take part in the Virgin Hunt, and I can’t wait.
3
Zane
* * *
I realize I’m one of the most depraved men in the world as I stand on the outskirts of an abandoned field in Westchester. Well, I like my shit the way it is, and since I’ve got plenty of money to make it happen, there are folks more than happy to set it up for me.