Ivy’s eyes opened wide in horror. In a dress like that, she could be mistaken for a hooker…she instantly chastised herself for allowing such a dirty word to come to her mind. “I won’t wear that. Never.” And Rehana should have known better—after all, the risque red dress she gifted her on her birthday last year still sat in the back of Ivy’s wardrobe, untouched.
Her friend shrugged. “All right. I’ll keep it in my bag though, in case you change your mind later.” The dress was so skimpy, it fit inside her friend’s shoulder bag.
Finally, the limo moved to the sounds of whoops and cheers. But it hadn’t even turned the corner before Sandra took a bottle of vodka out of that shopping bag. “Take a shot.”
Ivy shook her head. “I’ll have a glass of wine with my meal when we get there.”
Loud groans went around the limo as Rehana frowned. “Don’t you want to live a little?”
“I am living.”
Her friend rolled her eyes. “You’re nearly twenty-five and still in the same house as your mother. You call that living?”
“I like living with my mother.” And she’d never considered any other option, because the Association discouraged individuality, emphasizing that families stay together and be a source of support for each other. It brought stability while ensuring that youngsters remained under the watchful eyes of their parents during a stage of life when they may be tempted to stray.
“Sure you do,” said Sandra. “Anyway, let’s forget about that. Have a shot. This might be your last party ever.”
Her last party ever…not that she’d had many…even at university, she’d been the first to leave any gatherings, before the real fun started. In fact, she’d never really partied, had she? Not the way others did. It was a miracle she’d picked up even this many friends at university.
“As I said, I’ll enjoy some wine with my meal later.” She’d never drank in the back of a car before and was not about to start now, even if it was a luxury limo. Nearly half an hour later, the car approached a river crossing and drove onto a large ferry, entering an area that resembled a small car park. “What’s happening?” she asked.
She didn’t like that grin on Rehana’s face. “You’ll find out soon.”
The ferry moved…they were traveling over the river? “Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise.”
They soon reached the other side, and the chauffeur drove the limo off the ferry, following other vehicles up a road. After a few more minutes, they stopped inside a set of large black gates. There was a building ahead with a crowd of people in front of it, waiting to get in.
“We’re here!”
There was excitement and chatter among the girls as they piled out of the car. To Ivy’s dismay, Rehana picked up the shopping bag, twinkly bits sticking out of it. What were they up to? Ivy got out of the limo, took one look at the building and froze. Looming above the building entrance was a huge sign in LED: Freefall by Eclipse. Eclipse...
“That’s a sex club,” she squeaked.
“Oh, God, don’t say sex as if it’s a swear word,” said Rehana. “And Freefall isn’t one of the pleasure zones, so your innocent eyes won’t be exposed to anything shocking. It’s a dance venue with places to eat. You did say you wanted dinner, didn’t you?”
“Yes, but I didn’t—well, this isn’t what I was thinking of.”
“Aaw, come on. You’re going to spend the rest of your life attending stuffy gatherings with Michael. This might be your only chance to try something like this. You do know that Eclipse has some of the best restaurants in Manhattan?” Yes, the place had gourmet restaurants and received glowing reviews for its cuisine, but it didn’t mean it was a place for her. “Come on, Ivy. We’re here now. Let’s make the most of it.”
“But I’ve heard this place is full of non-humans…it could be dangerous—”
“There will be a few supernatural customers, but only humans work here, so don’t worry—you’ll be looked after.”
Her friends stood before her, their expressions ranging from pleas to glares. At least if all the staff was human, it meant they would be safe. Ivy smiled. “All right, then. But we eat dinner and leave.”
Her friends’ cheers lightened her mood, but when they joined the queue, she felt like hiding before someone saw her. The only saving grace was that in a place like this, nobody from the Association would see her. She had wanted to go somewhere with the option of foods that had been blessed according to Association rituals, and she was willing to bet the cooks here didn’t pray over the ingredients as they cooked. Well, she could have a bite to make her friends happy and then eat properly at home...
A woman bumped into her. “Sorry, love,” she said, her eyes flashing red. A supernatural.
And there was another one. In fact, as Ivy cast her eyes over the crowd, it was obvious that unlike university, where there were a few of the abnormal beings to contend with, they were surrounded by them. And now a male with glowing eyes responded to her stare with a smile. She looked away, flustered. Eclipse was known for being a place where humans and supernaturals got together for…well, things she had no experience of. And this male thought she was interested in something like that with him…she felt nauseous and wanted to get out of there, but her friends now huddled together as Rehana pulled out the bottle of alcohol. “Quick. Gotta finish this before we get in there!”
She got the feeling her friends didn’t intend to leave after a sensible dinner. Oh well, she’d go in there for a bit and then make her excuses and leave. They could spend the whole night in there if they wanted. In fact, they’d have more fun without her around. And no, that thought did not make her feel left out. She was just different to them...and anyone who didn’t belong to the Association.
This time, when Rehana held out a shot, Ivy took one. She would need something extra to get through tonight. As the drink stung the back of her throat, making her eyes water, there were grunting noises behind her. She turned to see a supernatural female, her wild white hair flying around her in a halo as she made out with a human. She had her hands all over the woman, traveling over her breasts and backside, not caring who watched. A few curious glances were thrown their way, but mostly, people in the queue behaved as if this was something normal. Ivy had heard about the club before—difficult not to when it was the most famous social venue in Manhattan—but hadn’t imagined such debauchery.
She turned back to her friends, focusing on them. She could do this. God knew, they’d been there for her at university during those difficult first weeks. Within a week, she’d known she was out of place and regretted her decision not to study at an Association institute where courses were specialized to the needs of the organization. She was an outsider at the university until she met Rehana, who didn’t care that Ivy wasn’t into drinking, partying, or promiscuous sex. And she’d introduced her to others who accepted her into their little group. If not for them, she would never have got through that first semester.
Impulsively, she gave Rehana a hug. Her friend looked at her, frowning. “What’s up?”
“Nothing. Thank you for everything.”
Rehana grinned as she handed her another shot. “No need to thank me. Just make sure you have a great time tonight.”
Her friends were right. After tonight, this was it. Michael already had their life planned out for after marriage. They would move to Boston, where there was a new branch of Harrison Business Solutions and fewer supernaturals. As he said, those unholy beings had taken over this borough. While Michael managed her business, Ivy would take care of the household and Association tasks befitting the wife of the organization’s future leader. And of course, she would give him children soon. Which meant she would have to share his bed whenever he wanted…
When her friend held out another shot, Ivy drank it.
They went through the entrance, and then Rehana handed in their tickets at the reception. “Wrists, please,” said the receptionist. As she stamped their wrists
one by one, she said, “Do whatever you want in there with no risk. This includes a contraceptive that will cover you for twenty-four hours.”
Ivy pulled her wrist back before it was stamped. “I won’t need it—”
The woman grinned. “You won’t believe the number of people who say that. No entry without it, I’m afraid.”
Ivy held her wrist out so it could be stamped and then stared down at the geometric design, a reminder that this was a forbidden place. Being in this venue should have unnerved her, but as they entered a dimly lit corridor, Ivy experienced a frisson of excitement instead.
The corridor was dark, and as if wanting to protect her, her friends formed a circle around her as they led her to the end of it. After depositing their coats in a cloakroom, they pushed through a set of large doors. Only, they didn’t enter some fancy restaurant, but instead…well, Ivy didn’t know what to call the area. Her senses were immediately assaulted by flashing lights, loud music, and cheers. What was this? When more lights flashed, she closed her eyes, opening them only to wish she’d kept them closed. There were stages suspended from the high walls, DJs on four of them, and on the rest, scantily clad performers…
Surely there’d been a mistake.
“What are we doing here?” she shouted over the noise.
Rehana brought her mouth close to Ivy’s ear. “We’ll just stay for a bit. If you don’t like it, we’ll leave and go to the restaurant. Please, just a few minutes.”
“I’ll give it ten minutes.” And after that, she would leave, whether or not they came with her.
Again, she was beginning to wish she’d never come out at all. Around her, supernaturals and humans cavorted shamelessly, and a man with his fangs exposed sat on a nearby sofa with a human female, kissing her as his hand went to her breast. What was wrong with these humans? Didn’t they realize how they sinned by coming to such a place…by not only fornicating outside marriage, but doing so with supernaturals? They were on their way to hell but didn’t seem to know it. Or care.
Someone bumped into her, and she turned to catch a glimpse of flashing eyes. And then she was being pulled by her friends, toward the dance floor.
“Loosen up,” said Rehana, her hips gyrating. Ivy tried to follow her movements, but her feet, hands and hips were stiff. She used some of the moves she had learned at Association gatherings, but they did not go with the music. “Let go, Ivy. Nobody here gives two hoots about what you’re up to.”
Her friend was right. As Ivy looked around her, she realized that nobody was watching her. Nobody cared what she did. There was no one to monitor her every move, waiting for her to make a mistake. For now, there was no fear of hell.
After a few minutes, she did start to loosen up. She didn’t know whether it was the knowledge that she’d never get the chance to do something like this again, the alcohol or her adjustment to the environment, but when she looked up at the DJs and dancers, something of the old Ivy came back…the one who decided to study the course she wanted instead of going to an Association institute.
She’d wanted so many experiences but had never allowed herself to indulge her desires, even at university. And now, she was about to marry a man who would take away any chance of freedom she’d ever had. Perhaps her friends were right, and she needed this one night where she wouldn’t be Ivy. Couldn’t she pretend she was someone else? After all, once she was married, there was no chance of ever going to a place like this again. By this time next year, she could be a mother, before she’d lived…
Someone pressed up against her, and instead of disgust, excitement shot through her. Nobody would ever know. She’d been a good girl all her life, and perhaps it was time to follow her emotions for once.
It was her one night of freedom, and if she didn’t make the most of it, she’d regret it.
She turned to her friend. “Rehana. Any chance of getting that dress off you?”
Her friends cheered as Rehana handed her the skimpy number. “Shall I come with you?”
She shook her head. “I’ll be all right.”
Feeling bold, she made her way through the crowds, until she found a sign for the nearest rest room. She entered an area called Fairy land, so beautiful she found it difficult to believe it was a rest room. Decorated using glass and mirrors, the far wall depicted scenes from various fairy tales. She entered a spacious cubicle, done up in an Alice in Wonderland theme, the beautiful mosaic depicting the protagonist falling down a rabbit hole and into a land of strange and beautiful creatures.
After changing into the dress, a new boldness entered her system as she stood in front of the large mirror. She pulled up the neckline of the dress to hide some cleavage, but the material rode up, almost exposing her ass. And when she pulled down the hem, a tad too much flesh was revealed above the neckline. What did it matter? She was supposed to be someone else tonight, so she might as well go all out.
She tried to look confident as she left the rest room and approached the dance floor, even though her mind was now on whether the dress covered enough of her chest and thighs. Her friends released loud whistles when they saw her.
“You look hot, babe,” shouted one of them. “You had a hell of a figure hidden away under those frumpy dresses.”
When they pulled her back to the dance floor, she went willingly in the midst of those writhing people. It should have shocked her, those bodies pushing against hers, but instead, sensation burned inside her belly. The desires she’d so often subdued rose inside her. She was about to give the rest of her life to a man she hardly knew even after dating him for two years, so she deserved this…as she relaxed and began to enjoy herself, for the first time she felt regret that she’d not allowed herself to get carried away at university, choosing the highest grades over other experiences.
Sandra reached into that shopping bag to pull out a bridal veil, and Ivy didn’t protest when she pinned it to her hair. As random strangers cheered her on, she didn’t move her feet in sensible and restrained patterns but let her hips and chest join in, allowing them to wind where they would as her arms stretched out above her. And when someone moved close against her, she didn’t push away in disgust. In fact, the heat that burned between her legs made her move faster.
This is sin, that little voice inside her head said. I shouldn’t be enjoying this…but the excitement that shot through her was stronger than the guilt. It was just one night and tomorrow, she’d go back to her boring old life.
CHAPTER FOUR
* * *
FINALLY, HIS SHIFT WAS OVER. Junaid stood on the upper landing, staring at the dance floor below. Not long before Freya got here, and then he could leave for his place. She was a new manager, hired after the opening of Freefall, and capable of handling this place alone. He could leave on time tonight…
And then he saw the bridal veil bopping up and down among dancing bodies. A bachelorette party...fucking great. Usually the most rowdy of the lot. Just last week, he had to get security involved to restrain a group of females who had an unsuspecting vampire squashed between them, biting the poor fellow wherever they could get their teeth in. They’d been banned from the venue for good.
As the bodies shifted, the bride became visible. Her blond hair fell below her shoulders and those green eyes…they sparkled with joy, pulling him. And something else gripped him, something unfamiliar. His lion…it reacted to her…not just reacted, it clamored to reach her. His shifter instinct made him want to go to that dance floor, speak to her, touch her…
What the hell am I thinking of?
As he waited for the other manager, he stayed fixed to the spot where he stood, his eyes on tonight’s bride. She wore a black dress that would attract enough attention in itself. So tiny, it barely covered her backside and chest. That, combined with the white veil, meant several guys were edging closer to her. One guy placed his arms around her waist. At first she didn’t resist, moving her hips against him—which pissed Junaid off for some reason—but when the male grinded his pelvis
against her backside, she shifted away, frowning at the clubber. Right now, Junaid wanted to go down there and punch the hell out of the guy. Why did males feel the need to go after females they knew were bonded to another?
And why am I so pissed off?
He turned away to check out the crowd on the landing but didn’t last a few seconds before turning back, his eyes searching for the white veil among the dancers. There she was…
“Hey, Junaid.” Freya, the little elf, looked as if she’d fall over if someone said boo to her, but she had made a couple of the security guards cry since she’d been here. “You get off now; I’ll take over.”
“Cheers, Freya. See you tomorrow.” He made his way along the upper landing, toward the exit where he could grab the elevator that would take him out of the club. But he paused before leaving the landing, looking down at the dance floor…at the bride. Something made him stop, and a tinge of regret stabbed him because she was about to be married. Ridiculous. Yet, he was unable to move, his gaze fixed to her.
Her eyes were now closed, a small smile on her lips as she held her hands above her head and swayed to her own rhythm, as if she did not notice—or did not care—what music played around her. Her hips moved from side to side, rubbing against other bodies, and the lion inside Junaid readied for a fight. Now that was an unusual reaction. His beast getting possessive over a female…
He needed to get out of here, but his feet wouldn’t move, and neither would his gaze, fixed to her and tuning all else out. She appeared so happy and carefree as she danced away…looking forward to her upcoming wedding, no doubt. He wondered about the one she was getting married to. Someone special, no doubt. How must it feel to be so in love with someone that the prospect of being bonded with them brought so much joy?
It was definitely time to get out of here…
Lion's Heart (Blood Moon Book 4) Page 3