Chapter 12

Chapter Twelve

Landon

Listen to Blurred Lines

by Robin Thicke

I got to Red on time, but felt a bit foggy. My night with Adam had burrowed deep. His face burned in my brain like his touch imprinted on my skin. Our play had led to deeper emotions on my part. It was beyond the physical, though that was part of it, but I kept replaying our time together over and over, trying to pick out the exact second I tumbled into love—a completely different type of love I’d never known existed.

I wanted to be with Adam all the time. I didn’t care if it was healthy or not, the idea of him being ripped away for three months weighed on my heart. But could I really give up a television opportunity because I was love struck? That’s what silly teens did in love—they followed their boyfriends to unknown places in a hopeful state, and got destroyed when time did its job. Were Adam and I strong enough to battle through so many obstacles? Our bonds would be tested by our friend group and the physical distance.

I was supposed to meet with my agent today to sign the contract for Dumped , but I delayed for another twenty-four hours. Every rational thought directed me toward taking the role, but there was something else—a nagging doubt in my gut—that kept me from closing the deal. I figured it was Adam since he was my current obsession.

Yet…my Spidey senses kept tingling and making me question if Dumped would be a big mistake. It was like I’d harnessed my dream from the universe, and now I was rejecting it to follow a man across the country. Unless it wasn’t the right dream because I was meant for something else. I needed to dig deeper to find the answer.

Frustrated from my churning thoughts, I checked in with Rocco first, then met Max behind the bar. The late-night crowd at Red was already turning darker and more intense. I still couldn’t believe I had permission to be here. Rocco kept the private servers separate from the rest of us. I was always curious, but there was something intimidating about what happened behind closed doors at Red.

I greeted Max and he grinned with an edge of excitement. “Ready for this? We’re going to make an insane amount of money tonight.”

I nodded, swearing to keep my focus on the customers tonight. I needed a distraction. “Sounds good. I had to sign away my life in that NDA contract, though.”

Max shrugged. “Well worth keeping secrets. There’s a reason the hottest celebrities come here and we finally get to find out. We can handle them.”

“True. I’m sure nothing will shock me.”

Max gave me an intense look. “You wouldn’t be interested in doing anything like this?” he asked, a bit too casually. “I know Coop and Elle are way into voyeur stuff. No curiosity if it’s for you?”

I thought of crawling to Adam on my hands and knees while I begged. Heat touched my cheeks. “Nah. I’m into other things.”

His eyebrow arched but before he could ask anything else, I headed downstairs. “Come on, our shift’s starting.”

I entered a private, unmarked door after punching in the code. The private lounge area was smaller than upstairs, but more luxurious. The décor stayed with the themes of rich red and sexy black, but there were touches of opulence that screamed next level wealthy. I took a minute to study the surroundings in full display and caught my breath.

Dim lights highlighted low tables and red couches with endless velvet cushions littering the furniture and floors. The walls were covered in red wallpaper with gold scrolling. Ornate crystal chandeliers hung from the ceilings. The bar was more intimate, centered in the corner in a deep onyx marble. High backed red velvet stools lined the bar. A floor held a few swaying couples while a sexy, grindy hip hop song streamed from the hidden speakers. One wall held a gorgeous mural of a man and woman engaging in oral sex. I shivered at the carnal image that immediately peaked my senses.

There was one other waitress and bartender serving. They were quiet and discreet, shuffling to various tables to change out drinks or appetizers amidst half naked women and men. Some men sat in custom suits and watched. A few gorgeously dressed women sat at a circular booth, surrounding a lone man with a collar, laying back on the table as if in offering. I finally noticed the masks.

“Why are some of them wearing masks?” I whispered to Max.

“Don’t know. It’s sexy? Or they want to make sure they’re not recognized? This is an exclusive crowd.”

The gorgeous black and red masks added the masquerade element that upped the erotic aura. The place practically throbbed with sex. “I guess so. This is tripping me out a bit.”

He rubbed my back in comfort. “Don’t worry, I won’t let anything happen to you, Landon.”

He was looking at me strangely, but I just nodded. “Let’s do this.”

The other waitress, Alice, quickly showed me the basics, then left. Max replaced the other bartender and the two of us fell into a rhythm, comfortable in our ability to serve customers at a high level. I took pride in how I worked at Red—I may be a simple waitress but I knew there was much more to the gig than serving food. It was an experience, and the more the groups loved me, the higher the tips. Figuring out what each person wanted was a fun psychological game to me I always excelled at. Max was a perfect partner; we settled into an ease from both our personal and work relationship, sensing what the other needed before it was spoken.

Once, I thought I’d never forgive Max or be able to be his friend. But over the past weeks, he’d been true to his word. He consistently checked on me with no pressure, and I’d become more comfortable in his presence. I knew Adam didn’t trust him, but I really felt as if Max realized we’d never be more to each other after such a betrayal. Some things broken could never be repaired.

I’d noticed Gabby and him talking more lately. I was going to approach Gabby to see if she had any interest in Max as more than a friend. I used to hate the idea of them together, but I was so happy with Adam, it may be a relief to have another couple in the group find each other. It would take the pressure off.

As the evening progressed, guests morphed into more exhibitionism. I placed a drink in front of a half-naked woman, legs spread, writhing under two men while each took turns pleasuring her. The erotic scenes were becoming more normal after a few hours. Oddly, though I didn’t want to partake in what they were doing, my body became tight with arousal and I wished Adam was here to take the edge off.

A gorgeous red-haired woman who reminded me of Gabby began doing a strip tease on the dance floor. The room was enchanted with her moves, and it took a lot for me to gracefully move around the tables amidst people all over each other.

Finally, the night was almost over. My feet throbbed, my cheeks hurt from smiling, and my back was killing me from bending over. I was still turned on from the display of naked flesh, decadent kissing, and the strip show from the red head. Afterward, a hot guy had taken her by the hand and pulled her to a dark corner. I caught flashes of them fucking and it was messing with my head.

I motioned to Max. “I’m heading for a bathroom break,” I mouthed.

“Take your time, it’s slowed down. Why don’t you step outside and get some air? Use the back door.”

I nodded and headed to the restroom. I washed my hands and repaired my lipstick. Some fresh air sounded like a good idea, since sweat dampened my skin. I made my way down the dark hall, opened the heavy door, and stepped into the private alley. I took a deep breath, wrinkling my nose at the scent of garbage, then widened my eyes.

A couple grunted as they wildly fucked by one of the dumpsters. I covered my mouth to quiet my gasp. “Sorry!” I muttered, stumbling back and retreating back into Red.

Oops. Guess I was staying inside. I turned and suddenly, a muscled, male body pressed against me.

“I’ve seen you watching all night.” The voice was rough and deep. It took me a few moments to register I didn’t know who was speaking. “I know what you want and I can give it to you.”

Uh, oh . I swallowed and reached for my professional tone. “No, thank you, I’m just the server,” I said lightly.

I tried to move away but he anchored my wrists in a strong grip, his whole body blocking me from my exit. “The wait staff indulges all the time. I’ll keep your secret.”

Temper and another emotion flared. “Not interested. I need you to let go of me now.”

His breath was hot against my ear, but it wasn’t sexy like Adam. This was fearful and threatening. When I cranked my head to the side, I caught a glimpse of his black and red mask covering his face. “After I give you what you want, bitch. And you’re gonna love it.”