Chapter 11

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Iris

The sun filters through the trees, dappling the dark wood exterior of the Desire House as I pull up the winding gravel drive.

This luxurious log cabin tucked in the woods has been a godsend the past few weeks, taking some of the heat and attention off Satin Dreams while still servicing our top clientele.

I cut the engine and step out, my black leather boots crunching on the white stones.

Adjusting my lace camisole and fur coat, I make my way up the wooden steps to the wrap-around porch.

The door is unlocked as always for me.

"Morning, ladies," I call out as I enter the spacious great room with its high, exposed-beam ceilings.

Plush couches and armchairs are artfully arranged atop the colorful Persian rugs.

Rosa looks up from where she's curled on the sofa, long legs tucked under her, studying a well-worn romance novel.

Her face lights up when she sees me. "Iris! I didn't expect you this morning. Everything okay at the club?"

She sets her book aside, sitting up straighter.

I wave a dismissive hand as I sink into the buttery leather armchair across from her. "Yeah, things are fine. Just wanted to check in, see how it's going out here."

Rosa stands and stretches languidly. "Oh, you know, the usual. Plenty of powerful men letting loose their deepest, darkest desires within these walls. And paying handsomely for the privilege, I might add."

"Music to my ears." I grin at her.

This place has been an unexpected boon—the privacy and seclusion is perfect for our most elite clientele.

Bankers, politicians, CEOs...men who can't risk being seen frequenting Satin Dreams.

"I have to say, I've been enjoying the change of scenery myself," Rosa admits, making her way over to the side table to pour us both a glass of cucumber water from a frosty pitcher. "It's nice getting away from the noise and chaos of the city."

"I bet." I accept the glass she offers me, condensation cooling my fingertips. "You don't miss the catcalls and the grabby regulars pawing at you every night?"

Rosa laughs, a rich, melodic sound. "Oh, you know I can handle myself with those clowns. But I'd be lying if I said I'm not appreciating the...selectiveness of the Desire House crowd."

I nod, sipping my water.

She's not wrong.

The men who come here drop some serious cash.

And expect impeccable service and discretion in return.

"How are the other girls enjoying it?" I ask, glancing around.

The cabin seems quiet, tranquil.

A far cry from the pounding music and flashing neon of Satin Dreams.

"They love it," Rosa assures me. "Sable and Jade were just saying the other day how much more relaxed they feel out here. And you know Lana's always up for anything new and adventurous."

"Good, that's good to hear." I lean back, crossing one leather-clad leg over the other.

I'd been a little worried some of them might balk at being so isolated, preferring the 24/7 glitz and excitement of being right in the best part of town.

But it seems to be suiting everyone well so far.

And more importantly, it's kept the cops from sniffing around Satin Dreams too closely.

I know they've had their eye on the club for a while now, just waiting to pounce at the first sign of trouble.

Over my dead, sexy body.

I won't let anything threaten what Viper’s built, what he’s entrusted me with.

The Desire House is a haven, a judgment-free zone, a place where people can shed their inhibitions and explore their fantasies.

I'll do whatever it takes to protect that.

Including running this place out in the boonies to throw the scent off.

"So what's on the agenda for today?" I ask briskly, getting down to business. "Any big fish on the line?"

Rosa's lips curve in a small, secretive smile. "Senator Gaffney booked the Crimson Room for tonight. You know what that means."

"Ooh, a visit from the Governor, huh? Hope Lana’s been practicing her knots."

The Senator has some very particular tastes that the ladies love to bring to life.

"I'll make sure the room is set up to his usual specifications." Rosa drains the last of her water and sets the glass aside. "What about you, boss lady? Heading back to the city?"

I hesitate, tapping one black fingernail against my glass.

The thought of returning to Satin Dreams, to Viper, sends a little thrill zinging through me.

Things have been...intense between us lately.

Heated glances, loaded words, mind-blowing sex day in and day out, a simmering tension threatening to boil over at any moment.

It's exhilarating.

It's terrifying.

It's...everything I’ve ever wanted.

A pang of guilt twists in my stomach as I think of my beautiful, bubbly friend, oblivious to the tango of temptation her father and I have been dancing.

I can't avoid her forever, as much as the cowardly part of me wants to.

I need to woman up, be the friend she deserves, even if that means swallowing my increasingly complex feelings for Viper.

Ugh. feelings.

I'm much more comfortable in the realm of lacy teddies and stilettos than messy emotions.

"There are some things I need to get done upstairs. I’ll see you a bit later, okay?" I don’t wait for Rosa to answer.

I slide off the couch and head upstairs to my office, slipping in the door before anyone needs something from me.

For the next three hours I’m looking over financials, bookings, and the updates the new web designer sent me.

I’m trying my damndest to get everything in tip top shape around here, to show Viper that I’m capable of handling this.

A soft knock sounds on my office door, jolting me out of my inner thoughts.

"Come in," I call out, straightening up in my chair and smoothing my lace top.

Rosa slips inside, her dark eyes watchful as she shuts the door behind her. "Hey, Iris. Got a minute?"

"For you, always." I gesture for her to take a seat. "What's up? Something going on with Diego?"

Diego is Rosa’s brother, and the cop who gave us a heads up the police were watching Satin Dreams.

She shakes her head as she settles into the chair across from me, her long dark hair swishing. "Nah, just more of the same. They've got 'bigger fish to fry' apparently." Her perfectly arched brows rise as she air-quotes her brother's words.

I nod, trying to tamp down the unease swirling in my gut.

Diego's in vice, and I trust his info, but I don't like feeling exposed. Vulnerable. "Well, just keep me posted if anything changes, yeah? I’ll need to let Viper know and we can't be too careful."

"You got it, boss." Rosa's lips quirk.

She tilts her head toward the door just as another knock sounds, more urgent this time.

"Come in," I call again, curiosity piqued.

It's not like my girls to interrupt when I'm holed up back here.

The door cracks open and Melody peeks her head in, her blue eyes rimmed with red. "Sorry, I don't mean to barge in, but..." She bites her lip. "It's my dad. He had a massive heart attack. I need to get to Philly like, now."

"Oh shit, Mel." I rise and cross to her, pulling her into a hug.

She feels so tiny and fragile in my arms. "Of course, do what you need to do. Family first, always."

She sniffles against my shoulder. "Thanks, I just... I'm freaking out. The doctors don't know if he'll..." She trails off, voice cracking.

I rub her back, letting her collect herself.

Melody's dad is her rock, the one person who's always been there for her.

I can't imagine what she's feeling right now.

After a moment, she pulls back, wiping her eyes. "I'm sorry, I just barged in here blubbering. Some dominatrix I am, huh?"

"Hey, none of that." I squeeze her shoulders. "You're human. We all are, even if we play goddess in the dungeon sometimes."

That earns me a watery laugh.

I take it as a win. "Do you have any sessions booked that we need to juggle?"

Melody presses her fingers to her temples. "Um, yeah. Charles tonight for some impact play. And Killian tomorrow for his usual HUCOW deal."

I feel my brows creep up at that.

Killian's not shy about his kinks.

Something about adult breastfeeding and him being a human cow.

Melody catches my look and laughs. "I know, I know. Don't kink shame."

I hold up my hands. "No shame. Just impressed by your range."

"Oh, and Marty's booked the night after that for cuckolding. But I can call them, or have Rosa..."

"I've got it handled," I assure her. "Don't even stress. We’ll move some ladies around and make sure the clients are satisfied. Just get yourself to Philly and take care of your dad. Let me know if you need anything else."

Relief washes over her face. "Thank you. Really. I don't know what I'd do..."

She looks like she might dissolve into tears again, so I pull her in for one more quick hug.

"Go. And text me with updates, okay? We're all pulling for your dad."

She nods against my shoulder, then pulls back. "Thanks, Iris. I will."

With a final sniffle, she slips out the door, pulling it shut behind her.

I sigh, turning back to Rosa, whose eyes are soft with sympathy.

"Damn. I hope her dad pulls through. That's heavy."

"Yeah. Me too." I scrub a hand over my face. "Can you take Charles tonight? Give him a good working over? I think you could blow off some steam."

Rosa's eyes gleam. "Mm, now that I can do. You know bossing men around is my favorite pastime."

I smirk, dropping back into my chair. "Oh I know it. Charles won't know what hit him. Just make sure he can still walk after, yeah?"

Her throaty laugh fills the room. "No promises. But I'll do my best."

We grin at each other, the tension easing from my shoulders.

This, right here, is why I love my girls.

Even in the middle of chaotic and stressful situations, we have each other's backs.

We're a team.

A family.

"So Killian and his HUCOW fetish..." I arch a brow at Rosa. "You game for that one too? Or should I tap someone else."

Rosa purses her ruby lips, considering. "You know, I actually kinda dig it. There's something weirdly soothing about cuddling a grown man while he suckles, pretending to be a damn cow."

I snort out a laugh.

I'll never understand the appeal, but that's why I've got my girls.

They all have their secret kinks and niches.

"Alrighty then, HUCOW Killian is yours. And I'll see if Lana can take Marty the Cuck. She gets off on humiliation even more than Jade does."

Rosa nods. "Good call. She'll have Marty crying tears of shame and arousal in no time."

We hash out a few more details and scheduling snafus.

We roll with the punches and lift each other up.

After a few minutes, Rosa rises with a stretch, her crop top riding up to reveal her golden belly ring. "All right, boss. I'm gonna go get dolled up and head over to prep for my session with Charles. Wanna whip up a new persona just for him. Something extra... authoritative." She smirks.

"Ooh, do the severe headmistress look," I suggest eagerly. "He won't be able to sit for a week, I guarantee it."

We cackle together briefly, the naughty co-conspirators we are at heart.

Then she sobers, her eyes locked on mine. "You gonna be here long tonight? I can always come back up after I’m done with my session."

As much as I adore her for offering, I need some space to clear my head.

To figure out what the hell I'm doing with Allegra, with Viper, with everything.

"Nah, I'm good. I think I'm gonna stay late and catch up on some paperwork." I shrug, smiling wryly. "The glamorous life, am I right?"

"Damn straight." She grins. "But seriously, you need anything..."

"I know. I promise."

She blows me a kiss as she saunters out the door, all swaying hips and jiggling curves.

That ass puts money in all our bank accounts, I swear to god.

The moment she's gone, I slump back in my seat, exhaling heavily.

Crisis averted for now.

But Melody's family emergency is a stark reminder that we need more girls.

What people have yet to realize is that even though Tinsel Creek is a family oriented town… the desires residing within the men and women want to be tapped into.

We have to hire more girls if we’re going to keep up with the demand, and soon.

Anything can change in a heartbeat.

Including whatever this crackling, forbidden relationship is between me and Viper.

What the hell am I doing?

Risking everything for a few weeks of mind-blowing sex and soul-searing connection?

My phone buzzes with an incoming text, making my heart lurch into my throat. Allegra.

Hey stranger, you alive? Starting to think you're avoiding me.

Guilt churns in my stomach, souring the Thai noodles I had for lunch.

I stare at the screen, trying to formulate a response that doesn't reek of awkward avoidance.

But the truth is, I have been avoiding her.

Every time I look at her sweet, innocent face on my contact list, I remember the wicked things I've done with her father.

The boundaries a best friend should never cross.

The betrayal she can never, ever know about.

God, if she does, it’ll shatter her trust in both of us.

My fingers hover over the keypad, my pulse throbbing in my temples.

Finally, I settle on:

Hey girl, I'm so sorry. Work has just been insane lately. I miss you loads! We need to have a video chat girls night where we drink too much wine.

I hit send before I can second guess myself.

It's not exactly a lie.

I do miss her.

I miss when things were simple between us.

When I wasn't screwing her dad six ways to Sunday.

The lies are piling up faster than I can shovel them out of the way.

How long can I keep this charade going before it all comes crashing down around me?

But I can't think about that now.

I have a show to get ready for, and a man to drive out of his ever-loving mind with lust.

I push back from my desk and stand up, my heels clicking on the hardwood floor as I head for the door.

Jade falls into step beside me, her expression curious.

"Where you off to in such a hurry?" she asks, arching a perfectly sculpted brow.

I flash her a devious grin, my eyes glinting with mischief. "It's showtime, baby. And tonight, I'm the star of the show."

Jade laughs and shakes her head as we make our way out of the Desire House and into the cool night. "Girl, you're nuts. You know that, right? Didn’t you quit performing for a reason?"

I just shrug, still grinning like the Cheshire Cat. "Maybe. But a girl loves attention every once in a while. You’re performing too, right?”

Jade nods, “Yeah, I was just about to leave.”

“Get in, I’ll give you a lift.” We climb into my little red Miata and tear off down the street, singing along to Kelly Clarkson’s Christmas album at the top of our lungs.

For a few blissful minutes, I let myself forget about the tangled web I've woven and just enjoy the moment, the rush of anticipation thrumming through my veins.

We pull into the parking lot of Satin Dreams and I cut the engine, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves.

This is it.

I follow Jade inside and head straight for the dressing rooms, ignoring the appreciative looks and catcalls from the regulars as we pass.

Jade stares at me for a long moment, then bursts out laughing. "Viper’s going to lose his mind when he sees you up there.”

"That's the plan," I purr, winking at her as I sashay past and into the dressing room.

The other girls are already in various states of undress, donning skimpy Santa-inspired lingerie and touching up their makeup.

They all turn to stare as I walk in, some with envy, others with grudging respect.

They know I'm not just another pretty face here to shake my ass for tips.

I'm the boss, and I'm about to show them all how it's done.

I strip down to my black lace thong and matching bra, then start rifling through the racks of costumes, looking for something that will make Viper's pulse race.

I settle on a barely-there red satin teddy trimmed with white fur, complete with a Santa hat perched jauntily on my head.

As I shimmy into the outfit, I can't help but imagine the look on Viper's face when he sees me.

The hunger in his eyes, the tension in his jaw, the way his hands will clench at his sides as he fights the urge to touch me.

I feel a thrill of power rush through me at the thought of bringing a man like him to his knees.

I finish getting ready in record time, then head out to take my place backstage.

I can hear the pounding bass of the music, the drunken cheers of the crowd, and I know that Viper is out there somewhere, waiting for me.

Waiting for me to blow his mind.

The other girls file past me, taking their places on stage as their songs start up.

I take a deep breath, bouncing on my toes to keep my energy up.

My heart is pounding in my chest, but it's not from nerves.

It's from pure, unadulterated excitement.

Finally, it's my turn. I hear my music start up, a sexy, throbbing beat that seems to match the rhythm of my own pulse.

I step out onto the stage, the bright lights momentarily blinding me.

But then my eyes adjust, and I see him.

Viper.

He's sitting at his usual table near the front, his dark eyes locked onto me as I start to move.

I can feel the heat of his gaze like a physical caress, and it only fuels the fire already burning inside me.

I writhe and spin to the music, my hips undulating in a sensual rhythm as I work the pole like a pro.

The other men in the audience fade away until it's just me and him, our eyes locked in a silent battle of wills.

I tease him mercilessly, coming close enough for him to touch before dancing away again, a wicked smile playing at my lips.

I can see the muscle ticking in his jaw, the way his fingers flex like he's imagining them wrapped around my waist.

And still I dance, lost in the music and the heat of his gaze, knowing that I have him right where I want him.

By the time my set is over, we're both wound tight as a coiled spring, ready to snap at the slightest provocation.

I give him one last smoldering look before sauntering offstage, my hips swaying with each step.

I head straight for one of the private suites, my body thrumming with arousal and anticipation.

I know he'll follow me.

He won't be able to help himself after I just flaunted my body in front of at least two hundred men.