Chapter 2

Two

Stella

I slide onto a plush bar stool and accept the cocktail slide in front of me and another one for my sister.

"Thanks." The bartender offers a casual grin before moving on to others waiting for their order. I glance nervously around the intimate lounge and try not to gawk at the Club Sin members enjoying their partners.

Supple skin, delightful gasps and delicate moans mix headily with the low tempoed music. In front of me is a full mirror so I don't have to turn to enjoy the elegant surroundings. Everything is either glowing or glittering around me. That goes for the decor and the members, too. Tonight's theme is glow stick mania and the members have gotten pretty creative with their eighties throw-back attire. Or lack thereof.

A couple catches my eye through the mirror spanning the length of the bar. Four gentlemen decked out in full-fledged tuxedos surround a woman wearing nothing but glowing things from tits to toes. Pulsating nipple clamps is new for me and the men she's with from the enchanted looks on their faces.

My eyes connect with the woman's and I offer a smile. We share a moment of understanding that she's about to have the night of her life and I'm a little green with envy at how easily some people have it at finding love. Or lust.

"Hey, babe. Sorry I'm late. I had a thing to take care of."

I angle a look at my sister that says I know what thing means. "You smell like cigar smoke and bad decisions."

She gives a saucy shrug. "Be grateful I don't smell like a dank and dark dungeon."

I hold a hand up. "Say no more." I know her job description comes with the need to use shady locations to "handle business". The less I know, the better.

I gesture to our surroundings. "When I told you I wanted to feel alive, I never thought you would bring me to a sex club."

My sister slides her latex-covered ass onto the stool next to mine looking gorgeous as always. There's a glow about her that wasn't there this time last year and has nothing to do with the yellow and pink neon lights. Worry lines have morphed into laugh lines and the radiant smile on her face is because of the men in her life. She tries to deny she laughs more now than at any other time in our lives, but I know the truth. She's madly in love.

"Mm-hmm," she hums. "Yeah well, we're all in or nothing kind of gals, right? We're here to celebrate. You beat back the nasty ‘C' word and that is worth going big on. Mom is smiling down on us right now and telling us to go for it."

I swallow a snort. "You think? I can't hardly imagine our pearl-clutching mother approving of a one-night stand for me."

My sister slides a side eye my way that says I've got her there. "Hmm. Touché."

But Luna is right. I did beat the odds. Stage one breast cancer is scary. Mom wasn't so lucky as to catch it early enough. I did and I'm still here. It would be foolish of me to throw away my second chance at life.

But try telling that to my crap nerves. I can't get my palms to stop sweating long enough to pick up my dirty martini.

My sister nudges my shoulder and smiles over at me. "Come on. Don't get too much into your head about it. Tonight is all about drinks, kissing drop-dead-gorgeous strangers and all the dirty deeds you can think of. You think it, it will happen," she tells me like her words are prophetic.

I raise a finger and point toward heaven. "Your lips, God's ears, sis. By the way, Is that how you landed your men? Just shouted out your order to the Universe and bam?" I tease.

Her pretty red-tinged smile turns epically sinful without an ounce of shame. "Not exactly. I think the Universe got my wishes mixed up. I asked for treasure and well..."

I slowly turn my cool gaze on Luna's gray one. "You got three hunks for husbands." I don't bother holding back my sass. "I'd say you got exactly what you asked for."

I lick my lips that taste like hope and fear in equal measure. I'd love to be as lucky at some point. Multiple men or otherwise. I'm not that picky. It would just be nice to not be alone. I can't be a third wheel to Luna's life all the time.

Luna takes my hand in hers and curls her fingers around mine. "Point is, sweetie, if I can score three hot dudes, so can you."

Voss, Shayne and Jasper are Seattle's best fences. You steal it, they can move it for a cut of the action. I won't say it's easy money, but they are rolling in it. I probably shouldn't know any of that, but being the sister to Seattle's best thief comes with perks. And being the daughter of a former legendary thief also comes with behind-the-scenes benefits.

I mean, Luna didn't just stumble into becoming a Belladonna. It's come pre-subscribed in the family bloodline. Not everyone can be part of the legendary guild of lady thieves.

Fortunately, I was skipped over when it came to the family business. Unlike Luna, I opted for a different career path that doesn't involve stealing. Or—I eye my sister's pick of latex suits—me squeezing into something that belongs on a comic book cover.

Luna releases my hand and throws me a saucy wink. "Consider tonight all about refilling that brain of yours with inspiration for your next juicy romance book. I miss your stories."

Me too. I haven't been able to crank out new words since my diagnosis and the subsequent treatments.

I rub my palms over the fabric of my borrowed mini dress.

"You're right." Again, I might add.

My sister grows quiet a moment before she leans in and lowers her voice to add, "I don't wanna make this about him, but I can see the way you keep looking over your shoulder so I'm gonna say it just this one time. I promise I won't ever utter his name again after tonight."

Ugh. My chest tightens. Tears gather at the rim of my eyes, dreading where Luna is taking this moment. I want to shut down and act like I can live in a bubble, but I know that is not how life is meant to be lived.

It doesn't make what is coming next any easier to hear.

"You deserve to be happy. Mom got so little of that with our dad. I know tonight is not about making lifeline connections that go heart deep. It's about sex, connecting to other humans and just…"

She pauses.

I take my sister's hand. "It's okay. I'm okay. I keep looking over my shoulder because that dude back there is hung like a freaking donkey and he's just there. Full display. And his partners… fuck, Luna."

The laugh Luna releases is contagious.

"Oh, my God." Luna looks at the view over my shoulder and turns the same shade of red as me. I blushed the second I walked in here.

"Yeah." I wiggle my brows. "He's something, huh?"

Luna shakes her head, causing her loose hair to dance and sway over her shoulders. "I'm sorry. I thought you were just waiting for that douche face to walk in or something. Sorry, babe."

I fuse our small connection with all the truth I can muster so she knows I mean what I am saying. "I'm good. Truly. I don't think you could have a bad night here even if either of us tried."

Outside of the hospital staff, no one cared for me when I got sick because there was no other person. It's just been me and her for so long. I don't want to do anything that will cause Luna more stress.

Luna's laughter fades, and she's back to being serious. "Don't let William and what happened with him keep you from finding your happiness. Erase him from your mind and heart as best you can. Not every man out there is a douche face twat. Let tonight be your ground zero."

Sting.

I knew she was going to say that bastard's name at some point, but still. Ick.

I take in a deep breath and square my shoulders. I refuse to fall down that black hole of doom and despair.

Luna changes the topic and rattles on about all the fun activities Club Sin offers. I pretend to listen but my mind wanders back to the days I spent at the hospital with mom and then my health battles. I didn't beat death back to let my shyness keep me glued to this bar stool. Or worse. Running for the elevator. I have a backbone. It's time I use it. We are literally sitting in the swankiest and sexiest club in Seattle. Everyone wants an invitation to this place, and I scored one free. Luna hooked us up, and I didn't ask questions. It was fun getting dressed up and poured into a dress that hugs my every curve. Not my daily go to, but it sure the hell beats ass-baring hospital gowns any day of the week.

And the shoes? Whoa.

Dream. Come. True.

I have never worn a pair of stilettos made of sex appeal, but every glance I get from the bartender to the Club Sin Members says the black satin on my feet were a good pick.

I wet my parched lips and take a chance at picking up my drink—sweaty palms be damned.

One good swallow and my inner voice of reason is replaced with a fun girl attitude. I take another and pop an olive into my mouth, loving the bitter burst of juiciness that hits my tongue, waiting for Luna to finish her spiel.

I nod like I've been following along this whole time. "Yeah. okay. You know what? I'm sold. Love all of it. So, we're talking about no clothes, no names and goodbye come sunrise? Sounds kinky." I wiggle my brows. "How do I put in an order for me?" I ask, only half joking.

If my sister could beam any brighter, they could spot her from outer space. "YES! That's my girl!" A sultry laugh places an exclamation point at the end of my words, erasing any lingering doubt I entertained about tonight.

"I've got you covered. You won't believe the guys I have lined up for you."

Okay, that is weird, but I don't interrupt when she turns to the side and rummages in a bag for something.

As silly as it sounds, the virgin in me sits up and purrs when my sister slides a piece of paper in front of me with a photo of three handsome men clipped to the front a moment later.

I pull the picture from the clip holding it in place. "Whoa. Damn. I've won the hot men lottery."

All three of the Club Sin members have dark brown eyes, smiles made of fantasies coming true and look like triplet brothers with their matching square jaws and angular noses. Aristocrats to the very last drop of blood.

Luna taps the top paper. "Sign this, and when you are ready, I have the complete package all set for you."

My nerve endings tingle. "Okay, so this is truly happening." Stating the obvious, but my nerves are trying to get the better of me. I move my drink to the side and pick up the contract, flipping the pages. "Does every member have to sign this?"

Luna nods, swallowing the remnants of her neon green appletini.

"Yes. Club rules. Everyone's safety is our top priority before all the fun can happen."

A woman with a serene smile, kind eyes and a pen steps up to the bar, answering my question.

"Luna." She greets my sister with a soft hug before extending her hand to me. "I'm Lavender, your hostess for the evening and your sister's friend. Luna, thanks for standing in for me."

"No prob. Did you get your issue sorted?"

A silent conversation passes between my sister and the club's hostess with glossy flame red hair and electric blue eyes before they both turn to me. The tight pull between the other woman's brows and the worry lines at the corner of her eyes says something is wrong in the romance department. I want to ask what is going on, but I have my own problems to keep me busy for the moment.

Like getting this V-card of mine punched.

Okay, that's so damn crass to even think. But it's true. I spent a lot of time thinking what if I kicked off this world and died a virgin? It's not the worst that could happen to a woman, but it's something I have the chance to change. That thought alone makes me feel superhuman when everything else stayed out of my control for so long.

Through high school and the two years I got in for college before I became sick, I was never the party girl. I didn't fit in with the ‘in crowd'. Books were my thing. If I wanted to experience it, I dove between the pages and found my adventures in words.

"What do you say, Stella? Are you down for a night you won't forget?"

Lavender slides an elegant gold pen across the polished bar top. All around me fully aroused men pleasure naked women. Moans and throaty gasps. The music. Damn. It reaches into a person and makes me want naughty things. My gaze flits around the dimly lit lounge. Nothing is off limits as long as everyone is consensual. No one is judging or shunning anyone for their kinks and tastes.

One second I'm sitting here worried about fitting in at a club packed with Seattle's elite and in the next I'm mentally placing myself between any group of men here who so openly worship their lovers. Shadowed corners of the lounge and beyond hide other couples from view, but I know they are there—women living out their most secretive fantasies. Just like all my heroines with their heroes.

But this isn't one of your novels, Stella.

This is my life. For a single night. Or it could be.

I put the picture of my dates down and grab the contract in front of me. I could read it and nitpick the details.

Or…

They say write what you know and it's about damn time I do.

I take the pen and leave my signature on the last page.

"Good girl." Lavender's smile is contagious and her sassy wink tells me I'm in for more than I ever imagined possible.

"Don't forget this." Lavender hands me the picture of my dates for the evening. "When you are ready, I'll see you to your room so that your night of pleasure can begin. No rush. The men haven't arrived yet. As a special guest of Luna's, I'll introduce you to your dates for the evening. They've been specifically selected to take special care of you."

I guess that makes sense. I mean, it's better than walking into a room and saying, "okay I'm ready."

Instead of saying all that, I offer a genuine, "Thank you, Lavender."

"My pleasure. This is also for you." Lavender slides a sleek cell phone across the bar top. "When you're ready, I'll escort you up. All you have to do is send me a message. My contact information is already programmed into the phone for you."

Lavender pulls her hair off her shoulders, letting the fiery lengths play down the long spill of her elegant spine as she retreats.

"Your friend is beautiful," I start. "Who put that sad look in her eyes?"

"Her father passed recently and her brother wants her to marry someone she hates."

My heart hurts for her. "But she loves someone else?" I ask.

Luna lets out a heavy breath. "Yeah. It's hard seeing her suffer."

"There you are, jungle flower. Ready for our date night?"

Before I can turn to see the man behind the voice, I'm whisked off the stool and a set of warm lips press against the top of my head. "You're looking particularly beautiful tonight, little moon."

The nickname my sister's men have for me isn't the most glamorous, but they enjoy treating me like the sister they don't have so I don't say anything.

"Put her down, you big lugs. Do you know how long it took me to get her hair into that pretty French wrap!"

My laugh is soft as the room turns. "Thanks." I kiss Voss on the cheek when he puts me back on my stool. Jasper and Shayne come in for their hugs next and then all their attention shifts to the raven haired Moone sister.

My sister's betrothed men all share a chuckle before they encircle her—each one touching a part of her like they can't be in the same room and not have contact. It's sweet and special. I can only hope to have that some day. So far I have a shitty ex who tried to put me in the ground. Period. That's it. My experience with men is pretty much all fictional after him.

But I keep my past tucked into the black corner of my mind and make sure the smile on my face doesn't falter.

"We have the car waiting for you when you're ready. Ladies."

Another kiss on the cheek from Luna's men and we alone.

The second their cologne fades, Luna is in my face. "Listen, will you be okay on your own? Do you want me to stay? I can get the men back and we will stay right here while you?—"

I can't hold back a smile as I cut her off. "Yeah. I'm going to stop you right there, sis. I don't need you and my soon-to-be three brother-in-laws waiting while I hook up with men you paid for."

I throw my brain in reverse and mentally go back over what I just said. My mood shifts from semi-casual into what-the-fuck.

My heart skips. My palms are back to feeling damp. I find the pulse point on the underside of my wrist and press the pad of my thumb against it.

One. Two. Three.

Luna grabs me by the shoulders and uses her best mom voice on me. "Oh, no you don't. That is not what this is. I know where you are going with this. Don't dirty up what tonight could be."

I put down the phone Lavender gave me and toss back the rest of my dirty martini in a single gulp. I already need another. "Damn straight. I'm a hooker. Wait. Or are they? No, that would be an escort in a place like this, right?"

A set of slate-gray eyes brimming with determination and spunk fill my vision. "You're paying for an experience." Luna gives me a small shake. "Besides, you don't want to know what tonight cost. No refunds or do-overs. Tonight is about magic and damn it, you're going to have it if I have to walk you to that room myself."

She looks ready to drag me off my stool and make good on her threat.

"Whoa. Hold up. Okay. Okay. I was just having cold feet for a minute."

I inhale.

"I want this. Go. Be with your men and leave me to mine."

I exhale.

I use a lot of brave words in a row, but my backbone hasn't gotten the memo.

She rolls her eyes dramatically. "Good, now go get laid and tell me all about it in the morning. Bartender, another dirty martini for my sister, please."

Leaving me with my mouth hinged open, Luna grabs her small bedazzled clutch and turns for the door. "Enjoy, babe."

One final wink and I'm all on my own.

I'm so far out of my depth here it's not even funny. I glance down at my dress. I could be home writing right now.

But you need this , the voice in my head sounds off.

Right. One more drink and then I'll make the call. I need a little more fortification before I call Lavender and venture upstairs.

"Here you go, babe."

I lift my startled gaze to find a set of green eyes drinking me in.

"Thank you." I grab for my clutch to pay for the drinks, but a warm, steady hand comes over mine.

"It's on the house." The handsome bartender smiles at me, eyes twinkling with understood interest.

Whoa. Like everyone else here, the man had the looks to go with the dapper slacks and black button down. I wonder if I can switch out one of my "planned" men for the night or add to the list.

It's been a long time since anyone has looked at me like that and he's kinda cute. More than cute. I reach for my drink, our fingers brushing. "Thank you. But I couldn't possibly accept the drink without paying." It's an overt gesture and one that has me smiling for the first time tonight with more than just pleasantries.

"As the lady wishes."

Hard-wired instinct draws my eyes to the space over the bartender's shoulder. A reflection in the mirror. Like a ripple in the darkness. A familiar vibe reaches out for me and it makes my stomach churn.

Oh shit! "Edward." The name falls from my lips like a curse.

I turn. Goosebumps prickle my skin and my heart goes from easy going to pounding when my eyes lock onto the down right evil hiding in the darkness behind me. When predators get too close, my senses hit high alert thanks to this dickwad. Good to know they are firing on all cylinders.

Shadows sway and a familiar form steps into the bath of neon yellow light, hatred alive in the depths of his soulless black eyes.

My heart sinks. I stumble off my stool. Maybe he will walk right by me and pretend he doesn't see me.

"Stella Moone. I've been looking for you." His voice twists with cruel intent.

For all the places for him to find me.

My lips curl with bitter disgust. Fire burns at the edges of my eyes. But I fight to hide every single hot tear that wants to fall from this demon in Armani.

"William Allen Brigh."

I swallow hard. "I knew the devil would spit you out of hell and back into my life, eventually."