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“Would you like a tour?” She puts my phone into a small compartment in a cabinet behind her. She locks the small door and gives me the keys.

“No, I think I’ll just get a feel tonight.”

“Good. Do you need a mask, or do you have your own?”

“A mask?”

She smiles at me. “Everyone wears them in the common areas. We pride ourselves on discretion.” She hands me an intricate black lace mask. “If you need anything, my colleagues inside will help you.” She turns to the black door behind her and swipes a card in the reader. The door clicks open. “Enjoy your evening, ma’am.”

“Thank you.” I tie the sash around my head and cover my upper face.

Behind the door, a large lounge opens up. It’s like they gutted all the walls in this place and opened up the floor.

To my side is a bar, and the floor is mostly filled with haphazardly spread comfortable sofas, lounge beds, or armchairs.

The light is dimmed, but the place is inviting. I don’t know what I was expecting, but this place is like a modern version of a high-end speakeasy.

Luckily the bar is just along the back wall near the entrance, so I don’t have to walk through the room to find a seat.

I was prepared to look for Corm; but I didn’t quite appreciate how it feels to be a lonely woman in this environment.

The majority of the patrons are men, most of them having women by their side, but those women are probably working here. The music is demure; the conversations are hushed.

Some people are kissing. I spy a woman on her knees, her partner panting with his head thrown back. He has silver hair, and relief floods me. Okay, I guess I’m not as ready to confront Corm as I thought.

What do I care who he is with? Because if I’m completely honest, I want him to be with me. I don’t have a claim on him. And yet…

I find a stool at the bar and sit, scanning the room. Will I recognize him in his mask? If Cal wasn’t such a pain in my ass, I would have asked him more questions and come better prepared. Well, too late for that.

“What can I offer you?” A young woman dressed in the same outfit as the receptionist leans over the counter.

“I’ll have whiskey.” I always liked the smoky taste and the warm feeling.

Her face stretches in a wide smile. “Great choice. Macallan?”

I nod. I’m paying for this with Corm’s credit card for household expenses, so I may as well indulge.

My eyes dart around the room, but I don’t think I see him anywhere. Two men stand and go up a winding staircase. I should have gotten that tour. But I guess I would have to explore myself.

“Here you go.” The bartender places a crystal tumbler on a velvet coaster beside me.

“Thank you. What’s up there?” I take a sip, reveling in the smooth taste.

“Private rooms of all sorts, for all kinds of kinks. Is this your first time?”

I nod.

“Good for you. I love it when we have female customers. I hope you’ll have fun.”

I don’t think I will, but well, I might enjoy a glass of good whiskey. I sip on my drink, strategizing about my next move.

The music changes, and the room gets darker with spotlights illuminating a stage across the room. I didn’t even notice it was there.

A woman in a satin robe saunters to the middle of the stage, and a swing lowers down from the ceiling. A sex swing. I should look for Cormac, but instead, I’m drawn to what’s happening on the stage.

I’m not the only one. The murmur in the room quiets down as everyone turns their attention to the stage.

My heart hammers in my chest. I should go up and look for him, but if he’s in one of the private rooms, I won’t be able to find him.