Page 62 of Carnal Games

Is this what my scary reaper likes as well?

As I descend the stairs, I recall my research. According to it, Kian opened The Mirage with two business partners six years ago. The club is selective in who it allows yearly memberships to,hosting parties where nobody knows what happens at them. For all we know, he could be throwing orgies.

As soon as the thought strikes, it soon spirals.

If he’s throwing them, he must be participating too. Is that what I’ll witness tonight? Him fucking other women?

I think I’m going to hurl.

“Iris?” a woman asks to my right. “Are you Mrs. D’Cruz’s friend?”

Turning toward her voice, my gaze travels up legs encased in slim-fit slacks and a black strapless lace corset top that accentuates her ample cleavage. Her outfit is a perfect blend of sexy yet formal to separate her from the patrons.

“Hi. I’m Rosalie’s friend.”

“Hello. I’m Tasha,” she introduces herself. Her pretty face is composed in a reserved manner. “I’m the floor manager.”

It’s just the two of us near the hostess stand while large double doors behind it separate me from the interior of the club. “Thank you for helping me tonight.”

Nothing shifts in her features. “I’m just giving you directions to the section that leads to the private offices. You’re all on your own once I let you in. I’ve already risked my job. So, I hope you understand.”

“Of course,” I genuinely say. “Though I’m curious why you’re doing it at all?”

“Mr. and Mrs. D’Cruz can be quite… formidable. I’d rather not have them on my bad side.”

“Oh.”

She clears her throat after concealing her frightened expression. Walking to the tall stand, she picks a plain gold bracelet and comes to my side. “Wear this. It gives you access to the entire club.”

I let her clasp it around my wrist and study it. It’s too feminine to be worn by the ruthless men inside. “I can’t imagine the men wearing this.”

“Oh no!” An awkward look shades her eyes as she steps back. “It’s for the dates they bring.”

The escorts? My eyes widen.

Curiosity nags at me, and I ask Tasha, “And dates have access to the entire club?”

“They don’t always leave with the same man.”

Jesus. I fight the urge to yank it off. But desperate times and all.

“We need to hurry,” she utters after glancing at the watch on her wrist. “The guard will be back any minute.”

Briskly walking to the door, she opens it halfway and lets me pass.

The acoustic notes of a sultry tune mixed with hushed conversation and the clinking of glasses pierces my ears. The door swings shut after Tasha steps inside and darkness envelops us.

“The owner’s private hallway is at the very end, past all the rooms. It’ll be a cherry red door with a golden lion brass lock. Don’t make eye contact with anyone to avoid being accosted.”

I wasn’t planning on it anyway. Her warning only raises my anxiety.

“Is Mr. Sev—Singhania in?” I almost blurt out Mr. Severe. I haven’t been able to forget the nickname I gave him years ago. Who knew it’d be so accurate?

“I’m not sure.” A little exasperation bleeds into her tone. “I don’t report to him.”

I take pity on her and bid her farewell. “Okay. I’ll manage from here.”

No sooner do I say it, she flees in the opposite direction like I’m the plague.