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“This is The Red Throne. This is where worship, power, and submission.” I see the corner of his mouth turn into a grin. He must enjoy this one.

“This suite is The Abyss. This is where your senses are taken from you. Whether it be your vision, hearing, or your oxygen.”

He walks to the next door.

“This is the Inferno, a suite with heated games,” he winks at me again, “it has wax, and fire play— things can get pretty dangerous if you’re not careful.” His tone shifts, and the air chills around me at his warning.You should be scared right now.His tone quickly changes back into his flirtatious one.

“This is the Gilded Cage, for people who love captivity in either silk or steel.”

He walks to the next door, and I follow his lead.

“The Velvet Noose, where you can find ropes, restraints, and explore the beauty of surrendering.”

The way he describes each room is like he is trying to sell you one. He walks to the next door, and I have a lump in my throat.Run. He is dangerous.

“This is Pain and Pleasure. This suite is where agony and ecstasy blur into one. This is where you can find Sadists and Masochists,” he says with a chuckle.

“This is a special suite. The Sin Suite. It’s tempting, right? Entering into a suite, and you don’t know what’s beyond that door.”

He turns to look at me, and his expression has changed.

“This suite is a space where every forbidden desire comes to life.”

I look down at the floor between us. I want to know what’s behind that door. I feel like I’ve seen it all already, nothing could faze me.You don’t know that.

“Which room is your favorite?” I ask abruptly. I know I caught him off guard.

He has a devilish grin.

“If you insist, my favorite rooms are The Voyeur room and The Inferno.”

I nod to his answer.

“Do you like to watch or… be watched?” I ask.

“I prefer to watch. It’s mesmerizing to watch people elude such confidence in their bodies and sexuality.”

“Care to enter?” I tease him with a wink.What are you doing? This was supposed to be for you. Not anyone else.

“It would be my pleasure,” he smiles gently at me, reaching out his hand to take mine. I place my hand in his and follow him as he escorts us into the Voyeur room.Remember why you’re here. Dante chose someone else.

I rid myself of the thought of Dante as we enter the space. The idea of him makes me want to vomit right now.No, it doesn’t.There is no one on the platform. Just a few people sitting in the surrounding seats. No one is in the front row.

“Where would you like to sit?” he asks me politely.

I lean in to him and whisper seductively, “On the platform.”

I feel his arm tighten. He leans down into my ear and whispers, “The platform is yours if you claim it.”

I take in a shaky breath.You can do this. It’s the only way.I make my way to the center platform slowly. The song “Paradise Circus” by Massive Attack begins filling the room. The music is louder than the first night I was here.

Iclimb up onto the platform slowly and glance around the space. I was right, you can’t see anyone from here. The lights are bright enough to remove the audience, and they heat the area perfectly. It feels like I’m alone, but knowing that strangers are watching me gives me the rush I will forever chase.

I set my glass down on the small table on the platform, ready to begin. They want a show, I’ll give them one.

I slowly remove my white dress, letting it hit the floor, revealing that there was nothing underneath. I sit down gently onto the chaise lounge, it smells freshly cleaned, and a crisp rose scent fills the air. I lie back, fanning my hair over the edge, resting onto my elbows.He’s watching. Make him regret using you.

I slowly open my legs, giving whoever is sitting in front of me a money shot. I slide my hand down between my legs, feeling myself. I am already wet. The adrenaline has me ready to show everyone how corrupt I can be.You’re not corrupt. You’re confused.