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“We don’t even have to stay for the happy hour.” Heather’s voice pierces through my thoughts.
“Sorry, what?”
“I said it’s just a simple meeting with Desiree and then we can grab a drink in the bar. But if you feel uncomfortable at any time, we can leave.”
“I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
My eyes widen as a large white French chateau-inspired mansion comes into view. A fountain fills the center of a circular driveway surrounded by lush landscaping and trees.
“This is Veil?” I ask in awe.
“It is,” Heather confirms as I park in the driveway.
I slide out from behind the wheel of my Jetta and brush my hands over the skimpy dress I allowed Heather to pick out for me. It’s a bodysuit with a halter top that barely covers the front of my breasts, while the bottom half is covered by a fringe skirt. I won't deny that it makes me feel sexy, but it leaves nothing to the imagination.
Heather leads the way up the four short steps to the glass-and-iron door and rings the doorbell.
Tilting my head, I take in the massive structure. “Do people sleep here?”
“I imagine some do. Think of it as a fantastical bed-and-breakfast.” She snickers.
“I wasn’t expecting this, Heather.” I gesture around us. “Exactly how much is a membership?”
“Makayla, just—”
The door swings open, revealing a tall, gorgeous woman standing in the doorway. She’s wearing a cream-colored sleeveless blouse tucked into a pair of black fitted dress pants. Her black hair is parted down the middle and cut into a blunt bob. Her pouty lips, painted a bright red, stretch across her pretty face in a friendly smile.
“You must be Makayla. I’m Desiree.” She holds out a hand, and her long, slender fingers curl around mine. “Welcome to Veil.”
* * *
The house ispristine in all black-and-white decor and reeks of wealth. A large crystal chandelier hangs in the grand foyer between two sweeping staircases leading to the second floor. It’s like something out of a magazine.
“I’ll wait for you in the bar,” Heather says as she veers off to the left and disappears behind a set of shiny black doors.
“Come with me, Makayla,” Desiree instructs as she leads me to a formal living room. The large painting on the wall is the first thing I notice. It’s a black-and-white portrait of a woman with short black hair, a red blindfold covering her eyes, and full lips, slightly parted and painted in the same shade of red. I wonder if the painting is of Desiree. It sure looks like her.
“Have a seat.” She gestures to the white sofa.
Rounding the rectangular glass coffee table, I perch on the edge of the soft leather cushion, resting my clasped hands in my lap.
Desiree lowers herself into one of the adjacent black accent chairs. She swipes a leather folio from the coffee table and flips it open before passing it to me.
“Before we get started, I’ll need you to sign an NDA. By signing it, you agree not to disclose anything about Veil, including me.”
“Of course.” Sliding the pen from the elastic holder, I quickly read over the one-page document then fill in the blanks before scribbling my signature at the bottom and placing the folio on the table between us.
She leans back, crossing a long leg over the other, drawing my attention to the red sole of her $800 Iriza pumps. I only know this because I happen to own the exact same pair. They were a gift from Victor. The man is certifiable, but he has good taste.
A prickle of awareness brushes the back of my neck, and though it’s just the two of us in the room, I feel as though I’m being watched. I take a quick scan around the space, wondering if there are any hidden cameras. I’d expect nothing less in a place like this.
Dragging my gaze up, I find Desiree studying me. Her dark eyes, framed with thick lashes, twinkle with interest.
I flash her a friendly smile. “Sorry. I’m a little nervous.”
She takes in the room as if she’s seeing it through my eyes. “I imagine this must feel a little intimidating for you.”
I’m not sure if that was a dig or not, so I let it go.For now.