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Desiree returns a few minutes later and slides into the space across from me, setting the leather folio off to the side as a woman with beautiful red hair dressed in a red leather corset top and miniskirt approaches with our drinks.
“Thanks, Scarlet,” Desiree says with a nod as she picks up her glass.
“You’re welcome, babe. Let me know if you need anything else,” she says before turning and heading back to the bar.
I reach for my drink and take a large sip while Desiree checks her phone.
Folding her arms on the edge of the table, she leans in and asks, “What brings you to Veil, Makayla?”
“Heather says I need a sexorcism,.” I deadpan.
“A what?” Desiree asks through a soft laugh.
“Sorry.” I wave off the joke. “I’m just overwhelmed.” I smile nervously, placing my drink on the table before leaning back in the booth and crossing my legs. “I’m curious.”
She tilts her head and waits for me to continue.
“I just recently got out of a relationship,” I confess. “I didn’t have a lot of experience when we met, and I… uh… he had certain needs that I couldn’t—wouldn’tgive him.” I avert my gaze to the naked woman in the cage to keep the word vomit to a minimum. I’m still shaken by the fallout with Victor yesterday. I can’t even begin to explain to a total stranger that my ex was either kinky or crazy. “So we parted ways.”
“I’m sorry.”
I tear my eyes from the naked woman to meet Desiree’s. “It was for the best.” I lift a shoulder. “You can’t force something that isn’t meant to be.”
She tilts her head. “What changed?”
“Depends on who you ask.” I snort. “I’m certain he was cheating on me.”
A look passes over her face, but it’s gone just as fast. I imagine she’s probably heard much worse, or maybe she’s experienced heartbreak a time or two. “Sexual needs and desires can change often. It has nothing to do with lack of experience, but when needs change, it’s important to communicate with your partner. I’m sorry if your ex made you feel inadequate, Makayla, but it’s not your fault. It sounds like maybe he was lacking experience as well.”
My lips pull to the side in response.It wasn’t experience he was lacking. It was a conscience.
“Do you have any questions?” she asks.
“So many.” I laugh as the bar begins to fill with people. “How does it work?”
She looks over her shoulder, following my line of sight. “Some of our members bring their own partners. Others request the company of our fantasy guides.”
This whole place is surreal. I feel like I’m in another world.
Desiree slides from the booth, and I follow, tucking my clutch under my arm and grabbing my drink before we make our way toward the bar. “How does one become a member?” I ask.
She stops and turns to face me. “Fantasy guides don’t need a membership.”
My brows pinch in confusion. “I don’t understand.”
“Veil is basically a gentlemen’s club, but we don’t use that term because we have several female members, too. We provide a safe place for members who hold powerful positions in their real lives looking for an escape for a night or two to let off some steam in privacy. Our fantasy guides are here to provide just that. You’re literally a walking fantasy all wrapped up in a sexy package.” She gestures to my dress. “I can promise you our members will take notice.”
I feel my cheeks flush, and Desiree laughs. “After everything, now you’re embarrassed.”
I let out a soft laugh. “What happens then?” I ask. “If a member wants to… you know.” I shrug. “… spend time with me.”
“Then they make arrangements to do so through me.”
My heart drops into my stomach. Wait—
Desiree narrows her eyes. “We’re not prostitutes, Makayla. The only fantasy guides who get paid are the ones who actually work here.” She gestures to the bartenders, then up to the naked woman in the cage. “The rest are here because they were invited. Just as you are.”
“Sorry.” I blanch. “Themake arrangementspart kind of threw me.”