Page 40 of Ascension

The room went quiet except for the hum of the fan, and for once, Lena didn’t tease me. She just nodded slowly, eyes dark, lips curling.

“Then, best friend… you better buckle up. ‘Cause from what I saw today, they’re not gonna stop until they’ve got you right where they want you.”

Her words sank into me, thick and electric, and I couldn’t deny the truth.

I didn’t want them to stop.

Lena was still fanning herself, giggling every time I glanced at her. “Miya, I swear… You had the nastiest night of your life at a family cookout. This some shit only you would do.”

I rolled onto my back, staring at her ceiling. “Don’t remind me, my head is still spinning.”

She propped herself up on one elbow, eyes glittering. “Well, since we’re talking about freak shit… You know I got a new set tonight.”

I turned my head toward her. “At Provocateur?”

“Mhm.” She smirked, biting into a gummy worm. “They finally gave me a prime slot. Whole new routine I’ve been working on. It’s sexy as hell, too. I want you there, Miya. Come watch me and cheer me on. I need my number one fan.”

I loved watching Lena disappear and Soleil take the stage. Watching her dance was the definition of poetry inmotion. The skill and grace of a classically trained ballet dancer, but the seduction and sex appeal of a porn star. There had been a time or two when I'd wondered just how my best friend fucked because she danced so nasty whenever she hit the stage.

“Lena, I’m already overstimulated from the day’s events. Provocateur is sure to make me soak through my fucking panties,” I groaned, my body shuddering at the pleasure of Calla’s fingers curling in and out of me.

Lena stretched out on the couch, finishing her glass of wine. “Well, if you won’t come for me, at least promise me you’ll go one day. Provocateur isn’t just a club—it’s a whole experience. And tonight… whew.” She fanned herself dramatically. “The Black Dahlia’s performing.”

I frowned. “The who?”

“The Black Dahlia.” Lena sat up, eyes wide. “You don’t know? She’s like… legend. Nobody knows who she really is, but she’s a sadist’s sadist. The way she commands a stage? It’s like watching a storm take human form. People pay top dollar just to get a session with her.”

I laughed nervously, sipping my wine. “Sounds… intense.”

“Intense?” Lena grinned. “Girl, it’s art. Filthy, dangerous, beautiful art. She’s the reason half the city suddenly thinks they’re kinky.”

Something hot and uneasy fluttered in my stomach, though I couldn’t say why. I shook my head. “Yeah, no. Not tonight. I can’t handle any more… intensity.”

Lena rolled her eyes but smiled. “Fine. I’ll let you off the hook. But one day? I’m dragging your ass there myself. You have to see The Black Dahlia at least once before you die.”

I forced a laugh, hiding the heat creeping up my neck. “We’ll see.”

I couldn’t sleep.

Lena had gone to her room to finish getting ready, blasting Trina and bouncing around like she was about to headline the damn club. I’d claimed her couch, phone glowing in my hand, glass of wine sweating on the table.

I told myself I was staying put. I told myself it was safer here, wrapped in a blanket with Netflix queued up, than out there in whatever chaos Provocateur promised.

But Calla’s voice kept replaying in my head. “Say it, say you’re mine.”

The way her fingers curled inside me, the way she’d looked at me like she could see every dirty thought I’d ever had. Then there was James, on his knees, devouring her like worship, like hunger, like rage. My hand twitched, remembering how I touched myself watching them, how shame never even entered the picture.

My pulse wouldn’t settle. My thighs clenched restlessly. And before I could talk myself out of it, I was opening our message thread.

Me: Don’t kill me. But… leave my name at the front desk. I changed my mind.

Three dots blinked almost instantly, then—

Bestie: ?????? I KNEW YOU COULDN’T STAY HOME. I got you, bestie. You won’t regret this. Trust…oh, and bring out your sluttiest outfit, make these niggas eat out the palm of your hand tonight.

I dropped my head back against the cushion, groaning. “Lord, what am I doing?”

But the truth was, I already knew.