Page 3 of In The Dark

Gods, I love this brothel.For no reason other than that it allows me to be free of my obligations.

A screen slides open, two dark eyes peeking out at us when the door creaks open a moment later. A large male steps to the side.

“Shoes and weapons in the corner, coins in the bowl,” he grumbles—one of the rules—and then shuts the door.

Walking in, I blink as my eyes adjust to the brothel’s dim interior. Oil lamps bathe the red walls in a golden glow, rugs scattering across the creaky wooden floor beneath a gilded chandelier.

I instinctively scan the area. Two long curtains to the left close off access to the rooms, which I’m now hearing all sorts of noises coming from. Another large male stands nearby.

After abiding by their rules, I quickly nod to the male in the doorway and drop a few coins into the bowl with a clink as Ezra quietly trails behind me.

We’re greeted by those loitering in the hall, recognizing familiar faces along with a few new ones, but I scan the area for Bess. No luck.

Then my steps falter when I shoot a glance over my shoulder, finding Ezra suddenly grabbing hands with two females—blonde females—and entering one of the chambers behind me. A knowing grin tugs at my lips with a shake to my head.

I guess he’ll be busy for a while.

A quiet chuckle escapes me as I break off to find Bess, reveling in the thought of seeing her familiar face and eager to hear what else she might have for me. I walk through the grand pleasure room, heading to the back where her chamber resides. Multiple couples enjoy their caresses, taking turns touching and kissing while others watch.

No matter how many times I’ve been here, I can’t help but smirk at the way guests watch each other—blatant and unashamed. I walk slowly against the far right wall, not to hide,but to observe. The warm lighting softens the edges of the room as I take in the details.

The room is large with many settees surrounding the main fireplace. On the far left wall are smaller rooms curtained off for privacy, and toward the back is a mantel that goes up three stories. Each level is lined with wooden railings and private apartments, but only the top floor has windows. I’ve always been curious to know what sits on the top floor.

I turn right, heading toward the private quarters where guests sometimes go to have business meetings and do… other things.

Stopping just outside the room she frequents, I find the curtains to be down but partially opened in the middle. With a glance through the curtains, I raise my brows at Bess enjoying herself with a male. Though I can’t see his face.

She’s on her back, brows furrowed, dark hair spilling onto the pillows behind her as the male’s head works between her thighs. I grin. It’s been too long since I’ve seen her, and I can’t help but admire how beautiful she is.

But she may have another lead—another name, or perhaps something about my past. Just one step closer to finding the truth about who I am.

I make a mental note to come back, but before I can make it two steps to leave, my body comes to an immediate halt—smacking right into someone’s hard chest.

2

“Oof!”I cry out, my mask sliding across my face.

Was that a brick fucking wall?The male suddenly grips my shoulders, holding me at arm’s length as we face each other. Only now I’m annoyed, because why didn’t he see me?

“I’m sorry,” I grunt. “I didn’t see you, but surelyyousaw me standing here.”

I fix my mask and look up, finding that he’s very tall. With a large step back, I attempt to view the stealthy guest—his features mostly hidden by a large hood reaching past his forehead.Go figure.

I mentally kick myself for not knowing that someone was behind me—almost like he appeared from nowhere—and quickly scan the corridor only to find us completely alone. My fingers twitch, itching to grab the missing daggers that are typically secured to my waist as I size him up. My teeth grind.

That’s the only rule I hate.

“And who are you?” His voice comes out low and resonant as he glares down at me from behind his dark red mask.

“No names, remember?” I flash him an annoyed smile, reminding him of one of the rules, and dust off my tunic.

“Right, I almost forgot,” he says, his lips tipping up as he glances past me, nodding in Bess’s direction. “Are you enjoying the view?”

Heat sears my face when I glance behind me, seeing Bess.Gods. “Oh, no, it’s not what it?—”

“You were watching, weren’t you?”

My eyes narrow. “I was seeing if my friend was… I wasn’t…”Good gods, why am I flustered?I take a deep breath, composing myself. “I don’t think it’s your place to ask me what I was or wasn’t doing. Who areyouanyway, or are you just sneaking around making others feel uncomfortable? Are you with anyone?”