Page 28 of Meet Me In The Dark

In the center of the room, illuminated by soft amber lighting, is a woman straddling a bench. She’s bare, bound, and completely captivating.

Her knees are hooked over padded stirrups, her arms restrained behind her back, and her head is thrown back in complete abandon. Her mouth opens in a moan I can’t hear but can feel in every bone in my body.

She’s not alone.

A man kneels between her thighs, his mouth working her with slow precision that makes my own knees wobble. It’s like witnessing a masterclass in seduction, and I’m pretty sure I missed the registration deadline.

It feels wrong to watch, but clearly, I’m the only one with reservations. Around me, couples touch subtly, whispering heated words into each other’s skin.

I’m a wreck, trembling like a leaf in shoes I mighthave taken from Emmy’s closet.

I should leave. I should definitely leave.

But then the woman on the bench gasps louder, and the man looks up just enough to grin wickedly before diving back in like he’s savoring a five-star meal.

This woman is wild and greedy, and the crowd isn’t judging her. They’re practically worshipping her.

My mask burns against my cheeks. Every inch of my skin feels tight, stretched too thin from the intensity.

The woman on the bench cries out even louder as her body shakes from head to toe.

It’s not just an orgasm. It’s a goddamn exorcism.

I feel it ripple through me, stealing my breath and leaving me suddenly aching.

The room hums in the aftermath, a low thrum of whispers and shuffling feet. No one dares speak too loud, like breaking the silence would undo what they just witnessed.

My body still hums, caught somewhere between shame and awe.

The woman is untied and wrapped in a robe with care and gentle kisses.

Eventually, I move too because if I don’t breathe soon, I might pass out.

Stumbling back into the busy lounge, I sink onto a velvet sofa with my heart racing faster than my thoughts.

What the hell just happened?

I stare at the flickering candle in front of me, feeling like I wandered into an entirely different version of myself.

My eyes settle on the velvet-curtained archway.

The one I’ve been avoiding since Cam told me whatgoes on in there.

The Elysium Rooms.

Oh, good.

Another temptation.

Because tonight hasn’t nearly shattered my sanity enough.

It’s decision time.

Do I run screaming into the night, or dive deeper into a rabbit hole that’s both thrilling and terrifying?

This is what I came here for, isn’t it? To step outside the box I’ve built for myself. To try—just once—for me. My pulse kicks harder at the thought.

“Okay, Celeste,” I whisper to myself. “This is it. Time to find out if your bravery has an expiration date.”