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ELIJAH

I ’m the ‘Below’ owner on duty tonight, watching the different BDSM demonstrations, and making sure the staff is handling the crowd well.

The downstairs area is huge, despite the number of private rooms, and those who are here to play in the general areas have special bracelets. Well, technically everyone has a bracelet that indicates what they want.

There are extra private rooms for those who meet tonight that decide they want to play. I’m enjoying people watching, my eyes moving over the two people who are currently working with rope, to someone who is being publicly humiliated in a consensual manner.

We’ve had to jump through a lot of hoops to make tonight possible, but standing here, I can say that it’s all worth it. Tonight alone is making Theo, Jared, and I a lot of money.

Everyone also appears to be enjoying themselves as well.

We have two managers at the two different clubs, and Nina is watching for any issues down here. There is no alcohol allowed in this area, nor drugs. Everyone is expected to have clear heads.

Outfit changes are encouraged once clients step through the dungeon’s door, and most are walking around in lingerie or leather. There are several different exits for when people are done with their night, but they have to be completely clothed when they exit.

The rules are in place to keep everyone safe, and the neighborhood unaware of us.

“Boss,” Nina says, nonchalantly speaking to me.

“What’s up?” I ask, glancing at her.

“The other bosses need you. They’re coming down with a special guest they said,” she says, shrugging when my brow furrows. “That’s all that was said to me.”

My ear comm is hanging down on my shoulder because I dislike having it in. The guys know it’s a sensory thing, which is also why I’m downstairs. It’s not as loud, and I get to stand in the shadows. It’s where I’m most comfortable, even if I’m trying to step out of that role.

“I’ll be right there,” I murmur.

Moving inconspicuously, I see Jared and Theo moving away from the stairs with a dark haired woman. Goosebumps begin to rise on my skin, but I try to remind myself that she’s taller than Rachelle. This can’t possibly be her.

“Liliana, if you don’t get your goddamned hair out of your face, I’m going to shave your fucking head,” Theo growls so only we can hear.

I pale because that’s really not funny.

“What is this?” I rasp, confused. “Why is she here?”

“It’s nice to see that you’re not roadkill,” she purrs, pushing the smooth curtain of her hair away from her face. “I guess a cucaracha like you is used to living forever.”

“I’m not a cockroach,” I protest. “Was that you who almost ran me over outside of here months ago?”

“I didn’t even know it was you until one of them said something,” she says. “Is this a sex club?”

Her eyes grow wider as she looks around me and I smirk.

“Yeah, I’ll give you a tour if you promise to be a good girl,” I tease her.

“There’s nothing good about me,” she scoffs. “Show me anyway.”

Rolling my eyes, I turn around to give her a tour quietly. I show Lili the bondage wall where someone is trapped by his arms, legs, and head, while a beautiful woman in black and red leather whips him. She pays special attention to his ass and balls, his cock straining not to come.

“Don’t let a single drop go without permission,” she growls, making me smile.

“I don’t know where to look first,” Lili breathes, her head on a swivel to take everything in. “When I was looking at videos for this place, I only saw things for the speakeasy.”

“The sex club part I mainly advertise on fetish and kink lifestyle sites,” I explain. “There’s also a special section of our website that will take you to information about it if you click on it.”

“You’re the man behind the videos,” she muses as we move slowly through the dungeon.

There is a dom teasing a woman on a spanking bench, her body spread beautifully over it. She’s completely naked while he still wears his pants. Whether or not they’ll take this to a private room or they’ll fuck here to complete their scene is up to them.

“Yes,” I admit. “Now what are you doing in Santa Barbara?”

“I’m working for my father and Mr. Emil,” she says idly. “I’m also attending UCSB, so you can brace yourself in case you see me.”

The warning is one I need, because my eyes insist on playing tricks on me. I’m glad I’m not seeing dead people, even though the girl I saw at the gas station wasn’t Lili. I’m almost positive.

“What are you doing for Ignacio’s father?” Theo asks as we walk.

“Classified stuff I can’t discuss,” she says with a bored shrug. “I have certain needs that I am getting scratched with in my current employment.”

“Well I know that’s not sex related at least,” Jared grunts. “You’re very cagey today.”

“Only because we aren’t friends and it’s not something you need to know,” she says. “I’m still surprised I got an invite.”

“The law office that handles our business is screening people who are invited to the speakeasy. It’s not like I could say no one with a history of criminal activity is allowed to attend. That would exclude a lot of people with deep pockets, especially in this area,” Theo says

My soft snort brings grins to Jared and Theo’s faces. They smile easier than I do, but Theo isn’t wrong. We aren’t worried about criminals, just the right ones with deep pockets and a need for kink.

Liliana continues to be cagey with her responses as I lead her through the Below, discussing everything that’s mandatory to be able to be a member here. We decided that a membership would be the best way to keep money flowing into the business, and also keep its exclusivity.

“You require a psych eval?” she asks curiously as she watches a scene develop. I can tell it’s affecting her as she licks her lips. “Kink isn’t something that should need that.”

“No, but it’s the best way for us to know what they need, and also know that they’re not going to hurt someone,” Jared says.

We’ve always picked up the ends of each other’s conversations, and I love the way they always flow no matter who’s speaking.

“While some people want to be hurt here, there’s a level of safety we adhere to,” I add. “Aftercare is also important, and if there’s someone who doesn’t want to do it, we have people on staff who are more than willing to do it. We’ve tried to take everything we possibly can into consideration.”

“It looks like you have,” she murmurs.

“What made you decide to come here?” I ask curiously.

“I needed a night outside of the college bars and mafia shit,” Lili says. “Classes have been brutal this year too. This is my bubble of time for me. It just happened to be coincidental that you own this place.”

“Well, we can bring you back upstairs to enjoy your night,” Theo says. “I would hate to hijack your bubble.”

Lili rolls her eyes as she checks her watch, shaking her head. “I have a few minutes before I have to leave to kidnap someone.”

We’re in a corner with some privacy, and her words don’t faze me. Kidnapping is a part of our lives. I wish that she wasn’t working for Ignacio’s father, because he’s a level of fucked up that may rival the things that we’ve done.

“No lecture?” she teases as we begin walking back to a hidden elevator. Most people’s trips down here involve a one way trip and then they leave through a different section of the building.

Our time at Carlysle Prep taught us all about hidden nooks and crannies meant for secrecy, and this building has many. Some we created, and others that were already here that we discovered during renovations.

Lili’s comment makes Theo, Jared, and I shift uncomfortably because they hit home. We’ve protected her for decades, until her relationship with Rachelle changed all of that. Even then, we never hurt her physically. It’s the emotional scars that I can see that may be worse.

“Not our life,” I say, my voice even. “You have people to help you tonight, right?”

“I’m not your problem,” Lili says. “I prefer to work solo anyway. Less people to fuck me over.”

Walking into the elevator, Lili is followed by Theo and Jared. Shrugging, Jared hits the button to close the doors and get to the main level. Lili is right, we don’t have any real claim to her or what she does.

When we were kids, we forced the issue, but now she’s deadly all on her own. I can see in her eyes that there’s a dangerous glint in it, the same one that Ignacio used to carry. They kill because they enjoy it.

As the doors shut, I blow out a breath. I hope she finds what she’s looking for.

LILIANA

I’m using the restroom in the speakeasy before I leave because the drink I had several hours ago ran through me. I can appreciate what the guys are building here. It’s a life independent of their parents and the Kings.

I can read between the lines on this, and I respect it.

Mr. Emil and my father may be heavy handed in their methods, but I don’t mind it because I am lost. Seeing the guys, I can admit it. They have their shit together, while I’m left in the shadows of their misdeeds.

Leaning against the stall after taking care of my business, I angrily swipe away a tear that dared to escape. Checking my weapons, I flush the toilet and open the door to wash my hands. I need to get my ass moving to grab this guy so I can enjoy my torture.

There’s nothing worse than having to hurry. It takes the fun out of their screams.

Another girl catches my eye as I wash my hands and smiles at me. She has pretty red, curly hair and is wearing a black dress. I know she’s being friendly, and I struggle to smile at her before grabbing a towel to dry my hands.

I usually give ‘fuck off’ resting bitch face, so I’m honestly surprised she’s giving me any effort.

She grabs a stick of gum for herself after reapplying her red lipstick.

The color suits her, and I’m suddenly hoping that I have gum in my car because the aftertaste of alcohol always gets to me after a while.

“Gum?” the girl asks, handing me another piece.