Page 26 of Blush

“I’m afraid I’m not understanding.”

“It’s a private club. In this building. Read through the agreement. Make sure everything’s okay.”

“I’m sure everything’s fine, but—”

“Look, it’s my understanding that you’re meeting Mr. Dark for…you know.”

“What do you—” I stop abruptly.

I’m the one who wrote that bio. I’m the one who asked for a teacher, asked to be someone’s protégé. How did I think that would happen? In a freaking nursery?

Sure, I know how to keep myself safe. But if I want a teacher, I’m going to have to be alone with the guy. I’m going to have to let him…do things with me.

I read through the document. I’m no legal expert, but it seems like a standard nondisclosure agreement. I can’t tell anyone about the club, who I may see in the club, what I may see anyone doing in the club. If at any time I feel unsafe, I may leave the club with the help of one of their security people.

Etcetera, etcetera…

“Do you have any questions?” Alfred asks.

Yeah. What is the quickest way to hightail it out of here?

But I stay seated.

Damn it! I’ve taken the safe route my entire life. Didn’t I say I was done existing? Didn’t I say I wanted tolive?

Yes, I’m frightened. But I’m also intrigued.

Anyone who wants to rape me isn’t going to ask me to sign something agreeing that I’m allowed to leave at any time with the help of security.

“Your safety is guaranteed,” Alfred says. “Above everything else.”

“How can anyone guarantee my safety?”

“Mr. Dark will explain.”

As usual, I’m overthinking.

This is what I asked for. This is what I joined Lustr for. This is what I wrote that bio for.

I want experience.

With experience, maybe I can get Jackson to see me as something more than just Mandy Cake. And if not? With experience, I’ll be able to move on.

I hastily scribble my signature at the bottom, close the folder, and push it back toward Alfred. “Now what?”

“Now…you wait.”

All righty, then. I take another long drink of my Virgin Mary and then munch on the celery stalk. I grab my phone out of my pocket, check my email. Nothing important.

How long will I be waiting here?

Then—

I jolt when something silky slides over my eyes.

“Don’t be frightened.” A whisper caresses the back of my neck.

“Mr. Dark and Sexy?” I ask timidly.