Page 27 of Blush

“Mr. Dark,” he whispers. “Are you sure you want to do this? You don’t have to.”

I gulp.

He’s giving me a chance to back out.

I should probably take it.

“I’m ready,” I say.

“Then come with me.”

“But won’t people wonder why I—”

“Shh,” he whispers. “No one will see you. There’s an entrance to the club behind the bar.”

“But why am I blindfolded?”

“Doesn’t that make it more exciting?” he whispers.

I shiver. He’s right. It does.

“I figured it had more to do with the fact that you’re taking me to a private club—a place I had to sign an NDA just to enter.”

“That’s another part of it. Since you’re not a member, I can’t let you see where the entrances are. But really, don’t you think the mysterious aspect is a better explanation?”

He’s still whispering. Probably because we’re still in the bar. He pulls me into a standing position and then puts an arm around my waist.

“Just walk forward. I’ll let you know if you need to turn or anything.”

I listen, my ears on alert, for anything out of the ordinary. All I hear are normal bar sounds—the clinking of glasses, the din of conversation. Until—

“We’re going to walk down some stairs now,” Mr. Dark and Sexy whispers. “Just follow me. Here’s the first step.”

Carefully, I step down.

“There are fifteen more,” he says.

I count to fifteen and then stop, making sure I’m on level ground.

“We will walk down the hallway.”

He’s still whispering, which has me slightly confused. Everything’s quiet now.

“Remember, Mandy,” he whispers. “You may leave at any time. If you’re feeling unsafe, or if you’re frightened, you will be escorted back up to the bar.”

“I understand.”

“All right.” The sound of a door opening. “Welcome to Black Rose Underground.”

“May I take my blindfold off now?”

“You may.”

“Why are you still whispering?”

“Just setting the mood.”

I slip the blindfold off my eyes. Mr. Dark and Sexy stands next to me, wearing black jeans and a leather vest. His entire face is covered by a mask except for his mouth. His hair is dark and slicked back. And his eyes… They’re dark as well—as well as I can see in the dim light of the club.