Page 11 of Royally Tempted
7
ADARA
I’m going to throw up, but I’m not sure if it’s nerves or excitement. If anyone ever finds out I was here, inside this exotic, sensual nightclub that caters to pleasure, I’m ruined. My brother, Kedar, will disown me. My brother, Malik… well, it could go either way with him. He might suggest I should be locked in a tower, or he might high-five me for using his name to gain access to this incredible space that looks like something right out of my naughtiest fantasies.
Hayley was amazing and fearless, stalking Vander at the hotel, before she got lucky and scored a table near his one day at lunch. She overheard him speaking with his friend, who was complaining that Vander hadn’t even seen the fruits of his labor yet, whatever that meant. Vander agreed he would show up tonight and the friend pulled out a business card, handing it to him. Hayley said Vander laughed and reminded his friend he knew where it was, setting the card on the table. Neither noticed it falling to the floor when Vander excused himself, and Hayley rushed back to the suite with the opulent, burgundy card, practically shaking when she dialed the number embossed in gold.
Club Curve.
Kedar had plans tonight that didn’t include me. At breakfast this morning, I told him I had a mild headache and intended to cancel my plans for this evening. After inquiring into my health, he nodded and advised Alexandra and Laela they could take the night for themselves. He seemed distracted but I didn’t dig deeper because frankly, I’d use any advantage I had to ensure I had some control over my future.
As luck would have it, Hayley’s nervous questions led the woman on the other end of the line to assume she was looking for work. After a little back and forth, here I am, feeling completely out of my element and ‘trying Club Curve on for size’ by attending the masquerade auction tonight. I thought my heart was going to beat its way out of my chest when Ella explained the auction to me, but she assured me I can change my mind at any point prior to walking down the stage. The entire club is run by women, although Ella explained that some of the investors are men. Everywhere I look I see stunning women in beautiful clothing. Women who look like me. Whether they are servers, bartenders, dancers or management, the women are confident and bold, showing off their curves, and flirting with the clientele. As Ella introduced me, Addy, to women who have been working here for a while, I kept hearing the same things. It’s warm and welcoming. No one is judged for their preferences here and the money is excellent. Once I got past my shock that many of the women here are happy to entertain the clientele, I had to accept that I may see Vander here tonightbeing entertainedby one – or more – of these beautiful women. The thought left a bitter taste in my mouth and fear fluttered in my stomach every time I saw a couple entwined.
But then I saw him.
I have no idea how I didn’t notice him earlier, as my eye is drawn to his large frame as if he’s the only man in the room. His handsome face looks like it’s carved from stone and as his piercing gaze meets mine, I swear he can see through the layers of my clothing and mask to the very heart of me. I’m trembling inside, my legs like butter left out in the heat too long, and I almost bolt when Ella points out the hidden door behind the bar. That is where I am to go, should I feel the need to escape.
If there was ever a time for escape, it’s probably now.
Ella doesn’t know me. She has no idea that ‘Addy Summers’ is a princess with a surname she borrowed from her attendant. She doesn’t have to be nice to me, or pretend she’s never read anything about me or my family in the tabloids. And yet, she is warm and compassionate, and I feel terrible about deceiving her. I told her I had heard about the club from Prince Malik and his friends when I visited London and was interested in working here. Seeing my nerves, she immediately takes me under her wing to put me at ease, reminding me that I never need to do anything I’m not comfortable with. That this club is as much about empowerment as it is entertainment.
I feel more welcome here, in my borrowed clothes, than I ever have at state dinners, or royal balls, or any other event where I’m judged for what I wear, how I behave and who I speak with.
I feel free.
I’m relieved that Vander isn’t sitting with a beautiful woman and a thrill shoots through my body when the surprise in his expression turns to possessive hunger. I may be a virgin, and a sheltered one at that, but Vander awakened something primal in me, and I’m desperate for more.
