Page 22 of Savage Prince
“You can head out. I’ll handle the rest of this stuff tonight. You’ve worked your ass off on this event. Maybe go have some fun for once.”
“Are you sure?”
Keira nods. “Absolutely.”
“Okay, then. I won’t argue.” I grab my purse from my desk drawer, and the order I was given comes to life in my head as soon as Keira waves me off and I reach my car.
“Meet me again. Tonight.”
I unlock my Bronco and climb inside. For a fraction of a second, I consider turning away from town toward the winding country road that would bring me to the gate and the mansion.
But I turn right instead.
I make it through three lights before I whip my car around, pulling a U-turn in the middle of the road to the sound of blaring horns.
Chapter 10
Temperance
My anticipation climbs with every mile that passes—along with the feeling that I’m insane. But that doesn’t stop my body from humming with nervous, excited energy.
I shouldn’t be doing this. I know that better than I know my own name.
I don’t make reckless choices anymore. I’ve worked too hard to get my life exactly where I need it to be to take risks.
Yes, I searched for clubs like this months ago. My curiosity was piqued after I heard some of the Voodoo Kings football players discussing where they were headed after their Mardi Gras bash. Later that same week, I caught the tail end of a conversation between two ladies at lunch who mentioned a place where identities were hidden and fantasies were fair game.
Two instances in one week made it beyond tempting, but my search for a place people like that would frequent came up empty. Would I have ever worked up the nerve to go if I’d discovered Haven?
Highly doubtful.
The most likely outcome would have been me climbing in bed with a dirty book and a toy, and making myself come before falling asleep.
What happened the other nightwasa mistake, even if the stranger doesn’t believe that.
Girls like me can’t afford to be reckless. We don’t get that many chances, so screwing them up has harsher consequences.
So, what’s my excuse for tonight? Craziness? Curiosity? A little of both?
I decide it doesn’t matter as I give my name to whomever is at the other end of the speaker perched on a pole outside the gate. Now that I know what’s hiding behind it, the wrought iron seems even more decadent.
Someone spared no expense making sure the outside is just as perfect as the inside. The trees are perfectly trimmed and the moss seems almost artfully draped. The muted glow of the lights lining the drive adds to the enticing allure.Come,it says.Don’t hesitate. You’ll never find another place like this ... and certainly not another man likehim.
The voice in my head is interrupted by reality.
“Welcome back, madam,” the voice replies through the speaker as the gate swings open.
My foot stays planted on the brake, and I consider what the hell I’m doing for the thousandth time since I whipped that U-turn.
Turn around,I tell myself.Turn around and never look back. Forget this place and this man and go on with your safe little life.
My brother’s warning rings in my head about the kind of people who come here. Bad people. Does that make my stranger one of them? And even if he is ... do I care?
I squeeze my eyes shut and another voice emerges, louder than the last.
You only get one life. Live the hell out of it. No regrets.
As the two options clash in my brain, the gates move again—this time to close and shut me out. Which would make my debate moot, because my choice is being stolen from me.
