Page 6 of Ruined
My phone made a quick buzz as I flipped to the next page. I didn’t plan on bothering with it, but then it vibrated again, which meant I knew who it was. I could count on one hand the number of people who had my number, and onlytwoof them would have the audacity to text me twice.One of which was somewhere in this very club, with god knows what in his mouth.
With a half-irritated sigh, I opened the text.
Kyrin:Count me in for dinner this week. I’ll bring the appetizer.
I snorted under my breath knowing he washere, yet texting in our family group chat.
Greyson:If the appetizer is that blonde you brought last time, count me in. But I swear to god, if you bring that nastyasparagus shit again, I will light you on fire.
It was mere seconds before three dots appeared and another response chimed.
Kyrin:Well, the appetizer was going to be vodka. Also, don’t threaten me, you’re making my dick hard.
“Idiots,” I muttered, though there was no heat behind it.There never was with them. My brothers were the only ones allowed to be a constant, unavoidable, and annoying headache. I switched my phone to silent and set it face down on the desk.They could sort out whatever details they needed to without me babysitting.As I pulled my hand away from the phone, my eyes landed on a half-hidden business card in the trash. My body once again tensed in reaction to the color.
What an ugly thing. Gaudy. Like it had been designed specifically to test me. I could practically feel it staring at me, right there from the trash. I could swear whoever created it did so just to taunt me.
I exhaled sharply and looked away, forcing myself to focus on the contract edits. Skimming the pages until I found the other altered sections, I read them aloud.
“After being granted entry, one must select an assigned mask and obey its role according to the rules.”Yes. Very black and white, very simple.“Masks cannot be switched during visits and are not allowed to be removed.” Another easy one,you would think.“Upon leaving the membership area, one consents to being filmed while in the building.”
I nodded as I glanced through the remaining pages, the onesthat hadn’t been revised. They outlined basic things like the members' information and a waiver, releasing us of any liability. As my eyes reached the last portion, the music in the club intensified, and the muffled pulse of it bled through the reinforced walls around me. Glancing at the clock, I noticed the time.
Shit.
I grabbed my white mask, stood, and locked my computer before heading toward the door. Whoever Kyrin hired would be here in the next few minutes, and I wanted to make sure I was present for every opportunity to rub that choice in his face. Taking the stairs down two at a time, I thought about the mere satisfaction I’d get from watching her failure.
In the short time I’d been gone, the club had filled. Every inch of the floor was now covered in sweat and skin. Not entirely a bad thing forme, but I hoped it would be for whatever walking highlighter was coming soon.
I cut across the main floor and opened the large door to our member entrance. This small waiting area was where we decided if you were worthy of being ruined. From the street, the space gavenoinsight to what waited behind the next door. In fact, the walls were a bright white, almostglowingagainst the few black geometric patterns that hung sparingly. There were no chairs anywhere, just the desk where my receptionist sat. It was similar to mine, with dark wood, clean lines, and a low light which filled the room.
Taya noticed me right away and stood, her green eyes giving away the smile underneath her mask. The black fabric stayedtight to her mouth as she dipped her head in recognition. To anyone else who came in, the mask she wore seemed almost normal. It mimicked the medical ones that were used to ward off sickness, but we both knew it was an inconspicuous way for her to follow the rules.
“How can I help you, Mr. Solstice?”
“The contracts look nice,” I acknowledged, watching the clock hit seven. “I like your revisions. I’ll need digital copies archived by morning and our physical copies replaced.”
She nodded and bowed slightly, as if I was graced to be in her presence.
I couldn't help but shake my head at her behavior, a trait that often reminded me of Kyrin. For some stupid reason, I had hired her fully knowing I would have to deal with that everyday.
“Oh, and there will be a guest here tonight,” I added, as she looked up at me. “I’m granting her a one-time entry without membership, but make sure her paperwork is completed and her name is pushed through our system. She’s a potential photographer for the masquerade.”
Her head tilted just a fraction, and I caught the desire that flooded her eyes. “Is that the one Kyrin mentioned earlier?”
Bringing my fingers up to my face, I rubbed the bridge of my nose and slowly exhaled, remembering that her being a raging lesbian was also one of the reasons we got along so well. “I am this close to enforcing restrictions on both of you. Just try to keep it in your damn pants.”
She laughed through her mask. “Don’t compare me to that child. Besides,”—she moved her hand, gesturing between her legs—“I can't help the fact that she's a hunter, okay?”
Mental note: find a new receptionist.
Dismissing her with one look, I glanced toward the entrance leading back to the street. Then, turning away from her completely, I let my feet guide me back inside the club. I adjusted my cuffs as I walked, grounding myself in preparation for tonight.
Whatever trouble Kyrin thought he’d found wasn’t strong enough for what was coming her way.
4
Ember
