Page 36 of Riptide

“You’ll be tempted to break character but don’t. You’re Paris Cornell. She’s a member of Xtra. This kind of party is second nature to you. Whoever is there may have known Evan was at Xtra as well. What you see tonight, what you do tonight,” Seth brushed his fingers along her collarbone, “you are intrigued, but not impressed. You are the elite. You take risks.”

“Like you?”

“It’s one of the things you love about me.”

Love? Kaimana’s heart pounded in her chest as he leaned in and pressed his lips against hers. Oh God, I’m in deep but I can’t control this.

Losing herself in his passionate kiss, her tongue danced with his. She softly panted for breath as he tore his lips from hers. She brought her palm to her chest as if she was attempting to keep her heart from spilling out of her body. This man would tempt her like no one had ever done in her life.

* * *

Though she feigned courage, Kaimana’s stomach curled into knots. She ran her fingers over the edging of her mask, hoping no one would recognize her. She looked within herself, attempting to focus. Determined, she’d carry out the night with purpose. Help shake out the mole. Find Evan.

As the limo pulled into the driveway, she steeled her nerves. She glanced out the window taking in the sight of the property. The winding road twisted up mountainous desert terrain. The enormous mansion came into view, its circular entrance lined with majestic, skirted California fan palm trees.

The car gently rolled to a stop, and Kaimana donned her disguise, her long braid draped over her shoulder. “Paris is fresh off the plane from Fiji and ready to mingle.”

“Stone Maddox.” He slid the mask over his head and turned towards her. Ready to party. “You ready?”

“Let’s go stir things up.” Seth opened the door, stepped into the driveway and extended his hand to her.

As Kaimana emerged from the car, a cascade of iridescent bubbles danced through blinking strobe lights. With each step they took toward the home, the sound of dance music grew louder, its thumping bass echoing into the night.

As they approached the entrance, large metal doors swung open, revealing a black lit foyer.

Kaimana glanced to Seth. “Is this place haunted?”

“Perhaps we’ll see a few ghosts, but I suspect it’s automated.”

“Welcome.” Garrett seemingly appeared out of nowhere. He brushed his black cape over his shoulder and flashed his fangs.

“You’re a vampire?” Seth laughed. “Nice.”

“Paris. Stone. So nice to have you at our club,” Garrett continued, not once breaking character, “Please come inside to paradise. Welcome to Club Altura. As we discussed earlier, there are rules, and as my guests I’ll need you to abide by them. No cell phones?”

“No.” Seth promptly answered.

Kaimana shook her head.

“What happens at Club Altura stays at Club Altura. As you’ve already signed the NDA I sent, I’m assuming you’re clear on not disclosing details of the evening to others?”

“Yes, of course,” Kaimana replied.

“I tend to break rules,” Seth told him with a shrug.

“Not here. Not tonight,” Garrett responded without missing a beat.

“Okay. Guess we’re clear.” Seth nodded.

“Let me give you a tour.” Garrett turned and waved them further inside the home. “This way.”

Kaimana’s skin tingled as Seth’s fingertips brushed her lower back. Instinctively she kept close to him as they walked deeper into the mansion.

A masked woman dressed in a red lace corset and luminous hoop skirt stood in their path. She fiddled with the end of a leash. “Garrett, darling. Where’s our dear Selby?”

“Ah, good question. I’ve been looking for my human,” Garrett replied in character. “Where is she?”

A petite woman in a long white gown emerged from the hallway, her dusky pink nipples visible through the translucent fabric. “Master.”