MasukThe girls had moved to a high-top table near the edge of the dance floor. Their glasses were half-empty and their laughter was already loose from the several round of cocktails. Nina had disappeared into the crowd minutes earlier, promising another round of shots and “someone to dance with,” leaving the three of them to hold the fort. Emily leaned forward, her elbows on the sticky table, eyes bright and scanning the room like a hawk. “Okay, but look at him,” she said, nodding toward a tall guy in a charcoal button-down near the bar. He had dark hair with sleeves rolled to his forearms, easy smile as he talked to the bartender. “That’s the one.” Sarah smirked. “You said that about the last three.” “This one’s different.” Emily drained her drink, set the glass down with purpose. “Watch and learn.” Before Cassie could protest, Emily was already sliding off her stool, smoothing her dress. She walked straight toward the bar, hips swaying just enough to draw eyes. The guy noticed her im
The city lights bled into the night like spilled neon, turning every rain-slicked street into a mirror of electric color. Cassie stepped out of the car first, the cool air kissing her bare shoulders and raising goosebumps along her arms. She had chosen a black sequined mini-dress that caught every stray light like scattered diamonds; the neckline plunged low enough to show the delicate silver chain Reggie had given her. It ended in a tiny open book pendant between her breasts. The dress hugged her body, ending high on her thighs. She’d paired it with strappy silver heels that made her legs look endless. Her hair fell in loose waves and her lips were painted deep berry, eyes lined in smokily. It made the green of her irises pop under the streetlights. Emily climbed out next, all long limbs and reckless energy. She was in a metallic silver slip dress that shimmered like liquid mercury. The thin straps kept sliding off her shoulders but she didn’t bother fixing them. Her hair was pulle
Cassie woke to the soft chime of her phone on the nightstand. The apartment was quiet except for the distant hum of the city far below. Reggie’s side of the bed had been empty for six nights now. She reached for the phone, hoping for his name, but the screen showed the group chat with Emily and Sarah instead. Emily: Hey Doctor! We’re coming this weekend. Flights are already booked. We are arriving on Friday. Prepare for chaos. Sarah: Two whole days of us. No excuses. We’re crashing your fancy apartment and eating all your food. Cassie’s lips curved despite the hollow ache in her chest. She typed back quickly. Cassie: YES. I’ve missed you both so much. I’ll stock the fridge. Reggie’s still buried in one of his projects but I’ll tell him. Emily: Tell him we said thank you in advance for the private jet last time. And that we’re judging him until we meet him properly. Sarah: Also tell him we’re stealing you for at least one night of dancing. He can have you back Sunday. Cassie lau
The next morning Reggie had an early meeting. He kissed her goodbye at the door, then paused, hand on her cheek. “I know something’s bothering you,” he said quietly. “You don’t have to tell me right now. But we will talk about it tonight when I get home.” She nodded, throat tight. “Okay.” He kissed her forehead. “Whatever it is, we’ll handle it together.” He said before getting into the car. Cassie stood on the balcony and watched the car drive off. She leaned against the rails, eyes closed and breathed in loudly. She would tell him tonight.She stayed there for about ten minutes before deciding to go back in to get her phone to put some music to soothe her. It was then that she saw Reggie's text. Reggie: Hey. The merger cleared the final approval overnight. The board wants signatures this afternoon, in person. The plane’s already fueled. I’m so sorry, kitten. I’ll be back tomorrow. We’ll talk then. I promise. She stared at the words until they blurred. She had at least 24
Cassie woke to the soft patter of rain against the bedroom windows and the faint scent of coffee drifting from the kitchen. The apartment was quiet except for the low hum of the city far below and the occasional clink of a mug. She stretched for a second before reaching for her phone on the nightstand. The screen lit up with the time: 8:17 a.m. Therevwas also a single notification from an unknown number. She opened it without thinking. Unknown: Good morning, beautiful. Got your number from mutual friends. Thought we could grab coffee sometime and catch up. No pressure. —D Her stomach dropped. Did D stand for Dominic? She had lied that she did not know him, but his voice sounded so familiar. He had looked at ease at the event, could he be the Dom she had slept with at The Forbidden? It couldn't be. They were a long way from the city she had schooled. Maybe it was just a coincidence and he knew her from somewhere else and not the BDSM club. His eyes had been on her for so long,
They danced to one more song before Reggie got them another drink. "Okay, you don't really look well. Let us head home, " Reggie said before pulling her close. Cassie thanked the heavens for him. On their way to the exit, they encountered Dominic again. "Leaving already? " Dominic asked curiously."Yes. Cassie is not really feeling well. Thanks for hosting us, " Reggie said. "That's okay. I will see you another time." Dominic said. "Sure thing, " Reggie said as they headed out. Once in the car, it pulled away smoothly. The streetlights streaked past. Cassie stared out the window, watching the city blur into streaks of lights and shadows. Reggie’s hand found hers on the seat between them. He laced their fingers together, thumb stroking slow, soothing arcs over her knuckles. He didn’t push but she felt his concern in the gentle pressure of his grip, in the way he angled his body toward hers, offering silent shelter. She wanted to tell him. Sienna's words sat heavy on her tongu
Cassie took one bite and actually moaned. “Okay, who are you and what have you done with my brother?” she asked, eyes wide. “This is… obscene. In the best way.” Asher beamed proudly. “I told you culinary school was worth my money. Mom would be proud she didn’t die in vain trying to teach me how t
The lair’s air was thick with the scent of sex and sweat. Reggie lay on his back, one arm tucked beneath Cassie’s neck, her head resting on his chest as their breathing slowly synced. Her body felt boneless and warm against him. The faint pink handprints on her ass was a quiet reminder of how far t
Cassie drifted between sleep and waking, the world feeling distant with each breath. Reggie’s heartbeat thudded slowly and steadily beneath her cheek, his chest rising and falling chest the most comforting rhythm she’d ever known. The room was dark, the city’s glow muted by heavy curtains, and the
The lair was quiet now except for their breathing and heartbeat. Reggie’s chest was still heaving and sweat was cooling on his skin as he carried Cassie the last few steps to the massive four-poster bed tucked into the far corner of the room. The frame was dark mahogany, carved with almost invisibl







