VICTORIOUS (A Quantum Novel)(72)

Chapter 14





I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I didn’t anticipate a nightclub. Well-dressed attractive people in cocktail dresses and suits, others dressed in classy-looking leather, a few shirtless men, all of them with drinks in hand. There’s a crowded dance floor and a packed bar along with stand-up tables as well as booths. The low bass thump of dance music vibrates through the room, mixing with the conversations taking place. The thump reminds me of the bass drum of desire that I’ve experienced with Flynn, and my body begins to react to the familiar sound, my muscles contracting around the plug.

The only thing that sets this apart from other nightclubs I’ve visited are the stages set in various spots throughout the room, the crosses, the benches and other equipment that identify this as not your average club. It’s early yet, or so Flynn tells me as he keeps a hold on my hand and leads us to the bar. Everyone seems happy to see him, and several people greet me by name even though I don’t recognize them. They all know me, which is something I still find bizarre even all these weeks later.

A shriek to my left draws my attention, and Marlowe swoops in to hug me. “It’s so good to see you here, girlfriend.”

“Thanks, Mo. It’s good to be here.”

“You look amazing!”

“Marlowe Sloane thinks I look amazing. Pinch me please.”

“I’ll leave the pinching to your sexy Dom. But seriously, I’m thrilled to see you here, to know you’ve accepted this part of him. It’s so huge.”

“It’s been an interesting couple of weeks.”

“I can only imagine. You know you can talk to me anytime. If you need an outside perspective.”

“That’s very sweet of you. So far, Flynn and I are doing pretty well with the talking. He loves to talk.”

Her dirty laugh tells me she gets what I mean. “I remember that about him. We weren’t together long, but that’s one thing I remember.”

I feel like I’ve been hit with a stun gun. Didn’t Flynn tell me he and Mo were only friends? How many times have I thought about what a beautiful couple they might’ve made?

“Anyway, are you here to watch or to play?”

“Watch.”

“I might be doing a scene later with a new sub.” Adding with a wink, “He’s young and hung, just the way I like them. I hope you’ll be around to watch.”

“I wouldn’t miss it after that introduction.” Though I’m still reeling from what she revealed to me, I can’t help but laugh at that. Whatever might’ve happened between her and Flynn, it’s long in the past. But I will ask him about it as soon as I get the chance.

“We’ll see if he shows. I think he’s scared of me.”

Flynn leads me to a table out of the fray and hands me a glass of wine. He’s got a glass of Bowmore, judging by the color of the liquid. “Enjoy it slowly. We’ve got a two-drink limit.”

“How come?”

“We want everyone clearheaded for any activities they might decide to participate in. No one is allowed to get drunk here.” He glances at me, his eyes soft but serious. “There’s no place for large quantities of booze in a safe, sane, consensual environment.”

“Makes sense.”

We’re interrupted by the arrival of a tall, gorgeous woman I recognize instantly as Cresley Dane, the supermodel.

“Is this the famous Natalie who took our friend Flynn off the market in such dramatic fashion?” she asks with a warm smile for me and a hug for Flynn.

“Cresley, meet my wife, Natalie.

Cresley surprises me when she hugs me, too. “It’s so great to meet you. I’m an admirer.”

“Oh. Thank you. That’s nice to hear. Likewise.”

Hayden joins us, slipping an arm around Cresley, who leans into him. “Nice to see you here, Natalie,” he says.

“Nice to be here.”

“You ready?” he asks Cresley, who nods in response.

“Let’s go.”

“See you later?” Cresley asks us.

“We’ll be here,” Flynn says. “We may even watch.”

“Good,” Cresley says with a smile that encompasses both of us before she lets Hayden lead her away.

“Where’re they going?”

“To the dungeon.”

I’m surprised by the pang of distress I feel in the area of my heart at knowing Hayden is going to have sex with Cresley when he’s so obviously in love with Addie. “What will they do there besides the obvious?”