“I agree, Sydney. Let’s make our rounds and see who’s interested in our visit.” Kade led them off the floor toward the back of the club.
Sydney braced herself for whatever kinky sights they’d see along the way. She wasn’t a prude, but she wasn’t used to seeing so many naked people prancing around in collars and leather. As they approached the back, they pushed through a red, metallic, beaded, fringed curtain door. A sensual, hard, driving pulse of music spread throughout the hallway, which was dimly lit with black light.
A crowd gathered at the entrance of one of the rooms where a couple was performing. There wasn’t much room to see. As Sydney pushed her way to the front, Kade settled behind, letting his hands fall protectively around her waist. A tall, lithe, gothic-looking woman stood spread-eagle with her hands secured by leather cuffs to an upright, wooden contraption that looked like an X. Although the woman was blindfolded and bonded, she appeared to quiver in euphoria as her male partner teased her bottom with a blue, leather whip.
The crowd silently watched as the woman begged her partner for release. It appeared that the woman had somehow earned her reward, because her partner unzipped his pants and entered the woman from behind. He was thrusting over and over into the bound woman while she screamed, “Yes!” over and over. Sydney could not believe she was watching such an intimate act with Kade and was growing embarrassed of her own arousal. Yet she knew this is why people came here...to arouse and be aroused. Concerned by her reaction, Sydney pushed back slightly in order to turn away. Kade’s arms tightened, holding her still against him forcing her to watch. She could feel the hardness of Kade pressed into her back, and knew he wanted her to see this.
Kade chose to make Sydney watch the lovers in the room, so she could experience a taste of his world. He was not a frequent visitor of this club by any means, but this kind of activity was not uncommon in the supernatural world. It was a harsh reality, albeit arousing. If Sydney was going to be with him, she needed to be aware of the dangers and temptations that lurked in his city. He could smell her arousal as she watched the strangers make love. His rock hard cock strained against his leather pants, begging to take her in the same manner. He could not resist the opportunity to tease his normally self-composed detective. He leaned his mouth down to her ear, making sure she heard his every word. “Do you like this, Sydney? Would you like me to tie you up and take you from behind? I promise not to be gentle with you, detective. Now don’t lie to me...I smell your desire.” He smiled knowing he ruffled her feathers.
Damn vampire senses. Sydney was mortified and had enough of this crazy sex show. She pulled herself out of his strong grip, knowing he’d chosen to let go of her. It was time to get back to business. There wasn’t anything suspicious going on in that area. Just a couple having sex, and a dozen, horny people watching. What had she gotten herself into on this case?
They started to walk further down the dark hall when Miguel, who appeared out of nowhere, distracted Kade. “Sir, I thought it might be a good idea for you to speak with Gia, a back bartender who works here. I remembered that she was friends with Freddy...you know the guy who quit. Maybe she has information about Simone’s whereabouts? Please forgive me. I should have thought of this earlier.”
Kade looked to Sydney. “Sydney, come with me. We can talk to her together.”
“Kade, you go. I'm fine. I want to find Dominique and perhaps, play with Rhea.” Sydney did not intend to play, but she did want to question the waitress. She also didn’t trust Miguel. She wanted him to think she was only here for fun, not to investigate.
“Sydney, as my director of security, you may find my questioning of interest. Please come with me.” Kade’s lips tightened anticipating her refusal.
“Kade, you said we're here to have a little fun, not work. I promise I'll catch up with you later. As you know, I'm a Dominant who likes to play with girls. Dominique should be back here somewhere. I'll be fine. I promise. Then you and I can play later after you're done,” she purred and rubbed her hands up and down his chest.
Kade ground his back teeth. Sydney was being stubborn again. And of course, she was driving him wild with need by rubbing herself all over him. He wanted to fuck her right there and forget about talking to the bartender. Sensing that Etienne and Xavier were close, he acquiesced to her demand to stay in the back of the club, knowing she wanted to continue to investigate. He blew out a breath. “I will quickly go question the other bartender. It will only take a second. I can sense both Xavier and Etienne back here, so give them a shout should you run into any issues, okay? I promise you and I will play later.”
Something about Miguel made Sydney’s skin crawl. He wasn’t lying, but he wasn’t exactly telling the whole truth. She wanted Kade to go find out what the bartender knew. They could not leave any stones unturned, and so far, this evening was a bust. “I’ll be fine. Besides kinky sex, there doesn’t seem to be much going on here that could get me in trouble. Dominique should be back here somewhere.” She winked at Kade as he and Miguel headed toward the light at the end of the hallway.
Damn straight, she’d be okay. She sobered at the thought of what happened to those girls in Philadelphia, renewing her purpose. Dominique seemed to be gone with Rhea a little too long. She’d like the opportunity to interview her as well. How the hell was she going to find them in this labyrinth? Putting one foot in front of the other seemed the only way, so she continued walking and glancing in rooms that were open to public viewing. Nothing seemed amiss. She could see a blue light coming out of one of the rooms at the far end of the hallway on the right. It was so dark in this hallway she really hoped there weren’t any bugs or mice back here, or she’d freak out.
Caution told her she might want to check her weapons, so Sydney reached down into her boots, making sure the silver stake, knife and chain were still there. As she looked up again toward the end of the hallway, someone slammed her hard against the wall. She could barely see the outline of a bearded man who smelled of stale cigarettes and whiskey. He firmly held her to the wall with a stubby hand on each of her bare arms. She struggled but was unable to dislodge him.
“Hey, missy, what ya doing back here all by yourself in the dark? Your blood,” He leaned in to sniff her neck, “Oh yes. It smells so good. What kind of a master would let his human run around back here unprotected? You need a real master to get you in line. How I'd love to spank that pretty ass of yours and drown in your sweet blood. Come on now, this is going to be fun.”
Sydney recoiled from the putrid smell emanating from the vampire. She could see the fine points of his teeth glinting off the black light. Should she play innocent? Or pretend she belonged to him? But then again, Sydney was Sydney. She did not do damsel in distress well. Fuck that. This foul-assed vampire is so going down. “Listen, pal. I'm giving you fair warning, get your fucking hands off me or you're going to regret it, last chance.” She looked at him defiantly, planning her next move.
The vampire cackled, “Feisty one, aren’t you? It's going to be a pleasure whipping you into submission.”