“Once. There was a fight here a couple of years ago and I was called to it. The place is pretty clean, really not much trouble. Everyone understands what it’s about and they give each other the proper respect.”
Hmm. She’d never heard of Temptations and she was once considered part of the industry, though more on the fringe. “So what’s the theme tonight?”
“I have no idea. Everyone who works here is wearing a mask, so that must have something to do with it.”
She watched couples walk by, most of the women draped in satin and lace or sexy lingerie, many of them also wearing masks. The men were nondescript and Janelle wondered if might be some sort of ladies night.
The lights dimmed, the color changing to a muted red and it cast the cavernous room in a fiery glow.
“I want you to go look for your sister.”
“What?” Janelle leaned forward, barely able to hear him, and she stared at his sexy mouth as it moved. Music started, a sensuous beat that throbbed. More people were arriving, filling the many booths at a rapid pace.
“Before the show starts, I want you to try and sneak backstage, see if Ginger’s there.” Nate stared at her, his eyes glittering in the darkness. “Just real quick, try and be discreet. Maybe ask about her if you’re comfortable.”
“Isn’t questioning people supposed to be your job?” Fear trickled down her spine.
No way did she want to wander around this place looking for her sister. The air practically vibrated with sex. And it wasn’t as if she was subtle in the blazing red dress.
“You’ll be able to slip past people a lot easier than me. You’re beautiful. They’ll let you have anything you want, even in that wig.”
She warmed at his compliment, grasping at the top of her head, tempted yet again to tear the stupid wig off. She felt ridiculous. “I look like a fool.”
“No, you look sexy. Very sexy. Look, if Ginger sees me, she’ll bolt. She’d be too surprised to run if she saw you. I’ll wander around too, ask a few questions.” His eyes pleaded with her, those sensuous lips stretched into a glimmer of a smile.
“Fine, I’ll go.” She was about to slide out of the booth when their hostess appeared, a martini glass on her tray. She placed the glass in front of Janelle with a flourish and a giggle.
“Enjoy. The glass is rimmed with chocolate sugar so make sure and—lick it off.” The waitress smiled, a seductive gleam in her eyes. “I’m sure you’ll love it.”
“Thank you.” Janelle kept her gaze trained on the glass. She could feel the tension coming off Nate in tangible waves. He didn’t like the way the waitress acted toward her.
“This is for you as well.”
Janelle glanced up to find the hostess handing her a black velvet mask, soft red feathers fanning from either side. She took it from her, their fingers grazing and the woman shot her a come-hither look.
“The theme tonight is ‘What the Lady Wants’. If we’re so inclined, we’re supposed to reveal our deepest, darkest fantasies,” the waitress explained.
Janelle studied the beautiful mask, gulping. If she was going to reveal her deepest, darkest fantasy, then she’d have Nate naked and sprawled across that stage. With her on top of him, licking every inch of his delectable flesh, drawing his cock deep into her mouth…
Her face flushed. She could feel the heat crawl up her cheeks.
“What’s your fantasy, sweetheart?”
Nate’s sexy drawl filled Janelle with jealousy. Every time he talked to her, he was short and to the point. No flirting whatsoever.
The hostess moved closer to Nate, her free hand cocked on her slim hip. “To be with another woman while her man watches. It’s something I’ve always wanted to try. I just can’t find the right couple.”
Nothing subtle about her fantasy. The hostess was starting to scare her.
“We can’t help you with your little fantasy.” Nate grabbed Janelle’s hand, lacing their fingers together. “I don’t share.”
Her heart tripped at the contact. The constant touching was going to kill her.
The hostess mock pouted. “What a shame. She’s beautiful. You two are a gorgeous couple.”
“Thank you.” Nate jerked Janelle closer and she braced a hand on his thigh to keep from falling into him. She curled her fingers into the fabric of his pants, the heat of his firm, muscular flesh burning her palm.
“Let me know if I could be of further service.” The hostess smiled and walked away.