Dark Room (Society X #1)

  The rules of Society X are simple . . . break them and you're out.

  Rule #1 - No names

  It doesn't matter if you want to know, it's forbidden.

  Rule #2 - No exchanging numbers

  It doesn't matter if you want to call, it's forbidden.

  Rule #3 - Everything is to remain strictly anonymous.

  It doesn't matter if you want to tell, it's forbidden.

  The Dark Room is the only place you can live out your fantasies and no one will ever know it’s you.

  For Parker, what started out as a business transaction has turned into an addiction.

  For Mia, it's been a chance to discover who she truly is.

  What happens in the dark will have you begging for more . . .

  To Kim & Yvette

  Thank you for always being in our corner.

  Amy, Audrey, Kelli, Tammy & Veronica

  Everything that you do for us does not go unnoticed.

  Thank you! You guys rock!

  Never in a million years did I think I’d be pulling into the parking lot of Society X; the whole sex club scene just isn’t for me. I have far too much to lose if I’m caught with my pants around my ankles. And if it weren’t for my fraternity brother, Bryce Adams, I wouldn’t be here. But when a brother calls, you come running . . . even if it’s to a place where you could lose your life savings and A-list clientele.

  Bryce is offering me an investment deal. One he says will only come along once in a lifetime. In college, he’d had this harebrained scheme none of us thought would take off. The first thing the brilliant jackass did was Trademark his idea. Then, with a ferocity none of us knew he possessed, he not only chased after his dream, he accomplished it. However, considering the nature of the business, banks won’t touch him.

  That's where I come in.

  After my grandfather died, I inherited his company. Ward Enterprises is a Fortune 500 who buys or invests in companies in financial ruin, keeping them afloat until we decide to sell our stock back; or if the market is treating us well, we stay on and take profit.

  Society X doesn’t exactly meet any of the aforementioned situations, but that doesn’t mean Ward Enterprises isn’t interested—even dirty money is money.

  Before I can knock on the door marked Employees Only, it swings open and Bryce greets me with a hug. Stepping back, I take him in: holey jeans, black dress shoes, white button down, and a mop top full of blond locks. Not a single thing has changed about him since college, except for the fact he’s now a rich, horny motherfucker.

  “Man, look at you.” I shake my head at his attire and smile.

  “Fuck off, bro. You’re in a three-piece?”

  “That’s because I have to meet with fucknuts like you all day.”

  He barks out a laugh and holds the door open for me to enter. Coming here, I’d expected to walk into a dark hallway permeated with the stench of sex, so I’m pleasantly surprised to find a pristine entryway lined with Andy Warhol paintings.

  “I thought you fucked for a living?”

  “Nah, not me. But my employees do. Well, some of them do. Some don’t. I’m getting ahead of myself. Let me show you.” The hallway opens up into a network of passages and we take a series of turns until he’s typing in a code and opening a door. When we step through, there’s an entryway with blacked out windows, a coatroom, and a pay station. “For you to get the full effect, we need to start at the beginning.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “All visitors—both men and women—filter through this door.” He points behind me and I nod. “They pay and check all personal items over there. There are absolutely no cell phones, cameras, or any recording devices allowed past this point. Most people who have been here before leave their shit in their cars.

  “When they’re done here, they have a choice of one of two doors: Men or Women. They pick their door and enter, waiting for an usher to meet them at the end of the walkway.”

  Bryce opens the door to women. Thank God. I’m not sure I can stomach watching men grind their banana hammocks all over women, at least not after the lunch I had. He waves to the man standing at the end of the short walkway, which is filled with pictures of the dancers and merchandise they have for sale.

  “This isn’t open seating. The earlier you arrive, the better your seats. We have ushers on each side who will seat you and your party. The last thing I need are crazy bitches starting fights in my club.”

  There’s a partition blocking the view from the walkway, so the only way to see who is in the club or on stage is by being escorted in. I guess it saves them from having peeping toms who are getting off in line.

  As soon as I step around the partition, the floor plan opens up. In the center of the room is the stage, complete with a pole and a half-naked chick hanging from it. At the back, there is a row of private, half-circle booths. Most of them seat four people, while some are put together for larger parties. Everything is decorated in white, making it appear pristine.

  “What’s with the mirrors?” I ask, curious as to why they would line the walls with floor to ceiling mirrors.

  “Lap dances are a bit more exciting when you can watch her grind on your cock from all angles. It’s a fetish thing.”

  “I see.” I say it, but I don’t really mean it, because this is definitely not my scene. I’ve never had to pay for sex or come looking for carnal entertainment.

  “The men’s side has an identical set up, but it’s the center I need to show you. Actually, it’s because of the center I can’t go to the bank and ask for a loan to expand. Follow me.”

  He has me intrigued. Following him down the hall, I notice there are both male and female restrooms. The thought hadn’t occurred to me that women probably come here too.

  Coming to yet another door, Bryce types in a code. From what I’m gathering, everything outside these walls is secured and with limited access, which is a huge selling point.

  “The hallways intersect and are designed for employees only.” We walk a few feet until we come to three doors marked 1, 2, and 3. “No one is allowed back here without an escort. Doors leading in and out of this area are monitored by camera and locked with a keypad. And only certain staff members are allowed access.

  “These rooms are for members who we’ve tagged as elite. They fill out an application, something they can only do one time. If chosen, they have access to a room with a reservation.”

  “What are these rooms?”

  “Sex rooms – all done consensually and without cost.”

  “You let people have sex in here for free?” How would he make money if that’s the case? The cover charge is only fifteen dollars, with a one drink minimum per table requirement.

  “Membership fees. If you’re chosen to become a Society X member, you have to pay a monthly fee and are given either a necklace or a bracelet. It’s how you know who’s eligible for a little extra party. The process to become elite is strict, though. Women get one free fuck and it’s up to the partner to provide feedback on her abilities. If she’s a dud, her application is tossed aside, but if she lets her inhibitions go and rocks your fucking world, we want to keep her around.”

  “And what about the women, are they providing feedback on the men?”

  “Of course,” Bryce says with a shrug. “But if they’re getting their big O, most women won’t complain. They may, however, request that they not encounter that particular guy again.”

  “I see.” I’m trying to comprehend how all of this is legal and what the ramifications would be if I were to invest and the club gets raided. “You’re running a brothel.”

  Bryce shakes his head adamantly. “The sex is free. You’re paying
a membership fee to the club, which includes private dances, house drinks, and the VIP section. If you choose to take a patron or dancer into a room for some one-on-one time – it’s completely legal. I wouldn’t ask you to do this if we’d run the risk of getting shut down by the Feds.”

  I’m still not convinced, but I’m also not one to give up on a business deal until I’ve had a chance to dot my I’s and cross my T’s. Each transaction is different and they need to be treated as such. “Let me see the rooms.”

  Bryce walks to door three and types in the code. Upon entering, I immediately want to leave, but hold my footing. The walls are painted a deep purple, almost black. There’s a padded table in the center of the room with chains dangling from the sides. Hanging from the wall are an assortment of whips, chains and other things such as candles, feathers and a saw-horse contraption.

  “People come in here a lot?”

  “It’s one of our most booked rooms because you’re allowed to get your freak on without anyone knowing. People know if they break the rules, they’re out. There are no second chances at Society X.”

  “What are the rules?”

  “No names or numbers, everything is anonymous. Each member enters a room at their own risk.”

  I nod, understanding why those rules would be in place. The thought intrigues me – the ability to have anonymous sex without the hassle of getting to know someone. “Are all of the rooms the same set up?”

  “Nah, man. We got a little something for everyone. I’ll show you.” We go to the door marked with the number two. “This is the viewing room. You set your scene and watch it play out. We have a couple who has been married for a few years, but the husband has issues getting it up so he comes in here to watch his wife get fucked.”

  This room is completely different from the first. The walls are lighter and instead of a table, there’s a circular couch facing the back wall. The wall is covered in red velvet curtains framing a stage. And right fucking now, on that stage, are two women sharing a double-headed dildo.

  “Should we be in here?” I ask under my breath, unable to take my eyes off the ladies.

  He nods to the women who are watching us as they fuck each other. “Of course. They work here, and wanted to give you a little show.” He looks at me with a cocked eyebrow and laughs. He knows I’m turned on. I’d have to be dead to not find two women fucking sexier than hell.

  “What about hygiene?” The question is a cover. I need to get out of this room before I whip my cock out and find out which woman wants to suck me off. Fuck, I’d take them both and let one sit on my face while the other rides me.

  “We have a cleaning service that comes in after each use and disinfects the room. As far as the patrons go, everything is at your own risk, so cover your junk up.”

  “You know I could never—”

  “Yeah, yeah . . . I’ve had a lot of men say this isn’t for them. But it’s all about releasing pent up stress. Having sex with a stranger is the most exhilarating experience of your life. Take those girls up there.” He pointed to the stage. “I know you want to get in the middle of that shit and find out which one sucks cock better; it’s in our nature. Society X lets you embrace it.”

  “I can see that.” The women toss the dildo aside and assume the sixty-nine position, making my cock ache. Bryce slaps me on the shoulder, laughing. He knows I’m sold.

  “Come on. If you like this room, you’ll fucking love the dark room.”

  “Mia, would you hurry up! We’re gonna be late.” Rachel bangs on the door and I swing it open.

  “Calm your tits, I’m done.”

  Eyes wide, she rakes them down my body, which is wrapped in a tight red dress and matching heels. My blonde hair is curled in waves down my back. I even put makeup on for the first time in ages, as being co-owner of a gym with my brother, Andrew, wearing makeup isn’t essential to my job. Not when I spend most of it sweating and teaching exercise classes.

  “Hot damn. I don’t think I’ve seen you look this good since . . .”

  “Since Zac?” I finish for her.

  She sighs and walks the rest of the way into my room, her hips swaying in her cute blue dress. “I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just, we used to have so much fun pre-douchenozzle era. I just thought that now you got rid of the bastard, you’d go back to your normal self.”

  I don’t even know what that is anymore. It feels good to get up every morning and help other women find their goals in life, to help them appreciate themselves.

  When I’d found my ex, cock deep in another woman, I stood there like a fucking idiot. I knew her. She was one of the high-powered attorneys who worked in his law firm. Miss Big Tits then had the gall to explain how I wasn’t good enough for him, that I wasn't on their level. Well, I made damn sure she got on my level by punching her square in the jaw and watching her fall to the floor. Ever since then, Zac has been relentlessly trying to get me back and it’s exhausting. Andrew banned him from the gym, which is why I spend all my time there; it’s the one place he can’t get to me.

  Grabbing my purse, I take one last look in the mirror. Rachel is behind me and I smile. She’s been my best friend since high school and hasn’t changed a bit. We’re both twenty-five years old, but she’s the only one still in college, trying to get her Masters in Psychology. I have a Clothing Design degree and would loved to pursue it, but my brother needed my help so I put my dreams on hold to help him go after his. Maybe it was time I thought about myself for a change.

  “Why are you smiling like that?” She stares at me like I’ve lost my mind.

  “I think you might be right. I haven’t been myself lately, and I think it’s time I figure out who I am again. However . . .” I say, hating the thought of where we were about to go, “do I have to do it tonight? Why the hell did Stacey want to have her bachelorette party at Society X?”

  She bursts out laughing and grabs my arm. “I knew you’d try to chicken out. Come on, it’ll be fun. You used to go to clubs with me all the time. It’s no different now; we’re just wiser and hotter.”

  We walk downstairs and I lock the door behind us as we step out. The night is cool—a perfect night to sit outside and watch the stars—but instead, I have to go to a strip club. Rachel pulls out her keys, but I snatch them away and drag her to my own car. “I’m driving tonight. That way, I know we have a way home.”

  She snorts. “I’m not going to get drunk. I have a term paper due on Monday.”

  “Whatever you say, Rach.” I laugh.

  Twenty minutes later, we’re in downtown Portland. The club is in an upscale part of town, right on the Willamette River, with a line from the front door wrapping all the way around the side.

  “Holy hell, how are we going to get in?” I gasp.

  “We’re on the special guest list tonight. We can walk right up to the door.”

  I'm able to squeeze my little Acura into one of the tight parking spaces. “Alright, let’s go. Hopefully, my car won’t be dented all to hell when we get out.”

  Rachel takes my hand, pulling me to the front of the club. “It won’t. Tonight’s going to be awesome. Now promise me you’ll have some fun.”

  We walk around the side of the building and I groan. “I promise.”

  There are two guys at the door, one monitoring the long line, and the other who’s standing with a clipboard. Rachel rushes up to the guy with the clipboard and smiles. He’s dressed in a tux and he grins when she stops in front of him. “Good evening, I’m Rachel Bingham and this is Mia Hudson. We should be on the list for Stacey Chamber’s bachelorette party.”

  “Let’s see, Ms. Bingham,” he says, looking over the list. When he spots our names, he steps out of the way and points inside to another guy wearing the same style tux. “Enjoy your night, ladies. Jacob will be your escort tonight. He’s the one handling Ms. Chamber’s party.”

  “Thank you,” Rachel gushes.

  Jacob smiles as we approach, holding out a small bin. “Ladies, i
f you don’t mind, we require all electronic devices be checked for the duration of your visit. Everything will be safely locked away, so there’s no need to worry about anyone stealing your belongings.”

  Rachel puts her phone in the bin and nods for me to do the same. Sighing, I give in and hand them my phone. He writes down our names and numbers, then passes both bins to a woman, who types in a code at a door down the hall and disappears behind it.

  Grinning, Jacob opens a door that says Men and waves us in. “Are you ready?”

  Rachel nods emphatically and grabs my arm.

  Here we go.

  The music is loud, but it’s not to the point where you have to scream to be heard. There’s a wall to my right that blocks the main room from view, but I can already hear my friends on the other side.

  I nudge Rachel. “Sounds like Stacey’s having fun already.”

  “Probably because she’s getting one hell of a lap dance.”

  We turn the corner and Jacob escorts us to a private room, where Stacey is, indeed, getting a lap dance. “Wow,” is all I can say.

  Jacob chuckles low and leans in close. “Enjoy.”

  Rachel freezes in awe. “Holy shit, the dude is hard as a rock. And I’m not talking about his washboard abs.”

  Our friend, Meredith, waves us over to the seats beside her. She’s Stacey’s younger sister, but she looks nothing like her. Stacey is two years older, and Meredith is our age. Stacey has voluptuous curves, while Meredith is more of an athletic build. We all ran in the same circles growing up and it is good to see them again. “Isn’t this awesome?” she squeals.

  Rachel nods excitedly. “It’s freaking amazing. I’m so jealous right now.”

  Stacey is lying flat on the table with her legs spread open, while the dancer thrusts his hips into her. His cock is rock hard and protruding out of his thong, making the women in our party rabid. It’s like watching a live porno. Stacey seems to like it, judging by the way she’s grabbing his backside and thrusting her hips.