-Ember-
I down the rest of my drink in one burning gulp, my mind racing faster than my heart.
Is this seriously happening right now? Ivy's voice echoes in my head, sounding as stunned as I feel.
He heard me. He heard everything. Oh goddess! I respond internally, mortification washing over me in waves.
Why are you mortified? Ivy challenges. He's clearly willing to be an enthusiastic participant. That's something, isn't it?
He could be crazy... I argue. They all are crazy!
I look up at my friends, who are watching me with varying expressions of anticipation and amusement. "Okay, so where is he then?" I ask, my voice coming out higher than intended.
Ainslee points to the door that leads to the hallway. "Waiting outside. When you're ready, we leave, and he'll come in." Her tone is matter-of-fact, like she's explaining a business transaction rather than setting up what could be the most reckless night of my life.
The burning in my face intensifies. "You're serious? This isn't some elaborate prank?"
"I mean, one of us can stay..." Stella says with a mischievous grin, "but I didn't think you'd be into someone watching." She winks, and I want to disappear into the plush carpet beneath my feet.
I hide my face in my hands. "Oh goddess... this is so embarrassing. He must think I'm pathetic and desperate."
Stella reaches over, gently pulling my hands away from my face. "Nope. He actually has the hots for you. Like, seriously."
I look at her, dumbfounded. "What?"
"Yeah," Ainslee confirms, nodding enthusiastically. "He's been watching you all night. And he promised us he would abide by all your rules. Tomorrow, he'll leave before you take the blindfold off. He's going to give you a night you won't forget... it'll be all about you."
My heart pounds so hard I can feel it in my throat. "I can't—"
"Why not?" Stella interrupts, her voice suddenly fierce. "Hmm? Tanner has been cheating on you for three fucking years. He has shown you nothing but pain." She leans forward, eyes blazing. "This is your fantasy... you deserve pleasure, not pain. And you'll never have to see this guy again. No one but us will know." She pauses, her gaze challenging. "What is stopping you besides fear right now? And don't you fucking dare say Tanner and that bullshit of a mate bond."
She's right, you know, Ivy says quietly.
"This is insane," I whisper.
I'm done denying ourselves for one night of feeling good, Ivy argues. Done waiting for a mate who doesn't want us.
I thought you were in agreement that we save ourselves for our mate, I counter, surprised by her change of heart.
I'm over that, Ivy says firmly. And we won't have to see this guy again. It's perfect.
"Oaklynn," I blurt out suddenly, "go talk to this guy and see what he's like."
Oaklynn gapes at me. "You are seriously considering this?"
"No... well, maybe... I don't know." I run a hand through my hair. "Just go talk to him." I trust Oaklynn's judgment more than anyone's. She gets excited like Stella sometimes, but she knows to draw the line at potential danger. If anyone will give me an honest assessment, it's her.
Oaklynn raises her hands in surrender. "Okay fine. I'll go talk to him. Only because I'm curious about who this mystery man is." She points accusingly at Stella and Ainslee. "And you two have lost your ever-loving minds. When I get back, we're all leaving. Together."
"Don't be so judgmental," Ainslee calls after her as Oaklynn stomps toward the door.
As the door closes behind Oaklynn, my pulse quickens even more. What am I even considering here?
"You know," Stella says, refilling my drink without asking, "you've spent three years living in pain because of Tanner's choices. Don't you deserve one night where you're the priority?"
Ainslee nods in agreement. "This guy isn't looking for anything beyond tonight. He understands the rules. No names, no faces, no future meetings. Just pleasure."
"But what if—" I start.
"What if nothing," Stella cuts me off. "What if you finally do something for yourself? What if you take back some control over your own body and pleasure?"
"Tanner doesn't own you," Ainslee adds softly. "The mate bond doesn't give him the right to treat you like garbage while expecting your loyalty."
I fidget with my glass. "What if someone finds out?"
"Who would tell?" Stella challenges. "The four of us in this room are the only ones who will ever know. And this guy has just as much reason to keep it quiet as you do."
The minutes tick by agonizingly slowly. By the time the door finally opens and Oaklynn returns, I still haven't committed to anything. But my resolve is weakening with each passing second.
Oaklynn walks in, her cheeks flushed, and she's actually fanning herself. "You should do it," she announces, looking slightly dazed. "He is... perfect."
I stare at her in disbelief. "What? You can't be serious. You were supposed to be the voice of reason here!"
"TOLD YOU!" Ainslee exclaims triumphantly, pumping her fist in the air.
I lay my head on the back of the sofa, staring at the ceiling. "Oh my goddess. Is this really happening?"
"Yep," Oaklynn, Stella, and Ainslee respond in perfect unison.
"What did he say to you?" I ask Oaklynn, desperately curious.
She shakes her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "Nothing I'm going to repeat. But I will say this—he knows exactly what he's doing, and he's not some creep. He's... respectful. Intense, but respectful."
"And hot," Stella adds helpfully. "Don't forget hot."
"Scorching," Oaklynn confirms with a nod.
Ainslee takes my hand and makes me stand up. She walks me toward what must be the bedroom door. "Go in the bedroom. Face the window. Do not turn around when he comes in or attempt to look at him. If you do, the fantasy is over, he will leave. The rules are clear."
I hesitate at the threshold. "I've never done anything like this before."
"That's the point," Stella says gently. "One night to be someone else. Someone brave. Someone free."
"What do I even say to him?" I ask, panic rising.
"Whatever you want," Ainslee says with a shrug. "Or nothing at all. The beauty of this is there are no expectations. Just... be in the moment."
Let's just be in the moment, Ivy echoes, her voice filled with anticipation.
"I can't believe I'm actually doing this," I whisper, more to myself than to them.
"You deserve this," Oaklynn says, squeezing my shoulder. "And if at any point you change your mind, just say so. He promised he'd respect that."
With a deep breath, I enter the bedroom. It's even more luxurious than the main room—a massive king-sized bed dominates the space, draped in what looks like Egyptian cotton sheets. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a panoramic view of the city lights below.
I'm nervous. No, I'm terrified. But there's something else too—a thrill I haven't felt in years, maybe ever. I stare at the window, my stomach flipping with anticipation, watching the reflection of the empty room behind me.
When I hear a knock and the door opens, I take a deep breath and do everything in my power not to turn around. My heart is pounding so hard I'm sure he can hear it from across the room.
This is it, Ivy whispers. No going back now.
I close my eyes, waiting for whatever comes next.