Chapter 1
Immerse Yourself in the Forbidden
TAKING IN THE UNINSPIRINGsight of the building before her, Fiona’s hopes deflated like a leaky balloon. “This can’t be it,” she whispered as she looked down at the invitation clutched in her hand.
There was no mistake. Her Uber driver had taken her to the correct Beverly Boulevard address. The drab gray facade made it look more like a warehouse than a club. And shouldn’t there at least be a sign?
She flipped the glossy black card stock over and ran her fingers over the raised gold lettering.You’re invited to immerse yourself in the forbidden at LA’s most exclusive club, where Decadence thrives.
The words evoked a myriad of fantasies. She expected a sanctuary for those seeking a different kind of pleasure, something upscale, and lavish, as the name promised. Instead, she got dull and unenticing, and, quite frankly, sketchy.
An old college friend who was a member at the flagship club by the same name in San Antonio had recommended it. And her husband, one of the owners, had arranged the invitation. They wouldn’t steer her wrong.
“I’ve never been to the club in LA, but Jonas has, and several of my friends,” Lexie mentioned during their monthly chat.“Their clientele is younger, edgier, and much more uninhibited than at our little club here in the sticks.”
“More uninhibited?” Fiona parroted in surprise. The wild stories Lexie told about the private club created vivid images that left her both intrigued and mortified. “And you think this is the place for me?”
“I’m just saying they’re free-spirited and welcome everyone. The owners, many of whom I know through Jonas, insist on it being a no-judgment safe space for all members and guests.”
“I don’t know, Lex. I’m not sure I’d have the courage to walk through the door.”
“Let me talk to Jonas. We’re due for a getaway. Maybe we can schedule a trip to LA and go with you.”
“That seems like such a hassle,” she objected, although she really wanted to go because she was getting nowhere on her own. Having her old friend and her husband who was not only an experienced dom but a partner, a black belt in at least two martial arts, and former military—special forces in a branch she couldn’t remember—would set her mind at ease. But she hated to put them out, especially with Lexie pregnant with their first child.
“It’s no trouble. Besides, I’ve been dying to see the carousel for myself.”
“Did you say carousel?” Fiona asked, sounding like a parrot again.
“It’s a... How do I describe it?” she muttered, as if to herself. “I’ll tell you what my friends told me. You’ve got to see it to believe it. C’mon, Fi. You’re not meeting the right kind of men in your small vanilla dating pool. Why not give the club a try? Their kink may be different, but they’re all in the lifestyle, and security vetted them all or they wouldn’t be members. Which reminds me. Guests have to go through a screeningprocess, so there’s some paperwork involved, including signing a confidentiality agreement.”
“I’m okay with that,” Fiona replied. “It actually makes me feel better.”
“It should. The owners are sticklers for the rules, which are in place for everyone’s safety and privacy. What do you say? Should I talk to Jonas about making the trip?”
“Yes. You’ve piqued my curiosity, if nothing else.”
“That’s great, Fi. We haven’t seen each other in what feels like an eternity. We can catch up. Maybe do a little shopping.”
“Jonas won’t mind if I monopolize your time while you’re on vacation?”
“I’ll have to pay him some attention. You know how these doms are.”
Actually, she didn’t. But she wanted to.
“But he’ll have plenty to do. He has a lot of friends in LA and can do some catching up of his own.”
Three months had passed since they made their plan. She’d completed the pile of paperwork sent to her and within two weeks, received approval. However, amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and three work schedules to accommodate, obstacles kept surfacing, and they put it off until after the new year.
In January, when plans fell through again, she couldn’t help feeling frustrated. She’d dabbled with some mild bondage and spanking in her twenties, but with college and work consuming her time, what social life she had fizzled out. By the time she hit her thirties, she’d decided she wanted to find a dominant who was looking for long-term and would help her embrace the more adventurous side of her sexuality. That was a few years ago, and she was getting nowhere fast.
When February arrived and their plans remained uncertain, she picked up the phone and called.
“I can’t wait any longer, Lex. I’m going for it.”
“Alone? Are you sure?”
“At this rate, if I decide to join, I’ll qualify for a senior discount.”
