Professional Restraint

51 As Green As Spring Grass

Ella

Swallowing hard, I follow Mistress Lynn through the heavy oak doors into the dark hallway beyond. She walks with powerful steps, owning each inch of the club, and pauses midway down the hall.

"We have a strict privacy policy here," she says, opening a locker. "No phones or cameras past this point."

"Oh, right." I take my phone out and pass it to her. She sets it on the top of the locker and reaches for my coat.

I turn and slip it off, suddenly unsure about my outfit. I straighten the dress and tuck my hair back behind my ears.

Lynn hangs my coat up, shuts the door, and pulls the key. She holds it hostage as she rakes her keen, green gaze over me.

"Club appropriate, a good start," she says, handing me the key. "Don't lose that."

I take the key and say a silent thanks for the dimly lit hallway to hide my blush. My heart hammers in my chest as she turns towards the far end where a man waits and curls her finger for me to follow.

"Normally, you wouldn't be allowed in without a membership, but Mr. Anthony's membership level allows him and his guests a certain level of privilege." Lynn pauses and gives me a pointed look, driving the point home. "I trust you will not abuse this privilege?"

"No Ma'am... er Mistress?" I slap my hand over my mouth, afraid to embarrass myself further. I really didn't think this through, but to be fair, I never expected to have the club owners' full attention!

Mistress Lynn lets out a throaty chuckle. "You really are as green as spring grass, hmm?"

My cheeks feel like they may burst into flames at any moment. I might as well wear a flashing neon sign at this rate.

She pauses, crosses her arms over her chest and looks me over once more. "You know, it's not too late. You could still turn back."

I chew on my bottom lip, mulling over my options, but shake my head. "I need to know," I whisper, more to myself.

Mistress Lynn nods, satisfied by my answer, and looks at the man standing by the door. He presses a button on his podium and the door cracks open, flooding the hallway with sensual deep base music.

The area that comes into view is crowded with people of all shapes and sizes. My gaze snaps down when I land on a nearly naked woman. Even keeping my gaze low, I notice a person dressed head to toe in a shiny black body suit, complete with a hood, crawling after their companion.

Sweet jeezus, where do I look?!

Mistress Lynn lets out another throaty chuckle. "It's okay to look. People come to places like Ecstasy to see and be seen. Come."

She walks forward, and the crowd parts without her saying a single word. I quickly fall into step behind her, acutely aware of the eyes on us.

"The club is divided into four parts." She gestures to the left. "The play floor is strictly off limits for nonmembers, but then again, so is most of the club. Ahead of us, down that hallway, are the VIP playrooms. Only VIP membership has access most times."

We make our way away from the play floor, past the forbidden hallway and up a couple of steps to what appears to be a bar of some sort. Aside from the patrons, its cozy, mood lit atmosphere could pass as any regular bar.

Mistress Lynn pauses and spreads her arms wide. "This is the lounge. Consider it the relaxed social atmosphere of the club. This is where you can seek your answers, but stay on this side of that door."