Abby 2: Abigail

Chapter 4

My high heel shoes echoed off the polished marble floor as I entered the Fleur-de-lis the following evening. Passing through its dark glass doors, the smiling face of the club's concierge and head of security greeted me.

"Evenin, Mess Abby. I troehst you're well?" he said in his thick Irish accent.

"Yes, thank you, Tim. How are you?"

"Ahh, I'm grand, thank you. It's always wahnderfoehl to see you 'ere."

I smiled at his compliment. "You too, Tim. It's good to be back."

Tim was the most intimidating man I had ever seen. A towering figure with a cleanly shaved head and a physique chiseled from hard stone, his voice was a deep rumble that commanded attention. Anyone who thought they might try to sneak inside for a glimpse of what went on behind the club's doors would think twice about it after seeing him.

Despite his scary outward appearance, Tim had a heart made of pure gold. He protected all the girls at the club, but he held a particular soft spot for me after learning how my parents had reacted to my working here.

"It's naht right 'ow dey treated you, Abby," he would say when he asked how things were with my parents. Tim was always supportive, especially during my struggles during training. He never failed to lift my spirits when I needed it most, either with a simple warm smile or a well-timed dirty joke.

Among most of the staff, it was common knowledge that Tim had lived a dark past as a former member of a paramilitary unit, even spending some time behind bars. Though I had never dared to ask him about the details of his crime, I could only imagine it was something violent that left someone dead. However, I did know that Madeleine had something to do with arranging his release.

The Fleur-de-lis proper lay hidden behind a set of polished silver elevator doors one floor above. They opened almost immediately as Tim pushed the button under his desk to grant me entrance. I turned quickly after stepping inside to give him a friendly wave before they closed again.

As I ascended, I took a deep breath, anticipating the atmosphere of tonight's party. At the club, the rules of normal, polite society were suspended. Consent was the only law, and pleasure the only goal.

The doors slid open, revealing the club's decadent lobby. It was where members often gathered to talk before enjoying other, more private pursuits deeper inside the club. Hues of crimson and black contrasted with the warm glow of the crystal chandeliers high above. Small nude statues stood along the walls, while tasteful erotic paintings and photographs added to the ambiance. It all created a charged atmosphere that promised to satisfy even the most forbidden desires.

I had arrived earlier than usual tonight to review my scene with Elizabeth and to check in with Madeleine before preparing for the party. The Fleur-de-lis owner's striking figure was standing at the bar, talking to the new bartender. Her dark hair was pulled back into a sleek chignon, its elegant simplicity stressing the angles of her cheekbones and jawline. A simple black dress hugged her curves, the fabric shimmering in the light as she shifted. Madeleine's graceful movements were always precise and composed, reflecting her dominant personality.

I paused as she gave a warm laugh at something the new bartender said, not wanting to intrude on their conversation. Her laughter rang through the otherwise empty club, drowning out the background noise of the central air conditioning. A soft and sensual sound laced with strength. The new bartender, however, noticed me and gestured to Madeleine that she had a visitor.

"Abby! Come over and let me introduce you."

"Hello, Mistress, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt you. I was just admiring your dress."