The Queens of San Diego (18+)

Chapter 3

Desmond

The low hum of the Uber engine was the only sound cutting through the silence as I sat in the backseat, fidgeting with the hem of my sheer black robe. The tension in my shoulders had been building ever since I decided to leave the apartment dressed as Kate Chocolate Mousse. It was a choice made on impulse, or maybe out of necessity, because the thought of showing up as plain, nervous Desmond felt too raw, too exposed.

I adjusted my wig—a long, flowing 40-inch lace front made of silky, jet-black human hair that cascaded down my back. I had spent hours perfecting the look. The wig had been styled to perfection, blending seamlessly with my makeup: sharp, dramatic winged eyeliner, shimmering highlighter on my cheekbones, and deep, wine-colored lips. My lingerie was bold—lace and satin that hugged my curves and left little to the imagination. Kate was the very picture of confidence, the embodiment of everything Desmond wished they could be in their everyday life.

But as the mansion loomed closer, its towering gates coming into view, the doubts began creeping in again. Was this a mistake? Should I have just shown up as myself? I bit down on my lip, the sting of nerves bubbling up. Kate was powerful, sexy, and unbothered. Desmond, though? Desmond would be terrified stepping into a room full of strangers. It was easier to slip into Kate's skin tonight, easier to become someone who wouldn't hesitate.

The Uber slowed to a stop in front of the sprawling mansion, and I took a deep breath, gathering my courage. This was it. The decision had been made. I had to own it now.

"Here we are," the driver said, looking in the rearview mirror. He hadn't commented on my appearance the entire ride, and "Desmond" was grateful for it.

"Thanks," I murmured, slipping out of the car, heels clicking softly against the driveway. The moment I stepped out, I felt eyes on me. A few guests milling around the entrance turned to look, their gazes lingering, admiring. My hips swayed as they walked, owning every step, chin high, eyes straight ahead. The mansion was bathed in warm light, every detail decadent and luxurious, but I barely noticed. Their focus was on being Kate—fully, completely.

As I approached the entrance, I spotted everyone inside, grouped together in the foyer. Martina was talking animatedly to Izzy, and Lukas stood nearby, his arms crossed but a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. JJ, of course, was dressed to kill—his leather jacket and pants hugging every inch of him. But as I drew closer, they noticed something that made their heart race: JJ was already stripping down to reveal nothing but a leather harness and a black jockstrap. His confidence was magnetic, and for a moment, I couldn't help but wonder what it would feel like to walk into any room with that kind of ease.

The rest of the group noticed me before JJ did. Martina's eyes widened, and she let out an appreciative whistle, pausing mid-sentence. Izzy's jaw dropped for a second before she broke into a wide grin.

"Kate Chocolate Mousse, you better work!" Izzy called, her voice filled with admiration. She rushed over, pulling Desmond into a hug. "You look incredible."

Martina nodded in agreement, stepping forward to inspect the details of my outfit. "This is next-level stunning. I didn't think you could outdo yourself, but clearly I was wrong."

My heart swelled at their words. The nerves that had been buzzing under their skin started to ease, replaced with a warmth that only this group of friends could provide. But it was JJ's reaction that sealed it.

JJ finally turned around, catching sight of Desmond in full drag, and his face lit up. "Holy shit, look at you!" he exclaimed, his grin wide and genuine. He gave me an exaggerated once-over, making a show of admiring the curves and the outfit. "You are a damn vision. I love it!"