Abby 2: Abigail

Chapter 9

The next day, Eden and I enjoyed a light afternoon snack under a private cabana. We sampled the poolside restaurant's menu, which included fresh tropical fruits and a selection of grilled fish. The mouthwatering combinations tantalized our taste buds, enhancing the Caribbean ambiance.

We had spent the better part of the afternoon basking in the warm sun by the resort's main pool, entertaining each other by making up stories about the other guests' lives as they walked by. One would be a wealthy banker on a secret getaway with his mistress. Another would be a couple on the verge of divorce, having taken this vacation as a last-ditch effort to rekindle their love. Our stories grew more outlandish and absurd with each person, giggling as we enjoyed a lazy afternoon.

The gentle breeze under the tropical sun made me realize how much I needed a vacation to get away and relax.

Biting off a large piece of melon, Eden looked at me and smiled. "Are you still feeling OK about last night?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. It was new, but it was fun."

"I hoped so. How do you feel about going to an orgy tonight?"

A look of shock played across my face. "An orgy? I mean, last night was one thing, but an orgy is something way different. I don't know how I feel about that."

"You told me about the masquerade ball last year. Would this be so different?"

I had told Eden about the VIP room the night and meeting Cain during the yearly masquerade ball at the Fleur-de-lis. At first, I could see his jealousy rise, but it vanished the moment I told him I couldn't stop thinking about him then and that things had soon come to a halt.

Although the initial idea sent a bolt of panic through me, it also sparked my interest. While I avoided sexual interaction with other members of the club, I had become comfortable being around people having sex. Plus, he had made me feel safe the night before, and I enjoyed the thrill of being with Rossella and Damien in the same room. But was I comfortable going to an orgy with him?

"I don't know. It still seems a bit overwhelming. What if some random person just starts... you know..."

Eden reached out for my hand, his confidence infectious.

"Trust me. I will be right there with you. We can just sit and watch and then leave whenever you want."

I rolled my eyes as I grinned at him. "Trust me. Famous last words, Eden Montgomery."

❖

I felt Eden's hand resting on the curve of my hip, drawing me closer to his side as we entered the ballroom later that evening. Large orange candles flickered, casting sultry shadows across the room. Various couches and tantric chairs spread around the floor, making it look like an Arabian-looking den of delights. Most of the furniture faced the center of the room, which housed several pillows and cushions, all draped in velvety purple, red, and gold fabrics.

What we didn't see, though, were very many people. The few there barely noticed that we existed as we moved through the ballroom. It certainly wasn't what I expected to see when imagining the evening.

Familiar, rich, inviting laughter spilled forth from the edge of our peripheral view. Glancing toward the sound, my eyes found Rossella and Damien sharing an intimate conversation across the room at the bar.

I nudged Eden. "Look who it is."

"Would you like to go say hello?"

I tried to hide my eagerness. "If you'd like."

Rossella was the first to notice us as we approached, rising to greet us. Her long-sleeved black dress hugged every curve of her body. Loose tendrils of dark hair framed her face, falling from the messy bun she wore. She looked like a shining light in the dim lighting of the ballroom.