Leaving the bedroom, I close the door gently behind me. We’re staying at one of Ellis Empire’s infamous hotels; however, this one is much different than what we were planning for Cori Cove. Instead of being secluded, it’s in the city. There isn’t a Gothic, kingdom-like appeal as I’ve seen in pictures of the other resorts. But there is one thing that has curiosity gnawing at me. The Grotto. Cal said every hotel has one. They are strictly for VIP members, but with Cal’s master key card that has The Grotto logo on it, I’m just that—VIP. I pick it up off the kitchen counter and drum my fingers on it. What the hell, why not?
I sneak back into the bedroom and pull on a pair of sweatpants underneath my nightgown, then leave again. This time, leaving the suite. I walk casually down the hallway to the elevator and take it to the lowest level of the hotel.
The scent of chlorine floods my senses as the elevator descends, telling me that this one has an indoor pool.
When the doors open, I step out into the hall of the basement. I was expecting it to be empty, but instead, there are a handful of people. One couple holding hands and a girl in a bright red costume made of feathers and black fishnet stockings. People pass by and walk away, not even giving me a second look, although it’s apparent I just rolled out of bed, because I did.
The decor is similar to Cori Cove. Lit lanterns spaced out perfectly: a dimness that offers a sensual vibe.
Keeping my distance, I follow behind a younger couple, who are flirting and can’t seem to keep their hands off one another.
My feet stop moving when I see a guard outside the door they stand in front of. The guy holds something up—a badge, maybe? A key card? The guard opens the door, granting them access.
I reach into the pocket of my robe and pull out the key card. It has the logo on it, so I’m hoping this is all I need to get in.
Approaching the guard, my nerves get the best of me. My hands tremble as I hold out the card from six feet away. He waves me closer, agitated at my pokiness. With it held out, I walk toward him.
“Nice outfit.” He snorts before opening the door for me.
As soon as I step inside, my eyes shoot wide open.
Okay. I’ve seen The Grotto on Cori Cove. It was…interesting, to say the least. But this place, I never would have expected the scene in front of me.
People. So many people. Prancing around in barely anything. Disco lights, music, a dance floor, even a hot tub. There’s a long red leather couch that extends the entire length of one wall. There are doors that lead to God only knows where. There are beds—some empty, some occupied. There are couples, trios, quads. My hand claps over my mouth when I see a guy wearing a thong with a leash attached to it and what appears to be a harness. The girl walking him seems very proud of her obedient pet.
I shouldn’t be here. This is not my sort of thing. I’m more out of place in this room than I would be in a church completely naked.
“Mojito?” someone asks, snapping my attention away from the human dog.
A petite waitress, who looks younger than I am, stands beside me. Long, tight blonde curls, full lips with cheekbones that could chisel glass. She’s wearing a black leather bralette, a pair of leather boy shorts, and five-inch heels. Extending a tray, holding three glasses with cute umbrellas and a cherry on top, she offers me a drink. “Umm, sure. Thanks.”
I take a glass, bring the straw to my lips, and sip on my drink as I take in my surroundings.
“First time?” the waitress asks.
The straw leaves my lips, settling back into the glass. “That obvious?”
“Well,” her eyes roam my attire, “you are hiding a nightgown and sweatpants under that robe. And don’t get me started on those slippers.”
“Hey. I happen to like these slippers.” I stick one out, looking at the gray furry thing before laughing. “Okay. They’re hideous.”
“Cherry,” she extends her hand, balancing the tray on the other.
“Cherry? That’s a pretty name.”
“It is. Unfortunately, it’s not my real name. But it’s what everyone knows me as.”
With the straw parting my lips, I speak around it. “It’s nice to meet you, Cherry. I’m B…Brooke.” Fortunately, those few sips of alcohol haven’t gone to my head yet; otherwise, I’d be spilling all my tea.
"You, too. Enjoy the festivities and holler if you need anything.”
“Thank you.”
Cherry walks off and I can’t help but notice the confidence she ensues. Just the way she walks with her back straight, chest puffed out. It’s an assurance I wish I had.
I walk farther into the room, sucking down my drink and trying to blend in as much as possible, for someone dressed to stand out. Even the girl in the business suit is getting attention, while no one even notices I’m here. I’m not sure if I should feel insulted or thankful. When the business girl turns around, I see exactly why the attention of three men is laser-focused on her. Beneath her open blazer is a pair of perky breasts with two hoops hanging from her nipples.
“Okay, then,” I whisper under my breath.
I’m walking through the spacious room when a door opens just as I pass it. One glance inside turns into gawking on my end. It’s a swimming pool. A very large pool full of naked guests. That explains the chlorine smell in the elevator.
“Going in?” a guy asks. He’s tall. Bright blue eyes that are more blinding than the sun. Gorgeous shoulder-length blond hair and a rigid six-pack."
“Umm. No thanks.”
Blue eyes pats a towel at his dampened locks. “You sure? It’s pretty refreshing.”
“Nah. I’m good. Need to work up a sweat first, if you know what I mean?” I snort and immediately wish I could take it back.
The guy gives me a heated look, then closes the door, only to disappear into the crowd.
Yeah. I don’t fit in here.
I keep sucking on my straw, until nothing comes back up. Another waitress walks by and I grab a drink off her tray. She doesn’t even acknowledge me, just keeps walking by.
Somehow, I find myself sitting on the wall-length couch beside a couple making out. At least they're dressed, so I don’t feel too uncomfortable. Suddenly, it feels like I’m back in high school at my freshman homecoming dance. The odd one out. The girl who always watched the fun instead of partaking.
Another door opens, this one straight across from me, and I see Cherry. She’s serving up drinks to a few guys, one of which is getting a blow job. A hand lands on her ass, squeezing the tanned flesh of her cheek. She squeals in excitement and leans forward, whispering something in his ear. He gives her ass a slap, making it jiggle, and something ignites inside of me.
I’m not sure what it is or why. I’m not into girls, but just watching the action taking place inside that room, and all around me, is fascinating.
Cherry comes out of the room and her eyes immediately land on mine. “Now, what are you doing sitting there all by yourself?” She eats up the space between us, takes my hand, and pulls me up. “Since you’re new here, I’ll let you in on a little secret. But first, are you a voyeur or do you like to get in on the action?”
I clear my throat, unsure what she’s even talking about. “A what?”
She giggles. “Do you like to watch or participate?”