CHAPTER 3

AVA MILLER

The space is imbued with the soft sound of slow music, creating a seductive atmosphere around.

I look around, taking in the scene before my eyes. There's a variety of people gathered, some chatting animatedly, others dancing sensually, and others indulging in public displays of affection.

At first, I feel a bit out of place, but gradually I begin to acclimate to the environment. I notice the palpable energy that hangs in the air—a mixture of excitement and desire that seems to envelop everyone present. I let curiosity take over, deciding to explore more of the venue.

As I walk through the space, I spot a bar in the distance and decide to head there.

I feel more at ease as I mingle with the crowd; my initial concerns gradually dissipate. Arriving at the bar, I settle onto a stool and watch as the bartender prepares a drink for me.

I feel observed, but also intrigued by the diversity of people around me.

As I wait for my drink, I allow myself to absorb the atmosphere of the club, trying to better understand this new and intriguing world I've decided to venture into.

I turn my head when the man hands me my drink and I take a sip, noticing his smile.

"What's up?"

"It's your first time here, isn't it?"

I nod as I take another sip of the drink.

"Is it that obvious?", I ask, smiling, and he nods.

"I confess I imagined this place differently, with people doing more than just talking and kissing," I say, hearing him laugh.

"Well, you're in the room where everyone meets for the first time; here, people talk and get to know each other better before doing something more intimate."

"What's behind that black curtain?", I ask, pointing with my finger, and he explains to me.

"That's the shadow room. Customers enter, but they can't see who's touching them; there are enough lights for you to know where you're going, but you can't see the person's face."

"That sounds interesting."

"What's your name?", he asks, and even with the black mask on his face, I can see his green eyes looking at me.

"Ava."

"Pleasure to meet you, Ava. My name is Matteo. I know the first time is always nerve-wracking, but if you're here tonight, it means you're looking for something you can only find here."

It's not just because of the book that I'm here; in fact, I've been curious about this new world for a long time, and only today did I have the courage to be here.

"I hope so.", I say, taking another sip of the drink.

I continue to look around, sitting at the bar, while some men stare at me with desire.

I'm aware of the attention directed at me, but I'm also intrigued by the dynamics of the environment.

The bartender, sensing my restlessness, approaches and explains that if someone is interested in me, they will ask for permission first. This information reassures me somewhat, but nervousness still pulses in my chest.

As I watch, I also notice some women and other couples exchanging provocative glances. The atmosphere is charged with a sensual energy, which makes my heart beat faster. I'm drawn to the idea of exploring more than what the club has to offer.

Determined to delve even deeper into this experience, I make a bold decision: to go to the shadow room.

I get up from the stool and, with determined steps, push aside the curtains leading to the dark hallway.

The light on the floor guides my way, creating a mysterious and exciting atmosphere.

As I advance down the hallway, I notice that the music has changed, taking on a darker and more seductive tone.

I shiver as I hear distant moans, mixed with the beat of the music. The darkness around me adds an element of suspense as I venture further into this unknown space.

When I finally enter the shadow room, I am enveloped in a dimness that obscures the outlines of the people around me.

I can't distinguish faces, only dancing shadows and provocative movements. A feeling of excitement and freedom washes over me, reminding me of the bartender's words about this place being freer.

I let myself be carried away by the moment, allowing myself to explore this new facet of the club.

I watch as couples engage in gestures of intimacy, lost in passion and desire. I feel like part of something bigger, a sensory and emotional experience that transports me beyond the bounds of everyday reality.

Furthermore, I can feel my heart pounding in my chest at this moment. I blink my eyes, able to hear several moans at once.

I turn my head, completely fascinated, when I see a woman with her body trapped in a large X. She is naked while the man kisses all her skin before sliding some kind of whip on every part of her body.

Not only that, but I notice when the man turns his head, waving to me, and I shake my head, starting to walk again. I return to the shadow room, seeing that a new song is playing.

I close my eyes, completely surrendering to this unique moment; I bite my lips, feeling free as I continue to dance; and I open my eyes when I feel a large hand touching my waist.

I sigh, controlling myself not to turn my head and look at the person; there are many here, but I can smell the masculine perfume behind me.

I keep dancing, feeling him tightening his grip on my waist, and I hear when I take a step back, feeling his tall body against my butt.

"Hello, little seductress...", he whispers in my ear, making a shiver run through my whole body.

I turn my head, finding a shadow of a man behind me; he is tall, and I feel my hands touching the social fabric of the shirt he is wearing.

In the darkness of the room, I can't see the features of his face, but he still keeps his hands on my body; At this moment, I feel a sense of something dangerous.

A new sensation that I've never felt before made me sigh, feeling my body vibrating with his touch.

I realize he has a slight accent in his voice, as if he's not American; I'm curious to see his face, but I know that's part of the game of this room.

"Hello...", I murmur, biting my lips when I feel his hand pressing our bodies closer together.

"Is it your first time here?", he asks, and I notice that he really doesn't seem American.

"Yes, and you?"

After my question, he laughs slightly, and I can see him shaking his head.

"I've been a member of this club for a long time, and I confess that I already have a lot of experience in this; would you like to join me?", he asks with a sensual tone in his voice.

I should deny; I should say no and go back to my apartment, but there's something about this man—something different that I'm feeling for the first time.

"Are you a killer?", I ask, hearing his laugh, and I smile at my stupid question.

"I'm experienced in this; I won't do anything you don't want, trust me. If you're here, then you know that trust is very important in this place."

I nod, feeling his hand holding mine and leading me out of the shadowy room.