Chapter 3 What the Hell Did We Just Walk Into

Chapter 2 – What the Hell Did We Just Walk Into?

Juliet Pierce

I still hadn't decided how this place made me feel... until my eyes landed on the locker-room bench.

The second they did, every feeling vanished. I just froze.

Samy and I stood there like statues for what felt like forever. Neither of us moved. Our eyes couldn't decide where to look first.

"Is this... actually the staff changing room?" I whispered.

"No," Samy said, throwing her arms wide. "This is a porn set from another planet. We are just here to waitress, right?"

She didn't even glance at me when she asked.

I swallowed hard. "I really, really hope so."

We stayed rooted to the spot, taking it all in, cataloging every insane detail.

The room was huge: dark wooden lockers lining the walls, perfectly labeled storage boxes, everything immaculate. But hanging from a rack in the corner were outfits that wouldn't look out of place at a very expensive, very adult Halloween party: leather corsets, sheer lace dresses that hid absolutely nothing, Venetian masks with feathers and chains.

I walked forward like I was stepping on holy-or explosive-ground.

On the bench sat two plastic garment bags. One for me. One for Samy.

I unzipped mine and pulled out the "uniform."

If you could call it that.

A plunging leather bralette-style top, black thigh-high stockings that turned sheer the second I touched them, and a micro-skirt that barely covered the essentials. Under the bench: sky-high stilettos that screamed "break an ankle or own the room."

"We're actually wearing this?" My voice came out shaky.

"Looks like it," Samy muttered.

"Is that a corset?" she asked, holding up something with a million hooks.

"Looks like it." We smiled at each other, but it wasned with joy.

A shiver raced down my spine and I couldn't pretend it was just nerves.

In the far corner, a tall glass display case showed off... accessories.

Some I recognized from late-night movies. Others I didn't want to imagine the purpose of.

Red-lined leather cuffs, silicone ball gags, satin blindfolds, short riding crops, long dragon-tail whips, collars with heavy metal O-rings, a glowing acrylic wand, and something cold and stainless that was definitely not jewelry.

"Juliet... what the hell is this?" Samy was holding a wide belt rigged with buckles and straps that looked like it belonged in a post-apocalyptic war zone.

"No idea," I said. "But it looks complicated. And expensive."

We laughed-high-pitched, nervous, borderline hysterical.

Because underneath the shock, something inside me flickered awake. Not desire (not yet). Curiosity. Fear, definitely. But also that roller-coaster drop in my stomach that had nothing to do with terror.

"Ju... did we just walk into the worst possible gig?" Samy asked.

"I don't know," I breathed. "But we're about to find out."

I double-checked the door was locked. Then we changed.

God, these clothes revealed way more than I'd bargained for. I let my hair down, checked my makeup in the mirror, and turned to Samy. We stared at each other-two deer in very expensive, very revealing headlights.

We stepped out and waited exactly where Atlas told us to. He was back in under two minutes.

His gaze slid over us slowly. Something dark and unreadable flashed in his eyes.

"Ready?" His voice was low, calm, dangerous in the best way.

"Yes, Mr. Atlas," I answered. That same flicker sparked in his eyes again. It made the corset feel even tighter. I shifted, suddenly hyper-aware of every inch of exposed skin.

He noticed our discomfort and led us to a quieter spot beside a pillar where the music wasn't quite so deafening.

"Before you start, you need to understand what Paradise actually is," he began, voice low and deliberate. "This is not a sex club. It's a consensual exploration space. People come here to live out their fantasies safely and privately. What you saw out there is BDSM: Bondage, Discipline, Dominance and Submission, Sadism and Masochism."

He paused, letting it sink in. Samy squeezed my hand so hard I thought she'd break a bone.

"The single most important rule here is consent. Everything that happens has been negotiated in advance. Nothing happens without explicit permission. That includes you. If anyone-member or staff-makes you uncomfortable, you say 'No' or 'Stop.' Instantly."

Samy raised her hand like we were in fifth grade.

"And if they don't stop?"

"Wolf is always watching. If he's not close enough, scream his name. If you can't, find me. Your safety is non-negotiable."

He continued, calm as ever.

"Rule two: observe, don't touch. What happens here is private performance. No interfering, no commenting, no photos. You're ghosts in designer heels."

"Rule three: you're servers, not participants. You'll serve anyone who asks, but you are never obligated to accept a request that crosses your boundaries. If it's... unusual, decline politely. If they push, call me."

"Last: safewords. You'll hear them all night. Green means keep going. Yellow means slow down. Red means full stop, no questions asked. Those words are sacred. If you hear Red, everything stops. Immediately."

He looked between us, those intense brown eyes measuring.

"Understood?"

Samy and I exchanged a wide-eyed glance. The world he described was alien, but the rules? They made terrifying, beautiful sense. Controlled chaos. Safe chaos.

"Understood," I said for both of us, surprised at how steady I sounded.

"Good. Let's get you to the bar. Caio will walk you through service."

Atlas turned and led the way to the glowing bar. Behind it stood a guy with a killer smile, perfectly messy black hair, and curious eyes.

"Girls, this is Caio."

Atlas gave him quick instructions, told us he'd be circulating, and to call if anything felt off.

But before he walked away, I stopped him.

"Mr. Atlas?"

He turned.

"I have a request. It might sound stupid, and I'm sorry in advance." I swallowed. "Would it be possible for us to wear one of the masks from the locker room?"

He arched a brow. "Why do you need a mask, Juliet?"

"I'd feel... safer. More protected. No one would know who I really am."

"Expecting someone you know to be here tonight?"

"I sincerely hope not. But people don't exactly advertise this place over Sunday brunch."

A slow, crooked smile tugged at his lips.

"No apology needed, darling. I think we define the word bold very differently here."

He held my gaze a second longer than necessary, then turned to Caio.

"Get them masks."

And with that, he disappeared into the red glow.

Caio handed us two sleek black lace half-masks that covered from nose to cheekbones. Instant armor.

He gave us the quick rundown on the bar, signature drinks, tray service, then sent us out onto the floor. Samy went left, I went right.

I repeated Atlas's rules in my head like a prayer while I walked, distracted enough that I walked straight into a solid wall of muscle disguised as a man.

Black dress shirt, top buttons undone. Trimmed beard. Dark brown hair. And eyes-Jesus-deep emerald green, the kind you only see in magazines or nightmares.

Tattoos crawled from his collarbone down both arms, over strong hands, all the way to his fingertips.

For a few seconds-minutes?-time stopped. I just... stared. Not interested. Just... looking. Totally professional.

"New waitress, I presume?" His voice was low, rough, pure sex poured over gravel.

Sex? Juliet, get a grip.

I couldn't speak. I just nodded like a broken bobblehead.

"I'm one of the owners. Atlas briefed you on the rules?"

"Yes, sir." It came out softer than intended.

Something wicked flashed in those green eyes. On pure instinct, I dropped my gaze to the floor.

His fingers found my chin-gentle but firm-and tilted my face back up.

"Then get back to work, darling."

"Y-yes, sir. Sorry."

He released me. I practically fled.

I found Samy a minute later; her eyes were the size of saucers. Clearly her tour had been just as eventful.

We both retreated to the safety of the bar, leaning against it like we'd survived a war zone.

But the hairs on the back of my neck stood up.

Someone was watching me.

I turned.

Those rare green eyes locked on mine across the room, unblinking, unapologetic.

Samy nudged me. "Ju? You okay?"

Without breaking eye contact, I answered:

"Yeah. I'm just realizing...

the night is only getting started."