Chapter 5 – I'm In
Juliet Pierce
When that man attacked me, the world didn't just crumble. It shattered into a thousand pieces, dragging every nightmare I'd ever lived through George right back to the surface.
Mr. Atlas was incredibly kind. He paid us triple what we were promised, even though we hadn't finished the night. Wolf (terrifying mountain of a man) walked us to the car and stood there until our taillights disappeared.
Everyone except Wolf had been gentle, attentive, protective. Nothing like what I expected from a place like Paradise.
I asked Samy to drive. In our panic to leave we'd grabbed our bags but never changed. We were still wearing the uniforms.
Atlas slipped me his personal number. "Call if you need anything. Anytime."
"I'm texting Atlas," I said, fingers already flying. "Tell him we'll wash and return the outfits tomorrow."
Samy just nodded, eyes on the road.
I typed:
"Sorry we couldn't finish the night as planned. Promise I'll launder everything and bring them back to you, sir."
Sent. I closed my eyes, leaned my head against the cool window, and tried to breathe.
My phone buzzed almost instantly.
Atlas: "Relax, sweetheart. The night's over. Keep the outfits. Wear them tomorrow-if you're coming back. We'd like to offer you both weekends. Permanent."
My pulse jumped.
Did I want to go back?
Yes, one monster had attacked me. But every single other person had treated me with respect. More than respect-care.
"What is it?" Samy asked.
"Mr. Atlas wants us permanent. Every weekend."
"Shut up!" She nearly swerved. "What did you say?"
"Nothing yet..."
"You don't want to?" She sounded worried.
I stared at the message. Money. Real money. The kind that could give my kids stability.
And if I was honest... something else pulled at me too.
We were already parked in front of our building. Samy unbuckled and turned to me.
"I only say yes if you're in. I can't face those gorgeous men eating me alive without backup."
I laughed despite everything. God, I loved this woman.
"Thank you."
"We're not just friends, Ju. We're soul sisters. I'll never push you into anything that scares you." She squeezed my hand. "Whatever you decide, I'm good."
We hugged like we were the only two people left on earth.
She went to shower at her place and promised to come back to sleep over.
I let myself into my apartment, went straight to the bathroom, and finally looked in the mirror.
Still wearing the damn mask.
I peeled it off, stripped out of the uniform, and stepped into the shower. Hot water has always been my therapy. I stayed under the spray until my fingers pruned and the steam blurred everything.
When I got out, wrapped in my old soft pajamas, I caught my reflection again.
A faint red mark on my cheek. A souvenir from tonight. A flashback to every slap George ever gave me.
I sighed, bone-tired, and crawled into bed.
The front door clicked. Samy slipped in carrying something behind her back and wearing the wickedest grin.
"What are you up to?"
She did a dramatic slow reveal.
"Tadaaa!"
A bottle of the Sauvignon Eduardo had gifted us.
I shook my head, laughing.
"What? Since we didn't get to finish the night with actual Greek gods, we're ending it with a delicious Frenchman." She winked.
"Honestly? I could use it."
We settled on my bed like teenagers. She poured two very generous glasses.
"Do Frenchmen taste this good?" she asked, swirling hers.
"No clue. Never kissed one."
We both cracked up.
"So what do the Doms taste like?"
"Samy!" Heat flooded my cheeks.
I'd thought about the green-eyed man all night. Every time his gaze had pinned me in place...
"Why are you blushing like that?"
"Wine!" I said too quickly.
"Uh-huh. Wine. Or a certain brown-haired, green-eyed god?"
"Stop..." I shoved her shoulder.
"What's the problem, Ju? You're gorgeous. Single-"
"Divorced. Two kids."
"Stop sabotaging yourself."
"It's not sabotage. It's reality." I took a long sip. "Besides, men like him don't go for women like me. You saw the kind of women they play with."
"Caio said that's just bedroom stuff. Half those guys have totally vanilla wives at home. Some are even married to their submissives."
"I still don't get how any of it works."
"Well..." Samy's grin turned devilish. "Maybe we need to go back and find out."
I rolled my eyes, but my stomach flipped.
"So... the offer from Atlas. Have you decided?"
I stared into my glass for a long moment.
"I think I'm going to say yes."
Samy literally bounced on her knees. "ARE YOU SERIOUS?!"
I laughed at her excitement.
"If you wanted it so bad, why didn't you just say so?"
"Because we're soul sisters, Ju. I'd never pressure you." She flopped back down beside me. "But holy shit I'm happy."
"I can tell."
"Don't judge. The money is insane, and I didn't go to college like you. I need this job." She paused, then smirked. "Plus the eye candy is a very nice perk."
We both dissolved into giggles.
Then she got serious.
"No jokes now. Are you sure?"
I looked at my best friend-this chaotic, loyal, incredible woman who would give up everything if it kept me safe.
I took her hands and gave her the warmest, most honest smile I had left.
"I'm sure."
