“Aren’t sure about the club?” He nodded to the front door. “You look like a scared rabbit.”

“I’m uneasy,” she confessed.

“I assume this is your first time.” The man strode up to her. He extended his hand. “My name is James Richards. I’ve been here on many occasions. You’ll be fine.”

“I don’t know.” She wasn’t sure about the club, but the more he spoke, the more she longed to hear his accent. Was it a British accent? European? She wasn’t sure.

“Why don’t we go inside? The receptionist will certainly answer any questions. She can even set up a tour so you’re not so worried.” He slipped her hand into his. “You’ll be safe.”

Christ. She trembled. From his touch? Or the situation? “You sound so sure.”

“And you don’t.” James nodded to the door. “They won’t hold you if you go into the foyer. There are benches. Why don’t we go in and talk? If you’re still not sure, you can leave whenever you choose.”

She could debate her situation or at least visit the inside of the club.  Meg sighed. “Sure.”

“Sure?” He tipped his head and grinned. “Is that a yes?”

“It is.”

“Wonderful.” James led her into the club. Unlike the stark concrete outside, the foyer had been decorated in rich burgundy on the walls and thick black carpeting on the floor. The benches featured a gold line of cording at the edges. When he gestured to one of the benches, she perched on the plush cushion.

She glanced over at the receptionist window. Instead of a person behind the glass, she didn’t see anyone. “Who do you talk to?”

“To get in?” James pointed to the main door. “Once you’re a member, you have a card. You swipe and come right in. There’s a sensor that alerts the security if someone tries to slip in.”

“Oh.”

James crossed the room to the window. A woman appeared. Her bright blue hair shone in the overhead light. She swiped her gaze over to Meg, then handed James an object. Neither of them spoke to Meg, bringing back a bit of her discomfort. After a moment, James turned on his heel and headed to where Meg sat.

“This is the tablet to get you started.” He offered the electronic device. “If you want, I’ll help you.”

“Thanks.” Meg turned the tablet around and swiped her index finger across the screen. “Okay…personal information. Didn’t I fill this in when I registered online?” She turned the device away from James and inputted the needed info. Why give him details when she barely knew him? She probably wouldn’t see him again once they went into the actual club. “I’m on the health history page.”

“That’s important. They owners insist on keeping the place safe.” James leaned back in his seat and crossed his legs. He had such grace when he moved. Everything he did seemed planned out and meant to impress.

She filled in the information, then swiped her finger to change the page. “Kinks,” she blurted. “Well, they do get right down to the point, don’t they?” She could’ve sworn she’d filled the information out online…

“The owners do their best to pair you up with the dom who will best meet your needs. If you’re a dominant, then they’ll find a sub for you.” James smiled.

“You seem to know a lot. Are you an owner?”

“No,” he said. “What are your kinks? No one here will judge you.”

She stared at the list. Spanking, bondage, pain play, anal sex, whipping, blood play and many more. She flexed her fingers. “I—Are you sure no one will judge?” What would the others say if they found out she liked exhibitionism and to be spanked?

“They won’t. Promise.”

“Okay.” She nodded and ticked off the boxes. Her hands shook as she inputted the rest of the information. On the last page, she added the reference number she’d been given from Annalise. A new page popped up.

“Thank you. We’ll match you up with your preferred play partner soon,” she said, reading out loud. She turned her attention to James. “How long is soon?”

“Won’t be more than ten minutes or so.” James stretched his arm across the back of the bench. “You still seem apprehensive. What kink are you worried about?”

“You can tell, huh?” She clasped the tablet on her lap. “It’s that obvious?”

“I’m observant and I was once in your shoes. This is rather overwhelming.” He waved his fingers. “A club where people have other people strap them down and such. My mind went in a thousand directions and none of them were correct. If I can help you, I will.”